Sony DCR-DVD508 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on Sep 27, 2007 4:20 PM
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Compression (4.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD508 compresses files in the usual standard definition DVD format, MPEG-2. The MPEG-2 format has been around for a long time, and similar versions of it are used in most hard disk drive and flash memory camcorders, as well. Though they all use the same basic compression, manufacturers output the video files in various formats. The DVD508 outputs MPEG-2 files, but they do not enjoy the smooth transfer from camcorder-to-computer that Sony’s HDD camcorders have. The problem is the file structure conforms to standard DVD architecture, with multiple files per clip. If you copy and paste individual movie files from the disc, some software will be able to play it back, but most will not. You’re better off using the in-the-box software to import clips.
The camcorder offers three quality settings, each corresponding to a data bit rate. The highest quality setting, HQ, records in 9 Mbps. SP records in 6 Mbps, and LP records in 3 Mbps. The lower the quality, the more video you can fit on a disc, but we recommend always shooting the best video possible. If something is worth shooting, it’s worth shooting well.
On a single-sided DVD, the XP quality can fit 20 minutes of video; in SP, 30 minutes; in LP, 60 minutes. Dual layer can fit a little less than twice those capacities.
Media (4.5)
The Sony DCR-DVD508 records video to 8 centimeter DVDs, sometimes called miniDVDs, in four varieties: DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD-R DL (Dual Layer). DVD-Rs are the cheapest and most widely available, but are one-time use only. Their meager 20 minutes of storage leave a lot to be desired, especially compared to hard disk drive camcorders that typically offer hours and hours of shooting, or tape, which can fit 60 or 90 minutes. Dual layer discs have a higher capacity, but not by much.
DVD camcorders are marketed primarily at families and the ease-of-use crowd because discs can be popped out of the camcorder and directly in the home DVD player – inherent simplicity. However, DVDs are not always great archival solutions. Only when properly stored in a cool, dry place can they be expected to last for several years. In less than optimal conditions, they can degrade more quickly. And unlike tape, where a bad section does not affect the rest of the footage, a degraded DVD is completely destroyed.
Editing (6.0)
Editing the DCR-DVD508’s files is relatively easy, if you have an updated editing platform. At one time, and not long ago, all MiniDV tape camcorders were guaranteed to work with most software. With the popularity of DVD, however, software manufacturers have caught up and offered better tools for importing DVD files.
The camcorder ships with Picture Motion Browser v.2.0.03, a very limited editing program that allows you to import clips and photos from the camcorder. You can insert basic in and out points and stitch clips together into MPEG-2 movies, then export them to a DVD. This is among the most basic in-the-box software you’ll find in a camcorder of this price and class.
The Import function on the Picture Motion Browser
The very limited video editing function
The DVD creation tool
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