Sony DCR-DVD105 Camcorder Reviewby Matt CullerPublished on Jun 28, 2006 12:30 PM
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Compression (5.0)
Like nearly every DVD camcorder on the market, the Sony DCR-DVD105 (Review, Specs, $399.95) compresses its data into MPEG2 video files. It records on three different disc types, discussed below in the Media section, and offers three quality modes for recording: HQ, SP, and LP. This is similar to Panasonic’s XP, SP, and LP recording modes. In HQ mode, the Sony DCR-DVD105 will yield approximately 20 minutes of playback/recording time; it provides 30 minutes in SP mode and 60 in LP mode. The heavy compression of DVD camcorders, compared to MiniDV models, is reason enough to stick with tape until the technology catches up if image quality is your main concern.
Media (5.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD105 records on three DVD disc types: 3-inch DVD-R, 3-inch DVD-RW, and 3-inch DVD+RW. It does not record on 3-inch DVD-RAM. This year’s Panasonic DVD camcorders record to DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM discs . DVD-RW currently seems like the best disc format, offering the multiple recordings of the DVD-RAM format without the compatibility hassle when it comes to playback on standard DVD players.
It’s possible to record and play back discs while still in the camcorder, as well as after on-camera finalization.
Editing (3.0)
Editing on DVD camcorders has been a problem for many years. The MPEG2 format often requires users to use proprietary and awfully rudimentary software, which lacks the versatility of more in depth, independent applications often used for MiniDV editing, such as Avid or Final Cut Pro. This sort of makes sense, as DVD camcorders are expensive and limited enough to attract, largely, only the convenience- or gimmick-hungry. These buyers tend not to be interested in editing footage; they prefer to finalize video on-camcorder and slip it into the DVD player.
The DCR-DVD105 ships with Nero Express 6 software. This is one of the main upgrades over last year’s model, and gives users an option for transferring footage from the 3-inch DVD discs to larger, regular-size DVD discs using home computers.
The software itself seems like a stripped down version of the well-known burning software. With it, Sony seems to adopt a stance strictly against the editing of captured footage, one in favor of a collection of regular length DVD-Rs, archiving your footage rather than manipulating it.
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