Reviews of the Sony Handycam DCR-DVD505
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CNET Review
The Good: Better-than-average video quality; excellent, large LCD; Dolby Digital 5.1 surround-sound recording; innovative wireless microphone accessory; decent still photos.
The Bad: No video light; occasional compression artifacts still noticeable; poor battery life; slightly grainy low-light video.
The Bottom Line: Full-featured but somewhat bulky, the Sony Handycam DCR-DVD505 DVD camcorder matches its MiniDV competitors in most areas, while offering the convenience of direct-to-disc recording.
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alaTest.com
Review Summary: Experts rate this product 72/100 and users 80/100. Comparing these reviews to 104865 other Camcorders reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 86/100 = Very Good.
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techradar.com
Review Summary: In keeping with the latest Sony developments the 505 uses a single CMOS imaging chip for video and stills, capable of 4-megapixel still images saved to Memory Stick
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No Rating
videomaker.com
Review Summary: The Sony DCR-DVD505 provides the picture and sound worthy of a President Cleveland (or ten Benjamins.)
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pcmag.com
Review Summary: Although it's not perfect, the Sony DCR-DVD505 miniDVD camcorder's strengths make it a shoo-in for Editors' Choice.
Manufacturer: Sony
Part number: DCRDVD505
General
- Product Type Camcorder
- Enclosure Color Silver
- Digital Zoom 120 x
- Total Pixels 2.1 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/3"
- Optical Sensor Type CMOS
- Min Illumination 0 lux
- Analog Video Format NTSC
- Digital Video Format MPEG-2
- Special Effects Sepia, Mosaic, Pastel, Monotone, Old Movie, Luminance Key
- Image Stabilizer Electronic (Super Steady Shot)
- Digital Scene Transition Wipe fader, Black fader, White fader, Overlap fader
- Min Shutter Speed 1/4 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
- Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Landscape, Spotlight, Beach & ski, Portrait mode, Sports lesson, Sunset & moon
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Indoor, Outdoor
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
- Camera Flash Built-in flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
Main Features
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 2.1 megapixels
- Camcorder Effective Video Resolution 2 megapixels
- Camcorder Interpolated Still Resolution 4 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Still Image Format JPEG
- Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
- TV Tuner None
Memory / Storage
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage Fine JPEG 2304 x 1296, Standard JPEG 2304 x 1296, Fine JPEG 2304 x 1728, Standard JPEG 2304 x 1728, Fine JPEG 640 x 480, Standard JPEG 640 x 480
- Media Type DVD-R (8cm), DVD+RW (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm)
Camera Flash
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective Flash Range 1 ft - 8 ft
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.9
- Focal Length 5.1 mm - 51 mm
- Lens Aperture F/1.8-2.9
- Optical Zoom 10 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 5.1 mm
- Max focal length 51 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Lens Manufacturer Carl Zeiss
- Features Built-in lens shield
- Filter Size 30 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 45 - 450 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Digital Still Camera Function Yes
- Additional Features Auto power save, Date/time stamp, PictBridge support, Accessories hot shoe, Touch-screen control, USB 2.0 compatibility, Backlight compensation, Digital noise reduction, Progressive shutter system, 5.1 channel surround sound ready, Analog to digital conversion with pass through
- Analog to digital conversion Yes
- Remote control Remote control - Infrared
- Software Nero Express 6, Sony Picture Package
- Included Accessories Cleaning cloth
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Electronic
- Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.3 in
- Viewfinder Resolution 123,000 pixels
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 3.5 in - Color
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
- Microphone Features Wind noise reduction
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Composite video/audio (input/output), 1 x USB, 1 x Microphone, 1 x Remote control, 1 x DC power input
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x Memory Stick PRO Duo
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Technology Electret condenser
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows ME, MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000
- Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Cables Included 1, 1 x A/V cable, USB cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Battery type - Lithium ion
Battery
- Supported Battery Sony NP-FP60
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 211,000 pixels
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2.6 in
- Depth 5.6 in
- Height 3.5 in
- Weight 1.1 lbs
Product Video
Product Photos
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