Sony Handycam DCR-DVD405 DVD Camcorder
CNET previews the Sony DCR-DVD405 camcoder and offers an interesting comparison with a previous Sony device. 'Varying sensors and LCD sizes make a world of difference between the Sony DCR-DVD405 and its uptown sibling, the DCR-DVD505, beyond just the $200 price gap. The top-of-the-line DVD505 uses Sony's new 2-megapixel ClearVid CMOS imager and provides a large 3.5-inch LCD, while the DVD405 makes due with an old-hat 3-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD and an undersize 2.7-inch display. Those two differences are enough for the DVD405 to produce visibly inferior video--though still better than average for a DVD camcorder--and to bump a merely tolerable user interface over the line to annoying. In fact, most of the key aspects of the DVD405 are the same as its predecessor's, last year's DVD403; compared to this year's competitors, however, it merits a lower rating. As a result, unless you really crave the Dolby 5.1 Surround recording, the similarly priced three-chip Panasonic VDR-D300 edges it in their class.'
Features:
•Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens with multilayer coating for increased contrast and reduced glare and flare
•Super SteadyShot picture stabilization minimizes shake and vibration distortion
•Super NightShot infrared system for full-color shooting in low-light conditions
•Manual focus lets you adjust the focus with the touch panel in difficult shooting situations
•Auto, indoor, 1-push and outdoor white balance controls to achieve natural tones under different lighting conditions
•Digital still camera mode with progressive shutter system captures images at resolutions up to 2016 x 1512 on Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo media (media not included)
•1-touch wide angle shooting lets you switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios with the press of a button; on-screen zoom and record buttons offer flexibility and comfort when shooting
•Active interface shoe provides a location directly on the camcorder to add optional accessories while providing power and 2-way communication with those accessories
•Built-in microphone with Dolby Digital 5.1-channel recording for rich, detailed surround sound
•InfoLithium battery with AccuPower meter system displays how much battery is charged and the recordable time left in minutes
•USB 2.0 interface for easy image transfer; can be used as an external DVD burner; analog-to-digital converter
Read: Sony Handycam DCR-DVD405 Preview - ZDNet