Sony Video Camcorder Review: DCR-DVD201 (page 2)

In spite of its flaws, the DCR-DVD201 comes through as a great camcorder for the home videographer. Many will like its compact size, manual controls, random access playback and still-camera features. If you think you can get used to the quirks inherent in the DVD format, you owe it to yourself to give this camcorder a closer look.

Joe McCleskey is an instructional media specialist.

Horizontal Resolution: 490 lines
Field of View (4:3): 35-degrees
Field of View (16:9): 40-degrees

Format: DVD-R, DVD-RW (8cm)
Lens: f/1.8-2.3, 3.2-32mm, 10:1 optical zoom, 25mm filter diameter
Image sensor: 1/5-inch CCD
Gross pixels: 1,070,000 pixels
Video effective: 690,000 pixels
Still effective: 1,000,000 pixels (1 megapixel)
Viewfinder: color LCD (123,000 pixels)
LCD viewscreen: 2.5-inch color LCD (123,000 pixels)
Focus: auto, manual
Anamorphic 16:9: yes
Image stabilization: electronic
Exposure: auto, manual, presets
Minimum shutter speed: 1/4 (automatic)
Maximum shutter speed: 1/4,000 (automatic)
Iris Control: automatic
Electronic Gain: yes
Zebra Stripes: no
Night Mode: IR illuminated
White balance: auto, outdoor, indoor, hold
Audio: Dolby Digital AC-3, 2-channel
Manual Audio Levels: no
Audio Meters: no
Microphone input: 1/8-inch mini
Headphone output: none
Inputs: S-video, composite video, stereo audio, USB 2.0
Outputs: S-video, composite video, stereo audio, USB 2.0
Edit interface: USB 2.0
Other features: progressive shutter, visual index, Super Nightshot plus, ImageMixer authoring/editing software
Dimensions (w x h x d): 2 1/4 by 3 1/2 by 5 3/8 inches
Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz. (sans tape/battery)

• In-camera editing
• Compact design
• DVD shareability

• No headphone jack
• Weak computer editing

The DCR-DVD201 is a positive step forward in the evolution of DVD camcorders.

$1,000
Sony Electronics, Inc.
1 Sony Dr.
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
(800) 222-SONY
www.sonystyle.com

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