Sony DCR-DVD301 DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
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records in high-quality DVD-Video and DVD-VR formats (DVD-Video is MPEG-2; DVD-VR is a modification that works only with DVD-RWs and permits functions like playlists and editing) * records to mini DVD-Rs and DVD-RWs * recording capacity of one disc: 20 minutes at HQ setting; 30 minutes at SP setting; 60 minutes at LP setting * 3-1/2" color LCD viewscreen * 1-megapixel CCD * digital photo mode * auto exposure bracketing * photo resolution options: 1152 x 864, 640 x 480 * color viewfinder * stereo Dolby¨ Digital audio * variable-speed 10X Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 120X) * Super SteadyShot * Super NightShot Plus * auto and manual focus * shutter speed: 1/4 - 1/4000 * Auto Exposure settings * white balance control * manual exposure control * digital picture effects * A/V input/output, including S-video * USB 2.0 interface (backwards compatible with USB 1.1) * Intelligent Accessory Shoe * microphone input * 2-7/8"W x 3-1/2"H x 5-5/16"D * weight: 1.4 lbs. with battery * warranty: 1 year parts, 90 days labor
The DCR-DVD301 lets you effortlessly record the joy of everyday moments directly to DVD. The small, 3" DVD-R/RW format plays back in most DVD players, PlayStation 2 consoles and DVD-ROM drives. This flexible format lets you capture both stunning video and over 2000 still images all on one disc while exceptional Megapixel performance offers crisp video and stills. Meanwhile, the unmatched 3.5" SwivelScreen LCD lets you see it all in brilliant color. Get up close with a 10x Optical and 120x digital zoom while the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens helps you shoot like a pro. Key features include:

What's in the Box
Power adaptor/in-camera charger, InfoLithium rechargeable battery, wireless Remote Commander remote control, 2 AA batteries, stereo A/V cable, lens cap, cleaning cloth, blank DVD-R media, USB 2.0 cable, CD-ROM with USB Driver and Pixela ImageMixer software (Version 1.5 for Sony)

1 The best for the casual user, like me
I work with computers for a living, but I never could comprehend why most camcorders require that you hook them up to a computer, load up some software, and literally jump through hoops in order to transfer them to DVD disks. I suspect that a lot, if not most, people who buy camcorders don't care much about computers, don't really want to do some fancy editing, and just want to record precious moments of their life on a durable medium, and be able to show them to family and friends at a moment's notice. This camcorder is perfect for them. Sure, the DVDs are a little expensive, but the advantages far outweigh the cost. They are: 1) The ability to jump instantly from scene to scene, without having to fast forward or rewind to find the exact starting point, 2) No danger of accidentally recording over a scene, and of course 3) The durability of DVD.

If you have a DVD recorder, you can make duplicates on regular-sized DVDs. To save money, I bought several Sony 3-inch DVD-RW discs for my recordings, make duplicates on much-cheaper 5-inch DVD-Rs, erase and reuse the 3-inch DVD-RWs. Again, no computer needed (unless you really want to).

Though I only have my old camcorder for comparison, the picture quality is excellent in my opinion. The "Steady Shot" feature works much better than my old camcorder -- No more vertigo when watching playbacks. The still pictures are nothing to write home about, but I think it's probably the same with other camcorders. Besides, that's what cameras are for.

To sum it up, if you enjoy hooking up cables, fiddling with software, and being an amateur cinematographer, then there are lots of choices out there for your pickings. On the other hand, if, like me, you just want high quality recordings you can watch on your DVD player (or your friends', or your relatives') with no fuss and no hassle, then a DVD camcorder like this Sony is just about perfect.
2 I really wanted to like this handycam
This is a great handycam if all you want to do is shoot and play your movie on a dvd player. The kids love being able to watch thier events right away. The picture quality is not that good. I am still trying to figure out how to copy a dvd-RW to a full size disk so I won't have to buy thoses expensive little dvd's
3 Great Handycam!
The Sony DCR-DVD301 DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom is a great camcorder for any one interested in recording quality footage, not to mention that it is small enough to fit in your pocket. It has a great new touch screen, which allows the user to go through a serious of menus to play with the picture. If you don't have any video editing software, not to worry! The new handy cam is able to make transitions from frame to frame. The program that it runs would cost up to 40 dollars on your computer! The picture on this handycam is better then ever before using the mini DV recording structure. The only negative thing about the Sony is that fairly expensive so be very careful not to drop it. I got this handycam for Christmas and I cannot but it down. Overall it is a great camcorder and worth the money!
4 Great Camcorder, easy to use and it has a great LCD
This is my first camcorder and after reading several reviews and with a small baby at home, myself and wife had no question that a DVD handycam was the solution. We just started using it and it's really great to record, finalize the mini CD (it took just a few minutes) and watch it in the DVD. Amazing and fast. The quality of the video is great. Just what we needed.
5 Computer Savy, stay away!
I bought this camcorder (300 model) because I was having a horrible time converting my DVs into DVDs, mainly because of limitations on my computer.
I am disappointed. It comes with USB2.0, no firewire. And to make matter worse, the bundled software (very poor quality) uses some legacy systems (or win socks?) to recognise it. No other software on my system (incluing Nero) can use it as video capture device. So you are stuck with what Sony deems fit for you.
However, if you just like to get the DVDs from you camcorder and play it on your DVD player, you are OK. Please keep in mind that you may end up buying lots of DVD-R, because many DVD players still don't accept Sony's format of DVD-RW. Not to mention that DVD-R are still around $7 each.
6 This camera SUX!!!!!!!!!!!
I should've stuck with my mini dv camcorder. Wanna know why? How about losing an entire disc worth of footage in the blink of an eye? Yeah that's happened to me twice and now I'm afraid to use the camera. Once I got slightly bumped and there was a disk error. Another time I was standing stock still with no one around me and got the same error. Then there were the numerous times I was in the middle of filming sometihing great and lost the moment because there was an error that froze up the camera until it reset itself. I wish I could return the damn thing but it's over 30 days. At least with tape you can splice it if you need to. I think this format is a ploy to get consumers hooked on the novelty of being able to put the dvd right in their dvd players. IT'S NOT WORTH IT!
7 Not bad. Be VERY weary of non-Sony DVDs (MEMOREX)
Much like the first review, I am very pleased with the camcorder. HOWEVER, I had a tremendous disappointment on it's first use. We welcomed the arrival of our newborn son and used a MEMOREX dvd-r (which is supposed to be compatible) to record many special moments of his first three days at home. Included were his first home bath, first pediatricians appointment, clips from the first long nights, and other video from a proud papa. We planned on sending a copy of the DVD to his 80 yr. old great-grandma on the west coast. Recording went fine, but once finalized, the handycam cannot read the disk, as it shows a disk error. The memorex disk also fails to play in the computer or other devices. Devastated when realizing that the video was lost. Have used Sony dvd-r since and no problems. Hesitant to try other brands. Tips: pay the extra money and get Sony disks and always download a backup copy to your computer before finalizing and removing the disk. Do those two things and the camcorder will be a 5-star purchase.
8 Like camera but caution Memorex DVD-RW not working.
I have only used this Sony Handycam DCR-DVD301 for 3 discs. One Sony DVD-RW disc and two Memorex DVD-RW. The Sony disc still works but the two Memorex disc have failed - they each get "format error". The Memorex discs recorded OK and played back on the handycam until I finalized the discs. They will now not play on the handycam or the DVD player. The Memorex disc package states that it may be used in Sony camcorders. I rated this camera a 4 based on it working with the Sony discs but would rate it lower if it will only work with Sony discs. I like the handycam based on the use with the Sony discs.

Thursday, 20-Nov-2008 08:38:46 CST
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