Sony Handycam DCR-DVD810 Camcorder Review

What’s in the Box?

-AC Adapter
-Power cord
-A/V-out cable
-USB cable
-Remote control
-Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH40
-Picture Motion Browser software

Other Features (5.00)

NightShot – Using an infrared sensor, NightShot makes the DVD810 capable of capturing images in complete darkness. It can be a wonderful feature for late-night videographers, as long as you don't mind the shiny, green glow the setting adds to your footage.

Fader – Turning this feature on adds a fade to the beginning or end of video clips. The fade can be either black or white and begins after the record button is pressed.

Digital Effects – Sony could really go for an update to its digital effects features. The only option here is old movie, which simply slows the shutter speed down and gives the footage a sepia tint.

Picture Effects – There are three effects for changing the image on the DVD810: sepia, black & white, and pastel.

Quick On – This button puts the camcorder into a sleep mode, and pressing it again wakes it up quickly. The feature, found on most Sonys, is not very useful. The camcorder turns on quickly regardless of what state you're booting it from.

Backlight – The DVD810 offers its very own backlight compensation button, which is found on many Sony camcorders. This setting attempts to even out exposure on subjects who are strongly lit from behind. It is nonsensical that Sony gives camcorders a dedicated button for this feature—rather than offer a button for focus, exposure, or something else far more useful.