Sony DCR-DVD403 Camcorder Review

by Matt Culler
Published on May 5, 2005 12:00 PM



At an MSRP of one grand, Sony’s most advanced DVD camcorder to date, the DCR-DVD403 is a killer camcorder providing amazing quality and amazing stills. The DCR-DVD403 might be the first DVD camcorder which competes with MiniDV models in performance that we've seen. Surprisingly, the camcorder produces tremendous video for a cheap price-- compared to last year’s Sony DVD camcorders, that is. If you want convenience and great video quality without the hassle of fiddling with lots of controls, read on.

 

Video Performance (7.75)
Sony’s most advanced DVD camcorder imager and feature-wise this year is their DCR-DVD403. It is pretty much a brand-new DVD camcorder in that it features a completely new design and imager. The imager is a large 1/3” CCD with 3.31 MP (2.048 MP effective for video and 3.048 effective for still images). With these specs the DCR-DVD403 is by far the most advanced DVD camcorder ever, and it shows. Video on this camcorder neatly surpasses any DVD camcorder we’ve tested thus far, and will, most likely, continue to hold this distinction for the rest of the year. In fact, the DCR-DVD403 holds its own valiantly against some of Panasonic’s 3 CCD camcorders, not really in crispness, but definitely in color. We specifically looked at the DCR-DVD403 against Panasonic's PV-GS400, which is priced at about the same point as the DCR-DVD403.

There are definite differences in color between the DCR-DVD403 and some of Panasonic’s 3 CCD camcorders,. For instance, the PV-GS400 shows a much greener spectrum overall while the DCR-DVD403 leans towards the reddish-orange end of the spectrum. The PV-GS400's colors are much more muted, while the DCR-DVD403's colors are extremely saturated, even a bit over-saturated for our tastes. While the colors look vibrant and beautiful, there is so much saturation that they look a bit unnatural, which is why it didn't receive as high of a score as the PV-GS400. The video shot with this camcorder should look very good because the colors are well defined and accurate, but be wary of a generally over-saturated image across all colors.

The other downside to the DCR-DVD403 is that the image is not as crisp as we see in Panasonic's PV-GS400 or as it is in a lot of other MiniDV camcorders. This is likely an artifact of the heavy compression which the image goes under. Mind you, the compression and lack of crispness isn't drastic, and it's unquestionably better than any other DVD camcorder we've seen - but it's still not on par with the $1,000 MiniDV camcorders out there.

It should be mentioned that when compared to MiniDV camcorder test results, while the DCR-DVD403's footage may look better color-wise, it uses MPEG2 compression, decidedly worse than MiniDV compression methods. What this means is that while the video compared in these stills may look close to video of higher end MiniDV camcorders, the heavy amount of compression that the image goes through means that the MiniDV camcorders will win in image quality when you're comparing a few seconds of video pulled off the tape to a few seconds of video pulled off the DVD. Our video performance test image that you see here doesn't really represent the effects of heavy compression which DVD video does to the image. The bottom line though of the video performance on the DCR-DVD403 is that the image coming in through the lens, and onto the sensor is truly excellent, it only gets degraded when it gets compressed down for DVD, and that comes with the territory on any DVD camcorder.

Video Resolution (8.8)
A camcorder’s precise resolution is calibrated in Imatest Imaging Software with stills taken from video footage of a standard resolution chart in both 4:3 mode and 16:9 mode. In 4:3 mode, the Sony DCR-DVD403 provides us with approximately 303.9 lines of horizontal resolution and 291.3 lines of vertical resolution, generating a real resolution of 88,526.07. In 16:9 mode the camcorder gave us 314 lines of horizontal resolution with 275.9 lines of vertical resolution, yielding a real resolution of 86,632.6.

The Front (6.5)
The Sony DCR-DVD403 features a completely new design which looks a lot like a phaser from Star Trek. This effect is primarily achieved through the presence of a huge and bulbous lens barrel, complete with the slightest outward bulge in the middle. This lens barrel reaches its pinnacle at the camcorder’s front with a circle of silver, hugged by the camcorder’s built-in flash. Below this is a small port cover which covers the camcorder’s A/V input/output.

The Right Side (7.0)
The right side of the DCR-DVD403 features the camcorder’s DVD mechanism, upon which the user’s hand rests during recording. To the lower left of this mechanism is a small rubber port cover which reveals the camcorder’s LANC jack. LANC jacks have been included on many lower-end Sony camcorders, both DVD and MiniDV, over the past few years, and they allow the user to remotely control not only recording by also zoom and other features. It’s handy, in other words. Above this port cover is the camcorder’s mode dial with which the user can switch between on, off, and playback modes. Sorry--there is no card mode, as there is no card on Sony DVD camcorders, memory stick or otherwise. Running along the bottom edge of this side is the camcorder’s strap, a faux-suede job common on Sony camcorders in general. Further above this dial is another port cover which reveals the camcorder’s DC input port.

The Back (5.5)
The back of the DCR-DVD403 features the camcorder’s battery slot, and let me assure you that the battery is large and sticks out the of the back like a sore thumb. This may be problematic if you plan on using the viewfinder (and/or have a big nose). Granted its going to be kinda hard to resist popping open the DCR-DVD403’s Widescreen LCD screen, so maybe the battery/viewfinder problem isn’t so bad. Also on the back of the camcorder, in its normal spot, is the primary record button.

The Left Side (8.0)
The left side of the DCR-DVD403 is the camcorder’s main visualization center, featuring its widescreen LCD screen. As the camcorder has, like most Sonys, a touch screen menu system (an upgrade on all DVD camcorders this year). There aren’t too many buttons located around or under the LCD screen. Above are two relatively unimportant ones (very small this year): Backlight and Easy, the latter of which lights blue when selected. Under the screen are buttons for wide select, which is unfortunately moved from the LCD margin on some Sonys to under the screen on this model, and Display/Battery Info. Next to them is the camcorder’s USB port. On the LCD’s margin for easier access are three buttons, two which control the zoom and a secondary record function.

The Top (7.75)
The top of the Sony DCR-DVD403 is perhaps its most interesting side, featuring the camcorder’s special built-in surround sound microphone. This features rests towards the front of the side, and immediately behind it is a strangely-shaped port cover which reveals Sony’s newer and slimmer intelligent accessory shoe. Also on the top is the open switch to access the DVD mechanism in order to change discs, etc. Toward the back of the top of the DCR-DVD403 is a zoom toggle and photo button in their traditional places. There is also a NightShot on/off switch.


Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (9.5)
Automatic controls on this camcorder are great, as they usually are with Sonys. Automatic settings exist for Focus, Exposure, and White balance, with several Program AE (Auto Exposure) presets to fix your shutter speed and iris values to how the on-board computer perceives certain environments. These include: Portrait, Sports, Spotlight, Beach & Ski, Sunset&Moon, and Landscape. There is also an auto function of the Program AE options, which is the default. There is also an Auto Slow Shutter function which adjusts the shutter when recording in bright environments automatically; its default is on.

As far as adjustment speed goes, these automatic options have some of the best adjustment times in the industry. They are not only quick and accurate but subtle when necessary (like with white balance) and really designed for the consumer. These were meant to be used over the camcorder’s exceedingly mediocre manual controls.

Sony’s Spot Metering and Spot Focusing Options are available on the DCR-DVD403. These are cool options though perhaps not as new and innovative as they were a couple years ago. Using each of these features, the user can touch any spot on the LCD screen, and exposure or focus will adjust accordingly.

Overall Manual Control (3.0)
It’s taking Sony a long time to learn that manual controls are wanted on many MiniDV camcorders, and while the company seems to feel the same way about DVD camcorders, in a way, their obstinacy in this latter instance has a point: DVD camcorders were designed and are produced for the convenience-seeking consumer above all else. While there are manual options for focus, exposure, and white balance, there are still no independent adjustments for shutter speed and iris, and really, of the manual controls available, the only one convenient enough to use regularly is white balance. Both focus and exposure require that the user tap furiously on the LCD screen to adjust.

Zoom (8.0)
Though small, the zoom control on this camcorder is surprisingly fluid and extremely easy to use. These same toggles were featured on some of Sony’s lower-end MiniDV camcorder this year, and the result was similarly good. Varying speed zooms are available and relatively easy to execute with such a small toggle.

Focus (4.0)
While the touch screen manual focus of this year’s Sony DVD camcorder is perhaps better than the beneath-the-LCD-screen-button focus method of last year’s Sony DVD camcorders, it is still pretty much useless (i.e. it’s too cumbersome to use accurately, let alone efficiently and speedily). The user must enter the touch screen menu system, dig around a bit, and then tap the screen multiple times to adjust focus.

Exposure (Aperture) (4.0)
The same cumbersome elements that hinder focus adjustment on the DCR-DVD403 also mar exposure adjustment on the camcorder. The user must fervently tap the LCD screen, and on top of this, instead of independent iris or shutter adjustment, exposure is lumped into one discreet value, with no indicators for any numerical rates or measures during on-camcorder visualization. When will Sony learn?

Shutter Speed (0.0)
There are no manual shutter speed controls on the DCR-DVD403. Unfortunately, even a DVD camcorder costing over a grand still lacks this feature. It’s one thing to play off the camcorder’s lack of manual controls to the fact that its audience is primarily convenience-hungry consumers, but it’s quite another to not offer this feature on such an expensive camcorder.

White Balance (7.5)
Probably the most useful manual control on the DCR-DVD403, white balance still requires the user to wander around in the camcorder’s touch screen menu, resulting in bumps and jerks in the recorded image. Granted most white balance adjustment should be made before shooting starts, but, it would still be nice to have another method. Several white balance options exist: auto, one push (manual set), indoor, and outdoor. Indoor and Outdoor options are similar to the Program AE presets mentioned in the Automatic control section in that they place limits on the range in which the automatic white balance can perform.

Gain (0.0)
There is no manual gain control on the DCR-DVD403. Clearly.

Other Manual Control (0.0)
There are no other manual controls on the DCR-DVD403.

Ease of Use(8.0)
Ease of use on a Sony is generally good as Sony offers a nice easy mode which greatly limits the user’s options, while at the same time enabling the camcorder’s wonderful automatic controls. This easy mode feature is only available in video recording mode, and reduces the menu to Clock Set, Language, Finalize, Beep, and Format, all pretty much administrative options. Picture quality is controlled by the camcorder. Other good things about this camcorder’s ease of use include its wonderful zoom toggle and decent handling feel. The only big detractor here is the fact that the camcorder packs nearly every adjuster or control in a touch screen menu system, which makes them hard to get to.

Still Features (7.0)
The still features on the DCR-DVD403 is pretty good, perhaps only for the simple reason that these DVD discs can hold so many images. That said, none of the Sony DVD camcorders have any other form of still media; Panasonic and Hitachi DVD camcorders have SD/MM card media as well.

The DCR-DVD403 captures stills at 2016 x 1512 and 640 x 480. While no widescreen stills are available, these specs are still better than the specs on every other Sony DVD camcorder and most MiniDV camcorders on the market. The DCR-DVD403 features the exposure bracketing as well as normal burst modes. In normal burst mode, stills are taken quickly in succession, while in exposure bracketing mode, a photo is flanked by two other photos, each at a slightly higher or lower exposure level.

Stills are taken at Fine and Standard qualities. The minimum amount of stills that can be captured with the DCR-DVD403 is 810 (2016 x 1512 stills, DVD-R disc at Fine Quality). Getting better discs and shooting standard quality 640 x 480 photos can give you as many as 8600.

I almost forgot about the built-in flash. This little guy is located to the left of the lens barrel’s termination. Flash status can be toggled using the small flash button located on the top of the camcorder. Options of on, off, and auto can be toggled through. Also, within the menu system the flash level can be set either to high, normal, or low, and a red-eye reduction function can be selected. This is only available in camera mode.

In total when in comes to features, the DCR-DVD403 is really a still camcorder winner, this camcorder gives you a lot of options and all the features we would expect on a good camera / camcorder hybrid.

Still Performance (9.0)
Still performance on the DCR-DVD403 is excellent. Its colors are brilliant, deep, and rich, even compared to some 3 chip camcorders, including Panasonics and Sony’s own DCR-PC1000. In fact, the DCR-DVD403’s brilliant gray scale is much more brilliant than the DCR-PC1000’s - a camcorder we recently reviewed and fell in love with the still performance of. And, furthermore, there isn’t much of a difference between the spectra of the PV-GS250 and the DCR-DVD403 aside from the Panasonic’s superior crispness. Let the charts speak for themselves.

Still Resolution (9.12)
In 4:3 mode, this model produced 912,756.5 pixels (0.912 MP), at its best. The .912 megapixel number is actually pretty good for a camcorder. Though the camcorder was supposed to produce 3.0 Megapixel stills, we find that that projection is rarely the case. By comparison Sony's DCR-PC1000 scored a 7.2, and the 9.12 out of the DCR-DVD403 is the highest score we've ever seen. The DCR-DVD403's stills are excellent, likely the best on the market, good job Sony!

Low-Light Performance (5.5)
The DCR-DVD403 really shines in low light, and quite unexpectedly. Throughout the last year, DVD camcorders have had horrible low light. In fact, they have had horrible everything, seemingly sacrificing manual control, low light performance, and compatibility conveniences for the gimmicky luxury of recording straight to DVD. Not so with this camcorder. Sony even reduces the price, relative to last year’s models, and offers low light and bright light video performance that is so surprisingly fantastic that I can’t believe I’m writing to recommend it--on a DVD camcorder no less. For the naysayer, take a quick look at the DCR-DVD403’s performance stills compared to some of Panasonic’s 3 CCD camcorders, even the PV-GS400, and you’ll see the difference.

At 60 lux, the image is uncannily bright, which provides a good forum for color to really stand out with vibrancy. While colors are surprisingly vibrant and eye-poppingly rich, they aren’t quite as crisp as their quality suggests. There is a bit of blurring evident, and this might cover up some apparent noise, though to Sony’s credit, there doesn’t seem to be much of that in the first place.

At 15 lux, things are even more surprising. While the image seems more conventional as far as overall darkness goes, colors remain fierce and deep, very much comparable to the PV-GS400’s colors. Furthermore, there isn’t much noise, which is a great improvement over last year’s Sony’s. While the image becomes a bit muddy, especially compared to Panasonic’s three consumer 3 CCD camcorders, it is very, very usable.

Zoom Power/Ratio (10.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD403 has a 10x optical zoom; kinda disappointing for such an expensive beast. It also has a 120x digital zoom, though this should not be used as it is a digital enlargement, and reduces image quality.

Wide Angle (8.4)
The Sony DCR-DVD403 has a field of vision of 42 degrees in standard 4:3 mode, and one of 46 degrees in widescreen mode.

4:3 LCD aspect

Wide Select LCD Aspect

VCR Mode (9.0)
One of the biggest upgrades this year for Sony DVD camcorders and really for DVD camcorders in general is the Sony line’s ability to record to not only DVD-R and DVD-RW, but also to DVD+RW. This is certainly a big step forward compatibility-wise, as Panasonic’s and Hitachi’s caseless DVD-RAM compatibility, allowing consumers to record directly to a DVD-RAM disc without a case around it, is more of a small step. While the DVD+ formats offer some benefits in writing speed, the real difference between Sony and Panasonic/Hitachi DVD camcorders is the compatibility with conventional DVD players. While DVD-R/RW/+R/+RW formats are playable (after on-camcorder finalization) on conventional DVD players, DVD-RAM formats are not. Furthermore, considering that DVD-R formats can only be recorded over once, the only economical media for Panasonic and Hitachi DVD camcorders are DVD-RAM discs, and if those can’t play in conventional players, a lot of convenience-hungry consumers out there are going to be upset.

LCD/ Viewfinder (9.0)
One of the most prominent redesigned features of Sony’s DVD line this year is the widescreen LCD featured on the DCR-DVD403. This guy has about 123.2K pixels in its display, and can be toggled between both 4:3 and Widescreen modes.

The camcorder’s viewfinder, a color device, is of a 4:3 aspect.

Audio (4.0)
The DCR-DVD403 has a built-in surround sound microphone. Along with this capability comes a couple other audio options. Micref Level is used to select the microphone signal level. Options include low and normal. Low is used in loud environments with high dynamics while normal should be used for all else, including conversation.

When recording in surround mode (4 Channel), another cool feature is the Surround Sound Monitor (or Sur Monitor), which displays (on the LCD screen) small speaker icons with green meters to indicate the direction from which the sound is coming.

Also, an additional microphone can be attached to the intelligent accessory shoe on the top of the camcorder. However, Sony has made the foolish mistake of not including a microphone in jack on the DCR-DVD403 which really limits your audio recording options. On top of that the accessory shoe is a proprietary one which only Sony products can be attached to, so from an audio perspective, the DCR-DVD403 is terrible, it's one of it's weakest points.

Handling (7.0)
The DCR-DVD403 handles okay. It feels nice in the palm, isn’t too heavy, and the zoom toggle is in a great location—right under your index finger. However, the microphone is definitely in the way of the lower fingers of a large hand. The static rub of a wayward pinky is a perfect way to wear down the luxury of built-in surround sound.

I do think that a widescreen LCD screen in itself is a plus for handling. Even though it’s really a cosmetic advancement, the widescreen LCD allows users a truer method of on-camcorder visualization.

One of biggest handling complaints concerns the camcorder’s battery. It is a big job that sticks way out. This pretty much renders the viewfinder useless. While this isn’t a big deal as the LCD is pretty sweet and will most likely be used over the viewfinder, it is a shame. On a higher note, the viewfinder does look kinda silly at full extension, considering the camcorder’s curvilinear design.

Portability (6.0)
The DCR-DVD403 is a relatively portable DVD camcorder. It is very portable compared to last year’s Panasonic and Hitachi DVD camcorders, but compared to many Sony DVD camcorders, it’s not that small. Indeed, the lens barrel widens slightly at the end, which makes it a lot thicker on the top than on the bottom.

Battery Life (11.4)
The DCR-DVD403 ships with a NP-FP70, which is a pretty big battery. With the LCD open and no zoom usage, the DCR-DVD403 records for a little under two hours, clocking in at 1 hr., 54 min., and 20 sec.

Compression (5.0)
The DCR-DVD403 uses MPEG2 video compression with JPEG still images. Audio is Dolby Digital 5.1. MiniDV tape provides a better compression alternative. The increased compression on the DCR-DVD403 (and any DVD camcorder for that matter) is why it isn't ever going to beat out a higher end MiniDV camcorder like the Panasonic PV-GS400 or the Sony DCR-PC1000 or DCR-PC350 when it comes to overall video performance. There is significantly less data on a DVD disc than there is in a MiniDV tape - less information means less quality.

Media (6.0)
The DCR-DVD403 records to DVD-R and DVD+/-RW discs. There is no card media. A standard mini DVD records about 75 minutes of low-quality or 18 minutes of high-quality compressed encoded video.

Editing (3.0)
Editing on DVD camcorders and with DVD media is difficult, and the user gains much more editing compatibility by using MiniDV tape. The DVD formats can usually be rudimentarily edited using the on-camcorder options or the supplied software, but all in all these options are jokes compared to the versatility that MiniDV gives you.

Widescreen/16:9 Mode (8.0)
The DCR-DVD403 not only has a widescreen LCD screen but also a widescreen mode that can be easily engaged by using the small button under the LCD screen. While some camcorders in Sony’s MiniDV line this year feature this button on the actual LCD margin (called Wide Select), here it is under the LCD screen. The widescreen mode is not available when in still capture mode. As video is saved on DVD disc, there is no need to squeeze widescreen footage onto a 4:3 tape aspect.

4:3 Standard Aspect

16:9 Image squeezed into a 4:3 frame

Scan Rates/24P (0.0)
The DCR-DVD403 offers no alternate scan rates, 24P effects, or anything like that.

Ports (8.0)
The DCR-DVD403 has a number of ports. Located on the front of the camcorder, under a small port cover, is the machine’s A/V input/output. Its DC input is located on the right side at the upper left, with a LANC (remote) jack on the lower left. There is a USB port located under the LCD screen.

Other Features (5.0)
Super Night Shot Super Night Shot is available through the menu system, once the initial Night Shot has been switched on from the top of the camcorder. Super Night Shot is a 16x intensity boost of the original Night Shot.

NS Light Also available in the camcorder’s menu system, the NS Light emits infrared light on the subject when in either Night Shot or Super Night Shot modes.

Color Slow Shutter Meant as an alternative to the two infrared night modes mentioned above, Color Slow Shutter mode dramatically reduces the shutter speed to allow more light into the camcorder. The result is a bright image (obviously), but with the trailing and jittery effects that slow shutter speeds can have.

SteadyShot Available in menu system, SteadyShot, Sony’s electronic image stabilization feature, is available on the DCR-DVD403.

Digital Effects A number of digital effects are available, including Lumi. Key, which can replace the brightest portion of an image with subsequently recorded video, and Old Movie, which puts a number of variations on the image including sepia tone, reduced shutter speed, and varying focus effects.

Picture Effects A number of picture effects are available on the DCR-DVD403, including sepia tone, black and white, pastel, and mosaic effects.

Fader A number of fades and wipes can be added during recording. They include Fade to white, Fade to black, Overlap (basically a dissolve transition), and a Wipe.


Comparisons
Sony DCR-DVD203
The DCR-DVD203 features the same imager as the DCR-DVD301, one inferior to that of the DCR-DVD403. Based on such information we can assume that the DCR-DVD203 will have inferior video performance to the DCR-DVD403. It does have a widescreen LCD screen, a 12x optical zoom, and all the compatibility of the DCR-DVD403. While the DCR-DVD203 is surround sound capable, it requires an optional microphone. It also lacks a flash, but you’ll save two hundred bones.

Sony DCR-DVD301
The DCR-DVD301 features an imager slightly inferior to that of the DCR-DVD403. Actually, the DCR-DVD301 is basically the DCR-DVD201 with a bigger LCD screen, so for a good comparison, while waiting for our full review, check out the DCR-DVD201. I can assure you that the camcorder has inferior video and low light performance to the DCR-DVD403.

Hitachi DZ-GX20
This Hitachi follows in the footsteps of last year’s kings of DVD camcorders, and is Hitachi’s most advanced DVD camcorder to date. That said, its imager specs are inferior to that of the DCR-DVD403, with only a 2.1 MP CCD to Sony’s 3.3 MP. It will be interesting to see how they compare. The Hitachi records on DVD-R/RAM discs like other Hitachis, records to SD/MM card, and captures 1600 x 1200 still images. It also features a microphone input, and Component/S-Video output.

Panasonic VDR-M75
Similar to the above Hitachi camcorder, this guy has an even smaller imager, and therefore we can’t expect much from it by way of video performance. Indeed, the only real improvements here are the ability to record on DVD-RAM discs without plastic casings and a reduced start-up time. Otherwise, I don’t think it can compete with Sony’s aggressive upgrades.

Panasonic PV-GS400
The Panasonic PV-GS400 is a vastly different camcorder but priced the same. While the DCR-DVD403 is aimed at ease of use users, with little manual control, the PV-GS400 has a ton of manual control. The PV-GS400 can accept all kinds of external audio options unlike the DCR-DVD403. In the performance section, both camcorders are strong, while the PV-GS400 is much more accurate and the DCR-DVD403 is going to give you much more saturated colors, although they will look good, if not a little intense. The DCR-DVD403 beats the PV-GS400 not only in ease of use, but also in still performance producing some amazing stills, and giving you virtually unlimited still capacity by recording to a DVD disk.

Sony DCR-PC1000
Sony's DCR-PC1000 is also priced at the same point as the DCR-DVD403. The DCR-PC1000 records to MiniDV tape, and includes generally the same control options. The DCR-PC1000 is going to give you more information in the signal, and generally better video, but the DCR-DVD403 wins in low light performance. The camcorders are almost tied in still performance, though the DCR-DVD403 wins slightly. The DCR-DVD403 also wins because it doesn't have a closed battery slot like the DCR-PC1000. Really, if you're seriously looking at these two camcorders you should only be considering them if you want ease of use and high quality. If you place yourself in that category, it's tough to see why you'd pick the DCR-PC1000 over the DCR-DVD403, because the DVD media is just so much more easy to playback than a MiniDV tape.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (6.0)
This is exactly who this camcorder is designed for: point-and-shooters who want good video.

Budget Consumers(3.0)
Definitely not a cheap camcorder, the DCR-DVD403 could be good deal considering the audio options and video quality.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid(5.0)
There are camcorders with better still options, including dedicated media, but this guy is a good guy simply because it offers so much potential still space at a pretty high resolution.

Gadget Freaks(6.0)
The built-in surround sound and widescreen LCD screen are the main gadgets here aside from the whole recording to DVD thing.

Manual Control Freaks(3.0)
Not a manual control camcorder at all. Look to those 3 CCD Panasonics for that.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists(2.0)
No. This camcorder is for convenience-hungry consumers with some pocket change.

Conclusion
The Sony DCR-DVD403 is probably the best we’re going to get out of a DVD camcorder for a while. Or wait, scratch that. If Sony can improve so dramatically from last year’s horrible DVD camcorders to this year’s powerhouse, who says they can’t do it again? I suppose we’ll have to wait. It's certainly the best DVD camcorder we've ever seen, and the first DVD camcorder which can hold it's own on performance to similarly priced MiniDV models. Saying that says a lot, because the MiniDV models in this price range (specifically the PV-GS400) are some of the strongest, if not the strongest camcorders on the market, period.

In the meantime, you can spend some time saving up the money needed to buy the DCR-DVD403. If you really want the convenience of on-camcorder DVD recording with the video quality of some 3 chip camcorders, look no further. This is an incredibly easy to use camcorder with awesome video performance and eye dropping still performance. And if you need extra incentive, it also has built-in surround sound recording.

What this camcorder lacks is the features to really serve serious videographers. The manual control on the DCR-DVD403 is terrible. The editing is impossible (as it is with any DVD camcorder), there are no audio options except Sony's proprietary accessories, and it's just not a "serious" camcorder.

While it would be too presumptuous to call this camcorder God’s gift to point-and-shooters, doing so has crossed my mind more than once. The DCR-DVD403 is a good value. When you consider the main selling point of DVD media is the ease of playback, the ease of use features on this and every other Sony camcorder fit the DCR-DVD403 perfectly. Add in, the stills and the video, and this is our favorite DVD camcorder yet, one that we certainly recommend for point and shoot users.