Sony DCR-DVD408 4MP DVD Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

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Product Details

• Item Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000M3GZMC
• Item model number: DVD408
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,197 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)

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  Camera & Photo > Camcorders > Digital DVD

• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 18, 2005

Product Description

Manufacturer Description

The DCR-DVD408 is a high-end Handycam camcorder that records to DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R DL (Dual Layer) media formats. It allows for exceptional quality and easy sharing capabilities. The Dual Record feature lets you capture still images while recording video, and allows a multitude of video transfer options above and beyond DVD formats.

DCR-DVD408 Highlights

2.1-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor The 1/3-inch ClearVid CMOS sensor with 1430K 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 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 and PlayStation 3 video game consoles.

DVD-R/RW/+RW/+R DL compatible The DCR-DVD408 is compatible with a variety of DVD formats, which allows for the ease of use and simplicity found in DVD media. With DVD+RW media there is not a need to finalize the disc (minimum recording time required). Simply remove the disc and insert the media into a compatible DVD player.

10x optical/80x 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.

Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario- Sonnar T* Lens Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating for 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.

Dolby Digital 5.1-channel recording The DCR-DVD408 will record in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound through the 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 your personal home movies the way you experienced them while recording.

2.7-inch widescreen touch-panel Clear Photo plus LCD The 2.7-inch, 16:9 LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The high-resolution 211K-pixel LCD rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, and provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

Smooth slow recording By increasing the record rate from 60 fields per second (fps) to 240 fps for 3 seconds, the DCR-DVD408 allows you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. This is great for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, record an audio track to narrate what is being seen during the video.

Memory Stick Duo media slot Capture still images up to 2304 x 1728 resolution directly onto Memory Stick Duo Media, and easily transfer to PCs for emailing, printing or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices.

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.

On-screen zoom and record buttons For additional control of the camcorder, the DCR-DVD408 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 The USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect your DVD Handycam to quickly transfer video and still images to your computer for editing. The camcorder can also be used as an external DVD burner, which is convenient for making copies of your DVDs or burning edited movies.

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

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.

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

Additional Features

• Super NightShot infrared system
• InfoLithium battery with AccuPower meter system
• Manual focus
• Scene selection modes
• Picture effects
• Fader effects
• Battery information
• Easy Handycam button
• Multi-language menu

Product Description

Shoot exceptional quality videos and easily share them with the DCR-DVD408 Handycam camcorder. This high-end device allows for a multitude of video transfer options above and beyond DVD formats.Record high-quality images and video directly to DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R Dual Layer media formats with the DCR-DVD408 DVD Handycam camcorder. The dual recording feature allows you to capture 2.3 megapixel still images while recording video in 5.1 channel surround sound. Additionally, it can shoot up to 4.0 megapixel photos when it's not recording video. Smooth slow recording lets you slow down fast-paced action and display it at a slower frame rate. It comes equipped with a CMOS Sensor and powerful 10x optical/80x digital zoom. And with the 2.7"7 Wide Hybrid Clear Photo LCD Plus Screen, you can view everything you've captured in stunning detail.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent quality video with dolby audio recording, April 13, 2007

By	S. Mahabal "Sudu Yogi" (Bay Area, California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I tried this camera during my recent visit to Seattle for Tulip festival. The recording quality is amazing. 5 channel recording is superb. I tried it in 16:9 and 4:3 fine mode with playback on HD Plasma TV. The quality was breathtakingly good. Yet to try photo (claimed to take 4 MP pictures) as photos can only be taken with a memory stick.

Cons:
-Limited Mini DVD space (20 minutes max in fine mode).
-Limited support for combining mini DVDs to a regular sized DVD. Bundled software requires double the size of DVD (9GB) free on the PC to make a movie
-Box contains just the camcorder without any memory stick or DVD. It has to be separately ordered.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal, August 22, 2007

By	A. DARNULE "Amit D." (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This video camera is phenomenal. I bought it for the birth of my son but unfortunately he came early, one day before the camera arrived. I should have bought it sooner. So for the delivery day excitment I used by older Panasonic miniDV tape camera and after that used the Sony 408DVD camera. What a difference. I don't know why people think the miniDVs give a better quality image. In fact I know a profession who uses it and I do believe there is some credibility to that statement, but he also has very expensive professional video equipment. But for the average home user its a hassel dealing with tapes that play only in your camera or you have to capture it via your computer and burn dvds which takes hours to do and tons of hard disk space if you don't want to loose quality. This Sony is one of the higher end DVD cameras from Sony. I believe its exceptional video quality come from the fact that the lens is T-star (sharper) and twice the size of other cameras (1/3in vs 1/6in). I am extrememly happy with it. In addition I don't always have to carry 2 cameras. This camera takes 2MP video (very nice even on HD televisions) and 4MP still images with built in flash in still camera mode. This is enough to print clear 4x6 or even larger. So overall I'm very happy with this camera. You can either use rewritable miniDVDs and then transfer to regular DVDs via computer or do what I do. I buy inexpensive miniDVD -r or +r disc and keep then as "orginals". Later if I want to combine or make a special DVD I can do that. I almost bought a Hard Drive camera but it was this fact that steered me away. For the same price as a low end HD camera I got a high end DVD camera. Also I can finalize and play in anyones DVD player without the need for cables or computers etc. I also feel that every time you trasfer video data (digital or analog) there is a chance that the quality may drop based on the software your using the computer processor and the quality of the dvd writer and media used finally. Thus I decided to record on one time use DVDs as masters and make copies as needed. In point here is that what you do is up to you. Your not forced to to use a computer or forced to copy and free up your DVD-RW if you don't want to. Flexibilty means everything in electronics. I highly recommend this camera and if you can afford it try the 508 but if not the 408 is fantastic. Hope that helps you make you decision.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My first camcorder - Good choice, May 31, 2007

By	Venkatesh Ragunathan (Boise, ID) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had been to Portland & Oregon costal beaches. For the first time I am using a camcorder. My Sony DCR-DVD 408 captured the nature extremely good. Impeccable picture quality, 5.1 dolby stereo effect is cool. I recorded the music played by a person in the Rose test garden and it came out really well. The touch screen is another cool feature. The scene selection(Sunrise/Sunset, beaches, portrait etc) is excellent. Its worth the money.

Only negative thing is the Software is not that versatile to create your own movie.