A review of the Sony DCR-DVD 105 digital camcorder
Sony is introducing some great new digital camcorders that film in High Definition and produce spectacular results that are just beyond belief. However, the higher specification camcorders are a little on the expensive side and although create superb images, also create a big hole in your pocket. Some of the lower spec Sony models are impressive in their ability to produce video footage at a fraction of the price and here we look at one of these, the Sony DCR-DVD105. Design |
| The Sony DCR-DVD105 DVD Camcorder has a simple and minimalist appearance with the majority of functions being on the back with the viewfinder. These functions include a chunky silver dial that when turned is the power function, a switch that changes the camcorder between movie and still image mode and a start/stop button. The back also has the battery which slots into place and is on show (compared to being inside a compartment), it tends to stick out from the camera body, rather than being flush and weighs the camera down somewhat. On the left side is the rotating 2.5” LCD screen which has the zoom controls and start/stop function at the side. With the start/stop functions at the side of the LCD and on the back it offers you the choice of comfort by using either your right or left hand to operate the camcorder. Above the LCD screen on the DCR-DVD105’s silver body is a backlight button and play/edit shortcut button. The camera feels comfortable in your right hand, although the DVD compartment is raised slightly from the camcorder body and if you have small lady hands, you struggle to get your fingers over the top to get a good grip. However, larger hands should be able to grip the body with ease. The weight of the camera is a mere 380g (unloaded). |
| Features |
| The simplicity of the Sony DCR-DVD105 continues into the list of features. The most important feature being the Advanced HAD CCD system which in the words of Sony means that ‘it enhances the light collecting performance of CCD’. This works by a microscopic lens being placed on top of each pixel so that as much light as possible can be focused onto it, reducing digital noise and improving picture quality. With this structure in place, the images you receive will be top notch and very impressive. Another addition to ensure great images are achieved is the Super SteadyShot feature which is Sony’s brand of Image Stabilisation to reduce camera shake and therefore, blurry images. Videos and still images can be recorded onto the same DVD media and then transferred onto your TV. Unfortunately, there is no USB port with the Sony DCR-DVD105 so images cannot be uploaded onto a PC unless you record your footage to a rewritable disk and import from there. There are loads of possible setup options which have been grouped into 6 categories, camera set, still set, picture effect, disc settings, standard settings and time settings, so you can customize filming and still images to create a personal and individual display. We particularly like the ‘Easy’ option in which you can set the camera to preset all functions and the camera takes over, however this option limits manual options until the option is switched off. The editing possibilities are very limited with the Canon DCR-DVD105 and we would recommend investing in a good editing package like Adobe Premier Elements, for example. |
| Performance |
| The Canon DCR-DVD105 digital camcorder was unbelievably easy to use with the functions in easy reach and on-screen menu being very user-friendly. We were impressed with the battery life as it ran long enough to fill 2 DVD’s, but this will depend on the time spent reviewing footage and how much the LCD screen is used. However, it takes between 3 and 4 hours to recharge, so we would recommend investing in a backup battery. Images captured with the DCR 105 were mediocre but failed considerably when displayed on a screen bigger than a 30” as they became very fuzzy and distorted and were not a pleasure to watch. However, on a smaller screen, such as a laptop they were fine and showed fine details and textures quite well. Still images were not bad, but not great either for this entry level camcorder. |
| What's In The Box? |
| Sony NP-FP50 Lithium Ion Battery + Charger / AC Adapter, A/V Cable, Sony software CD (Picture Package), 8mb Sony Memory Stick Duo, Strap, Manual. |
| Overall Opinion |
| The Sony DCR-DVD105 digital camcorder is quite acceptable for a cheap entry level digital camcorder. It's extremely easy to use and it produces impressive picture quality. We would have liked to see a larger LCD display and a USB connection to download pictures to your PC, but for the price you will pay for the Sony DCR-DVD105 we can't complaint... |
| By Hayley Malyon |
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Pros + Advanced HAD CCD + Super SteadyShot feature + Lots of setup options + Direct access to scenes filmed |
Cons - Poor images when shown on screens 30” or larger - Poor battery life and charge time |
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Picture Quality 6/10
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Battery Life 6/10
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Setup Simplicity 8/10
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Build Quality 8/10
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Ease of Use 8/10
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Overall Rating 
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15/1/2007
at 3:38:33pm
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