Sony Handycam DCRDVD850 DVD Hybrid Camcorder with 60X Optical Zoom (Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This Handycam has everything needed to be the most versatile of all of Sony's models with up-to-the-minute technology.
I originally hesitated because this only has an internal flash memory of 16 GB. However, I have a few of the sony memory sticks (4GB) Sony MSMT4G 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2) Media and having them as an option allows me to record as much time on this unit as I could usually want. It is true that with the internal flash memory your recording time is restricted to about 11 hours. However, each 4GB of memory stick prolongs that limit by about 3.5 hours and supplements the internal flash memory.

I find the flash medium (and the memory sticks) to be preferrable to an internal hard drive (which can store 60 GB, but, are subject to mechanical failure). Although the hard drives will store 60GB, I rarely have that much to accumulate in digital footage before I dump it to my notebook, or, an external USB hard drive. 11 hours of storage is about perfect for a day of interviews and miscellaneous recording.
This unit is a very nice, attractive, two-tone gunmetal and silver finish. It is slightly larger than the (very compact) DCR 47-87 series.Sony DCR-SR47 Hard Disk Drive Handycam® Camcorder (Silver) However, it will still almost fit in the palm of your hand.
The images are sharp quality, indoors or out. It is true (for a change) that the unit allows for one-button record to DVD. You can just slip a mini DVD (3") in the unit by lifting the cover and placing the DVD in the unit. This will burn about an hour to the 3" DVD so you can share it immediately. You need to use Sony's proprietary 3" disc Sony 3" Rewritable DVD+RW for Camcorders - 3pk but they are reasonably priced and reasonably available. The advantage of the searchable .mpg2 CODEC on disc should be obvious (as opposed to DV tapes).
If you need larger DVD burns, with the USB connection, it is possible to burn DVD's on the spot (I use this for interviews) for copies and distribution from your notebook computer. In addition, the internal file configuration can be converted to .wma or .mpg using Sony's proprietary software (included). (You will need to download the software updates to be able to edit the files using, for instance, Vista movie maker or other OS based video editing programs). The CODEC format is .mpg2 (not very efficient, but, allows for high resolution and editability (with updates to Sony's sofware).
This unit is sturdy and made as well as any of the Sony handycams. The chassis is, in fact, a proven design that has been around the SONY marketplace for over five years.
Another very useful feature is the 5.1 surround sound microphone. When you want to accurately record both audio and visual, directional stereo mic's will often pickup background noise and hiss, but, little else other than sound (such as voices talking at the camera) aimed at the mic. With the surround sound, you pick up everyting omnidirectionally. This is not only useful for picking up the voice of the person making the recording (as well as the subject) but has many other uses as well. When video'ing nature, the omnidirectional mike tends to attenuate the background hiss from all directions, yet, still pickup the sounds of birds and other nature sounds.
The digital quality is excellent (680,000 pixels translates to almost (about 75%) HD), and, with proper care in setting up your shots (being careful to avoid reflected or (too much) polarized light) you can make professional recordings.
After reviewing all of the available options out there, I think this is the unit with the most reliable and versatile features that is on the market.
Here are the specs from Sony's website:
Specifications
Recording Format DVD Video Codec MPEG-2
Media Storage Type 8cm DVD (DVD+R DL / DVD+RW / DVD-RW / DVD-R) HYBRID / HYBRID Plus HYBRID Plus
(16GB Built-in Flash Memory and Movie recording on Memory Stick) Image Sensor Type 1/8" CCD
Audio Format Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator (5.1ch.)
Zoom Mic Yes
Carl Zeiss Lens / Filter Diameter Vario-Tessar / 30mm Optical / Digital Zoom 60x / 2000x Maximum Still Image Resolution (Photo Mode) 720 x 576 Image Stabiliser SteadyShot LCD Screen Size &
Type 2.7" Wide LCD (123K / 16:9) with
Touch Panel Face Index Yes
Film Roll Index Yes
Memory Stick Duo Slot Yes
USB Terminal Yes (USB 2.0 High Speed)
Dimensions (W x H x D) 55 x 89 x 130mm Mass (w/o Tape, Battery, etc.) Approx. 390g
Supplied Accessories
AC Adaptor AC-L200 Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-FH30 AV Cable Yes Application Software Picture Motion Browser USB Cable Yes

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The Sony DCR-DVD850 is a standard definition, DVD-format Handycam camcorder that offers a step up from the DCR-DVD650. In addition to simple touch panel operation, DVD convenience, and a 60X optical zoom lens, the DCR-DVD850 adds 16GB of embedded flash memory, allowing for extended recording times and Hybrid Plus capabilities, which let the camcorder record video directly to either DVD media, embedded memory, or removable Memory Stick PRO Duo media (media sold separately). The DCR-DVD850 replaces the DCR-DVD810 for 2009. Target consumers are those interested in the convenience and compatibility of the DVD format, as well as those who desire longer recording times out of their DVD format camcorders.

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Sony DCRTRV350 Digital8 Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Memory Stick capabilities & Remote Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The best features of this camcorder, and that things that make it worth [the extra money] over the TRV250, are its backwards compatibility and its analog to digital converter. Now that my trusty Sony Hi8 camcorder has died after 12 years of service, I not only will still have access to all the tapes, but the bulit in A/D converter will let me burn them to disc with no other hardware except a firewire port and a big hard disk. In addition, it has analog A/V inputs which will allow VHS, TV or other signals to pass through and be digitized. Bulk and the 1:20 recording time of the supplied battery are issues, as is the fact that batteries must be charged on the unit, unless you plan on buying ... stand alone chargers. The info-lithium battery system is quite nice, however, telling exactly how much time is remaining. The memory stick is OK for email or web sites, not for serious photography.
Bottom line: if you have an extensive library of Hi-8 tapes that you want to play or burn, then this is the ideal unit. If you are starting fresh in digital videography, then the mini-DV units offer significant advantages in size and features.

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With all the features packed into the DCR-TRV350, you won’t believe how affordable Sony makes it to share your photos and videos with friends and family. In addition to its crisp, clear digital video and stereo audio, this Digital8 Handycam camcorder features digital still photo capability, MPEG movie mode, compatibility with Memory Sticks, and USB streaming. Transfer video to your PC via iLink interface (also known as FireWire) to edit your masterpiece with the included software.
Image Stabilizations Sony's SteadyShot picture stabilization smoothes and steadies your images without degrading picture quality. Sony does it with motion sensors--a more accurate system than that used in many other camcorders on the market.
Optics
1/6-inch CCD with 460,000 gross pixels
20X optical zoom
700x digital zoom
f1.6-f2.4
Focal distance: 2.5-50mm
Shutter speed: 1/60 to 1/4,000 (AE mode)

Digital Stills and MPEG Movie Mode Capture digital still images directly onto Memory Stick media for easy transfer to e-mail, printing, or sharing. Digital still images can be captured while in Memory Mode, or images from the videotape can be captured onto Memory Stick media. You can capture still images up to 640 x 480 pixels.
Designed to help you make Web videos, the MPEG movie mode produces compressed video files that are small and easy to send by e-mail or post to the Internet. Capture MPEG digital video and store it directly to Memory Stick media. Movie length ranges from 5 seconds to the length allowed by the capacity of your Memory Stick with MPEG Movie EX.
More Features Now you can capture video even in total darkness. Sony's NightShot system uses infrared light to capture images invisible to the human eye. You can shoot subjects such as a sleeping baby up to 10 feet away in total darkness. With the optional HVL-IRC NightShot light, you can even capture images from up to 100 feet away.
Sony's Stamina power management system and InfoLithium battery give the TRV350 incredible operating time. To keep tabs on battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining--right in the viewfinder.
The TRV350 features a 2.5-inch color LCD (123,000 pixels) and a black-and-white viewfinder. The USB streaming feature can turn the TRV350 into a video conferencing tool or a Webcam, with the ability to stream 320 x 240 pixel video at 30 frames per second (compatible only with Windows 98SE, 2000, Me, and XP).
Digital8 Format Digital8 camcorders deliver high-quality digital video and audio, with up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution and either 12-bit or 16-bit PCM digital stereo audio. The Digital8 format also allows for digital recording on 8mm or Hi8 tapes--the most popular camcorder format in the U.S.
Size and Contents The TRV350 measures 3.38 by 4.00 by 7.88 inches and weighs 1 pound 12 ounces. This package includes the TRV350 camcorder, power adaptor/in-camera charger (AC-L15), InfoLithium rechargeable battery (NP-FM30), wireless remote (RMT-814), AV cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, two AA batteries, and CD-ROM with PIXELA ImageMixer Ver. 1.5 and USB drivers.

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