Sony DCR-DVD205 Camcorder Reviewby Matt CullerPublished on Aug 17, 2006 5:00 AM
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Audio (2.5)
The DCR-DVD205 (Review, Specs, $384.99) lacks a microphone input jack. This is something that Panasonic has been really good about including on their models this year. For Sony’s lower-end DVD camcorders like the DCR-DVD205 and the DCR-DVD105 (Review, Specs, $399.95), the only way to capture audio is through the built-in stereo microphone on the camcorder’s lower front. Audio is compressed according to Dolby Digital two channel standards. The Sony DCR-DVD305 (Review, Specs, $498) and above include the ability to record Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, though you have to purchase an optional microphone accessory to hook up to the camcorder’s accessory shoe. If you’re looking to do some manual audio dubbing or something, look at the Panasonic DVD camcorders. If, however, you’re just the average point-and-shooter, stick with Sony’s built-in microphone; it’s not that bad. If you do opt for the DCR-DVD305 though, the audio/video output port on the lower models will be upgraded to an input/output port. Jeepers.
VCR Mode (9.0)
Play/Edit mode, available on the DCR-DVD205, allows you to review your captured footage and stills and essentially peruse the contents of your unfinalized DVD disc. This is basically a VCR mode. To access this mode, press the Play/Edit button along the top of the LCD screen or the small touch screen button located on the bottom left of the LCD screen display.
This is a cool mode, yet gimmicky. Sony has upped the ante and spruced up the graphics. Moving thumbnails and little file cabinet graphics which frame data will wow viewers, I wish the captured video were as snazzy.
Users can also use the camcorder’s Audio/Video output port and supplied RCA cables to run the on-camcorder display directly to their television set.
Ports (5.0)
The DCR-DVD205 features the same ports as the DCR-DVD105, the cheaper model down. The only port besides the battery and the DC input ports is the camcorder’s audio/video output port, located on the DVD205’s right side. Panasonic certainly got the upper hand in the low-end DVD camcorder port battle this year, including microphone inputs and/or S-Video ports on many of their camcorders, which surpasses both Sony and Canon. Both Panasonic and Canon include dedicated still media ports as well, something that Sony does not do until the DCR-DVD305.
The camcorder’s battery and DC input ports are both located on its back, a placement which keeps all of the power supply ports together. The battery port is conveniently built to accommodate larger batteries if need be.
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