Sony DCR-DVD405 Camcorder Reviewby James MurrayPublished on Mar 30, 2006 11:00 AM
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Comparisons
Sony DCR-DVD403
The Sony DCR-DVD403 was released in 2005 and is the predecessor to this year’s Sony DCR-DVD405. The DVD403 originally retailed for $1000 and can now be found for far less. Like this year’s model, the 403 has a surround sound microphone, Active Interface proprietary hot shoe, 2.7-inch LCD, 10x optical zoom, LANC port, USB 2.0, A/V-in/out and DC-in ports. The DVD405 has dropped by $100 and has added a pivoting viewfinder for easier viewing and a far better placement of the in-camcorder flash. There is also the significant addition of the MemoryStick DUO slot; the DVD403 only recorded stills to DVD. We like the DVD405.
Sony DCR-DVD505
The major and most noticeable difference between the DCR-DVD405 and the step-up DVD505 is the shift from a 1/3-inch 3.30 gross MP CCD to the DVD505’s 1/3-inch, 4.0 gross MP ClearVID CMOS sensor. Other enhancements with the 505 include the 3.5-inch LCD screen, a larger still image resolution, more features and a Smooth Slow record mode. Similarities otherwise abound between these two camcorders; both have an electronic color viewfinder, Active Interface proprietary hot shoe, 5.1 Creator, 4 internal microphones, MemoryStick Duo PRO for still images, DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD+RW compatibility, ports for A/V-in/out, DC-in, LANC, USB 2.0 and included editing software. The DVD505 is slightly larger than the DVD405 and does weigh slightly more, though users can expect superior video and still performance when shooting with the DVD505. The DVD505 can be purchased for around $1100. Winner: DVD405.
Sony DCR-DVD305
While the DVD305 certainly costs less than the DVD405 with an MSRP of $700, this reduction in price comes with reductions in video quality and control options. The DVD305 has a smaller CCD, a poor viewfinder design and a far lower still image max resolution. The overall design of the 305 is significantly lacking in comparison to the 405 and 505, which have a slightly more professional feel. A supplied microphone for 5.1 Dolby surround sound may actually give this camcorder an edge above the DVD405 and 505, due to its raised position above the camcorder body. This camcorder has the same 2.7-inch touch screen interface with the same menu structure found with the 405 and 505; it also has electronic image stabilization, NightShot Plus and the ability to accept the same DVD formats. Winner: the DVD405.
Panasonic VDR-D250
The VDR-D250 was released this year by Panasonic. Unlike the Sony models, this DVD camcorder comes with a full list of manual control options as well as a superior optical image stabilization system. The VDR-250 has a smaller 1/6-inch chip with 2.8 gross MP, and an SD card slot for still images. This camcorder has a 2.7-inch LCD screen and a 10x optical zoom lens, as well as a electronic color viewfinder. Users who prefer external control over a touch screen interface will find the menu structure and navigation of the VDR-D250 to be a pleasing alternative. The VDR-D250 will be available in the same price range as the Sony DCR-DVD405. We like the Panasonic.
JVC GZ-MG37
Although the JVC GZ-MG37 records to hard drive, like the DCR-DVD405 it records video footage in MPEG-2 format. Unlike Sony, the resulting footage won’t be saccharine sweet in over-saturation; instead it will opt for dull, under-saturated color and an inferior overall video quality. The MG37 has an internal 30GB hard drive, the ability to record 7 hours of high quality footage, an SD card slot, USB 2.0 port and the ability to transfer footage either to PC or DVD. Audio options on this camcorder are certainly less developed than those on the DVD405, and the lack of a viewfinder means the LCD is the only viewing option. The LCD is similar to the 405 with measurements of 2.7 inches diagonal, although this model does not have a touch screen. This camcorder does have an S-Video-out port in addition to an A/V-out port, and also has more manual control options. However, the control options are accessed through a menu structure that is arguably even worse (who knew it were possible?) than the Sony DVD camcorder line. The JVC GZ-MG37 has an initially lower MSRP of $800, $100 less than the $900 MSRP of the Sony DCR-DVD405. The strong winner: DVD405.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (7.0)
For the point-and-shoot user looking content with auto controls and a totally illogical menu structure, the Sony DCR-DVD405 will provide a responsive set of auto features.
Budget Consumers (3.5)
At $900, the Sony DCR-DVD405 is not a budget camcorder, even if it is less expensive than the DVD505. If image quality, recording time, editing ease and manual controls are important, skip Sony DVD camcorders entirely and look towards alternatives in the MiniDV format by manufacturers like Canon or Panasonic.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (5.0)
This camcorder definitely has hybrid abilities; still images can be recorded to both DVD and MemoryStick formats. With a variety of image sizes, a proprietary hot shoe and an in-camera flash, the Sony DCR-DVD405 is certainly up to the task.
Gadget Freaks (4.0)
With less stunning specs than the DVD505 and the novelty of the DVD format wearing thin, the DVD405 is a harder sell for the gadget freak.
Manual Control Freaks (3.0)
Manual control options on the Sony DCR-DVD405 are limited to exposure, focus and white balance which are unfortunately controlled through the still problematic touch screen interface system.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists (4.0)
The pro or serious hobbyist should be looking for the best image quality with the least amount of compromise when it comes to manual control and features. With high compression levels, poor image quality and an auto-heavy layout, the DCR-DVD405 is not a camcorder intended for this consumer market.
Conclusion
In the end, the Sony DCR-DVD405 and DVD505 may be more similar than Sony counted on. The $200 price gap suggests that the CMOS sensor would provide significantly better results. It’s either that, or the 505’s “Smooth Slow Record” feature is so spectacular that $200 is worthwhile premium. Neither, it turns out, are correct.
The performance positives were the same between both camcorders: good color balance and low noise. The negatives differed – the DVD405 produced halos, the DVD505 had more jagged edges – but have approximately the same weighting. During low light testing, the DVD405 looked better at 60 lux, and the DVD505 at 15 lux. How can one choose?
The DVD505 clearly wins in the still features and still performance category. At half the resolution (2MP versus 4MP), the DVD405 cannot compete. But we are not inclined to lend much support to a camcorder who’s main virtue is its still capabilities. The best camcorder stills are not likely to match the performance of even a low-end dedicated still camera. If you’re seriously considering the DVD405 or 505, save the $200 and put it towards a point-and-shoot. We’re recommending the 405.
As for the DVD405 in competition with the greater DVD market, the Panasonic VDR-D250 is hard to beat. We love the D300, and expect great things from its little sibling. Panasonic easily trumps Sony is handling, manual controls, and picture sharpness. Only in low light does the DVD405’s 1/3” imager take charge.
For Sony fans, the DVD405 is the one to get. It’s a worthy follow-up to the DVD403, with improvements in still features, video quality, and a price drop.
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