Sony DCR-DVD508 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on Sep 27, 2007 4:20 PM
|
Advertisement
|
||||||||||||
The DCR-DVD508 is Sony’s top standard definition camcorder for 2007. It replaces the DCR-DVD505 (Review, Specs, $664), which performed very well last year. Sony has upped the ante by equipping the new camcorder with an even more powerful CMOS sensor and optical image stabilization. Though high definition camcorders have captivated the imagination of the tech community, there is a still a big demand for standard def. The best DVD camcorder combines ease of use with great performance, and the DVD508 is expected to deliver.
The Front (8.0)
Ah, the sheer simplicity of a DVD camcorder. You’ll find the Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens engulfing the DCR-DVD508’s front end. The lens has a 37mm filter diameter for attachments and an aperture range of f/1.8-f/2.9. The DCR-DVD508’s lens is capable of the following focal lengths: 5.4-54mm 40-400mm (35mm equiv. in 16:9 movie), 49-490mm (35mm equiv. in 4:3 movie), 37-370mm (35mm equiv. in 4:3 still), 40-400mm (35mm equiv. in 16:9 still).
A flash is embedded to the left of the lens. The only other feature on the front of the DCR-DVD508 is a glossy black panel that houses the NightShot Plus infrared port and remote sensor.
The Right Side (4.75)
The right side of the DCR-DVD508 is home to … well … not much. The circular DVD disc hatch is the essential ingredient here. Similar to Sony’s entire DCR-DVD line, the DCR-DVD508’s disc hatch is solidly constructed and pops out within a reasonable amount of time after shifting the Disc Open tab. However, Sony’s design is not entirely flawless. Instead of opening upward, like most camcorders, the DCR-DVD508’s disc hatch swings out horizontally. As a result, the hand strap blocks the disc hatch. Sony attempted to amend this by attaching a swiveling grommet to the front of the hand strap so it can swing below the camcorder, allowing a free passageway. It was a nice try, but you’ll still have to do a little finagling to pop open the hatch. The hand strap itself is of a higher quality than any standard definition JVC Everio or Canon within the price range. It could use a bit more padding and more breathable material, though.
The Back (7.25)
The back of the DCR-DVD508 is where all the action happens. The most atypical feature here is undoubtedly the electronic viewfinder that—get ready for it—pivots up! In a land of viewfinder-less pocket cams, it’s nice to see Sony take the extra step—a nod to the old-school MiniDV dinosaurs that featured rubberized color viewfinders that telescoped out and pivoted up. The DCR-DVD508 is not that fortunate, for the viewfinder does not telescope and is not rubberized, but we give Sony an “A” for effort.
Below the viewfinder is the NP-FH60 rechargeable battery pack. The battery juts out about three-quarters of an inch from the back of the camcorder, which is not an issue with the flappable viewfinder. A large battery release button is located just above the top right corner of the battery. At the base of the totem pole lies a rugged, hinged plastic door that swings up to reveal the A/V terminal and DC input.
Along the right side of the back, starting from the top, is Sony’s trusty mode dial (power on/off and Still/Video mode switching), which is placed ergonomically to fall beneath the index finger. Working our way downward, the Flash Setting button and Movie/Photo tally lamps sit above the Record Start/Stop button. This layout is intuitively designed and easy to access. Lastly, a rugged plastic port cover shelters the remote (LANC) jack and USB terminal.
The Left Side (5.75)
Since Sony crammed the bulk of the DCR-DVD508’s ports in back, the left side is starved for action. Along the arced outer ridge of the LCD screen you’ll find the gleaming Playback, Easy, and BLC (Backlight Compensation) buttons. After popping open the 2.7-inch wide LCD screen, you’ll be greeted by two tiny round buttons—Wide Select and Display/Battery Info. The bare Memory Stick Pro Duo slot is located toward the back of the LCD cavity. This is not a massive selection of buttons, but some of the essentials are present (Easy, Wide Select) to expedite the shooting process. The LCD panel contains a thin strip of controls that consist of Record Start/Stop, Zoom Out, Zoom In, and Home. Yes, the DCR-DVD508 is consumer all the way, and Sony makes certain to idiot-proof its real estate to the fullest extent.
 |
 |
|
The outer-left side of the Sony DCR-DVD508... |
...and an inner look at the LCD cavity. |
The Top (6.75)
Up top we have a nice little party of features. The built-in 5.1 channel Surround Sound microphone rests at the head of the class, near the lens end. Since the DCR-DVD508 is fairly hefty, you won’t have to worry about muffling the microphone with the pinky finger. Next in line is Sony’s proprietary Active Interface Shoe (AIS). This hot accessory shoe is only compatible with—you guessed it—Sony products. That’s a bummer because the DCR-DVD508 is devoid of a mic jack, meaning you’ll have to rely on Sony’s line of pricey external mics. The NightShot Plus switch is embedded in the middle, followed by the flat zoom toggle and oval photo button. The DCR-DVD508’s zoom toggle is almost flush with the body of the camcorder, but operates well.
|
Advertisement
|