Sony DCR-DVD108 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Jun 18, 2007 9:12 AM
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The DCR-DVD108 ($399 MSRP) is Sony’s entry-level DVD camcorder this year, a market which Sony has capitalized on with astonishing zeal. The DVD108 is a prime example of why Sony holds the cards. Name recognition, ease of use, and the right price – the hook, line, and sinker for the consumer. The camcorder certainly lacks frills, offering meager manual controls and only 640 x 480 stills. But as a point-and-shoot camcorder, they don’t get much simpler. That sort of accessibility is a dream come true for technophobes feeling guilty for not capturing their child’s first steps. Can the video performance satisfy the audience? Let’s find out.
The Front (4.25)
The Sony DCR-DVD108 joins the colony of tall, thin entry-level DVD camcorders including the Canon DC210 and Hitachi DZ-GX5020A. Although the DCR-DVD108 could benefit from a couple Big Macs (eat something, for god’s sake!), its slender upright design is a major space saver in the camera bag. Up front, you’ll notice a small lens on the DCR-DVD108 with a filter diameter of 30mm. The DCR-DVD108’s 40x optical zoom lens offers a focal length of 1.9mm-76mm (36mm-1440mm when converted to 35mm for both movies and stills). To the bottom left of the lens is the lens cover switch, which might just be accessed by a double-jointed pinky finger. Just remember to keep it closed during transport. Besides, the lens cover looks exceedingly Matrix with its lustrous milled black style, so keep it closed to impress your friends as well. Below the lens is the remote sensor, followed by a rigid plastic port cover housing the AV out terminal. Despite the fact that we’re dealing with an entry-level DVD camcorder here, the port cover is secured by a rugged plastic strip.
The Right Side (4.25)
Welcome to the vast longitude of the DVD hatch, the DCR-DVD108’s right side. A couple things to watch out for: slow disc hatch release time and uncooperative hand strap placement. The slim disc hatch switch located on the top ridge to the right of the lens is a bit tricky to access. On top of that, be prepared to wait up to 10 seconds for the hatch to open. In today’s work-a-day, rush-rush world, we expect better than this. Do you know how many Red Bulls we can drink in that time? To make matters worse, the DCR-DVD108’s hand strap obstructs the hatch’s field of movement. Luckily, Sony affixed the right side of the hand strap via a swiveling keychain-esque grommet, which sends the hand strap underneath the camcorder when held steadily. The hand strap itself is made of non-breathable plastic material, but it’s wide, secures the hand well, and is miles beyond what a Canon will offer. The DC input is located in the upper left corner, covered by a minute rubber port cover.
The Back (5.25)
The DCR-DVD108’s trim rear end is accented by an extendable viewfinder with two tabs on both sides for easy grip and pull. It’s gotten to be a rare sight to see an extendable viewfinder on an entry-level model—you don’t even see one on Canon’s top models. The dioptric adjuster is located on the right side of the viewfinder shaft. Below the viewfinder is the NP-FH40 rechargeable battery pack. The battery release tab sits below, flush with the bottom of the camcorder. Although Sony has equipped the DCR-DVD108 with the most meager battery they could find, the penchant to upgrade is heightened by the extendable viewfinder’s full inch of pullout distance. To the right of the battery is the record start/stop button, which rests conveniently just below the thumb. A vertical series of lamps is mounted above to the left, indicating charge, video, and camera modes. Sony’s classic horseshoe-shaped mode dial is the cherry on the sundae, overseeing all on top. It’s set back a bit, though, and shooters might find that its placement might not play well with the ergonomics of their index finger.
The Left Side (4.25)
This is the money shot. The DCR-DVD108 is by far the hottest looking entry level DVD camcorder out there. You’ll notice a slanted strip of three buttons to the right, above the LCD cavity: playback, Easy, and backlight. If Sony’s market research is correct, the Easy button will become the DCR-DVD108 owners’ best friend. Flip open the LCD screen and you’ll find…not much. There’s a sunken MemoryStick Duo/PRO Duo slot, peculiar arced playback speaker, display/battery info button, and a USB terminal. The 2.5” wide LCD screen is bizarre—it’s a 4:3 aspect ratio! What’s that!? In 2007, this is like seeing a horse and buggy traveling down the Jersey Turnpike. To the left of this antiquated viewing pane is a vertical strip of thin buttons for the home menu, zoom in, zoom out, and record start/stop. Overall, we’re pleased with the DCR-DVD108’s minimalist setup.
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The left side of the Sony DCR-DVD108 (left), and a look behind the LCD panel (right). |
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The Top (4.5)
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