Sony Handycam DCR-DVD810 Camcorder Review

Conclusion
Sony clearly knows how to do DVD camcorders. The HDR-UX20, an HD model from Sony, won our Best DVD Camcorder award for 2008, and the DCR-DVD810 ($449.99 MSRP) is another strong performer in the category. The 8GB of internal memory included on the DVD810 is a splendid surprise that makes the camcorder a versatile device and ideal for someone looking for a product with multiple media options. It also gives the camcorder a significant advantage over the Canon DC330, which can only record video to DVD. The video quality on the DCR-DVD810 isn't the best for a camcorder in its price range, but it provides a decent image and its auto controls work competently in most shooting situations. The camcorder also impressed us with how well it stood up against the higher-end DCR-DVD910, which had a sharper picture, but a worse low light image than the DVD810.

The DCR-DVD810 does have handling issues and it isn't a very comfortable camcorder to hold. The large DVD hatch isn't ergonomically designed—making the entire camcorder feel rigid, boxy, and stiff in your palm. The tall design of the device isn't very conducive for portability and the overall look of the DVD810 is unappealing and tired. Also, as with all Sony camcorders, the touchscreen system can be annoying and difficult for users who aren't accustomed to the interface.

Even with all these problems, the DCR-DVD810 is a decent video performer and offers a good value for what you get. DVD-based camcorders are heading towards extinction, but if you insist on purchasing one you can put your confidence in Sony and the DCR-DVD810.

Comparisons

	Sony DCR-DVD910 The DCR-DVD910 is Sony's high-end standard definition camcorder that records to DVD. It is priced at $200 more than the DCR-DVD810 and it comes with a larger CMOS sensor. While the specs of the DVD910 are more impressive on paper, we didn't think they were good enough to warrant an extra 200 bucks. Also, and here's the big kicker, the DCR-DVD910 comes with no internal memory. None. This makes the DCR-DVD810 the better buy hands down. Choosing between these two models only serves to open up a bigger point – if you're going to spend over $600 on a camcorder, you should probably be looking at an HD model.
	Canon DC330, In our early tests with the DC330, it definitely bests the DCR-DVD810 in terms of performance. However, the DVD810 has the significant advantage being able to record to three different media, as opposed to the DC330's DVD-only recording. If you're looking at standard definition camcorders in this price range, performance probably isn't your biggest cocern, which makes the DVD810 a better buy. For $70 more the DCR-DVD810 offers more versatility with media options and the 8GB of internal memory is simply a great feature. If you're specifically looking for the best video performer, the Canon DC330 does take the prize, but the DCR-DVD810 is the better value overall.
	Canon FS10 The DCR-DVD810 is the only standard def camcorder in Sony's repertoire that comes with internal flash memory, while Canon has a couple. The FS100, FS10, and FS11 all record solely to solid-state (flash) memory and each have a varying amount of internal storage. The FS10 comes with 8GB, but it's MSRP is actually $50 more than the Sony DVD810. This means you basically pay $50 dollars less to have the option of recording to disc. In some ways this makes sense, as the disc hatch turns the DCR-DVD810 into a terrible handler, and the FS10 is a more portable and ergonomic device. However, if you like DVD camcorders and the shape of the DCR-DVD810 doesn't bother you, it's a really good deal in the standard def market.
	Sony DCR-SR85 The Sony DCR-SR85 has an identical sensor and lens to the DCR-DVD810, so the video performance of the two camcorders is identical. The only difference here is recording media and the 60GB hard drive featured on the DCR-SR85. If you like the video quality the DVD810 produces, but you don't want to deal with the DVD recorder, the DCR-SR85 is a product you should consider. It is $100 more than the DVD810, but it's easier to hold and it's internal hard drive will ensure you'll never have to carry around discs or tapes again.
	JVC GZ-MG330 Overall, the JVC GZ-MG330 is the best standard def camcorder we've reviewed this year and its price range is identical to that of the Sony DCR-DVD810. The two are very different camcorders, however, as the JVC excels in portability and handling, while the Sony is designed to be a multifaceted media recorder. The GZ-MG330 comes with a 30GB internal hard drive as its primary storage media and has the option of using microSD/SDHC cards for storage. If you don't need to record to DVD, the JVC GZ-MG330 is your best bet in the standard definition market.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
Sony's easy mode and reliable automatic controls make the DCR-DVD810 a decent choice for beginners. The odd shape of the camcorder and the multiple options for recording media may bother and confuse some users, however.

Budget Consumers
With an MSRP of just under $450, the DCR-DVD810 is an excellent buy. Camcorders that record to internal flash memory are usually quite pricey, and the 8GB that come with the DVD810 are a tremendous resource. The camcorder actually runs $50 cheaper than the Canon FS10, which also has 8GB of internal memory—but it doesn't offer a DVD drive. If you desire the ability to record to DVD, and like having multiple media options, the DVD810 is a tremendous bang for your buck.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The DCR-DVD810 doesn't produce very good still images and its size is awkward for taking snapshots. If you like the idea of storing video on DVDs and photos on internal memory or memory cards, then perhaps the DVD810 could be intriguing. Otherwise, it's a lame excuse for a still camera and it won't yield pleasing results.

Gadget Freaks
The multiple recording options may pique the interest of some gadget-lovers, but DVD recorders are basically in the twilight of their lives. The DCR-DVD810 certainly won't be on anyone's list of hot, exciting technology.

Manual Control Freaks
The touchscreen interface on the DCR-DVD810 is not pleasant for anyone to deal with, let alone users who love manual controls. Combine this with the fact that the camcorder has very few manual controls to begin with and you're staring at a product any true manual control devotee would despise.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
There's nothing about the DCR-DVD810 that would be attractive to professionals or serious videographers.