Sony Intros Four New Standard Def DVD Camcorders

Sony DCR-DVD508

January 7, 2007 – Today in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronic show, Sony unveiled four new standard definition DVD camcorders, one fewer than last year. This follows a trend of manufacturers shifting focus towards high definition models, but these new DVD camcorders are not without their selling points, though. The top model, the DCR-DVD508, features a new 3MP ClearVID CMOS sensor and for the first time in years on a consumer Sony camcorder: optical image stabilization. The DCR-DVD408, DCR-DVD308, and DCR-DVD108 round out the new line-up.

 

In addition to the four new DVD camcorders, Sony also unveiled five new hard disk drive (HDD) camcorders. As both formats use MPEG-2 compression and offer a number of similar features, consumers may be left wondering how to decide between them. In response, Sony plans to launch a Buyer's Guide early in the year that is meant to help a customer determine their needs and how they plan to use the camcorder - active lifestyles, family, tech-oriented, and so on. In marketing materials issued to the press, Sony is splitting the demographics between "familyographers" and "life catchers." The former leans toward the instant archivability of DVD and the latter towards easy uploading for sites like MySpace and YouTube.

 

The entire DVD line-up offers MemoryStick Duo and MemoryStick PRO Duo slots, and USB 2.0 ports. All models will now also accept DVD+R DL (Dual Layer) discs, in addition to DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW. Finally, all models ship with H. Stamina batteries that promise endurances of up to 9 hours in the entry-level model. In the past, batteries of this lifespan were large and heavy. The new H. Stamina batteries appear to be about the same size as last year’s standard life batteries. Each step up in the DVD line offers a shorter battery life with a maximum 5 hours shooting time in the top-end model. Of course, all the camcorders use the Sony-standard touch screen LCDs, Super NightShot mode, and an Easy button for simplified operation. All, but the DCR-DVD508, employ electronic image stabilization, and none of the camcorders offer analog inputs.

 

The entry-level model the DCR-DVD108 retails for $399. It features the smallest of the imagers, a CCD measuring only 1/6” with a 680K gross pixel count. It does, however, offer a 40x optical zoom, the highest in the DVD line. This baseline model still misses out on some key features. It has the smallest LCD at only 2.5” (123K resolution), a non-widescreen EVF (123K resolution), and  the smallest still resolution size 0.3MP VGA quality stills.

 

Sony DCR-DVD108

 

The next model up is the DCR-DVD308 ($499 MSRP) with an upgraded imager of up to 1MP CCD that allows for 1MP still photos. Both the DVD108 and the DVD308 CCDs share the same physical dimensions which means that resolution will likely improve but low light performance will probably not. The larger imager reduces the optical zoom to 25x and that may prove to be a significant downgrade for zoom-happy users. The DVD308 and DVD108 also share the same lens which is a Carl-Zeiss Vario-Tessar with a 30mm filter diameter. A 2.7” widescreen LCD comes equipped on the DCR-DVD308 along with built-in Dolby Digital 5.1ch Surround Sound, a remote control jack, and a hot accessory shoe. All of these features are also found on the DCR-DVD408 and DCR-DVD508.

 

Sony DCR-DVD308

 

The DCR-DVD408 ($700 MSRP) features an upgraded lens, a Carl-Zeiss Sonnar T* lens with a 37mm filter diameter, and an upgraded imager that is the same 1/3” ClearVID CMOS sensor found in a number of higher-end 2006 camcorders. The CMOS imaging system opens the doors to a number of special features not available with the CCD camcorders. This chip offers a gross pixel count of 2.1MP and can take stills as large as 4MP. The zoom is reduced to 10x. Both the DVD408 and the DVD508 allow for simultaneous video and still capture. In the DVD408, these stills can range up to 2.3MP. Smooth Slow Record, a slow-motion feature, is another CMOS benefit. Both the DCR-DVD408 and DCR-DVD508 also feature an upgraded LCD a 2.7” widescreen with an improved 211K resolution.

 

Sony DCR-DVD508

 

The top-end model, the DCR-DVD508 ($900 MSRP), comes equipped with a number of features to separate it from the pack. Inside is a 1/2.9” ClearVID CMOS sensor, with 3.2MP gross pixel count, native still resolution of 3MP, and is capable of producing stills up to 6.1MP. In Dual Record mode (stills taken during video recording) it can capture stills up to 4.6MP. The DVD508 also features an optical image stabilization that has not been offered on a consumer Sony camcorder since the DCR-TRV950 released in 2002. These two features combined promise to make one of the best standard definition camcorders to date. The DVD508 will also feature 10x optical zoom, the Carl-Zeiss Sonnar T* lens, and the 2.7” 211K LCD.

 

The DCR-DVD108 retails for $399 and the DCR-DVD308 retails for $499. Both are set to be released in February 2007. The DCR-DVD408 retails for $700 and the DCR-DVD508 retails for $900. Both of those camcorders are scheduled for a March 2007 release.