Sony DCR-DVD405 3MP DVD Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

Other products by Sony

Product Details

• Item Weight: 8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000E0DU7G
• Item model number: DCR-DVD405
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (73 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,815 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 3, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Capture powerful sound and sharp images direct to DVD with the DCR-DVD405 Handycam camcorder. Built for serious recording, the DCR-DVD405 comes with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens for creating superior quality images. Featuring high-resolution imaging with an 3.3-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD imager, you can take not only sharp digital video, but also detailed digital still photographs. You can record Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound with the built-in microphone to make watching your movies like a visit to the theater.

Other features include Super NightShot Infrared System to help record in low light situations. See the bigger picture with the 2.7-inch wide SwivelScreen LCD display with touch panel capabilities. Best of all, you capture digital videos directly to DVD for the ultimate in recording convenience.

More DCR-DVD405 features

3.3-megapixel (gross) Advanced HAD CCD imager
1/3-inch Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 2048K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance. The megapixel technology enhances your digital videos and digital still (3048K) photography performance.

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 video game consoles.

10x optical/120x 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.

Progressive shutter system
A mechanical shutter system that provides progressive scan performance while utilizing an interlaced scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.

Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 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. The additional T* coating on the lens further reduces unwanted glare and flare.

Super SteadyShot picture stabilization system
An advanced version of Sony's SteadyShot 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.

2.7-inch wide touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD Display (123K pixels)
The 2.7-inch wide (16:9) LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The high resolution 123K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

Dolby Digital 5.1-channel recording
The DCR-DVD405 will record in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound with a built-in microphone. By recording in 5.1-channel surround sound you can now experience your home movies with active sounds coming from all directions. Enjoy you personal home movies the way you experienced them while recording.

On-screen zoom and record buttons
For addition control of the camcorder, the DCR-DVD405 features zoom and record buttons on the frame of the LCD screen. This allows the user more flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.

USB 2.0 interface
USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect your DVD Handycam camcorder to the computer for fast transfer of video and still images to your computer for editing. The camcorder can also be used as an external DVD burner, convenient for making copies of your DVDs or burning edited movies.

One-touch wide-angle shooting
Easily switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios for shooting, with just the touch of a button.

Picture Package software
Easily organize still images/video content, and turn them into stunning music videos using the supplied software.

DVD-R/RW and +RW Compatible
The DCR-DVD405 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 not a need to finalize the disc (minimum recording required). Simply remove the disc and insert the media into a compatible DVD player.

Active interface shoe
Provides a location directly on the camcorder to which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.

Super NightShot Infrared System
With Sony's 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.

Program AE (Auto Exposure) modes
Program AE modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach and Ski, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Sports Lesson, and Sunset and Moon.

Picture Effects
Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in camera and playback modes: Monotone, Mosaic, Pastel, and Sepia.

Fader effects
Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black, Overlap, White and Wipe.

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

Digital still memory mode with Memory Stick Duo Media
Capture still images up to 2016 x 1512 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick Duo Media for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices.

Battery information
At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. The display will show how much the battery is charged (approximately), in 10% increments and the recordable time left when using the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

Easy Handycam button
Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people, so with a press of the Easy Handycam button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are locked out, leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.

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.

Product Description

Box Contents: DCR-DVD405, ACL25 Power Adapter/In-Camera Charger, NP-FP60 InfoLithium(R) Rechargeable Battery, Stereo A/V Cable, USB Cable, Lens Cap, Picture Package 1.8 and Nero Express 6 software, Cleaning Cloth
The Sony DCR-DVD405 Handycam(R) Camcorder lets you bring home movie and video productions to life, while making it simple to share images and video. Enjoy sharper, crisper images through the Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* lens, while capturing every detail through the 10x optical and 120x digital zoom. You can also capture great-looking stills directly onto a Sony Memory Stick(R) PRO memory card, for easier transfer and sharing with other cameras and PCs. The camcorder will also burn your movies and stills directly to an 8cm blank DVD, for the easiest possible sharing of your new masterpieces. Super NightShot(R) Plus Infrared System SteadyShot Picture Stabilization Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* Lens Aperture - f1.8 - f2.9 Touch Panel Full Range Auto & Manual Exposure Focal Distance - 5.1 - 51mm Shutter Speeds - Auto, 1/4-1/4000 sec. (AE Mode) Progressive Shutter System Program AE (Auto Exposure) Modes - Beach and Ski, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Sports Lesson, and Sunset and Moon Compatible with DVD-R, -RW and +RW White Balance Modes - Auto, Indoor, One-push, Outdoor Picture Effects - Monotone, Mosaic, Pastel, and Sepia Fader Effects - Black, Overlap, White and Wipe Onboard battery information (displayed on LCD) Easy Handycam(R) Button Active Interface Shoe USB 2.0 Port Optional S-Video out Dolby Digital 5.1 Channel Recording InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower(TM) Meter System Operating Systems - Windows 2000 Professional, XP Home, XP Pro Battery Life - Continuous recording for up to 8 hours on a single full charge Dimensions - 2-5/8 x 3-5/8 x 5-3/4 (66 x 90 x 143 mm) Weight - 1 lb. 5 oz. (590g) with disc and b

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

174 of 183 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Such an amazing camera, I'd better go to film school to be able to use it's full capability and quality., February 22, 2006

By	Dr. Beaker (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

I thought that I had used camcorders before, but this camera makes all the old ones look like (inferior) toys. The quality of the recordings and sound is so good that it's probably a waste for someone like me to own one. But I'm up for the challenge and will try to be worthy of this camera.

The first surprise is that with all it's capability and quality, this camera is still very small and lightweight. I suspect that it's use of a mini-DVD for recording helps, as they are very small, thin, and light-weight. Use of a mini-DVD in the camera, makes the right side of the camera look a little rounder than the other side. But this is where you put your right hand when using the camera. So no one will notice.

The mini-DVD records about 30 minutes of video, although this can be adjusted to 60 minutes (for long play), or to 20 minutes (for higher quality). This is enough for the average camcorder user, during an average day. If you need more, buy more of the mini-DVDs. The DVD-RWs are not expensive and can be reused. They are very convenient for transferring recordings to your PC. So, get a few extra mini-DVD-Rs and a few extra mini-DVD-RWs or +RWs.

The battery that comes with the camera is an FP-60 variety and it probably lasts for about 30 minutes of recording. The battery can be recharged using the camera. If you are going to be using the camcorder more heavily, an extra battery (FP-71 variety, or even better, the larger and much longer-lasting FP-90 variety might be better to have along with you.) There are two separate chargers available including a very convenient and very cool-looking fast charger. The extra battery or two might also be useful if you are going to add a light and/or flash attachment. (There is a small built-in flash, but not a built-in light.) So get at least one extra battery and maybe a charger if you are going to be more than a casual user of this camcorder. And perhaps get the extra light or light/flash attachments.

The large (2.7 inch) and very useful LCD view-screen was also a surprise. This is the first camcorder I've used where there were so few buttons on the camcorder, and most of the function was available instead by touching "buttons" (and using menus) on the viewscreen. This takes less than 5 minutes to get used to. Then you realize how nice it is to have so few buttons on the camera body, where you might push them by mistake. You can hold this camera easily without pushing buttons. Also, it is nice to look at what the camera is seeing, while you are making changes via "buttons" on the viewscreen. This is a very nice feature. And if the viewscreen needs to be wiped clean after all that touching, and mine hasn't yet, then just carefully wipe it clean. The viewscreen also is a very sharp display, showing lots of detail.

Of course, the camera's recorded picture quality is excellent. The quality of the sound recording is also very good, another surprise. And the camera takes nice, sharp 3-Mbyte still photos. All on the same mini-DVD. You can review all the little movies, and all your still photos on the touch viewscreen. Wonderful!

Still photos can be stored instead on memory sticks, rather than the mini-DVD, for people who prefer them. And of course, the camera can talk to the computer via cables, etc. But the mini-DVD is the easiest way to move your items over to the PC.

I haven't tried the remote control for the camera yet, too much too soon. But I'm imagining all the uses I'll have for it later, when I (like Hitchcock) feel the need to be in my own movies.

Ah, and lastly, the "Easy button". What a great idea for someone like me. Make using the camcorder easy! And with great results too, even for someone with lots of experience using other camcorders.

Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to check out how to get into a film school, so that I can do something useful and appropriate with all the capabilities of this camera. Look out Mr. Spielberg, here I come.

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Video Camera, March 18, 2006

By	B. D. Pletcher "Pletchman" (Chicago) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sony does it again...........
As an owner of many video cameras, I have experienced many cameras and have come back to the Sony DCR-DVD405. My first digital DV camera was the Sony DCR-PC100. Great camera, but a little dated. Bought the Panasonic DVD200 and it was terrible...
Then purchased the Sony DCR-DVD403 and was very impressed. So decided to go bigger and buy the Sony HD HC1. Disappointing to say the least especially since I spent $1700.00 dollars. So have now went back to the DVD405 and am done shopping. Great video, excellent Dolby sound, and pretty good battery life. Media is not so expensive when you buy in bulk ($0.48) or buy a few DVD-RW ($5.00/Sony). All my finalized DVD-R movies have played in all DVD players. I always use the High Quality (HQ) to record and yes 20min does go fast, but worth the other positives. Durability of the DVD403 was good so expect the DVD405 to be the same. I like the look and the jack set-ups on the DVD405 better. Also the power button feels more secure. So take it from my experience and check out the Sony DCR-DVD405. Well worth the money, but I still suggest the extended warranty to off-set the unknown longevity of the operating system. Any questions...feel free to email me.

103 of 113 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply pleased, February 13, 2006

By	Z. Zhang "FC shopper" (Foster City, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This sounds like bragging, but I really like my DVD405, purchased yesterday. I have done research on DVD camcorders for a while and initially planned to buy DVD403, but as soon as I heared about 405, I held off my purchase and waited until 405 came out yesterday.

Comparing with my old Hi 8 Canon camcorder, DVD405 is so much better: resolution, color, sound, ease of use. Ease of use deserves 6 star. I quickly filmed a bunch of indoor scences using a DVD-RW disk, and I was able to copy it to a regular sized 4.7 GB DVD-R, reformat and reuse my DVD-RW, all in half and hour. Nothing tricky about it.

As you can tell, I am not a video expert and don't demand a lot. But this is precisely what DVD405 is for: people who want to have quality video but don't want to bother with all those technicality or to invest tons of time editing clips.