Sony DCR-DVD910 Handycam Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on Jul 1, 2008 3:08 PM
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Conclusion
The Sony DCR-DVD910 ($649 MSRP) just can't compete for our good graces this year. In and of itself, it's a fine camcorder with no outstanding faults. When put in context, however, an ill light falls upon it.
Positioned directly above it are the Sony HDR-UX10 ($799 MSRP) and HDR-UX20 ($999 MSRP). Both are high definition and both use the same sensor and processor as the DCR-DVD910. The DVD910 simply discards the information to produce standard def instead of high def video. How can you argue in favor of the DVD910, especially when you consider than the video from the UX20 tested quite well, while the DVD910's video is mediocre, at best. In fact, the DVD910's video looks worse than its direct predecessor, the DCR-DVD508.
There are better choices out there. If you want to remain in standard definition and are set on DVD, try to find last year's DCR-DVD508 or this year's DCR-DVD810, which will at least save you some money. If you want standard definition but are flexible about the recording medium, we recommend the Canon FS11. We also urge you to consider HD, which is not much more expensive and offers a huge leap forward in video quality. The Panasonic HDC-SD9 does not cost too much more than the DCR-DVD910. Also, keep an eye out for the upcoming JVC GZ-HD10, a hard disk drive camcorder.
Comparisons
Sony DCR-DVD508
Last year's captain of the Sony standard definition DVD brigade features a 1/2.9-inch CMOS chip with a 3,200,000 pixel count. The DCR-DVD508 ($900 MSRP--Around $700 online) exhibited a decent bright light performance with faltering low light. What we see from Sony's top dog this year is an the same great color performance in bright light, but the sharpness has decreased significantly - due, we believe, smaller chip and lower pixel count. Low light performance also went downhill since last year.
Sony DCR-DVD810
The DCR-DVD810 ($449.99 MSRP) is the next step down from the DVD910. It receives a significant sensor downgrade, a basic 1/6-inch HAD CCD chip with a 680,000 pixel resolution. We haven't tested the DCR-DVD810 yet, but it's almost a sure shot that the DCR-DVD910's video performance will be superior. To the DCR-DVD810's credit, it has a larger 25x Optical Zoom and is a Hybrid Plus, meaning it records to 8GB of internal memory, DVD, and Memory Stick PRO Duo. That alone probably gives it the edge on store shelves when you see it side by side with the DVD910. The DCR-DVD810 is also slightly more compact, but captures smaller stills and is devoid of a hot shoe. This is storage vs. quality here--you be the judge. We always push for image quality first here. You can always buy more storage for a camcorder, but you can never make it produce better looking video. Opt for the DCR-DVD910.
Sony HDR-UX10
Just think--for an extra $150, you can have the high definition version of the DCR-DVD910. This is a strange case. The HDR-UX10 ($799.99 MSRP) is essentially identical to the DCR-DVD910. It has the same imaging system, along with portability, dimensions, and recording media. The only difference is that the DCR-DVD910 simply throws out all the extra data that it doesn't need to produce a standard definition image. The HDR-UX10 retains that information to produce an HD image. Would you buy a 10 gallon bucket with a hole at the 2-gallon mark? Of course not. You'd buy the bucket that can hold all the water. It's the same argument here. The HDR-UX10 is the smarter choice. Of course, an HD camcorder is a whole different ballgame in terms of editing and compatibility with your home devices.
JVC GZ-HD10Here's another $800 HD cam. The recently announced GZ-HD10 ($799 MSRP) is a bit of a gamble though, seeing as how we haven't thrown it through our rings of fire yet. The specs tell us it has a 1.84-megapixel, 1/4-inch CMOS chip. The GZ-HD10 can only record at 1440 x 1080 AVCHD, but can output at 1080/60P (upconverted, through HDMI). The GZ-HD10 is devoid of a viewfinder, has a 2.7-inch wide LCD screen, and records to a 40GB hard drive. Props for the storage capacity. There's also a mic input. However, we can't say much beyond this. Surely, the video quality will be better than the DCR-DVD910, if only because it's high definition. Wait until we test this one or head to the store to check it out yourself.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
Point-and-Shooters will revel in the DCR-DVD910's Easy mode and touch screen LCD interface.
Budget Consumers
For $649, a top of the line standard definition DVD cam is not a bad deal. Last year's DCR-DVD508 went for a steep $900. The jump to HD is only $150 away.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
4MP stills are not the greatest, compared to Sony's HDR-SR12, but it gets the job done for most tourists and families.
Gadget Freaks
A standard definition DVD camcorder has no clout in the community of the gadget freak.
Manual Control Freaks
The basics are there--White Balance, Exposure, Focus. But there's no Shutter Speed or advanced Aperture control like Gain. Consumer to the max.
No way, no how.
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