Sony DCR-DVD508 6.1MP DVD Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

Tag : 1mp dvd, sony dcr, stabilized zoom, handycam camcorder, dvd508 6, with 10x

Company : Sony
List Price : $899.99
Amazon Price : Too low to display
Used Price : $370.12
Average customer review : 3.5

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Accessoies

Features

3-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor
DVD-R/RW/+RW and +R DL (Dual Layer) compatible
Carl Zeiss Vario- Sonnar T lens; 10x optical/20x digital zoom
Dolby Digital 5.1-channel recording; built-in microphone
Super SteadyShot (Optical) image stabilization system

Product Description

Memories are made to be shared, and it couldn't be easier than with the DCR-DVD508 Handycam(R) camcorder. By recording straight to DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R Dual Layer media formats, it has never been simpler to put your video on display. A Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens enables superior clarity while the Super SteadyShot(R) image stabilization makes sure it stays that way. You can even take up to 4 megapixel photos while you're shooting video (on DVD) in stunning 5.1 channel surround sound, or snap gorgeous 6.1 megapixel still images (stored on MemoryStick). And when you need to get close, the 10x optical/20x digital zoom means every detail is crystal clear. But the really nice concept is recording on DVD. Though 8cm in size, it will play on most DVD players or on your computer's DVD drive. There's also a USB port for easy, direct image transfer. Steadyshot helps keep images nice and sharp. Super SteadyShot(R) (Optical) Image Stabilization System 6.1 Megapixels Still Image Recording Super NightShot(R) Infrared System InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower(TM) Meter System Manual Focus Scene Selection Modes Picture Effects Fader Effects Easy Handycam(R) Button Multi Language Menus Easily switch between 16 - 9 and 4 - 3 aspect ratios with just the touch of a button. Active shoe conveniently gives you the option of adding accessories such as lights, flashes and microphones to the camera Recording and Playback Times - Single Layer - HQ - 20 min., SP - 30 min., LP 60 min. / Dual Layer - HQ - 35 min., SP - 55 min., LP 110 min. Video Actual - 2280K Pixels (16 - 9), 1710K Pixels (4 - 3) USB 2.0 for data transfer Unit Measurements - 2 7/8 x 3 /2 x 5 5/8 (70 x 87 x 142mm) / Weighs 20 ounces Supplied Accessories - Power Adapter/In-Camera Charger (AC-L200); InfoLithium(R) Rechargeable Battery (NP-FH60); Remote Commander(R) Remote Control (RMT-835); A/V Cable (Stereo); USB Cable; Applic

Customer reviews

Great images but beware
This camera, like all of the Sony DVD camcorders, creates great movies. However, a MAJOR limitation is that most commercial DVD authoring programs do not work with the proprietary MPEG-2 codec Sony uses when you download the movies using Picture Package to your computer. Also, since Sony is stingy about licensing their codec to other software vendors, it is difficult to find converstion programs out there. Roxio products will not work at all, while uLead sometimes work, but often include a timestamp that you cannot remove. Typically Sony = great hardware, lousy software. No wonder LG and Samsung are eating their lunch.

Excellent Home Handycam...Avoid Low Light Situation
I am a gadget guy that wants to get the best bang for the buck. Loyal to Sony for generations and after many hours of intense internet research I have narrowed down my options to three formats, three top cams. MiniDv, MiniDVD, HDD.
MiniDv has proven to execute clear video performance for years now. Editing capabilities are simple because it uses a very flexible format known to many editing programs. Transferring to a computer is a bit annoying because you have to wait out the entire length of the tape. The top choice for MiniDv is the Sony HC-96. A bit more expensive than the newer HC-48 but pixly speaking it's worth every cent.
MiniDVD was my choice. With regards to HDD, the need to always transfer my videos and load up my computers hard drive was not appealing. Invest in DVD-RW, rewritables are a must have otherwise you will have to finalize your dvd before popping it into a dvd player, AND your long term disc cost will be less. Crystal clear CMOS picture, Super steadyshot, and a horseshoe to put an external flash. BTW, CCD replaced CMOS for a while now, but it's back, and the DVD508 flaunts the new updated image capturing technology. A nice feature is the 6.1 pixel still shot, but you will need to invest in a memory pro duo card to utilize it. The top choice for MiniDVD is the DCR-DVD508. second the dvd-408, but do not buy the DVD-308, or dvd-108.
HDD are becoming more popular. The sole reason to get an HDD is not CLARITY, it's convenience. Sleek, quick transfer time, and for those that don't like futzing around with tapes of discs, this is a dream. Opt for the Sony SR-62 for a few more dollars than the SR-42. The SR-42 is almost the exact camcorder, except for the hard drive size.
Coclusion: MiniDV, is almost extinct but provides easy editing, cheap tapes, and for $300 you get the top model. MiniDVD, newer, easy to navigate on the camera to specific location, clarity, and 5.1 dolby surround sound. For the price of a low end HDD, your get a High end MiniDVD. HDD, ease of use, 7 hours or video without the need to transfer to a computer(for those long trips). $500 will buy you the lowest end HDD.

Flaw with the DCR-DVD505...?
With Sony's introduction of the 508 I am now convince that they had issues with the 505 model. I purshase the 505 model about two years ago and after one year, the touch screen stop responding to a touch. Now the camera is useless to me as it refuse to take still and video shots. To add more pain, it was past its warrenty period and after I contacted sony, they suggest it be shipped to their factory for repairs and will cost several hundred dollars for it to be fixed.

So, anyone contemplating to purchase and of these units make sure you find out if that model has this apparent flaw.

Bad battery charging
DVD508's battery charging connection is a bad design, after 2-month of using, the plug is not connected well, way too loose. We have to buy a separate battery charger to solve the problem.

Excellent Picture, Easy To Use
This camcorder is easy to use and the playback quality is clear and sound quality was good. There was no hissing. I am not tech savy at all. The manual is easy to understand. I had the camera charged and was shooting and watching videos soon after I took it out of the box. I used only Sony dvds to save myself any grief with possibly not being able to use nonsony products. Also, the dvd+rw played in our non Sony players. I recorded about 25 minutes on the dvd-r and it took 2 minutes to finalize. The menu is a nice feature. I haven't done any editing at this point. Also, there are three modes you can shoot in, the higher one only records 20 minutes according to the manual. I used the highest and middle to film, both look exactly the same. I tried out the night shot in low light indoors, and it makes it worse. The brighter the room, the crisper the images. However, even in low lit rooms, the movies were great. I am sorry if this is rambling, I am new to posting reviews. I would also like to say that Amazon has excellent customer service if you have questions regarding purchasing/returning products. I had to be home to sign for the package, so I ended up calling UPS to pick it up at their facility.