Sony DCR-DVD205 Camcorder Reviewby Matt CullerPublished on Aug 17, 2006 5:00 AM
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Comparison
Sony DCR-DVD203
The Sony DCR-DVD203 is the camcorder that the DCR-DVD205 (Review, Specs, $384.99) replaces. These two guys are very, very similar. We see similar video and low light performance from both, due to the fact that their CCD chips are the same. Similarly, both capture still images at the same resolution and can only capture them to DVD-disc. In fact, the only real differences between the two is negligible. The DCR-DVD205 has a slightly more compact body, ships with the Nero 6 Express software, and increases the digital zoom from 480x to 800x. Digital zoom doesn’t really matter, and the Nero addition is easily solved by buying a relatively inexpensive full version. Then all you’ve got is a smaller body. What about a smaller price tag?
Sony DCR-DVD305
For around a hundred dollars more, you can get the DCR-DVD305. This camcorder includes the same imager as the DCR-DVD205, so don’t expect different video performance. Similar still resolutions and features are available, except that the DCR-DVD305 records stills to memory stick as well as DVD disc. The DCR-DVD305 also includes the ability to record in surround sound and an audio/video input/output port, rather than just output. It also ships with a small external mic that connects to the active accessory shoe. All those new options at only a $100 more make for a pretty compelling case. If you only need to shoot video and you can skip the bells and whistles, the DVD205 is the better buy.
Panasonic VDR-D200
Right off the bat, the VDR-D200 features more manual control than the DCR-DVD203, but the DCR-DVD205 does have a bigger imager, so expect better or equal video performance. The Panasonic does pack an impressive 30x optical zoom, S-Video (output only), Microphone, and USB ports. Its still resolution is poor, but it does record onto a card. If ease of use is your chief concern, the Sony is a better choice. If manual control is your bag, go with the Panasonic.
Canon DC10
Canon finally entered the DVD camcorder market last fall, and their entry camcorder is an impressive package. Good video performance out of this model, especially in bright light. In low light, the picture was noisy but colors remained decent. Also, such a big chip makes nice still resolutions available, as well as still recording to an SD card. The Canon does include a USB port and Aperture and Shutter Priority modes. One big advantage of the Sony DVD205, though, is the camcorder’s widescreen LCD screen, a characteristic that none of the above camcorders share.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (5.5)
This camera is definitely for point-and-shooters. However, I don’t know whether I would recommend the DCR-DVD205 for its widescreen LCD screen or the DCR-DVD105 (Review, Specs, $399.95) for its price and zoom. Certainly both camcorders are auto-centric, which makes point-and-shooter life easy.
Budget Consumers (4.5)
While the DCR-DVD105 is cheaper than the DCR-DVD205, I think, zoom aside, the DCR-DVD205 is a better camcorder for your money, as you get a larger imager and a widescreen LCD screen. If you’re really on a budget, I think that the Panasonic DVD camcorders sell for less; however, the really budget conscious should look to MiniDV camcorder for savings.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (2.0)
This is not the camcorder to buy for its still capabilities. First off, it shoots directly to disc and nothing else; second, its resolution isn’t that great. It seems that the best DVD camcorders for this sort of thing, at the moment, are Canon’s. They provide the highest resolution and dedicated media for stills.
Gadget Freaks (1.5)
While most DVD camcorders are considered a good purchase for the gadget freak, I think even that label has been wearing off as of late. Sony’s special Spot Meter and Spot Focus stuff is getting out of the gimmick range as well. The only really gimmicky thing on Sony’s line this year is the new surround sound capability, available now on the DCR-DVD305, its the cheapest yet. If I had to pick a gimmick Sony, it’d be that one.
Manual Control Freaks (2.0)
We cannot really recommend a Sony DVD camcorder for the manual control freak. Better to look at Panasonic’s models for something remotely resembling manual control on a DVD camcorder.
Pros/ Serious Hobbyists (2.0)
There is no way I can recommend this to the serious hobbyist. Even those looking for a backup camcorder will need MiniDV for its editing capabilities.
Conclusion
The DCR-DVD205 occupies a kind of middle ground in the lower-end Sony DVD lineup this year. It sits in between the DCR-DVD105, Sony’s cheapest DVD model, and the DCR-DVD305, the model occupying the threshold between the higher level DVD camcorders and the lower. The DVD205’s improvements from last year’s DCR-DVD203 are not overwhelming – slightly better video and low light performance. The still performance increased dramatically, but in the grand scale of things, only bumped up from deplorable to terrible.
That said, the DCR-DVD205 could be the best deal within Sony’s lineup this year, if shooting video is your only concern. The camcorder features the same imager and still resolutions as the DCR-DVD305. The only things separating the two are dedicated card media (which you may not need if you already have digital camera), additional ports, (which you also may not need), and the ability to record in surround sound, a rather useless gimmick, we contend.
Simple, affordable, and convenient. It was Sony’s plan all along, and they pulled it off. Ladies and gentleman, the DVD205.
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