Sony DCR-DVD108 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

Manufacturer Description
Record directly to DVD with the DCR-DVD108. It's compatible with DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R DL (Dual Layer) media formats. This affordable, high-quality camcorder is ideal for those looking to enter the realm of recording directly to a 3-inch DVD. DCR-DVD108 Highlights

1/6-inch Advanced HAD CCD imager 1/6-inch Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 340K effective pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance.

40x optical/2000x digital zoom The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, the Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.

Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario- Tessar lens Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones.

DVD format video recording The DVD recording format delivers digital picture and sound quality comparable to that of MiniDV, but on DVD. Playback of the DVDs couldn't be simpler. After finalizing the disc in the camcorder, the disc can play back in most DVD players, computers and even PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 video game consoles.

DVD-R/-RW/+RW and +R DL (Dual Layer) compatible The DCR-DVD108 is compatible with a variety of DVD formats, allowing the easy of use and simplicity found in DVD media. With DVD+RW media there is no need to finalize the disc (minimum recording time required). Simply remove the disc and insert the media into a compatible DVD player.

2.5-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The high-resolution, 123K-pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles and provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback.

Memory Stick Duo media slot Capture still images up to 640 x 480 resolution directly onto Memory Stick Duo media, then transfer to PCs for emailing, printing or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices.

Visual index screen Shows thumbnail images of video clips and still images when playing back on your camcorder or DVD player, making your selection easier.

Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization An advanced version of Sony's SteadyShot Image Stabilization system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies, to achieve an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some other image stabilization systems.

InfoLithium battery with AccuPower meter system Charge the battery at any time because, unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subject to a life shortening "memory effect." Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Manual focus Allows the user to manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.

Super NightShot Plus infrared system With Sony's Super NightShot Infrared System, you can capture natural-looking video even when shooting in low light. Record subjects up to 20 feet away using the built-in infrared system, but without the overall monochrome color common with earlier low-light recording systems.

Stamina battery power management system Using the optional NP-FH1000 InfoLithium battery, the DCR-DVD108 can continuously record for up to 9 hours (LCD or viewfinder) on a single full charge, providing extra long battery life.

Scene selection modes Scene selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Snow, Sports, Spotlight, Sunrise & Sunset and Twilight.

Picture effects Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Monotone, Pastel, Sepia. Effects available in Playback mode: Monotone, Pastel, Sepia.

Additional Features

Fader effects
Battery information
Easy Handycam button
Multi-language menu

Product Description
Versatile and powerful - the DCR-DVD108 Handycam DVD camcorder takes video capturing to a new level. Record directly to DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R Dual Layer media formats1. The built-in Memory Stick Duo media slot and USB 2.0 connection1 allow you to show off your video almost as fast as you captured it. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens with 40x optical/2000x digital zoom keeps you close to the action while the Super SteadyShot technology and Super NightShot feature make sure it looks perfect.

 Awesome! Reviewer: Jen "Jen" (Buffalo, NY) I am in no way a computer geek, I had no idea what optical zoom and finalizing disc's meant. But I am a mom that wanted quality home videos of my girls and wanted to spend less than $450. So here is my opinion. I returned my Samsung 164 for this camera. It was the same price but this has the Super Niteshot. The camera is very light and easy to control with one hand. The lens is made of glass versus the Samsung which is made of plastic. The zoom is amazing on this camera, I stood across my kitchen was able to zoom in on the small print on my calendar, AMAZING! I am so glad I took the Samsung 164 back - the indoor quality of that camera was horrible. This is excellent even in low light situations. Very pleased. I was also able to record on the DVD -R's which do not require formatting - just put the disc in and record. Oh and finalizing is just when you are done recording you go the menu on the camcorder press finalize and it does in about 1 minute it says it is complete and your done. Not as complicated as I thought it would be.

 New Customer And Happy With Purchase Reviewer: Jamie Ratliff (Texas, USA) I have had quite a few camcorders over the years (none of them Sony), and when I was looking for a new one, I did my usual 3-4 weeks of researching, etc. I chose the Sony DVD handycam because it was easy to use, the menu was pretty straightfoward, it had a 40x optical zoom (compared to 32x) and it was DVD. I was skeptical about the dvd part because I had heard about the minimal recording time, etc but I didn't understand the different disk formats I guess. Anyway, I am very pleased with this camcorder, and being able to shoot in a 16:9 format is also a nice feature I didn't even think about at first. So, although I am new to Sony camcorders, I am really enjoying this one. My only advice would be to go ahead and buy the memory stick and the disk pack when you buy the camera because you will want them!

 Not A Sony Fan But This Is A Winner Reviewer: GoBoSox "nakiejakie" (Boston, Ma.) I research the daylights out of everything. So I wind up usually buying a menage of names since I don't believe any manufacturer is good at everything. Since my college days in the mid-80s, I've hated Sony products. I've always believed they waded into far too many product lines and their quality suffered. So, up until this purchase I've owned nothing Sony for 20 years. Based on the reviews, though, I just purchased this camcorder and broke it in during a trip to Berlin. You cannot beat the price for the quality. Superb zoom (optical really counts as digital blurs the picture and is artificial), easy menu, great night shot capability. All in all, a wonderful purchase. Do not hesitate to buy this Sony. Tip: get a pack of DVD+RWs to play with since you can re-record and get a pack of dual layer Rs once you're comfortable because they have much more recording space but you CANNOT re-record on them.

 Better Quality Gets The Job Done Reviewer: A. Muhaimin (New York, NY USA)

when it comes to buying camcorders, i personally like the one with the build in memory. but after using this camcorder i was forced to change my mind. unlike other sony camcorders, first of all, it offers upto 40x zoom which is a lot. its a good use of your money. you can have it for under $400 and still works better than a lot of choices out there. easy to use, touch screen, takes still photos, has a good speaker so it's easier to record video and voice, fits into your palm so to speak, and if you use rewritable mini dvds, you wouldn't have to worry about go out of memory. so when it comes to sony camcorders, i would say the better quality of this one would get the job done properly.