Product Description

Powerful and practical, the DCR-DVD508 DVD Handycam Camcorder merges quality with performance. Easily record your memories to a multitude of media formats and share with everyone.Memories are made to be shared, and it couldn't be easier than with the DCR-DVD508 Handycam camcorder. By recording straight to DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R Dual Layer media formats, it has never been simpler to put your video on display. A Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens enables superior clarity while the Super SteadyShot image stabilization makes sure it stays that way. You can even take 4.6 megapixel photos while you're shooting video in stunning 5.1 channel surround sound, or snap gorgeous 6.1 megapixel still images. And when you need to get close, the 10x optical/20x digital zoom means every detail is crystal clear.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14301 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DVD508
• Dimensions: 3.78 pounds
• Display size: 2.7

Features

• 3-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor
• DVD-R/RW/+RW and +R DL (Dual Layer) compatible
• Carl Zeiss Vario- Sonnar T lens; 10x optical/20x digital zoom
• Dolby Digital 5.1-channel recording; built-in microphone
• Super SteadyShot (Optical) image stabilization system

Manufacturer Description
Powerful and practical, the DCR-DVD508 merges quality with performance. By letting you easily record to DVD-R/- RW/+RW/+R DL (Dual Layer) media formats, this 6 MP Handycam is an ideal way to share your moments with everyone. A professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens sees all so you never have to miss any detail ever again.

DCR-DVD508 Highlights

3-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor 1/2.9-inch ClearVid CMOS sensor with 2280K effective pixels (in 16:9 mode) 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 and +R DL (Dual Layer) compatible The DCR-DVD508 is compatible with a variety of DVD formats allowing 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/20x 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-DVD508 will record in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound through the built-in microphone. By recording in 5.1 channels, you can 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 hybrid 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 screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles and provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. 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, you can 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 2848 x 2136 resolution (in 4:3 format) directly onto Memory Stick Duo Media for easy transfer to PCs and emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices.

Super SteadyShot (Optical) image stabilization system An advanced form of Sony's SteadyShot image stabilization system that controls a higher range of shake and vibration frequencies. This optical stabilization system achieves an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some digital stabilization systems.

On-screen zoom and record buttons For additional control of the camcorder, the DCR-DVD508 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 and 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-lanugage menu

Customer Reviews

EXTREMELY PLEASED
Overall the 508 performs just as advertised and I'm very happy with it. It is compatible with several different 8cm DVD discs giving you different options for recording. I did not realize a memory stick was required for still pictures, so I had to make an additional purchase after receiving the camera - - not sure if the advertisement mentioned it. The menu and touch screen work very well, making for easy set up and review. The Operating Guide is sometimes confusing, but all in all gets you to where you need to go.

Great images but beware
This camera, like all of the Sony DVD camcorders, creates great movies. However, a MAJOR limitation is that most commercial DVD authoring programs do not work with the proprietary MPEG-2 codec Sony uses when you download the movies using Picture Package to your computer. Also, since Sony is stingy about licensing their codec to other software vendors, it is difficult to find converstion programs out there. Roxio products will not work at all, while uLead sometimes work, but often include a timestamp that you cannot remove. Typically Sony = great hardware, lousy software. No wonder LG and Samsung are eating their lunch.

Excellent Home Handycam...Avoid Low Light Situation
I am a gadget guy that wants to get the best bang for the buck. Loyal to Sony for generations and after many hours of intense internet research I have narrowed down my options to three formats, three top cams. MiniDv, MiniDVD, HDD.
MiniDv has proven to execute clear video performance for years now. Editing capabilities are simple because it uses a very flexible format known to many editing programs. Transferring to a computer is a bit annoying because you have to wait out the entire length of the tape. The top choice for MiniDv is the Sony HC-96. A bit more expensive than the newer HC-48 but pixly speaking it's worth every cent.
MiniDVD was my choice. With regards to HDD, the need to always transfer my videos and load up my computers hard drive was not appealing. Invest in DVD-RW, rewritables are a must have otherwise you will have to finalize your dvd before popping it into a dvd player, AND your long term disc cost will be less. Crystal clear CMOS picture, Super steadyshot, and a horseshoe to put an external flash. BTW, CCD replaced CMOS for a while now, but it's back, and the DVD508 flaunts the new updated image capturing technology. A nice feature is the 6.1 pixel still shot, but you will need to invest in a memory pro duo card to utilize it. The top choice for MiniDVD is the DCR-DVD508. second the dvd-408, but do not buy the DVD-308, or dvd-108.
HDD are becoming more popular. The sole reason to get an HDD is not CLARITY, it's convenience. Sleek, quick transfer time, and for those that don't like futzing around with tapes of discs, this is a dream. Opt for the Sony SR-62 for a few more dollars than the SR-42. The SR-42 is almost the exact camcorder, except for the hard drive size.
Coclusion: MiniDV, is almost extinct but provides easy editing, cheap tapes, and for $300 you get the top model. MiniDVD, newer, easy to navigate on the camera to specific location, clarity, and 5.1 dolby surround sound. For the price of a low end HDD, your get a High end MiniDVD. HDD, ease of use, 7 hours or video without the need to transfer to a computer(for those long trips). $500 will buy you the lowest end HDD.