Does what I expected it to do - I'm happy | Sony DCR-DVD108 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

Easy to use | Sony DCR-DVD108 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

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	• Sony DCR-DVD108 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom Sony Sony average customer review:based on 125 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Satisfied

I have had this camera for a month. So far it has done everything I need it to do. I am just learning how to use it but I am pretty satisfied overall.

Does what I expected it to do - I'm happy

I picked up this model understanding the price trade-offs. I wanted it for convenient, good-enough videos of family events and kid's performances. It's fine for that. (I've got a real camera for stills).

I usually run it in its best mode - 4x3, HI quality - which yields 20 mins of crisp video per Mini DVD. I generally use a tripod or mono-pod to allow me to take videos with gentle/subdued motion. I like the touch-screen controls on this camera and the gentle zoom in/out offered by the W | T buttons on the edge of the viewfinder.

No matter what camera you have, lighting/color needs some intelligent help - learn about white balance settings, and use back-lit and manual exposure settings in high light-level contrast situations. (Just as in normal photography, you sometimes need to decide what parts of an image are correctly exposed and which get washed out).

In practice, I find I generally capture video "clips" of very specific subjets that are typically 30-40 seconds, and seldom more that 3 mins. So, the record time on a single Mini DVD is not an issue for me (a few of them easily fit into my shirt pocket, and can be changed easily when pre-formatted).

I use my computer software to do video editing - when needed - and it allows me to combine video clips from the mini DVDs into larger presentations. Video editing of course takes time, so I don't do much of this, except on special occasions. Mostly, I do a straight copy of MiniDVDs to DVDs, or I capture clips by playing chosen segments of the MiniDVDs, recording them into .mpeg or .avi files using video capture software.

To step up from this camera to the next level of quality and features, I would need to spend north of $1000. The points in between don't seem worth the differences.

For my general usage, this DCR-DVD108 does what I expect, and I am happy with what I am getting for the price.

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Easy to use

It's so easy that even a caveman can use it. Really, it's so simple. You can pretty much take it out of the box, charge the battery for two hours, load a mini-dvd in, then start recording. If you use a dvd-rw you can take the mini-dvd out anytime you like and insert it into a dvd player then put back into your camcorder and start recording again. I really recommend using the dvd-rw's because there is no finalizing involved and you can use the dvd's over and over again.
The zoom is more then you will ever need. The night vision is really cool, but a little creepy.
I haven't used the film editing yet but would like too soon.
Overall, a really nice and easy to use device. Highly recommended.

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Great Product

This is a great camera, esp. if you are like me and just need family video in an easy format. I love that it records straight to dvd and that I can finalize the disc right in the camera. Everything is very easy to do too, it is all touch screen and so simple. Quality is decent, just don't move around too much while recording. Definitely a great product and Amazon has the best price!

Awesome Value.

I am extremely satisfied with this camcorder. It does everything I expect it too and for a lot less than several others I checked out. It has its disadvantages as noted above, but for family shots and the occasional wildlife moment, it is perfect. Setup was a breeze. Disk (CD-RW) goes right from the recorder to my DVD player and back again. Simply awesome.....

Small enough to fit in my coat pocket, instead of carrying a bag.

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