Sony DCR-DVD108 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom by Sony
|
Our Price: $374.38 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $175.93 (click here) Category: Digital Camera See more digital camera details and other models |
|---|
Digital camera reviews of Sony DCR-DVD108 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom
Digital camera Review: You get what you pay for . . . .
Summary: 4 Stars
First of all, I must say that the one and two-star ratings for this product are rather amusing.
-- This is incompatible with Mac? Gee, people choose to buy a product line that is incompatible -- no, that PRIDES ITSELF on being incompatible -- with every other computer made, and then it's the other guy's fault when their device doesn't talk to yours. Tell you what, why don't you petition Apple to build a camcorder for you. They can call it the I-Cam (of course), Steve Jobs can evangelize about it at MacWorld and you can wait in line for three days outside the Apple Store on Stockton street to get the first buggy, overpriced models.
-- This takes lousy still pictures? Of course it does. It costs less than my still camera. In fact, it costs less than any of my lenses. I would have preferred it if Sony didn't include the still photograph option at all on this camcorder, but it's a shame that people expected Ansel Adams quality images out of it. Hey, it's better than nothing in a pinch.
-- Only a half hour recording time? Yeah, well, it's a DVD camcorder. Didn't you do your research?
So, for what it is, what it's supposed to do and what it costs, this camcorder competes very well in its market sector. Lens quality is good, zoom is impressive but could use a little more sensitivity, image stabilization is fair, DVD and cable uploads to computer (PC) are easy and uneventful, effects are decent, touch screen interface is intuitive, battery life is good. Backlight settings and infrared aren't very helpful. The software worked fine once I downloaded the upgrades. Sony has done an impressive job of making this camcorder and software easy to use, but you still have to read the instructions or you'll end up griping about how something doesn't work. Unit is a bit small for my hand. Sound quality is very good but I would have preferred a jack for external microphone. Unit also has no hot-shoe or other interface for aftermarket onboard light, so if you're the type that likes to use such peripherals, look elsewhere (sufficient ambient light or floods work much better anyway, IMO). I agree that the "reminder" message about using Sony DVDs instead of off-brands is cheesy, but it's harmless. For what I spent here I got my money's worth and have no complaints.
Digital camera Review: Works as advertised, but have problem with shipping
Summary: 3 Stars
The camcorder works just fine and I am relieved that it does because it arrived in a large shipping box with no packing material inside. The box that the camcorder comes in (the Sony box) was bounced around in the shipping box during transport. I am surprised that there is no apparent damage. (so far)Digital camera Review: Dissapointing
Summary: 1 Stars
I bought the Sony 108 thinking it's a Sony should be good. We are coming from an aging HI8 and thought it was time to replace. I did not like going from 2 hours recording to 30 minutes but with a 1 hour option that would be ok.
Well we used it and my wife said the colors were muted. Normal indoor light light conditions cause the colors to be muted. Also the picture quality is awful compared to my Hi8. When there is motion there are line and the images are grainy.
The camera images are a joke at 680 Pixels. Most Cameras are 2 Mega Pixels now.
Also researched that the DVD recordings only last about 5 Years and you need to back those up to another media.
I guess I will be going to MiniDV since I cant get a HI8 anymore.
I will be returning this and paying a 15% restocking fee.
Digital camera Review: ALMOST perfect!
Summary: 4 Stars
We purchased 3 of these camcorders for our adult children for Christmas. This is a great little camcorder but the package is stripped down. I expected to purchase an extra battery, but the batteries have to charge on the camera while TURNED OFF AND PLUGGED IN. Therefore an "optional" battery charger has to be purchased which is really pricey ($40. for the Sony charger which only worked in the house, not the car) I finally found a charger that works in the house and in the car for $18. By the time I purchased extra battery, charger, pkg of DVDs, and the Sony Duo Stick for the camera memory, I just about doubled the price of this camera. So be sure to count the cost of ALL the needful "options". Digital camera Review: Thank YOU SONY!!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased a Panasonic about 3 years ago. It only uses DVD-RAM and is pretty much useless unless you want to use it through a computer, which we did not. If you want a camera to point and shoot and then just pop the DVD into the DVD player....THIS is the camera for you. It shoots on to all of the Mini DVD's that are actually able to be used in normal everyday DVD players.
Neither this product nor the Panasonic that I had did very well in low light, so that may be an option you would want to buy if you have the cash.
Save your money, save your time and effort and BUY this camera if you are looking for something easy and high tech all at the same time. Just an AWESOME camera. Thanks Sony...you made my Holiday!