Customer Reviews

Sony DCR-DVD203 1MP DVD Handycam Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a great DVD camcorder. Best of all is its size. It is barely larger than my digital camera and weighs almost nothing. For those who don't know yet, this DVD camcorder (and most recent ones) doesn't use regular DVDs but smaller ones instead, so the camcorder is not as bulky as one would think.
Getting started was very easy. I literally watched my first DVD on TV one hour after opening the box. The internal software automagically creates a menu with chapters and all (all of it can be customized of course). Commands and options are all very straightforward and very few settings need to be changed in order to get started. Also, there is a fantastic zoom for a camcorder of this size.
Only downside is the battery time. The battery will die after about an hour. I still give it 5 stars because anyway I am not of those who film landscapes or entire shows/parties from end to end. I usually only use a camcorder to film relatively short events or everyday-life snapshots of kids and family, and this camcorder is just perfect for that.

This is my first camcorder and the only reason I bought it was because my first child was due in June. The reason I went with Sony was because several of my friends own one. I liked the size and picture quality of the mini DV but I didn't like the fact that you had to hook up a lot of cables and fast forward or rewind to look for your shots. My friend owns one of the first generation Sony DVD camcorders and he showed me some video and I thought it was pretty good even at 60 min and he said he has never had a problem with it so I decided on this the model 203 which was newer and in widescreen.

Pro: Wide screen, sound is not bad, ease of use ( I have been experimenting with it straight out of the box, haven't even read the manual yet and you can pretty much figure out all the features), and size.

Con: I own a 47inch widescreen TV and even on the Highest Quality recording the picture looks a little grainy and colors weren't that great, but play it on a regular tube TV and the picture is great so I guess it loses a little resolution on the bigger screen. I will have to try it on my brother in law's 50inch plasma. This is the reason I gave it only 4 stars.

I haven't tried the editing features yet but most likely I will get aftermarket software. I purchased thru amazon which was one of the better values but not the cheapest. The cheaper site, which I won't name got a lot of poor reviews and complaints so I stuck to amazon for no tax and free shipping.

This little thing is wonderful. It takes great shots and video. Nightshot makes it easy to tape in the dark as well. Very small and very easy to use, on screen display of settings makes it even easier to use. No small buttons to fool with. So simple and easy to use. You can take video and pictures in sepia, black & white, pastel sketch, old movie and mosiac. Will also shoot across a basketball court making it look like you was out there with the players. And the software that came with it is amazing. You can add music and special affects to make awesome home movies. I just love all this. Its excellant for scrapbookers, mom's and anyone tired of boring, plain home movies.

I just had to come back and add after using this amazing little camcorder for awhile, I am still pleased with my purchase. It is so easy to use as well as the software that came with it. I have taped and taped over and over with it and couldnt ask for a better camcorder without shelling out mega bucks. You do have to finalize the disks before you can upload to a computer, but thats just as easy. And when you tape at night, it still shows up really clear, not so dark you cant see. If I had to purchase another, I would get this one again without a second thought about it. And its so easy to use in just one hand. If I could, I would give it 10 stars.

I found it very easy to use. the resolution is great for home use.
The Picture packge software worked as advertised, but when I shut the computer down, it hung with an error. According to the manufacturer of the software, they do not know if there is a conflict when using MS Windows XP media center OS. It worked fine with windows XP professional OS.

I've purchased this camcorder a month ago and it was one of the best buys in my whole life.
Movie quality is better than you could expect (at least beeing an amateur like me).
Still quality is not so good. I saw digital images taken using a digital camera and colours are much vivid than dcr-dvd203 (remember you are purchasing a camcorder)
Easy to use: 10. I had never used a camcorder before and this camcorder is EXTREMELY easy to use. Even without using the "EASY" button.

Pros: Easy to use, good movie quality, 2.7" LCD, Color Viewfinder, TouchScreen, SuperNightShot, DVD recording format.

Cont: No manual functions, can't record movies AND take pictures at the same time, poor still quality in low light spaces, just 30' to 45' using the battery supplied.

I started recording video right out of the box. The camera's features are pretty good but the video was a little grainy or too bright and it skipped some. I need to spend some more time learning how to use the camera properly.2 disks worth of movies were unwatchable because I didn't use the back light. After a few day's of tinkering I found the "easy cam" button.It seems to record much better now.
It's not a "right out of the box" camera but I still like it and think I will like to more once I take the time to learn how to use it properly.
I would like it better if I bought it at the amazon price but I was overseas and needed a camera fast. I paid twice amazon price so I guess I have higher expectations.

There is currently a known issue with many of the Sony Camcorders. This is being called the "black screen of death".

What happens is that the camera works great for 1-2 years then the CCD goes out like a light. The camera will not take video again.

Sony is evasive if not downright deceitful about this issue when you call tech support. The fact is Sony does not stand behind their product. If this happens to you, Sony will not own the defect and you will be out hundreds of dollars.

There is a lengthy thread on CNET on this issue. Search for Sony black screen.

Wishing you luck in the purchase of your (not Sony) video camera,
Scott

I have been very happy with this camera since we got it. The only potential negative would be battery life, although I don't hvae much to compare it with. Picture quality and ease of use are great. And it has an easy button, which geuinely works.

What I like: this camcorder is lightweight, great for movies & pictures. Easy to use. I've taken it on vacations and it works great in all weather conditions, overly sunny, rainy, fog, snow, and heavy winds. It's fair for indoor action as well. I'm the worst person for handling camcorders, I usually shake the picture making everyone dizzy. Using this camcorder, I've noticed there is less shake to my pictures.

What I don't like: the night shot is not good for low light, but it works fairly clearly in no light. The "easy" button doesnt quite make things easier. There is not very much battery time, but it is offset by the fact that the tape only goes about 30 minutes.