Sony DCR-DVD92 Camcorder Review

The Sony DCR-DVD92 is one of the lowest priced DVD camcorders to make an appearance this year. Like all  this year's Sonys, this model has been tailored to provide ease of use and convenience to its consumers. It comes equipped with the highest optical zoom (20x) of the 2005 line of Sony DVD camcorders, but that is one of its few distinguishing features. Although the camcorder shares similar imager specs with last year's DCR-DVD101 (Review, Specs, $469), the camcorder tries to separate itself with design suited for portability and better handling.

Video Performance (4.5)
Outfitted with a 1/6-inch CCD with 680K gross pixels (340 effective) placed behind a 20x optical zoom lens, the Sony DCR-DVD92 shares the same imager as last year’s DCR-DVD101 - and a similar fate of poor performance. The camcorder performed fairly well at 3000 lux, which is the equivalent of a sunny day. Both camcorders produced colors lacking in vibrancy and crispness. The DCR-DVD92’s colors were slightly more washed than the DCR-DVD101, as well as this year’s DCR-DVD7. The DCR-DVD7 produced a blurred image but its greens and yellows were a touch more vivid. Although comparable in price and rank in their respective line the Panasonic VDR-M53 outperforms the Sony DCR-DVD92 in bright light settings.

Video Resolution (6.5)
Video footage of a standard resolution chart was taken with the Sony DCR-DVD92 in its standard 4:3 mode, and stills from the video were exported to Imatest Imaging Software in order to calibrate the camcorder’s true resolution. This model produced approximately 290.4 lines of horizontal resolution at its best, with approximately 223.6 lines of vertical resolution, generating a real resolution of 64933.44 (0.6 MP). This camcorder does not have true widescreen. The widescreen shooting mode on the DCR-DVD92 simply letterboxes the captured image and lessens the horizontal resolution; we did not test it.

The Front (6.5)
The front showcases the camcorder’s sleek and slender design. Adorned in metallic silver, the barrel of the 20x optical zoom lens sits at the front of the Sony DCR-DVD92, looming above the microphone and A/V port cover.

The Right (7.0)
Sporting a dark gray finish, the Sony DCR-DVD92’s right side is dominated by the DVD mechanism. To the left of the mechanism is the DC in port and LANC jack, camouflaged by a dark gray port cover, which is in stark contrast to the metallic silver Power/Mode switch resting between them. A wide, gray hand strap envelops the right side of the DCR-DVD92, providing firm and solid support for handling.

The Left (6.0)
With the backlight and easy mode buttons entrenched at its side, the silver lens barrel protrudes from the left side of the Sony DCR-DVD92. The LCD rests below the swollen lens barrel. A small speaker and battery info button can be found sheltered underneath the 2.5” LCD touch screen.

The Back (5.5)
The slender back of the Sony DCR-DVD92 is home to the battery slot, which occupies much of the real estate. The other elements, such as the record button and the mode lamps, are pushed to edge of the rear. The mode lamps are found at the top right edge of the rear, with the back of the mode switch and record button underneath.

The Top (6.5)
The top of the DCR-DVD92 is a visual and structural compromise; the silver and gray finish come together. To the right, the gray DVD mechanism protrudes from the camcorder’s crown, and provides the user with a nice hand grip. The open and NightShot Plus switches are embed within this protrusion. The silver lens barrel sits to the left of the DVD mechanism, with a cover sheltering the petite accessory shoe lodged between the lens and the viewfinder. The cover to the accessory shoe cannot be open unless the viewfinder is extended. A photo button and zoom toggle reside to the right of the shoe.

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (9.0)
Good automatic controls have become a hallmark of Sony camcorders, and the DCR-DVD92 joins its sibling DVD camcorders in that trend. The camcorder offers an Easy button, which provides optimum convenience to the user by relinquishing all image control decisions to the camcorder. Point-and-shooters will enjoy such effortless operation. When in full zoom, the camcorder’s focus lags a bit. Point-and-shooters will be sacrificing some picture quality.

The DCR-DVD92 offers automatic control over exposure, focus, Spot Metering, Spot Focus, and white balance. Spot Metering allows the user to adjust the exposure of a specific section of the image, and Spot Focus performs the task of adjusting focus for a particular part of the image. The camcorder also provides several automatic settings that are calibrated for specific situations called AE (automatic exposure presets): Spotlight, Portrait, Sports, Beach & Ski, Sunset & Moon, and Landscape. These features can be accessed and engaged through the touch screen menu system. The automatic controls adjust fairly quickly and accurately. The Automatic focus adjusts seamlessly as the camcorder zooms, except when the full 20x optical zoom has been utilized. Sadly a short delay occurs when the camcorder is in full zoom. Automatic White Balance adjusts swiftly to varying color temperatures and shooting conditions.

Manual Control (3.0)
Although most Sony cameras are praised for their automatic control prowess, their manual controls often leave something to be desired. In this particular case it must be emphasized that DVD camcorders, by nature, are designed to provide ease and convenience, and not manual control. The DCR-DVD92 provides manual control over focus, exposure, and white balance in the menu system. Accessing this camcorder’s manual controls can be troublesome. The user has to rummage through an LCD screen littered with menu icons before making necessary adjustments. And before one can make proper and correct adjustments one must be able to see and evaluate an uncompromised image. This model has shunned Shutter Speed and manual gain from its available arsenal of manual control. This is unfortunate since Shutter Speed and manual gain are necessary tools for control and achieving quality images. These neglected manual controls would prove especially helpful considering this camcorder’s mediocre low light performance.

Zoom (8.0)
The camcorder has a 20x optical zoom with 860x digital zoom; digital zoom speeds (40x and 800x) can be accessed through the menu. The petite zoom toggle sits atop the crown of the DCR-DVD92, accentuating the somber gray DVD mechanism. The zoom toggle is small and feels fragile under my heavy, rugged fingers, but it achieves the task without fail; zooms can be achieved at varying speeds effortlessly.

Focus (4.0)
Manual focus must be engaged through the menu system with the use of the touch screen LCD. Focal measurements are not offered. Instead, you’ll find a pictogram of a mountain and portrait on either end of a scale, indicating focal parameters. A focus ring would be an ideal means of adjusting manual focus, but that is often reserved for higher-end camcorders. The DCR-DVD92 user must tap through the touch screen to achieve manual focus, which is a cumbersome process, at best.

Exposure (4.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD92 user can adjust exposure by pressing the + and – icon on the touch screen. Unfortunately, Sony does not provide numerical value for iris adjustments (F-stops), hindering the user from having optimum control over the quality of the image. Similar to focal adjustments, one must eyeball the screen in order to determine the correct manual exposure adjustments.

Shutter Speed (0.0)
The DCR-DVD92 does not offer manual shutter speed control, but instead provides AE (auto Exposure) presets as a feeble attempt at compensation. Automatic Exposure options include: Spotlight, Portrait, Sport, Landscape, Sunset & Moon, and Beach & Ski. AE presets are predetermined control settings suited for specific situations, which is not a viable option since the user will encounter and shoot in unpredictable environments. This is an entry level, stripped-down model; Shutter speed is often reserved for high-end Sony camcorders.

White balance (7.5)
Customary to all Sony camcorders this year, the white balance feature is hidden in the menu system, through the touch screen LCD. Options include; Auto, Indoor, Outdoor, and One-push. Indoor and Outdoor are automatic settings calibrated to the average daylight and fluorescent temperature levels. Adjustments to varying color temperatures can be achieved with relative ease. Because of its significance, White balance is the first manual adjustment that should be made when preparing to use the camcorder. Being able to perform this task with ease is essential to successfully capturing one’s images, moments, and memories.

Gain (0.0)
Manual gain is not offered by the Sony DCR-DVD92.

Other Manual Control (0.0)
The DCR-DVD92 does not have any other manual control options.

Ease of Use (8.0)
Ease of use and accessibility seem to be the mantra of the entire DVD camcorder market, especially the Sonys. With its great automatic control and Easy Handycam mode, the Sony DCR-DVD92 can be calmly operated with relative comfort when the user has no desire to use manual control. Pressing the Easy Handycam button on the left side of the camcorder will surrender all control over image quality to the camcorder, leaving the user free to wrestle with the equally intricate but separate task of shot composition.

For those that desire to have solid control over image quality, this camcorder can be cumbersome. One has to rifle through the LCD to operate all facets of the camcorder. The screen becomes littered with menu options, making it cumbersome to make adjustments while recording.

Still Features (4.0)
The DCR-DVD92 offers the user few still features. This camcorder can capture an abundance of stills, but only on the DVD disc, and only at the standard 640 x 480 resolution. It is unfortunate that this camcorder offers such elementary still options, limiting the user to the same basic still resolution as the video. The DCR-DVD203 and the DCR-DVD403 offer a higher resolution of 1152 x 864 for still capture, but their stills have to be captured on the DVD disc as well.  Sony even stripped the DCR-DVD92 of a burst or bracketing mode, leaving this camcorder's still capabilities rather sparse.

Still Performance (3.5)
The still performance of the Sony DCR-DVD92 is hindered with a significant amount of grain. Similar problems persist in the video performance. Unlike video performance, the colors were not washed but had potency and life to them. The captured image bled a bit, tainting the grayscale and edges of the chart with a blue hue.

In comparison, the more expensive DCR-DVD203 offers a higher resolution for capturing stills (1152 x 8640) and produced bright images (almost blown out) with minimal grain, but displayed poor color representation with over-saturated colors.  Although the DCR-DVD203 possesses a bigger imager it had a flawed still performance.  More comparable in price to the DCR-DVD92, the Sony DCR-DVD7 displayed a blurred image with stale, lifeless colors. Although the DCR-DVD92 had considerable grain, its image was a sharp and acceptable still, unlike the DCR-DVD7.

Still Resolution (0.6)
The Sony DCR-DVD92 can only capture stills onto the DVD disc at the standard 640 x 480 resolution. This model will produce still images that are comparable to video resolutions (0.649 MP).

Low Light Performance (2.5)
Logic dictates that all users will, at some point, run into undesirable lighting conditions. Because of this, we tested the camcorder in low light conditions—60 and 15 lux. 60 lux is equivalent to an office or a bedroom lit by a lamp with one bulb;15 lux is comparable to a dimly lit room. Under both of these conditions the low light performance of the Sony DCR-DVD92 was abysmal, which is not too surprising considering it inherited the imager of last year’s DCR-DVD101 (1/6” CCD with 680K gross pixels).

At 60 lux the camcorder displays an increase in grain, loss of color representation, and colors bleeding into the grayscale. The grayscale in particular suffers from significant grain, creating muddled black and whites. In comparison, the DCR-DVD101 produced an even grainier image than this year's model, with a slight bleeding of yellow into the grayscale. The DCR-DVD92 had a sharper image. This year’s DCR-DVD7 had more potent blues and purples but displayed a fuzzier image than the DCR-DVD92.

At 15 lux the DCR-DVD92 produced images comparable to the more expensive Sony DCR-DVD7 and DCR-DVD101. All three exhibited poor color representation, dark images suffering from significant grain, and a muddled grayscale. Even though the Panasonic VDR-M53 had stellar video performance, its low light performance was worse than that of the DCR-DVD92. The Panasonic’s image was dark with almost unrecognizable colors.

Zoom Power Ratio (20.0)
Although the Sony DCR-DVD92 is the most stripped-down model of Sony’s DVD camcorders this year, it is equipped with a 20x optical zoom lens which dwarfs that of higher-end models like the DCR-DVD203 with its 12x optical zoom, and the DCR-DVD403 with its 10x. If the 20x optical zoom isn’t enough for your bird watching, kid’s soccer game, spy work, or general nefarious peeping, then the camcorder offers an 800x digital zoom. The camcorder’s optical zoom spec is one of the few bright spots for this entry level model. I must warn potential users, however, that implementing the digital zoom will distort the image.

Wide Angle (9.0)
Wide Angle measurements were taking with the Sony DCR-DVD92 in its 4:3 and 16:9 mode. Both modes produced identical measurements of 45 degrees. These results are further proof that this camcorder does not possess a true widescreen mode.

Standard aspect 4:3 LCD

Letterboxed 16:9 LCD

VCR Mode (5.0)
Convenience, access, and ease of use during playback are the things that make all DVD camcorders alluring. Sony has made most of this year’s line of DVD camcorders DVD+/-RW compatible. DVD+/-RW allows one the freedom of reusing the disc. Sony is not the only manufacturer that provides the option of recycling old discs. Panasonic and Hitachi provide their users with similar opportunities with the DVD-RAM disc; however, Sony allows the user the ease of being able to play it back on a conventional DVD player. DVD-RAM does not. Although Sony edges out the competition with its DVD player compatibility, the DVD-RAM disc that Panasonic provides allows the user to recycle specific files of data, and reuse them on several occasions. Each company has improved the means of accessing data from on their respective media, but a clear winner has yet to emerge.

The on-camcorder Playback mode provides the user with thumbnails of each recording, allowing for effortless navigation through the captured footage and still images. Sony also offer the interesting (but ultimately useless) feature of zooming up to 5x into the video or stills during playback, then tapping the LCD screen to pan across. This feature will do little but add noise to the image.

LCD/Viewfinder (8.0)
This entry model is one of the few of Sony’s DVD camcorders not equipped with a widescreen LCD. The DCR-DVD92 is outfitted with the Sony standard 2.5” touch screen hybrid LCD with 123K pixels on display, which pales in comparison to the DCR-DVD203, and the DCR-DVD403’s 2.7” widescreen LCD. One of the advantages of being blessed with a widescreen LCD is that one is able to view the full spectrum of the 16:9 image without having to squint at a squished image. But the user of the DCR-DVD92 isn’t missing out on too much since this camcorder is devoid of a real widescreen mode. Widescreen is an attempt at imitating our own peripheral vision. This effort is achieved by the capturing in an aspect ratio of 16:9; for every 16 units of width there are nine units of height.

The 123K black and white viewfinder on the DCR-DVD92 is  adequate. Unfortunately the viewfinder lacks mobility, as it extends but does not swivel up, and the user can not make any quality control adjustments without utilizing the LCD screen. Unless one constantly shoots in easy mode, the viewfinder defeats its own purpose.

Audio (4.0)
A stereo microphone rests underneath the lens at the foot of Sony DCR-DVD92’s front. Similar to the DCR-DVD7, this camcorder provides a 2-channel stereo recording, instead of the 4-channel recording offered by its bigger sisters- the DCR-DVD203, the DCR-DVD403, and others. Microphone levels can be adjusted with the Micref Level feature found in the touch screen menu system. Other than the DCR-DVD403 which has manual audio levels, most of Sony DVD camcorders provide a setting of normal and low.

Thankfully, the DCR-DVD92 has a hot accessory shoe that allows the option of adding an external microphone to achieve optimum sound. It should be emphasized that the active interface shoe is only compatible with specific Sony microphones (ECM-HQP1). This petite shoe is lodged between the viewfinder and the back of the lens barrel on top of the camcorder. The DCR-DVD7, which costs a hundred dollars more, does not have an accessory shoe and therefore has no availability for an optional microphone.

Handling (7.0)
The DCR-DVD92 handles fairly well in Easy Handycam mode. In this mode, users can have every image control decision made for them at the touch of a button. The camcorder is a good auto pilot but has some trouble adjusting focus; its response time lags for a few seconds. The farther one zooms in, the more evident the delayed focus becomes. This camcorder is good for novice users who want no responsibility over the quality of the image except holding the camcorder in place.

The brave souls that want to manipulate and manage the quality of their image will find frustration with the means given to achieve the task. All control functions are buried in the touch screen menu system, leaving the screen littered with features and icons. The user constantly has to fumble through the menu system for all functions of the camcorder, a troublesome and tedious process.

The camcorder’s battery placement prevents the user from operating the camcorder with optimum comfort. Because of the camcorder’s thin design, if one was to use the viewfinder, the battery would bulge against the user’s thumb and cheek. These aren’t big problems, but they can certainly annoy over extended use.

Portability(6.0)
With its slender frame, the DCR-DVD92 is a very portable camcorder. The camcorder weighs 15 oz. and can be easily carried or traveled with. The camcorder is too big fit in one’s pocket but small enough to fit in a handbag, book bag, or briefcase; nonetheless it would be advisable to find the proper camera bag.

Battery Life (7.8)
The Sony DCR-DVD92’s included battery (NP-FP50) functioned well, supplying the user with 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 23 seconds of continuous recording. Our test recording occurred without venturing in the menu system or adjusting zoom.

Compression (5.0)
The Sony DCR-DVD92 uses MPEG2 video compression with JPEG still images.

Media (6.0)
Comparable to most Sony DVD camcorders this year, card media is not an option on the Sony DCR-DVD92. The camcorder captures video and stills on DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW disc.

Editing (2.0)
Editing has always been a hassle for most DVD camcorders. Most of the editing software available is made for viewing and performing elementary edits, not for involved manipulation of the recorded image. Similar to most of the Sony DVD camcorders, the DCR-DVD92 does not provide too many on-camera editing features. The ones included are the standards, including: Fade, Wipe, etc. It’s shipped with the Sony Picture Package software. Panasonic provides its users with a few more on-camera editing features: splicing, fading, trimming. Your editing options are severely curtailed by the lack of a USB port, indicating Sony's (and other manufacturers') assumption that low-end DVD cam purchasers will never bother to export clips to their computers. We wish they would have a little faith.

Scan Rates(0.0)
The DCR-DVD92 can not change its scan rates from the standard 60i. The DVD format has yet to produce a camcorder that can achieve this, and it doesn't  seem likely that manufacturers will rise to the challenge. The marketing drive behind DVD camcorders is centered on their ease of use and accessibility.

Widescreen Mode (5.0)
This camcorder does not have a widescreen mode, but simply letterboxes the image. The widescreen images of the DCR-DVD92 do not vary in width but in height . True widescreen would record and display the correct 16:9 aspect ratio, meaning for every 16 units of width there are 9 units of height. Widescreen is supposed to provide a wider or broader field of view. It is an attempt at emulating one's own peripheral vision. This camcorder fails to provide such an aspect.

Ports (5.0)
Similar to the Panasonic entry level VDR-M53 and the Sony DCR-DVD7, this camcorder is not outfitted with a USB port, which hinders the user. The USB port would provide the user with another means of transferring and viewing the captured data.  This model's bigger siblings, the DCR-DVD203 and the DCR-DVD403, offer such accommodations underneath their widescreen LCD screens.  The Sony DCR-DVD92 has an A/V port hidden underneath a port cover at the foot of the camcorder. DC in and LANC jack ports can be found clinging to the edge of the right side next to the DVD mechanism. The most significant port is that of the hot accessory shoe dwelling at the top of the camcorder. The shoe allows for the use of an optional (yet specific to Sony) ECM-HQP1 external microphone.  Similar to its siblings, the DCR-DVD203 and DCR-DVD403, the shoe is not a conventional one as it is smaller in dimension.  

Other Features (4.0)
Image Stabilization
SteadyShot, an electronic Image stabilization feature, is available on the Sony DCR-DVD92’s menu.

Super NightShot
If the NightShot has been activated and the picture is still too dark, Super NightShot can be implemented through the menu system. Super NightShot increases the intensity of the brightened image by 16x.

NS Light
The NS Light brightens the image by discharging an infrared light on the subject. This feature can be accessed and engaged through the touch screen menu system.

Color Slow Shutter
Color Slow Shutter brightens the image by reducing the shutter speed and allowing more light into camcorder. This has the adverse affect of creating jittery and distorted images.

Who It's For
Point-and-Shooters (5.5)
Most DVD camcorders are designed for point-and-shooters. With its Easy Handycam mode turned on, this camcorder is easy to operate, but the end product might not be worth the comfort.

Budget Consumer (4.5)
The DCR-DVD92 is an affordable camcorder, but because of that price the camcorder is stripped of significant and much needed features.

Still Photo / Video Hybrid (2.0)
This model can only takes stills on the DVD disc at the standard 640 x 480 resolution which would be limiting and frustrating to anyone enthused by capturing still images.

Gadget Freaks (2.0)
This camcorder has no gadget appeal to speak of. Its only draw for a “gadget freak” would be its slim design, which is identical to higher-end, better quality Sony DVD camcorders.

Manual Control Freaks (2.0)
Manual control freaks would be bored and frustrated with the DCR-DVD92, considering its lack of manual gain, shutter speed, and numerical value or measurement for focal and exposure adjustments.

Pro/Serious Hobbyist (2.0)
Pro and Serious hobbyists ought to steer clear of such a contraption unless they intend to use it as tool to capture their vacations or dog’s birthday party.

Comparison
Sony DCR-DVD7
The Sony DCR-DVD7 is a gimmick camcorder meant to impress friends and gadget freaks with its Frisbee-esque shape. Buoyancy connotations aside, the DCR-DVD7 shares similar imager specs with the DCR-DVD92: a 1/6” CCD with 680K gross pixels. Both camcorders had poor video and low light performance. The DCR-DVD7 did slightly better in low light with a little more color representation at 15 lux. Other than in low light performance and vogue design, the DCR-DVD92 trumps the DCR-DVD7 in audio, handling, and ease of use. The DCR-DVD92 is a more manageable and practical camcorder, with twice the optical zoom, at $100 dollars less.

Sony DCR-DVD203
As sisters, the Sony DCR-DVD92 and DCR-DVD203 can easily be mistaken for twins. But the bigger sibling, the DCR-DVD203, has a better imager with a 1.07 MP Advanced HAD CCD, and a lovely 2.7” widescreen LCD. Plus this camcorder has an actual widescreen mode. The DCR-DVD92 does have a 20x optical zoom, but that isn’t enough to overshadow the DCR-DVD203’s ports (USB) and still capabilities. Unlike its kin, this model is able to capture stills at a resolution (1152 x 864) higher than the standard 640 x 480. Unfortunately both camcorders capture stills to a DVD disc only, and lack a removable card medium. The DCR-DVD92 has better still performance than its sibling. Neither camcorder fared well in the low light department.

Panasonic VDR-M53
Both the Sony DCR-DVD92 and the Panasonic VDR-M53 are entry level camcorders in this year’s lineup.  The VDR-M53 has a 1/6” CCD with 680K effective pixels, similar to this Sony. The VDR-M53 is one of the cheapest DVD camcorder to come out this year, yet it dwarfs this Sony with very respectable if not noble video performance; its even comparable to some 3 CCD MiniDV camcorders. Similar to the DCR-DVD92, the VDR-M53 can only capture stills at 640 x 480, but the Panasonic can do so with an SD card. The Panasonic also has a better navigation system and handling, while the DCR-DVD92 has better low light performance.

Conclusion
Entry level is often a euphemism for affordable and stripped. The Sony DCR-DVD92 certainly fits that description as the bottom of the Sony DCR-DVD line. The camcorder is relatively inexpensive, and shipped with what has become a standard imager for entry level camcorders: 1/6” CCD with 340K effective pixels. This model seems to be lacking in many areas where the other Sony models thrive. The lack of a genuine widescreen mode, coupled with the missing 2.7” widescreen LCD found on the other models, is a bit disappointing but sadly expected. The lack of a USB port or media card slot is certainly missed and needed.

Even though the camcorder was found wanting, it does provide some amenities to its user, such as the 20x optical zoom which is the most provided by a Sony DVD camcorder this year. It has favorable automatic controls, and is fairly easy to operate with the Easy Handycam feature. The focus lags a bit when in full zoom, but the delay is short. The Sony DVD+/-RW compatibility makes playback and capturing more convenient. This model is portable and easy to travel with on family vacations or during sports activities.

Although the camcorder provides convenience and comfort to the consumer, its shortcomings are too significant to overlook. This model has poor video and low light performance, with considerable noise and meager color representation. It is important to emphasize that its expensive sibling, the DCR-DVD203, armed with a far better imager, did not fair well in the low light department either. Convenience at an affordable price is the final draw for this camcorder. If you seek top notch performance and more manual control, seek a higher-end model. Remember that frugality has its consequences.