Sony DCR-DVD201 Camcorder Review by Matt Culler Published on Jun 24, 2004 1:00 PM

Video Performance (6.5)
The Sony DCR-DVD201 has a 1/5-inch CCD with 690K effective pixels situated behind a 3.2-32mm (25mm filter diameter) Carl Zeiss lens with 10x optical zoom and 120x digital. This is double the number of effective pixels for video of the Sony DVD101, and the difference certainly shows. At 3000 lux and other bright light equivalent conditions, the Sony DVD201 shows substantially more vibrant and better saturated colors than the Sony DVD101. This is especially evident in the blues, violets/magentas, greens, and yellows. The reds for each camcorder are relatively similar in appearance. The washing that occurs between the greens and yellows of the DVD101’s chart isn’t present with the DVD201. A little washing does occur in the DVD201’s grayscale; however, overall, the increase in CCD size and effective pixels will please the dedicated Sony crowd.

The Front (5.0)
The front of Sony’s DCR-DVD201 is remarkably similar to the front of its younger sibling, the Sony DCR-DVD101. The gigantic lens barrel found on many of the other DVD camcorders out there is replaced on the Sony by a small lens barrel. (Panasonics and Hitachis have 37mm filter diameters, to Sony’s 25mm.) The lens front, so prominent on other models, shares the limelight with the sloping front of the DVD mechanism, which protrudes outward from the left side of the front farther than any other feature. The right side contains the lens, which sits on the IR receiver. Below the IR receiver is a port cover, which can be lifted to reveal an audio/video output and a microphone input. Below this panel is the stereo microphone.

The Right Side (6.0)
The Sony DVD201’s right side contains the DVD mechanism, opened by a slide/switch on top of the camcorder, and closed manually. To the left of the DVD mechanism, and within thumb’s reach, is a mode dial, used to switch between playback, video, and photo modes, with the power button nestled in its center. Above the mode dial is a rubber port cover hiding the DC in port. To the mode dial's 7 o'clock, the record button protrudes off towards the back of the machine; it is a long, slender, ovular button and not terribly convenient for the thumb. The strap is of average size, although it seems large considering the relative size of the camcorder, and runs along the bottom of the right side.

The Back (6.5)
Like everything else on the Sony DVD201, the back face is very tightly packed. The battery slot takes up the most room. To Sony’s credit, the battery itself is curved and slender, as contrasted with Panasonic’s and Hitachi’s DVD camcorder batteries, which are angular and huge. Located above the battery and slightly to the left is the viewfinder which, unlike those on Hitachi or Panasonic camcorders, is extremely mobile and extendable. Immediately to the left of the battery, almost hidden under the viewfinder, is the USB port under a rubber cover. To the right of the viewfinder is the LANC jack, under a rubber cover as well. The shoulder strap hook is located directly below the LANC jack.

The Left Side (8.0)
The left side of the Sony DVD201 houses the lens barrel, which runs along the top, and the 123K pixel 2.5-inch LCD screen, running along the bottom. Along the bottom of the lens, three buttons for display/battery info, backlight, and visual index can be located. To the right of these buttons is a four-way directional pad which functions as a selector as well as a navigational tool when operating the camcorder's Byzantine menu system. Sony has moved this pad from under the LCD, as in the Sony DCR-DVD100 (Review, Specs, $580.95) and 200, to its current external location. Buttons hidden underneath the LCD unfortunately include those necessary for playback or VCR mode; for adjusting the focus, exposure, and fader; accessing the setup menus; and finalizing and editing discs for playback in conventional DVD players and computers. There is also a small speaker located in the upper left-hand corner of the panel. Convenient short-cut buttons are located on the actual LCD itself, on the left rim, for recording (start/stop) and backlight.

The Top(6.5)
Divided between the DVD mechanism and the upper side of the lens barrel, the top of the Sony DVD201 is packed with buttons, sliders, and toggles. A slide to open the DVD drive is located on top of the mechanism, towards the front of the camera. Nearby is a slider for NightShot Plus and a button for Super NS Plus and Color Slow S (Color Slow Shutter). On the rear portion of the top side of the DVD mechanism sits the zoom toggle and photo button within easy reach of an index finger. Also, sitting towards the middle of the lens barrel’s top side is the Sony DCR-DVD201’s intelligent accessory shoe–an upgrade from the Sony DVD101’s cold shoe. Behind the shoe, the viewfinder stretches towards the eye.

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (7.0)
Like many of Sony’s consumer camcorders, the Sony DCR-DVD201 offers automatic control over exposure, focus, white balance, and shutter speed. The lack of a touch-screen LCD prohibits a spot focus or spot metering option; this is a shame as well as a downgrade from many of Sony’s MiniDV machines. On the bright side, touch screens can be cumbersome and confusing at points, especially when a user has to manipulate it with large fingers. Automatic adjustments to exposure and shutter speed are relatively seamless; the exposure lags a bit before adjustment, but when compared with Panasonic and Hitachi DVD cams, Sony’s DVD201 is under par. The Automatic focus function performed very well with a brief adjustment period at the widest focal length; however, at 10x, as per usual, time adjustment periods increased slightly. Automatic adjustments to white balance are not instantaneous; however, they are faster than those on the Sony DVD101.

Presets are available to users who wish for predefined parameters for the specific environments of Spotlight, Portrait, Sports, Beach & Ski, Sunset Moon, and Landscape. These presets set some windows of performance on shutter speed, exposure, and white balance, and while they cannot be seen as manual shutter speed adjustment, they are convenient.

Overall Manual Control (4.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD201’s menu system and many of its manual options are controlled with a four-way directional pad located above the LCD. A jog dial rather than a directional pad would have been nice. The convenience kings of consumer camcorder land forgo using traditional measurement units for exposure, shutter speed, or focus, instead employing a system of +/- meters and pictograms. The Sony DVD201’s maze of menus can be accessed through the setup button under the LCD. Shutter speed, white balance, digital zoom, picture effect, and other options can be found within.

Zoom (7.5)
The Sony DCR-DVD201 offers the same disappointing 10x optical zoom and 120x digital zoom. The zoom toggle is tiny and flanked by plastic sides which prevents smooth zooms. Focal adjustments on the optical zoom are very smooth and quick, which is a plus. As usual, digital zoom can be dismissed as an attribute to merely pad the spec sheet.

Focus (5.0)
Manual focus control is accessed through the focus button under the LCD and adjusted by the directional pad. To indicate where the lens sits in the focus range, pictograms of mountains, a hand, and a torso appear on the LCD. A focus ring would be helpful, considering the directional pad is tiny and hard to fine-tune.

Exposure (Aperture) (4.5)
Manual exposure adjustment is also accessed under the LCD with the “exposure” button. Go figure. When pressed, the button triggers a +/- meter on the LCD, which is adjusted by the directional pad. Unfortunately, no numerical F-stops are shown, so the user has to eyeball the correct measurement.

Shutter Speed (0.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD201 offers no true manual shutter speed control. However, it does include some presets, which affect the shutter speed by setting some parameters. They include Spotlight, Portrait, Sports, Beach & Ski, Sunset Moon, and Landscape. Each setting places certain limitations on shutter speed, exposure, white balance, etc. These are not available in the Sony DVD201’s NightShot mode.

On the Sony DCR-DVD101 and Sony DVD201, Sony offers something called Color Slow Shutter, which acts as a color version of Super NightShot. This option can be selected by making sure the NightShot Plus switch on the top of the camcorder is off, and then pressing the button labeled "Super NS Plus/Color Slow Shutter." If NightShot is selected, this button will turn on Super NS Plus; if not, it turns on Color Slow Shutter mode. Shutter Speed is dramatically reduced without an infrared light source added, allowing for the capture of color footage at extremely low light levels. (Super NS Plus couples slow shutter speed with an infrared light source.)

White Balance (6.5)
The Sony DCR-DVD201 supports manual adjustment of white balance. With this function, users can accurately define what in the scene is truly white. Accessed by pressing the Setup button beneath the LCD, the white balance menu offers automatic settings for outdoor and indoor lighting, an automatic mode (Auto), and Hold (the manual setting). If set to Hold, the Sony DVD201 will adjust to a “white” object held in front of the camera, and not change its setting even when placed in places with drastically different hues.

Gain (0.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD101 has no manual Gain controls.

Still Performance (6.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD201 records stills to disc at 1152 x 864 and 640 x 480. This is an upgrade from the Sony DCR-DVD101, which captures solely at 640 x 480. Quality settings of Fine and Standard exist for both resolution settings. A huge number of stills are available (8600 Standard at 640 x 480, and 2250 Fine at 1152 x 864). In order to shoot photo stills, the mode dial must be placed in photo still mode. Stills are, unfortunately, only recorded to DVD-R/RW because there is no memory card,. The photo button is located behind the zoom toggle. The Sony DVD201 also offers burst photography and exposure bracketing options which is a nice upgrade from the Sony DVD101.

VCR Mode (8.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD201 offers previews of all digital photo stills and playback of video before on-camera disc finalization. VCR/Playback mode is accessible using the mode dial. Pressing the video index button at the playback screen presents a convenient menu featuring thumbnails of all digital photos and video segments, complete with date and time of capture. There is also a slideshow application accessible by pressing the setup button.

The Sony DCR-DVD201 can record to both DVD-R and DVD-RW, but not DVD-RAM. Every other manufacturer of DVD camcorders makes machines that record to DVD-RAM and DVD-R. The argument as to whether DVD-RAM or DVD-RW is better is years old and a moot point. However, here are some facts that might aid your choice.

For one, DVD-RAMs cannot be played on many conventional DVD players, while DVD-RWs generally can. While both DVD-RAM and DVD-RW may be recorded and rerecorded numerous times, in general DVD-RAMs last a little longer. DVD-RAMs are usually quicker and easier to access with camcorder navigation menus. Furthermore, with DVD-RAMs, the user can create full-size DVDs of their footage without using a computer (for more information on this method, see our reviews for Hitachi’s and Panasonic’s DVD camcorders). With DVD-RWs and DVD-Rs, full-size DVD conversion requires a computer.

Many DVD-RAM/R and DVD-RW/R camcorders allow for rudimentary video editing. The Sony DVD201 is no exception; however, there are some slight differences. For instance, on the Sony DVD201, DVD-RWs can be edited after finalization, but only when recorded in VR mode. On DVD-RAM camcorders, like Hitachi’s and Panasonic’s, editing is allowed before finalization on DVD-RAMs. No editing is available for DVD-Rs on any camcorder. Additionally, DVD-RWs recorded in Video mode, as opposed to VR mode, can be unfinalized and initialized (formatted); DVD-RWs recorded in VR mode, as well as DVD-RAMs, do not need to be unfinalized to record over again.

Low Light Performance (3.7)
Low light performance for the Sony DVD201 isn’t exactly its strong suit. Probably due to the amount of effective video pixels, the Sony DVD201 performs very well at 3000 lux, substantially better than the DVD101. Its colors were very well saturated (maybe a bit too much at points) and crisp with no grain.

However, at 60 lux, noise increases dramatically. There’s a yellowish wash all over the spectrum, including the grayscale, and the colors aren’t as crisp, with some washing in the green area of the spectrum. The image is obviously darker, but the colors are still as vibrant and coherent as at 3000 lux, a drastic improvement over the Sony DVD101. It is amazing what increased CCD size and effective pixel count can do. These colors are also quite nuclear in scope, and lend a strikingly artificial quality to the chart reproduction. There is significant blue noise which is unfortunate.

At 15 lux, the Sony DCR-DVD201’s performance worsens; the colors lose more crispness and begin to blur together. Yellows and greens deaden in particular. The horrible yellow noise seen at 60 lux still appears, although it seems less noticeable because the image is so dark. The grayscale gains a substantial amount of grain. All things considered, though, despite a darker image the Sony DVD201 at 15 lux still has better colors than the Sony DVD101 at 60 lux. Sadly, for the most expensive DVD camcorder on the market, the DVD201 doesn't even come close to the lower-end Hitachi DZ-MV550, which is US $250 less, and the upper-tier Panasonic VDR-M70 (Review, Specs, $703.99). For that much more, as a consumer I would expect much better all-around performance out of the Sony DVD201. Granted the DCR-DVD201 doesn't have the CCD size of the Hitachi, but it does have near twice the effective pixels.

LCD / Viewfinder (7.5)
The Sony DCR-DVD201 houses a 2.5-inch color LCD screen. Able to turn 270º, the LCD operates under the new Sony hybrid technology that helps prevent washout under bright sunlight. It also does not solarize, like so many other LCDs, when viewed from an angle. The camcorder’s viewfinder has a color 123K-pixel display that is very mobile, compared to Hitachi and Panasonic camcorders.

Audio (6.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD201 supports 12 bit and 16 bit audio recording. Its small stereo microphone may be easy muffled by a big hand; however, it’s conveniently located, as the DVD mechanism protrudes in such a way as to block wayward fingers. Above the stereo microphone are a Mic in jack and an audio input/output jack. The cold accessory shoe of the Sony DVD101 has been upgraded to an intelligent, hot shoe on the Sony DVD201.

Handling (6.0)
As the manual states, the Sony DVD201 and Sony DVD101 are “twenty percent smaller than last year’s models.” The compact nature of the machine is nice as far as single-hand use goes, but a user might have trouble keeping it still.

The button setup could be a lot better; nearly all of the important buttons are hidden beneath the LCD, with useless buttons within easy reach. Additionally, and disappointingly, smooth operation of the zoom toggle proves arduous at best. But the record-button shortcut on the LCD’s edge is a nice feature, as is the relative mobility of the viewfinder, compared with those from Hitachi and Panasonic.

Through its USB port, the Sony DCR-DVD201 can feed directly into a computer, which allows for playback of footage and stills with the included ImageMixer software. Additionally, the Sony DVD201 can import video to the computer without finalizing the disc itself; in order to play DVD-R/RW on conventional players, the discs must be finalized on the camcorder. Unfortunately, Sony’s included software follows suit with offerings from other DVD camcorder manufacturers; its options are few and, relative to the camcorder’s convenience, hard to access. Editing is very basic, almost comparable to on-camera editing, and exporting to other file formats is cumbersome.

Ports (6.0)
Located on the right side, above the mode dial, is the DC in. The USB port is located just below and slightly to the left of the viewfinder. The remote jack is located to the right of the viewfinder, and a mic input jack and an audio/video input/output rest on the front of the camcorder, under a protective panel. Also, there is an intelligent accessory shoe located on top of the machine, an improvement on the Sony DVD101’s cold shoe.

Other Features(6.0)

NightShot Plus
This is a convenient viewing mechanism that uses infrared light to illuminate extremely dark places.

Super NightShot Plus
This feature is an amplified version of NightShot Plus that must lower the shutter speed to capture more light.

Color Slow Shutter
This option is essentially Super NightShot Plus in color; it still has low shutter speed.

A number of picture effects are available on the DVD201. They include Sepia, Black & White, Pastel, and Mosaic. A number of digital effects are also provided, including Old Movie and Illumination.

16:9 widescreen mode
The Sony DCR-DVD201 supports a digitally manipulated 16:9 “cinema” mode.

Analog to Digital Pass-Through
The Sony DCR-DVD201 is equipped for analog to digital pass-through.

Comparisons
There are several camcorders in a comparable price range to the Sony DCR-DVD201: Hitachi’s DZ-MV580 (Specs, $549), Panasonic’s VDR-M70PP, and PV-GS200 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1299)

For a whopping $250 less, Hitachi’s upper-tier DVD camcorder, the DZ-MV580, is available with a bigger CCD (1/3.8-inch) and higher resolution (1280 x 960), but a fraction of the effective video pixels (400K). While we haven’t yet evaluated the MV580, the MV550 performs much better than the more expensive Sony DVD201 in the testing tent. (The MV550 is available for $670, and includes a 1/4-inch CCD, 340K effective pixels for video, and still resolution of 640 x 480.) The MV580 will most likely include a memory card, so the still capability will probably be better, considering the higher resolution. My instincts tell me to expect great things from the MV580, although only time will tell.

For $100 less, Panasonic’s upper-tier DVD camcorder, the VDR-M70, is available with a bigger CCD (1/4-inch), higher resolution (1280 x 960), and fewer effective video pixels (400K). At 3000 lux, the Panasonic VDR-M70 and the Sony DVD201 look a lot alike, aside from the Sony DVD201’s substantial increase in color saturation. Both camcorders produce crisp colors; the Panasonic is better balanced, as the Sony seems to oversaturate in the blues and greens and not enough in the reds. Under low light, the VDR-M70 comes out on top, clearly winning over the DCR-DVD201. Can you say upset?

For the same price, Panasonic’s PV-GS200 includes 3 CCDs, each at 1/6 inches and containing 440K effective video pixels, and boasts a still resolution of 1760 x 1320. As expected, the Panasonic PV-GS200 looks great at 3000 lux, and holds up remarkably well at 60 lux. Compared to the DVD201 at all light levels, the image on the Panasonic PV-GS200 appears crisper, better balanced, and with less noise. It is very easy to recommend MiniDV camcorders over DVD camcorders, because the prices are so inflated for the DVD camcorders in comparison to what they offer in terms of performance.

Compared to Sony’s entry level DVD camcorder, the Sony DCR-DVD101, the Sony DCR-DVD201 has more options, a bigger CCD at 1/5 inches with 690K effective pixels, and a higher still resolution (1152 x 864) as opposed to the 101’s 1/6-inch CCD, 640 x 480 resolution, and fewer effective pixels (340K). The difference shows during testing. The Sony DVD201 performs impeccably better than the DVD101, reproducing crisp, well-saturated colors. While the Sony DVD201’s color spectrum at times appears unbalanced and over-saturated at points, compared with the Sony DVD101 it is miles ahead. It also includes an intelligent shoe, which the Sony DVD101 does not, and the Sony DVD201 costs $100 more.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (6.0)
Like most Sonys, the DVD201 is marketed for convenience with an almost 7-11 approach to consumer electronics. It is a good point-and-shoot camcorder for those looking for the ability to record to DVD and not concerned about the price.

Budget Consumers (2.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD201 is not for budget consumers. For the same price, MiniDV camcorders of better quality are available, and in the DVD ballpark, better performing DVD camcorders by other manufacturers are cheaper.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (5.0)
While the Sony DVD201 does offer higher resolution stills than the Sony DVD101, it cannot be considered a good hybrid because, like the Sony DVD101, it lacks the SD card included by other DVD camcorders. True, like the Sony DVD101 and many other DVD camcorders, the Sony DVD201 can take an incredible amount of pictures--but all in all, if you’re looking for a digital camera/camcorder split, this isn’t for you. In my opinion, DVD camcorders generally offer quantity over quality.

Gadget Freaks (7.0)
Definitely for the gadget freak in each of us, the Sony DCR-DVD 201 is the highest priced DVD camcorder on the market.

Manual Control Freaks (3.0)
Definitely not. The Sony DVD201 was probably designed to remain perpetually in auto mode. What control it offers is nominal and, for the most part, hidden beneath the LCD.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists (2.0)
Pros will be disappointed. If you’re a pro and need a decent DVD camcorder for backup or easy transportation or whatever, there are cheaper, comparable products out there. See comparisons for better buys.

Conclusion
Sony is definitely pushing the envelope of DVD camcorders with the DVD201, as it is the first megapixel DVD camcorder, as well as the most expensive.

It does perform well; however, for the price, it may not be worth it. While we have yet to evaluate Hitachi’s DZ-MV580, Hitachi’s lower MV550 model outperforms the Sony DVD201, and many of the upper-tier DVD camcorders across the board offer better resolution for stills with card access. I don’t want to jump to conclusions here either; the DVD201 is a nice DVD camcorder with more effective video pixel than any DVD camcorder we’ve seen yet.

It feels like Sony machines are trying to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the DVD camcorder racket, what with their extremely high amount of effective video pixels and their recording on to DVD-RW/R rather than DVD-RAM/R.

In the lighting tent, the DCR-DVD201 was a great disappointment, primarily because better performance is available for over $200 less.