Sony DCR-DVD108 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Jun 18, 2007 9:12 AM
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What’s in the Box?
It was pretty amusing to open up the DCR-DVD108 (Review, Specs, $339)’s box and find the following items:
-AC Adapter
-Power Cord
-A/V Cable
-USB Cable
-NP-FH40 Battery Pack
-“Handycam Application Software” CD-ROM
That’s all, folks. This is an entry-level camcorder with entry-level offerings. The USB cable was a nice touch, though. Sony wants you to buy your own MemoryStick too—how thoughtful of them!
Other Features (2.0)
Faders - For those who don’t plan on editing their video footage, (most DCR-DVD108 users will not) Sony gives you faders in order to add that essential dramatic tone to your backyard masterpiece. Shots will fade in when the record start/stop button is pressed and fade out when the record start/stop button is pressed again. Choose between black and white.
Tele Macro - Sometimes you want to hone in on a small object in the foreground whilst leaving the background blurry, such as a caterpillar inching its way up a wise old Sycamore tree. That’s pretty much what the tele macro feature does.
Super NightShot Plus - NightShot—another one of Sony’s names to be tossed onto the consumer. The “Plus” in the title refers to the small infrared light on the front of the body. When shooting in this mode, you’ll get the all-too-familiar greenish video look.
Battery Info - This is actually a useful feature. When the DCR-DVD108 is turned off, press the battery info button located in the LCD cavity. A comprehensive screen equipped with a multicolored horizontal battery life meter sits in the middle. You can also see the remaining recordable time using the viewfinder and using the LCD screen. The only downside is that the screen appears for 7 seconds before cutting out, so if you’re one of those people who has to look at their watch a minimum of 5 times before you know what time it is, then this feature will take some getting used to.
Picture Effects - The DCR-DVD108 offers sepia, black and white, and pastel picture effects to spice up your shots.
Digital Effect –Drum roll please…Old Movie! This single effect adds a sepia tone and slows the shutter down. Grandma and Grandpa will feel right at home with the only digital effect offered on the DCR-DVD108.