Its limitations notwithstanding, the Sony DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam deserves a place on anyone’s short list of camcorder contenders – but be prepared to purchase a good video-editing package that can handle DVD files to go with it.
Sony DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam Camcorder Review
Sony DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam Camcorder Review
Technical Specs of Sony DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam Camcorder
1/3 inch 3.31 megapixel CCD (movie mode: 2050K effective pixels / still mode: 3050K effective pixels)
CZ Vario-Sonar T* lens (filter diameter: 30mm)
High resolution 16:9 widescreen recording
SteadyShot
2.7 inch 123K dots Wide Hybrid LCD
Intelligent flash
Super NightShot
Easy Handycam
123K dots wide colour viewfinder
Touch panel (active menu)
Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator (Centre Mic.Ready)
Memory Stick Duo Slot
DVD-R/-RW/+RW compliant
PictBridge
Supplied accessories: power cord, AC adapter AC-L200, AV cable, InfoLITHIUM battery NP-FP70, CD-ROM (Picture Package + Nero Express 6), wireless remote control and cleaning cloth
Expert Review on Sony DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam Camcorder
Easy to operate, Sony’s DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam produces great-looking movies in widescreen (16:9) format. The Sony DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam’s DVD media lets you record video and then play it back on most DVD players, without any need for a computer or knowledge of video editing.
The Sony DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam feels solid, fits comfortably in your right hand, and is easy to operate with thumb and forefinger. The well-placed switches include a smooth, variable-speed lever to control the camcorder’s 10X optical zoom, a still-shot button and a dual-function switch that lets you quickly turn the unit on or off – or flip from video to still shooting – with one hand.
You manage most of the Sony DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam’s other settings via the 2.7in, wide-format LCD touch screen. The Sony DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam’s LCD panel also includes a second set of zoom and start/stop buttons, although you’re unlikely to use these unless you’ve turned the LCD toward yourself for a self-portrait. A small number of dedicated buttons let you switch from wide-screen to standard (4:3) format, set backlight control, and jump into playback mode.
One other button sets the Easy mode, which turns off most of the Sony DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam’s menu options and sets the Sony DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam to full automatic – a good choice if you’re a camcorder newbie. We awarded the Sony DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam a PC Advisor grade of Superior for video quality, and it earned high audio-quality marks as well. Even casual clips looked quite pleasing.
source: pcadvisor.co.uk