Sony Handycam DCR-DVD810 Camcorder Review

The Sony DCR-DVD810 ($449.99 MSRP) is truly versatile camcorder from Sony. Besides being able to record standard definition video to DVD, the camcorder also includes 8GB of internal flash memory and a Memory Stick Pro Duo card slot for extra storage. It's the type of camcorder that will probably appeal to people who love the concept behind DVD/VCR combos. However, because of the bulk the DVD hatch adds, the camcorder is an awkward and uncomfortable handler—as well as a very unattractive product. Even so, at around $450 it's a good deal for what you get, especially if you want something that can record to DVD. Sony has maintained itself as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to DVD camcorders... unfortunately, it's reigning over a medium on its way to extinction.

The camcorder is $50 cheaper than the Canon FS10, which has similar specs, but doesn't come with a DVD drive (it's also a good deal smaller than the DCR-DVD810). Sony also offers a step-down model, the DCR-DVD710 (Specs, ), which doesn't include any internal memory (but still has the DVD drive and Memory Stick Pro Duo slot). There's also the higher-end Sony DCR-DVD910 (Review, Specs, $469.00), but its $650 price tag is too steep for a standard def camcorder.

The Front (6.25)
The Sony DCR-DVD810 has the traditional, tall, thin design of a DVD-recording camcorder. Its extra 8GB of internal memory doesn't make the camcorder any larger than the higher end Sony DCR-DVD910, which has the exact same dimensions. Up front the DVD810 sports a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, with a 25x optical zoom, a filter diameter of 30mm and an aperture range of f/1.8 - f/3.2. The lens offers a focal length of 2.5 - 62.5mm, as well as two 35mm equivalent lengths in camera mode: 43 - 1075mm (4:3 Camera Mode) and 41 - 1189mm (16:9 Camera Mode). This lens has the exact same specs as those on the Sony DVD710, SR85 (Review, Specs, $398.95), and SR65 (Specs, $449.99).

Underneath the lens is a manual lens cover switch. This internal cover is much better than having to deal with a dangling lens cap, but it's not quite as good as the automatic enclosure offered on the Sony DVD910. To the right of this switch, beneath the smooth section of black plastic, hides the infrared sensor for the camcorder's NightShot mode. Beneath this, near the base of the camcorder, a door flips down to reveal the AV-out port. This flip-down door doesn't feel cheaply constructed, and the front-placement of the AV-out port isn't fantastic. Sony also uses proprietary AV cables, which means the port won't accept any regular AV cables you have lying around.

There is no built-in flash on the DVD810—a feature found on the higher-end model, Sony DCR-DVD910.

The lens on the DCR-DVD810 has a built-in manual lens cover.

The Right Side (4.50)
From the right, the DVD810 looks like a taller Sony DCR-SR85 (Review, Specs, $398.95). Where the SR85 has a fat 60GB hard drive, the DVD810 hosts a large DVD hatch, which opens via a switch on the camcorder's top. The DVD door opens outward, often getting in the way of the hand strap that's linked to the side of the camcorder. The hand strap is attached to a swiveling hook in order to make it more mobile (and able to get out of the way from the DVD door's path), but the design isn't good enough—things will be cluttered when you load and remove DVDs.

The hand strap often gets in the way of the DVD door.

Near the upper left corner is the camcorder's DC-input, shielded by a flexible, plastic cover. Much like the AV-out port, the placement of the DC-input is flawed. Holding the camcorder with the DC cable plugged into its side is uncomfortable and annoying. The cable also gets in the way of the most important controls—start/stop record, on/off switch, zoom toggle, and the shutter button. Sony could have found a much better home for the DC-input port.

The DVD hatch takes up most of the right side.

The Back (7.00)
The DCR-DVD810 has an expendable viewfinder at the top of its back side. While viewfinders used to be commonplace amongst camcorders, they have become increasingly scarce in the world of compact devices. The viewfinder on the DVD810 doesn't pivot or swivel, and it only extends outward about 3/4 of an inch. Even so, it is a lovely feature to have on a bright, sunny day, when all you can see on the LCD screen is glare. The viewfinder also has a diopter adjustment dial on its left side. Underneath the viewfinder is the battery compartment. The compartment isn't fully enclosed, which means you can easily upgrade to a larger battery pack for longer-lasting performance.

The back of the DCR-DVD810 isn't loaded with controls, which is usually a good thing. To the right of the viewfinder, at the top of the camcorder, is an on/off toggle that also doubles as a mode switch. Below this are three indicator lights telling you if the camcorder is charging, in video mode, or in still mode. Next to these lights is the start/stop record button.

The back of the DCR-DVD810 has an extendable viewfinder.

The Left Side (5.25)
The most prominent feature here is the flip-out 2.7-inch LCD screen. Before we get to that, there are three small buttons in a column just to the right of the "Sony" emblem next to the viewfinder. Quick on is the first button, which puts and wakes the camcorder from a sleep-like mode. The Easy button is next—a button idolized by beginners, as it puts the camcorder into an entirely automated mode. Last is the seldom-used backlight button, which attempts to correct contrast on subjects with a strong light behind them. Why Sony continues to put backlight buttons on its camcorders is a mystery. An easy-access manual focus or exposure button would be far more useful.

The camcorder's LCD door opens with a swivel and is capable of a 270-degree rotation. As with all Sonys, the LCD has a touchscreen interface, which is used to access the camcorder's menus. To the left of the screen, on the LCD frame, are a few extra buttons—home menu, zoom in, zoom out/in, and record.

The touchscreen LCD display...

... and inside the LCD cavity

Inside the LCD cavity is a slot for inserting Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, one of three media options the camcorder can record to. Next to the the card slot is a speaker for audio playback. Underneath this are three buttons: Disp/Batt Info, Dubbing, and Playback. Next to these buttons is an uncovered mini-USB port, although the LCD provides adequate protection to the port when it's closed. Tucked away at the far left is a small reset button that is embedded into the camcorder. It requires a pin or paperclip to press—a good thing, considering the button restores the camcorder to its factory defaults.

From the left, the DCR-DVD810 looks like a strange tugboat.

The Top (6.75)
Sony didn't get port placement right on the DVD810 and the same can be said about microphone positioning. A large Dolby Digital 5.1 mic sits atop the lens—easily in the way of fingers being used to grip the camcorder. Next to the built-in mic is the disc release button for the DVD door. The hatch opens automatically when the button is flicked, and we found the opening process worked fairly quickly (within 5 seconds).

Hidden on the top of the camcorder is a switch for turning on Sony's NightShot mode. The black switch, labeled with black text, is difficult to find even in broad daylight, let alone at nighttime. Towards the back of the top side is a pop-up cover that houses an active accessory shoe. Don't get too excited just yet—the shoe fits only Sony-brand accessories (although third-party adapters are available).

The DCR-DVD810 features an accessory shoe and a Dolby mic.