Sony DCR-DVD203 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Jun 14, 2005 10:00 AM 
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The DCR-DVD203 could have shaped up to be a nice alternative to the DCR-DVD403 (Review, Specs, $489) (for those with more limited funds). It features a widescreen LCD screen and DVD+RW compatibility. However, with poor video and still quality in both bright and low light, the DCR-DVD203 did not exceed or even meet our expectations the way the DCR-DVD403 did.
Video Performance (5.0)
Not quite the most advanced member of Sony’s new DVD line, the DCR-DVD203 features the same imager found on last year’s DCR-DVD301 (though technically, this camcorder is available this year as well) and coincidently this year’s MiniDV camcorder, the DCR-HC42 (Review, Specs, $399.95). This imager is a 1.07 MP Advanced HAD CCD. Unfortunately, this imager does not guarantee the same stellar performance put out by the DCR-DVD403. However, the same excellent automatic controls are still available.
At a light level of 3000 lux, our testing environment’s equivalent to a bright sunny day, the DCR-DVD203 did not perform terribly well. Especially compared to its more advanced sibling, the DCR-DVD403, the DCR-DVD203’s flaws really stand out. While the DCR-DVD403 surprised us with its color quality, balance, and brilliance, the DCR-DVD203 could not live up to our expectations.
But on second thought, perhaps our expectations were too high. The DCR-DVD203 includes the same CCD as the DCR-HC42, and considering the DCR-HC42’s horrendous performance earlier this year, it makes sense to suspect that the imager could be partially responsible for some of the same problems in the DCR-DVD203. While these shortcomings are more obvious in lower light levels, at 3000 lux they are still apparent. Particularly, the blue noise rampant on the DCR-HC42’s test results can also be seen creeping into the DCR-DVD203’s. This is not to say that the DCR-DVD203’s results are identical to those of the DCR-HC42; in fact, the DCR-DVD203 actually shows a brighter image, though to the point of over-saturation in the green/yellow half of the spectrum. Also, in the DCR-DVD203’s grayscale, the camcorder is having a hard time distinguishing between the lightest of the grays and the pure white colors. There is also some unfortunate blue noise sprinkled across the center of the grayscale as well.
At such a high price, it is a pity that this camcorder cannot perform in the same league as the DCR-DVD403.
Video Resolution (8.2)
With the DCR-DVD203, we captured video footage of a standard resolution chart in both of the camcorder's available aspect ratios (4:3, 16:9) and exported its stills to Imatest Imaging Software in order to calculate the camcorder’s real resolution. In 4:3 mode, the camcorder displayed approximately 293.2 lines of horizontal resolution and 281.1 lines of vertical resolution, producing a real resolution of 82418.52. In 16:9 mode, the DCR-DVD203 gave us approximately 297.9 lines of horizontal resolution with 258.9 lines of vertical resolution, bearing a real resolution of 77126.31.
The Front (6.5)
The Sony DCR-DVD203 sports a 1 3/16” Carl Zeiss lens, its lens barrel bulging out from the body much like its niftier big brother, the Sony DCR-DVD403. The infrared sensor hugs the lens from below. Underneath the sensor are a built-in stereo mic and a hard-plastic covered A/V / S-Video composite port.
The Right Side (7.0)
The right side of the DCR-DVD203 is dominated by a sleekly-styled DVD mechanism, which is a shame, since it would invariably be covered by the user’s hand when recording. Tucked away in the lower left corner is a rubber port cover which reveals the camcorder’s LANC jack. LANC jacks have been included on many lower-end Sony camcorders, both DVD and MiniDV, over the past few years, and they allow the user to remotely control not only recording and zoom but also other features not available via the (included) remote control. Above the LANC is the camcorder’s mode dial with which the user can switch between on, off, and playback modes. Fans of card memory will be disappointed, as Sony has chosen to omit card memory from all their DVD camcorders. Above the mode dial is another port cover for the camcorder’s DC input port. Running along the bottom edge of this side is a solid, functional camcorder strap.
The Back (5.5)
The back of the DCR-DVD203 houses the camcorder’s battery slot. The battery juts out obtrusively from the rear, and this is a flaw that could have easily been corrected. Directly above it is the viewfinder, which extends only about ½.” These factors combine to make it quite difficult to use the viewfinder without smashing your face against the camcorder. Sony might have considered a viewfinder that could tilt upwards to offset the battery. Given the choice, the user might opt for the widescreen LCD anyway, but on sunny days the viewfinder is often a necessity. Also on the back of the camcorder is the primary record button and a series of three indicator lights for video, still, and playback modes.
The Left Side (8.0)
The left side of the DCR-DVD203 features its 2.7” widescreen LCD screen. Like most Sonys this year, the menu system has been redistricted to the touch screen, thereby removing the need for a clutter of plastic buttons. On the LCD panel’s margin are a redundant set of zoom and a record buttons. Above the LCD screen on the camcorder’s main body are the Backlight and Easy buttons, the latter of which lights blue when selected. The body’s cavity reveals the Wide Select and Display / Battery Info buttons. The camcorder’s USB port is also found here, as well as a small speaker for playback.
The Top (6.5)
The top of the Sony DCR-DVD203 features Sony’s contested redesign of the accessory shoe, the new, slimmer Active Interface Shoe. One minor inconvenience with the DCR-DVD203’s integration of this feature is that the user must pull out the viewfinder in order to insert an accessory. Also found on the top of the camcorder is the open switch for the DVD loading mechanism. Next to this is the NightShot Plus on/off switch. Sticking with convention, a zoom toggle switch and photo button are located at the rear of the top for easy thumb control.
Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (9.5)
The automatic controls on the DCR-DVD203 are very good. On this site, it has become cliché to sing the praises on Sony’s automatic controls, but really no other manufacturer comes close to the accuracy and speed you see in automatic controls from Sony.
This is especially important in the DVD camcorder arena as DVD camcorders are, let’s face it, designed for convenience, if you set aside the gimmick factor. DVD camcorder buyers shouldn’t be looking for lots of control, as the medium, with its editing constraints, fundamentally works against control.
That said, the Sony DCR-DVD203 offers automatic control over Focus, Exposure, and White Balance, with several Program AE (Auto Exposure) presets. These presets include Portrait, Sports, Spotlight, Beach&Ski, Sunset&Moon, and Landscape, and basically function as automatic modes with certain limits and settings locked down. Included is Sony’s new auto shutter feature, which automatically adjusts the shutter slightly in bright light environments. Its default is “on”.
Actual adjustment performance is great. Focus and exposure are adjusted extremely swiftly, producing a well-balanced image. The white balance also functions as it should: it’s subtle, yet fast and accurate enough to be helpful. The camcorder can be brought extremely close to a subject with focus remaining incredibly crisp with quick steady adjustments.
Sony’s unique Spot Metering and Spot Focusing features are included here, though they aren’t exactly new. These features, which are starting to be included on other manufactures’ models though not on a touch screen, allow the user to touch any part of the camcorder’s screen and adjust either focus or metering to that spot. These features are okay, but should really be regarded for what they are: gimmicks.
Overall Manual Control (3.0)
The very nature of the DVD camcorder supposes a need for convenience and sacrifices overt control to achieve it, and Sony has accepted this in this sense and is offering little to no manual control on this model. However, if I’m going to spend $600 for a camcorder, I want something worth my money. Sony has neglected to include manual shutter speed, independent exposure adjustment, or manual gain control. Manual controls over focus, white balance, and a bundled exposure value do exist, but are squirreled away in the touch screen menu system.
Zoom (8.0)
The zoom toggle on the DCR-DVD203 is surprisingly good considering its size. It is a tiny little guy, similar to the tiny toggles featured on many of Sony’s MiniDV camcorders this year. Fluid zooms can be achieved relatively easily, though a larger, easier to grip toggle would be better. But ultimately, I’d rather have the ability to perform good zooms than a larger, harder to use controller.
Focus (4.0)
The manual focus control is located in the camcorder’s touch screen menu system. You can tap the screen to adjust focus, which is symbolized by a cursor moving across the screen. But the only indicators as to how much you’ve moved through the focal range, or where you’ve moved in the focal range, are a couple icons of a hand and mountain for near and far. On some of Sony’s higher-end MiniDV camcorders this year, they’ve included numerical markings here as well, but not so on the DCR-DVD203. This coupled with the touch screen method for manual focus adjustment renders its manual focus kind of useless.
Exposure (Aperture) (4.0)
Manual exposure adjustment on the DCR-DVD203 suffers from the same inconveniences as focus on the DCR-DVD403. The user again taps their way across the LCD screen, making on-the-fly-exposure adjustment virtually impossible. There are no F-stop or shutter speed indicators to go with this exposure function, and Sony makes no effort to indicate any aside from “getting darker” and “getting brighter”.
Shutter Speed (0.0)
There is no manual shutter speed on the DCR-DVD203. This is unfortunate, though not unexpected from a Sony DVD camcorder, or a Sony camcorder in general. We’ve gotten used to this omission from Sony on everything from low-end DVD camcorders to high-end MiniDV camcorders.
White Balance (7.5)
Sony’s standard touch screen manual white balance adjustment can be found on the DCR-DVD203 in its normal spot, buried within the touch screen menu. Here, however, placement within the touch screen menu doesn’t carry the same stigma that it does when other manual controls are concerned. This is because white balance is usually adjusted before recording. This arguably makes this control the camcorder’s most useful.
Along with automatic and manual (one set) options, the white balance menu also includes two presets, one for indoor and one for outdoor. These presets operate as automatic modes with certain parameters, based on average indoor and outdoor light temperatures.
Gain (0.0)
There is no manual gain control on the DCR-DVD203.
Other Manual Control (0.0)
There are no other manual controls on the DCR-DVD203.
Ease of Use (8.0)
Ease of use is a high commodity for DVD camcorders as they are designed for the user’s convenience in the first place. The DCR-DVD203 is pretty user friendly, similar to the DCR-DVD403. The secondary record and zoom buttons on the LCD margin are nice additions and help especially when the user opts to venture into the touch screen menu. With record and zoom buttons nearby, jumping from the touch screen to record and zoom after quick adjustment is easy. Also, the camcorder’s primary zoom toggle is very easy to use; users can easy enjoy fluid zooms the minute they pick up the camcorder.
Alternately, the camcorder features an Easy mode. Only available in video recording mode, this feature reduces the menu to Clock Set, Language, Finalize, Beep, and Format, all pretty much administrative options. Picture quality is controlled by the camcorder. I suppose the biggest drawback to the DCR-DVD203’s ease of use is simply that nearly everything is packed into the touch screen menu system, and kind of hard to get to.
Still Features (6.0)
The still features on the DCR-DVD203 are okay, though the number of stills available for capture onto a DVD disc doesn’t really make up for the Sony DVD line’s lack of card media.
The DCR-DVD203 captures stills at 1152 x 864 and 640 x 480. Like the DCR-DVD403, which captures stills at a max of 2016 x 1512, the DCR-DVD203 cannot capture widescreen stills. Along with standard and fine quality stills, the DCR-DVD203, like the DCR-DVD403, features both exposure bracketing and continuous shot burst modes. In continuous shot mode, up to thirteen 640 x 480 shots can be taken in succession, while in exposure bracketing mode, three shots are taken in succession - a “regular” shot flanked by two others at various exposure offsets.
The minimum amount of stills that can be captured with the DCR-DVD203 (if no video is recorded) is 1650 (1152 x 864 stills, DVD+RW disc at Fine Quality). Getting better discs and shooting standard quality 640 x 480 photos can give you as many as 8600.
Still Resolution (1.9)
With the DCR-DVD203, stills can be captured onto DVD-R/RW/+RW discs at the 1152 x 864 and the standard 640 x 480 resolutions. The camcorder can only capture stills in 4:3, generating an approximate resolution of 190587.6075 (0.19 MP)
Still Performance (3.75)
The still performance of the DCR-DVD203 suffers from the same problems as its video performance. Again, we see a good deal of blue noise and general over-saturation of colors. Blue noise here isn’t just limited to the blue/violet end of the spectrum, and after close observation, it is slightly apparent throughout the palette. The grayscale not only shows the same problems with washing that the video shows, but these defects are exacerbated. All DVD camcorders, including those sharing the DCR-DVD203’s imager (DCR-DVD201 (Review, Specs, $549) and DCR-DVD301), perform better here.
Low Light Performance (2.5)
Low light performance on the DCR-DVD203 was almost as bad as that of the DCR-HC42. This makes sense because the two camcorders share the same imager, though is more of a shame that this DVD camcorder could not compete with Sony’s most advanced DVD machine, the DCR-DVD403.
We tested the DCR-DVD203 at light levels of 60 and 15 lux in order to assess the camcorder’s performance under suboptimal lighting conditions. 60 lux is measured as slightly dimmer than an average indoor room, with 15 lux significantly lower than normal indoor lighting, though still within the required lighting parameters specified by the manufacturer.
At 60 lux, the DCR-DVD203 unfortunately suffers the same blue noise problem as the DCR-HC42, perhaps more so. In fact, the DCR-DVD203’s 60 lux image shows the same problems in the camcorder’s 3000 lux image; regardless of the light level, both images contain over-saturated yellows and greens, and a smattering of blue noise horseshoeing around the blue/violet end of the spectrum. At such a low light level, the blue noise here is extremely prevalent and annoying, more so than at 3000 lux. But overall, the DCR-DVD203’s image at 60 lux is better than the DCR-HC42’s in that, while it shows more noise, its colors are generally brighter.
These brighter colors only help the DCR-DVD203 at 15 lux whereas the DCR-HC42 picks up a ton of blue noise and loses nearly all of its color information. While the DCR-DVD203’s spectrum becomes dark and relatively blurry here, like the DCR-HC42, its brighter colors and lesser amount of blue noise make its test results better.
It’s hard to say whether the DCR-DVD203 performs better than Hitachi’s DZ-MV780 (Review, Specs, $499.99) or the Panasonic VDR-M75 (Review, Specs, $669.99). The Hitachi and Panasonic show a crisper, less noisy, more balanced 60 lux image, though they go nearly black and white through color information loss at 15 lux.
Zoom Power/Ratio (12.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD203 manages a decent 12x optical zoom, exactly what you should expect for a camera in this price range. The digital zoom exceeds the boundaries of credibility with a max 480x digital zoom. Perhaps recognizing that such zooming would yield nothing but a pixillated mess, the menu also includes the option of capping the digital zoom at a healthy 24x.
Wide Angle (7.9)
The Sony DCR-DVD203 has a field of vision of 39.5 degrees in standard 4:3 aspect ratio, and 43.5 degrees in 16:9 widescreen ratio.
4:3 Standard Aspect LCD View
Widescreen Aspect LCD View
VCR Mode (9.0)
The VCR mode on the Sony DCR-DVD203 offers all the conveniences one expects from a DVD camcorder. Thumbnails are generated for both still and video files, and large touch screen buttons make for easy navigating. A nice little extra is the inclusion of a 5x zoom during playback, though it makes for more of a trick than a tool as the zoom exhibits some hypersensitivity to the toggle switch.
This year Sony has included DVD+RW compatibility on all of their DVD camcorders (except the DCR-DVD301, which has been carried over from last year). This isn’t exactly a huge improvement, but it falls in line with Sony’s edge over its competition in the DVD camcorder market over the past couple years. This year, Sony continues to be the only DVD camcorder manufacturer that includes DVD-RW compatibility. These allow you to reuse a disc and still be able to play it back on a conventional DVD player. Panasonic and Hitachi’s re-recordable format, the DVD-RAM, can only play on a specially equipped DVD player, and though they’re not the easiest to find, they do exist. The upside of the DVD-RAM disc is that it can be reused more times, and sections can be easily erased without erasing the entire disc. So if you were on vacation, you could bring just one DVD-RAM disc and gradually fill it with essential footage while erasing the unessential parts.
LCD/Viewfinder (9.0)
A big redesign in this year’s Sony DVD camcorders is the widescreen LCD. The DCR-DVD203 features a 2.7” display, with 123.2K pixels, and can bounce between standard 4:3 and 16:9 widescreen. Having an actual widescreen LCD for widescreen shooting is great, because you avoid having the camcorder sandwich the picture between black bars or reduce the size of the image to fit a wide image onto a 4:3 screen. This LCD doesn’t solarize either, and can flip in any direction without losing the image. Give a big hand for Sony’s LCD lab this year.
The Sony DCR-DVD203’s 4:3 aspect ratio color viewfinder is tolerable, though its limited range of motion stymies any serious attempt at videography.
Audio (4.0)
The audio options on the Sony DCR-DVD203 are a bit more limited than options on its big brother, the DCR-DVD403. Down here at the 203-level, the camcorder is ready to accept a 5.1 channel surround sound mic, but it does not come included.
Other audio options include the Micref Level to set the microphone’s signal level to either Normal or Low, the latter to be used in loud dynamic environments. The Active Interface Shoe, Sony’s special, smaller-than-normal accessory shoe, can accept an additional mic.
What we wouldn’t give for a simple external mic jack on this camcorder. Without it, the user is left to settle for a mic housed within or on top of the body, with all its ambient whirring and button clicking. Surround sound is nice, but practicality is… well, practical.
Handling (7.0)
A novice camcorder user could handle the Sony DCR-DVD203 with aplomb, as Sony, like a nervous mother, takes all but the pointing and shooting away from us. If ease of use if the owner’s prime motivation, the DCR-DVD203 will not disappoint. It’s light, well-balanced, and fits comfortably in the palm of all but the largest hand. Sony DVD camcorders have the added benefit of a slightly raised curve on the top right that acts as a grip for the fingers.
But for those users who prefer more manual control, look elsewhere. While the touch screen LCD is equally sharp and functional, any manual manipulation must be performed on-screen, thereby causing shaking during recording. And the large, easy-to-read text menus suddenly cease to be so lovable when they clog up the entirety of the screen.
The buttons on the DCR-DVD203 are intelligently placed on all sides of the body, though the shooting mode dial on our model jerks when it's turned on, hinting at technical difficulties down the road despite Sony’s high durability record.
Portability (6.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD203 is a fairly portable camcorder, relative to other camcorders in its class. The DCR-DVD203 is of an average size. It is pretty much the same size as the DCR-DVD403 camcorder, though without the bulbous surround sound mic on top. Sony has curved out the lines of this year’s DVD line, making them seem smaller, but all in all, they’re still definitely not pocket-sized. I wouldn’t worry about fitting it in a suitcase though, as the camcorder is relatively narrow and lacks big protrusions.
Battery Life (7.4)
The DCR-DVD203 ships with an NP-FP50, which is one step down from the DCR-DVD403’s NP-FP70. With the LCD open and no zoom usage, the DCR-DVD203 records for an average of 1 hr, 14 min, and 17 sec.
Compression (5.0)
The DCR-DVD203 uses MPEG2 video compression with JPEG still images. Audio is Dolby Digital 5.1 two-channel. DVD camcorders use increased compression, when compared to MiniDV, which lessens their overall video performance.
Media (6.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD203 records to DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW discs only. Like the DCR-DVD403, no card media exists. Typically, these smaller DVD media record about 75 minutes of low-quality or 18 minutes of high-quality compressed encoded video.
Editing (3.0)
Editing footage recorded to DVD disc is tricky. These camcorders are definitely not meant for editing in the same way that MiniDV camcorders are. There are not big Avids or Final Cut Pros here; rather, each manufacturer usually includes rudimentary editing software, which is designed to provide a slide show for living room viewing more than anything else. Some camcorders have another set of rudimentary built-in editing options in their playback modes, though they’re usually left untouched. No matter what the manufacturer tells you, these camcorders are designed for convenience, not necessarily ease of manipulation.
Widescreen/16:9 Mode (8.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD203 has a widescreen LCD screen, which, in addition to its aesthetic benefits, aids in the viewing of its widescreen shooting mode. This mode toggles back to 4:3 via a button in the LCD panel’s cavity. The widescreen mode is not available when shooting stills. When video is saved in 16:9, the camcorder does not have to squeeze it in to a 4:3 aspect, as many MiniDV camcorders do.
4:3 Standard Aspect
Widescreen Aspect
Scan Rates/24P (0.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD203 has no options to change the scan rate from its native 60i.
Ports (8.0)
The DCR-DVD203 has relatively few ports, which is common among DVD camcorders. An A/V / S-Video Composite port is located in the lower front. The A/V cord is included, but you’ll have to buy Sony’s specially-fitted S-Video cord, which is a different shape from a standard S-Video. Around to the right, you’ll find the DC power, and below that, a LANC jack. Opening the LCD screen reveals a USB port.
Other Features (4.5)
Super NightShot In addition to NightShot, a fairly standard feature, the DCR-DVD203 also includes Super NightShot, which boosts the intensity by 16x. An interesting but ultimately useless trick, it brightens the colors considerably, but shooting in this mode blurs the picture into oblivion with the slightest hand jitters.
NS Light Accessible through the menu system, the NS Light emits infrared light on objects within 10 feet, creating a slightly clearer picture.
Color Slow Shutter The color slow shutter is definitely a bonus, and might find some practical use with the average user. When shooting in darker locations (that’s darker, not NightShot-required dark), the DCR-DVD203 slows the shutter to enhance color.
Image Stabilization The DCR-DVD203 includes SteadyShot, an electronic stabilization feature.
Digital Effects> Effects on the DCR-DVD203 include Lumi.Key, which takes a still, removes the brightest portions, and overlays it on the video you’re shooting. Old Movie creates a sepia tone, slows down the shutter speed, and shoots in 16:9.
Picture Effects Included in picture effects on the DCR-DVD203 are sepia, Black & White, pastel, and mosaic.
Fader The DCR-DVD203’s options for fading include Fade to White, Fade to black, Overlap, and Wipe.
Comparisons
Sony DCR-DVD403
Differences between the DCR-DVD403 and the DCR-DVD203 include the DCR-DVD403’s superior 3.3 MP CCD, its T* lens, built-in surround sound microphone, and built-in flash.
Sony DCR-DVD301
The DCR-DVD301, with the same imager as the DCR-DVD203, should perform similarly. We’re not expecting DCR-DVD403 performance; that’s for sure. Actually, the DCR-DVD301 is basically the DCR-DVD201 with a bigger LCD screen. This means that the DCR-DVD301 lacks the revamped design of the DCR-DVD203, its widescreen LCD screen, availability of surround sound, DVD+RW compatibility, and 12x optical zoom (it has 10x). Yet it is available for about seventy dollars more than the DCR-DVD203, probably due to its 3.5” LCD screen.
Hitachi DZ-MV780
Hitachi had a great showing last year with DVD camcorders, but this year it’s getting harder and harder to believe that it’s going to give Sony’s DCR-DVD403 much competition. That said, the company’s DZ-MV780, the next best Hitachi to the DZ-GX20, is a comparable buy to the DCR-DVD203, and ships with a seemingly better imager (1.3 MP to the Sony’s 1.07 MP). We have yet to see if this guy will follow in the footsteps of last year’s models, but they shouldn’t have the ugly blue noise seen on this Sony. Downsides to the Hitachi include its lack of DVD-RW compatibility, its mediocre and solarizing LCD screen, and its shoddy feel.
Panasonic VDR-M53 (Specs, $402.85) and VDR-M75
For about a hundred dollars cheaper than the DCR-DVD203, Panasonic’s VDR-M53 is available. It offers a substantially reduced CCD with only 680K pixels, not upgraded from last year’s model. It also lacks the widescreen LCD that the Sony camcorder has, and is still marred by its lack of DVD-RW compatibility. Depending on where you shop, you might be able to acquire a VDR-M75, the next step up, for around the same price as the DCR-DVD203. This camcorder includes a better CCD than the DCR-DVD203 and an availability for card media, which is nice, though all other features—LCD, design, and sound—are pretty mediocre.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (6.0)
The DCR-DVD203 is definitely a point-and-shooter camcorder. Like most Sonys, it includes a relatively easy-to-learn interface, though not necessarily the most convenient for fiddling. There is also an easy mode available.
Budget Consumers (3.0)
While no DVD camcorders are geared towards the budget conscious, the DCR-DVD203, with its poor quality, isn’t even worth the splurge.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (5.0)
As the DCR-DVD203 lacks card media for capturing stills, it’s not the best still hybrid out there. However, as DVD discs hold many stills, you could do worse.
Gadget Freaks (6.0)
Aside from DVD recording ability, the options for surround sound and a widescreen LCD make this camcorder a decent one for gadget freaks.
Manual Control Freaks (3.0)
The DCR-DVD203 has little to no manual control.
Pros/ Serious Hobbyists (2.0)
I would not recommend this camcorder to a serious hobbyist, based on its performance and editing compatibilities.
Conclusion
With the same imager as the DCR-HC42, the DCR-DVD203 performs pretty poorly. I don’t know what it is about this chip that produces so much nasty blue noise. We came across the same problems in the Sony DCR-DVD201, DCR-DVD301, and DCR-HC42. Such mediocre performance really makes spending the extra money on the DCR-DVD403 worth it. If you lack the resources to make this jump, look into Panasonic and Hitachi DVD camcorders. You’ll find comparably priced machines with better video quality, at least if you’ve got enough light. It is hard to wish such bad video quality on anyone. While the Sony DCR-DVD203 feature some upgrades from their more modestly priced cams, in the end, most of these modifications are cosmetic rather than performance-enhancing.