Sony DCR-DVD403 DVD Camcorder Review (page 2)
Compression Session
The video quality is fairly good considering it's using MPEG-2 compression. The image is relatively sharp, but it can easily get muddy from compression while shooting high motion scenes. If capturing the highest quality video possible is most important, this camcorder is not the best solution. Additionally, editing the footage on a computer is not easy. Importing the footage to an editing software program is not digitally seamless and few programs can edit MPEG-2 video.
Overall, though, the image is still pleasing to the eye. Of all the image qualities, the color reproduction is the strongest. The colors are very vibrant. The camcorder's performance in low light is fair. Consider finding a light to put onto the Active Interface accessory shoe for dark scenes. The camcorder also includes Super NightShot.
Finalized
Sony has made many improvements in the performance of DVD camcorders and the DCR-DVD403 is no exception. This camcorder is simple and fun to use. Point and shoot users will appreciate the ability to playback their footage almost immediately on their entertainment systems. With features like Enhanced 16:9 and 5.1 Surround Sound, it should make your family videos an exciting experience.
TECH SPECS
Format: DVD-R/RW, DVD+RW
Number of CCDs: 1
Size of CCDs: 1/3"
Pixels on CCD: (k) 3310K
Video Effective Pixels (k): 2048K
Focus: auto/manual
Shutter Speed: auto/manual
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/4000 (AE Mode)
Minimum Shutter Speed: 1/4 (AE Mode)
Lens f Stop: 1.8-2.9
Program Exposure Modes: 7
Optical Zoom: 10x
Focal Length: 5.1-51 mm
Image Stabilization: Electronic
Manual White Balance: Yes
Viewfinder: Color 123K
LCD Monitor: 2.7" Widescreen 123K Pixels
Progressive Scan: no
HD Modes: no
Video In: AV
Video Out: AV, USB
Mono/Stereo Recording: Yes, 5.1 Surround Sound
Microphone In: no
VU Meters: no
Manual Audio Level Controls: no
Headphone Jack: no
Speaker: yes
Still Shot Media: no
Memory Card Included: n/a
Flash: yes
Wireless Remote: yes
External Battery Charger Provided: no
Battery Type: InfoLithium
Tape Loading Configuration: DVD transport on hand held side
Onboard Video Light: no
Accessory Shoe: Yes, Active Interface
STRENGTHS
- Ready for your DVD player
- 5.1 Surround Sound
- Widescreen LCD
WEAKNESSES
- Slightly visible compression
- Short media capacity
- No S-Video connector
SUMMARY
- This is a great performing DVD camcorder that's easy to use, but beware of its editing limitations and cost inefficiency.
Mark Montgomery is Videomaker's editorial assistant and has worked on nationally televised productions.
$1,000
Sony Electronics, Inc
16765 W. Bernardo Dr.
San Diego, CA 92127
(800) 222-SONY
www.sonystyle.com
