Sony DCR-DVD205 Camcorder Review

The end of the lens barrel dominates the DVD205’s front. Below this is the camcorder’s infrared sensor, followed by its stereo microphone. As with the DCR-DVD105, the DCR-DVD205 is slightly smaller and more slender than last year’s DCR-DVD203 (Review, Specs, $587.65), the model which it replaces. This becomes evident on the front, where the lens barrel is comparatively minimized.

The Right Side (7.0)
On the right side of the DCR-DVD205, the camcorder’s DVD mechanism drive, slightly smaller than last year, dominates the space. A relatively small port cover protrudes to the left of the DVD mechanism, making a slightly ugly addition to an otherwise good-looking side. However, as awkward as it seems, this port cover doesn’t really obstruct anything in handheld use, as it occupies the crook in the user’s index finger. The cover conceals the camcorder’s Audio/Video output port; unfortunately you’ll have to buy a DCR-DVD305 (Review, Specs, $498) to get any more ports than this (including a simple USB port). Along the bottom section of the camcorder’s right side is Sony’s standard strap, which is comfortable, if a bit big (bigger than Panasonic straps).

The Back (5.5)
The back of the DCR-DVD205 includes the battery port, smartly placed to allow for extended battery sizes without disrupting the camcorder’s balance during handheld use. Also close by is the DC input port. To the immediate right of the camcorder’s DC port is the primary record button—though, the record button on the LCD screen margin (called here the secondary record button) is placed for more dominance.

Above all of these controls, on the top right of the DCR-DVD205’s back side, is the camcorder’s mode selector switch, which was moved up from its placement on last year’s DCR-DVD203. This new placement, which also appears on the DVD105 and DVD305, works out well for Sony. A color viewfinder is close by, to the left.

The Left Side (6.0)
A large, 2.7” widescreen LCD display on the DVD205’s left side is one of the biggest upgrades from the DVD105, which has a 2.5” non-widescreen display. The DCR-DVD205 is the cheapest Sony DVD camcorder this year to offer a widescreen LCD. Underneath the DCR-DVD205’s LCD screen are three buttons, one of which, the wide select button, switches to widescreen view. Other buttons select display options for the screen and show the battery info (remaining life, etc.), as well as accessing the camcorder’s Easy mode, an essential function on any Sony.

Two secondary buttons on the LCD margin itself—this time below the screen—stop or start recording and control zoom. Buttons to activate the LCD screen’s back light and to access the camcorder’s Play/Edit mode exist above the LCD panel.

The Top (6.0)
The top of the DCR-DVD205 is relatively unpopulated, though it does feature the camcorder’s excellent zoom toggle. This area has also undergone some change since last year, as the upper edge of the DVD mechanism is now flatter and less noticeable, which streamlines the general design . The switch to open the DVD mechanism is located on this upper edge, so you can easily change discs without navigating through the touch screen menu system.

Further back on the camcorder’s top are the zoom toggle, photo button, and mode selector device. These controls are close together and are meant to be accessed with the user’s index finger. My only reservation, which I frequently have about Sony’s recent camcorders, is that it would be better to see the zoom toggle more in line with my index finger. Maybe it's because I have pudgy hands; damn the Swiss and their cake rolls.