Sony DCR-DVD305 Camcorder Review

Comparison
Sony DCR-DVD205

Sony DCR-DVD405
The step-up Sony DCR-DVD405 is a more capable and significantly redesigned camcorder, but you’ll pay for its extra features – to the tune of $799 MSRP. In our opinion, the extra moolah is worth it since you get a significantly larger imager at 1/3” with 3048K effective pixels in 4:3 and 2286K effective pixels in 16:9 vs. a mere 690K/670K effective pixels for the DCR-DVD305. The resolution boost is also reflected in still mode, making the DCR-DVD405 a better hybrid camcorder. There are also a few other differences between the two camcorders worth noting: The DVD405 adds a video light/flash, has a filter diameter of 30mm vs. 25mm, a modestly lower optical zoom rating of 10x vs. 12x, and a significantly lower digital zoom of 120x vs. 800x – but that is to be expected from a more serious camcorder.

Panasonic VDR-D200
Comparing the Sony DCR-DVD305 and Panasonic VDR-D200 is like comparing apples and oranges. The two manufacturers approach their consumer camcorder design very differently with Sony’s focus on ease of use, and Panasonic’s on user control. The VDR-D200 features significantly more manual controls but the DCR-DVD305, does have a bigger imager giving it the potential for better low light performance and higher resolution. The Panasonic adds a much stronger 30x optical zoom, S-Video (output only), and a Microphone port which is a huge plus in our book. When it comes to still resolution, the Sony does better, though neither camcorder is a stellar hybrid. If ease of use is your chief concern, the Sony is a better choice but the Panasonic is a better camcorder overall with excellent manual controls and a microphone input for only $599 MSRP.

JVC GZ-MG77
The JVC GZ-MG77 is not a DVD camcorder, but it does use the same MPEG-2 encoding method found in DVD camcorders. This JVC is an HDD camcorder, and its specs are impressive with a larger imager at 1/3.9” than the Sony, and a joystick that makes navigation through its menu easy and quick. Its also boasts better still resolution, at 1632x1224, but for a camcorder of its cost ($900) it showed poor video performance. And then there’s the added hassle – or convenience – of HDD media. Unlike the Sony DCR-DVD305, you need to take the extra step of burning footage to disc with the JVC. The GZ-MG77 is in many ways a more interesting camcorder, but its added expense and disappointing video quality may make the Sony a better value.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (5.5)
Point-and-shooters are Sony’ people, and this camcorder is made for them. It’s easy to use, performs solidly in Easy Mode, and it’s a pleasure to handle. If you want a DVD camcorder, and are looking for features like a USB port and memory card support, the DCR-DVD305 might be just the thing.

Budget Consumers (4.5)
If you’re looking for a DVD camcorder, and you’re on a budget, this camcorder is more than you’ll need. In the Sony realm, the DCR-DVD205 retails for $100 less with little compromise in terms of video performance, and the DCR-DVD105 drops another $50.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (2.0)
Well, this camcorder is not a terrible hybrid camcorder, but the JVC GZ-MG77 might be a better bet if you’re willing to look at an HDD cam. It’s stills are quite good, and come in at a higher resolution than the DCR-DVD305. The DCR-DVD405 is another credble option, though it is a good deal pricier than the DCR-DVD305 with an MSRP of around $800.

Gadget Freaks (1.5)
Other than the (in our opinion) gimmicky ECM-L100 surround sound mic, this camorder offers the true gadget freak little of interest. The JVC GZ-MG77 is a cooler camcorder that does a whole lot – even if its video performance is lacking.

Manual Control Freaks (2.0)
Manual control freaks will only be frustrated by this (and most) Sony consumer camcorders. Check out Panasonic, JVC, Samsung…anyone but Sony for better manual control features.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists (2.0)
This camcorder is pretty much the antithesis of a pro camorder. Thin on manual controls, relatively poor video, no external mic jack… This is a camcorder for soccer moms and dads, period.

Conclusion
The DCR-DVD305 ($700 MSRP) is the middle of the line DVD camcorder from Sony. That position might suffice in MiniDV camcorders, but DVD camcorders produce (for the time being) a lower image quality than MiniDV. Whereas a mid-line Sony or Canon MiniDV has what we can rightfully call “satisfactory” performance, DVD camcorders tend not to impress until they approach the $900 - $1000 mark.

Oh sure, they’re more convenient, but the tradeoffs are sometimes steep. The DCR-DVD305 is not a bum camcorder. It’s just that $700 is a fair chunk of change, which could buy you a whole lot more in MiniDV. We don’t like towing this pro-MiniDV line in every DVD camcorder review, but we place performance first, and so will your viewing audience.

If DVD is your preferred medium, be sure to give the DCR-DVD405 review a hard read. It may cost a little more, but the performance is far superior. Despite the add-ons like the external mic and MemoryStick slot, the DCR-DVD305 is just not exciting enough for us to warrant a recommendation.