Sony DCR DVD403 Camcorder Review

The first 3 megapixel CCD model camcorder in Sony's DVD Handycam history, the Sony DCR DVD403 provides both high resolution images and high quality surround sound. The famous Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens and 3.3M gross pixels captures high-definition DVD digital movies. Or go the DSC (digital still camera) route and let the camcorder's 3,050K effective pixels give you up to 1,800 pictures on a single DVD disc. The built-in 4ch microphone records Dolby 5.1ch surround sound directly onto the disc making those moments to remember ones you'll truly never forget. Especially after you add background music and all kinds of special effects that come with the Picture Package of video editing software.

Features of the Sony DCR DVD403

* DVD format video recording delivers excellent digital picture and sound quality

* 3.3 megapixel gross CCD imager with a large 1/3 inch advanced HAD (hole accumulation diode) CCD provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video

* Sony DCR DVD403 Professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens precision guarantees a crisp and clear image every time

* Surround sound enhances sound by adding a widespread or 3-dimensional sound pattern to your videos, mimicking the sound characteristics of a theater or "live" performance with wide sonic range when played back with 5.1ch audio through your home theatre system

* DVD-R / -RW / +RW compatible (the most widely used formats) and with DVD-RW and DVD+RW you can re-record more than 1000 times on a single disc

* Sony DCR DVD403 Visual index uses a simple chapter menu to display your video footage and provide a quick search of your favorite scenes or still pictures without the hassle of wading through endless tape. Just choose your chapter and watch!

* Enhanced 16:9

* 2.7 inch wide 16:9 hybrid touch panel, LCD with recording and zoom buttons on the LCD frame

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

* Sony DCRDVD403 Super SteadyShot controls a higher range of shake and vibration frequencies to ensure your home videos are recorded with a high level of smoothness

* Super NightShot plus uses infrared light to let your camcorder record images in colour in total darkness

* Stamina battery performance gives you up to 5 hours recording on one complete charge using an optional NP-FP90 battery pack

* Sony DCR-DVD403 Using a USB 2.0 interface provides an excellent digital editing solution with 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

* Picture Package software lets you easily organize still images and video content, and turn them into stunning music videos using the supplied software.

* Progressive shutter system is a mechanical shutter system that provides progressive scan performance while utilizing an interlaced scanning system, resulting in digital still images that are sharp and clear with excellent definition

* Sony DCR DVD 403 Analog digital signal conversion lets you convert or record any analog NTSC video source (e.g. VHS) to digital via the analog inputs. Analog NTSC video can also be passed through the digital camcorder directly into a PC via the i.Link interface for easy PC editing of analog footage.

* Easy Handycam button changes the camcorder's settings to auto mode for simple operation

* Intelligent program AE (auto exposure)

* InfoLithium battery system indicates power remaining in minutes and is not prone to memory effect like Ni-Cd batteries

* Sony DCR DVD403 Multi-Language operation: English, Simplified English, Canadian French, Traditional Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese, Latin American Spanish and Korean

* Manual focus allows you the option of extremely accurate and detailed videos and pictures

* Sony DCR DVD403: Remote commander control included