Sony DCR-DVD508 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on Sep 27, 2007 4:20 PM
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Comparison
Sony DCR-DVD505
The DCR-DVD505, last year’s top-of-the-line, is superior in many respects to the DCR-DVD508. The CMOS chip is incrementally smaller (1/3-inch versus 1/2.9-inch) and has a reduced resolution (2.1 megapixels versus 3.2 megapixels), but this pixel boost killed the DVD508 in low light. Last year’s DVD505 looked better in every way. The DVD505 also offers a much larger 3.5-inch LCD, which comes in handy with a touch screen interface.
The upgrades in this year’s DVD508 include higher still resolution, dual video/still recording, optical image stabilization, DVD+R DL compatibility, and a higher capacity battery. Of this list, only the optical image stabilization is of real value. Our testing found the system to be highly effective in curbing shake. If you can find a deal on the DVD505, buy it. If you plan to do a decent amount of shooting from a tripod or flat surface, buy it. If you plan on shooting in anything but perfect daylight, buy it. The DVD508 is a better bet for sports and daytime backyard shooting, where the stabilization can come in handy and the poor low light performance won’t have a chance to rear its ugly head.
Canon DC50
The DC50 is Canon’s top standard definition DVD camcorder for 2007. The performance in bright light was comparable with that of the Sony DCR-DVD508, while the low light was better. The DC50’s handling and menu interface is better, but the DVD508 has a sturdier construction. Sony also gets points for a better viewfinder and smarter battery placement. The manual control suite is very much in Canon’s favor, while the auto controls and ease of use are tied. Both camcorders have dismal audio offerings. Considering the typical use of a DVD camcorder, we have to pick the Sony DVD508 as the better choice.
Panasonic VDR-D310
The Panasonic VDR-D310 is also the top-end standard definition DVD camcorder in its line. Panasonic likes to equip its upper-tier models with three CCDs instead of a single large chip, which usually costs them points in low light performance. This time was no different. While the color performance and sharpness is great in low light, things fall apart when the lights dim. However, the Sony DVD508 felt apart for its own reasons in low light. Like most Panasonics, it dominates the competition in terms of manual controls, handling, menus, and feel. The VDR-D310 also matches the Sony DVD508’s optical image stabilization, and tops it with a mic jack. That said, the Sony is a better camcorder for beginners because of its simpler interface and better auto controls. This a question of the user’s experience. Those who have owned a camcorder before should opt for the Panasonic VDR-D310. Beginners, go with the Sony DVD508.
JVC GZ-MG555
We’re throwing JVC’s top-of-the-line standard definition HDD titan into the fray for those torn between media. The GZ-MG555 ($899.95 MSRP) records video and stills to a 30 GB hard drive, which stores up to 7 hours of footage in the highest quality. Yes, folks, it’s a hybrid. The DCR-DVD508 shoots to DVD discs that hold 20 minutes of footage in the highest quality. Right off the bat, the GZ-MG555 is looking fierce. Under the hood, it’s a close call in bright light. The DCR-DVD508 displays a sharp, natural image while the GZ-MG555 explodes with color and vibrancy. In low light, however, the GZ-MG555 takes the cake—it is able to retain a significant amount of information while staving off a respectable amount of noise. The DCR-DVD508 cannot compete.
What else do these camcorders bring to the table? The GZ-MG555 touts a mic jack, video light, external Program AE dial, and an LCD-mounted joystick. The DCR-DVD508 has a proprietary hot accessory shoe, extendable viewfinder, and that beloved Easy mode. It’s a close call, but the GZ-MG555 is more of a renaissance camcorder, while the DCR-DVD508 appeases the tech-savvy DVD-thirsting consumer. Stick with the GZ-MG555.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
Easy mode alone is enough to spark the engine of most point-and-shooters. But add a touch screen LCD and DVD discs and the wheels of the minivan are burning rubber.
Budget Consumers
A $900 price tag is not friendly for a budget consumer. You can still find last year’s DCR-DVD505 online for less, and you’ll get a mammoth 3.5-inch LCD screen and better low light performance. Without sacrificing too many features, you can go for the Sony DCR-DVD308, Canon DC230, or Panasonic VDR-D230 at almost half the cost of the DCR-DVD508.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The still feature set on the DCR-DVD508 is fairly limited, but you can capture images up to 6 megapixels in size. You cannot record video to a Memory Stick with the DCR-DVD508, so hybrid fans look elsewhere.
Gadget Freaks
It’s a standard definition DVD camcorder. Welcome to No-Frills Acres, gadget freaks.
Manual Control Freaks
Sony really hits it out of the park when it comes to automatic controls, but you’d be better off with a Panasonic or Canon for manual controls.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists
DVD camcorders and pros blend like oil and water.
Conclusion
Sony has clearly taken a few missteps since last year, as evident in the DCR-DVD508. The “improved” CMOS sensor packs in so many pixels that the low light performance suffers from a tremendous amount of noise. What does a standard definition camcorder need with 3,200,000 pixels? If the response is “take better still photos,” then I have to ask the follow-up question, “What kind of person wants to carry around a 3-megapixel still camera that weighs more than one pound?” Surely Sony’s R&D labs must have seen the effect the new imager was having on low light. Yet they released it anyway, thereby able to boost the precious megapixel count that never fails to woo consumers.
In addition to avoiding the noise problem, last year’s DCR-DVD505 also offered a much larger 3.5-inch LCD. The only concession Sony offers to these lamentable omissions is the upgrade to optical image stabilization – which performed quite well in testing.
We strongly recommend you consider the next step down from the DVD508, the DCR-DVD408, which is equipped with last year’s CMOS sensor. We’re hoping that side-steps the noise issues in low light. Sony remains the king of easy-to-use DVD camcorders, so it's recommended that beginners continue to look at Sony. Just don’t settle for the DVD508 simply because it’s the top-of-the-line, because then you’re playing right into the manufacturers hands. Constant vigilance, dear readers, constant vigilance!
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