Sony DCR-DVD305 Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Aug 31, 2006 10:00 AM

 
Intro Performance
Format Tour
Auto / Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use Audio / Playback / Connectivity
Other Features
 Comparisons / Conclusion
Specs/Ratings


Widescreen/16:9 Mode (5.5)
The DCR-DVD305 features a widescreen mode, which can be selected via the button under the 16:9 aspect ratio LCD screen. The widescreen mode on this camcorder falls between crop and zoom and true widescreen, and adds some horizontal width to the video image.

Scan Rates/24p (0.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD305 records video at the standard 60i, and does not offer any alternate scan rates such as 24p.

Other Features (4.5)
Self-Timer - This feature provides up to a ten second delay recording begins; it can be engaged via the camcorder’s touch screen menu, or used with Start/Stop on the remote control.

Color Slow Shutter - Color Slow Shutter is Sony’s spin on slow shutter mode. This option will slow the camcorder’s shutter speed based on available light, and may result in a blurred image and impaired auto focus. Unlike the NightShot mode, Color Slow Shutter retains color detail.

NightShot Plus – NightShot Plus is Sony’s standard night shooting mode and can be turned on via the on/off switch on top of the camcorder body. It produces a greenish image reminiscent of military night vision footage.

Super NightShot Plus – The user’s guide to the DCR-DVD305 reports that Super NightShot Plus enables you to capture an image at 16 x the sensitivity of normal NightShot mode.

NS Light – The NS Light is an infrared lamp on the front of the camcorder body. This lamp is set to on by default, and adds illumination to images recorded in extremely low lighting situations. SteadyShot - This is Sony’s EIS (electronic image stabilization) system, and helps to minimize the effects of camcorder shake, especially during hand-held operation. EIS systems are effective, but inferior to OIS (optical image stabilization) systems found on a handful of higher-end camcorders like the Panasonic PV-GS500.

Fader – the built-in fader allows you to add fade-ins and fade-outs to your footage in the camcorder.

Digital Effect - This DCR-DVD305 includes a number of digital effects, which like fader, can be added to footage in-camcorder. The digital effects on this camcorder include Lumikey and Old Movie. Lumikey is a  keying feature that will key out the brightest parts of the image allowing you to superimpose the darker portions over another clip. Old Movie gives your footage the look of old-fashioned film.

Picture Effect - The DCR-DVD305 offers several picture effects including Sepia, Black and White, Pastel, and Mosaic.






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