Buying my first camera. Someone recommended the Sony Digital Handycam Steady Shot DCR-TRV340 NTSC
to me. Can I get some feedback as far as value, quality, and so forth? Although my friend has given it rave reviews I would just like to get some other thoughts in order to make a good choice. If anyone has any OTHER recommendations that would slo be great.

Um, i really don't know the specific camera that well, and i don't know how advanced you knowledge is. So, its a 1ccd camera, meaning your picture quality will be lacking in low light and a few other situations. Its consumer level, so you should check on manual focus, f stop ect. if you care about that kind of stuff. Sony is a pretty reliable brand, it won't be a bad choice, as long as you check out the specs, and make sure its what you want. For its pricerange i'll put money on this camera stacking up well, although it really doesnt' compare to those costing 2x, 3x as much as it does.

But i hear this camera has an adjustable Iris. do u think that will help?

For 400-500 dollars It's not a bad camera. Nowhere near as good as 3ccd cameras but for your FIRST camera dont worry so much on its quality. Just go out and shoot as much as you can. Get your craft down and even try crazy things to make the shots more interesting. This way when you do get a higher priced camera you will have the skills to go with it. Just cause someone has a good camera doesn't make a good film. My first camera was VHS..lol..So for the price i'd say its a good camera and a great first one at that. Go shoot as much as u can and everything else will fall into place. If you tell a good story the type of camera you use wont matter.. If people are drawn into the story they wont even care what the quality is.

Hope this helps

i appareciate it. but i just want to make sure i'm getting the BEST thing for that amount of casg. if theirs a better camera at that price i'd like to know. but thanks you guys