DCR-DVD403 vs HD camcoreders

DCR-DVD403 /DCR-DVD405 vs High Definition (HD) HDR-HC1 / HDR-HC3 / HDR-UX1 / HDR-SR1 / HDRFX1

Are they better? GROSS: 3.3 Mpix CCD vs 2.1(2.9)Mpix CMOS ?
How bigger sensor can have smaller resolution?

720x480 vs 1080/60i (1920x1080?)

SD 9M (HQ)
SD 6M (SP)
SD 3M (LP)

vs

AVC HD 15M (XP)
AVC HD 9M (HQ)
AVC HD 7M (SP)
AVC HD 5M (LP)

Does anyone have clips to compare?

Check these test under controlled environment conditions of 3000 lux:
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-DCR-DVD403-Camcorder-Review.htm
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-HCR-HC1-Review.htm

It's not the sensor resolution thats important, but the standard that they are recording in. AVCHD and MPEG2 HD that the SR1 and HC1/3 record in are High Definition standards and much higher resolution and bit rates than the SD that the 403 records in. When played on a HD screen, the difference is huge. You can google for samples, but especially for AVCHD you need a high spec PC and the correct codecs to play it smoothly. Have a look in the AVCHD forum.

Regards, Mike

thanks, Mike