Compare Prices : Sony DCR-DVD505 - Expert Reviews

Pros: Better-than-average video quality ; excellent, large LCD ; Dolby Digital 5.1 surround-sound recording ; innovative wireless microphone accessory ; decent still photos

Cons: No video light ; occasional compression artefacts still noticeable ; poor battery life ; slightly grainy low-light video

Verdict: Fully featured but somewhat bulky, the Sony Handycam DCR-DVD505E DVD camcorder matches its MiniDV competitors in most areas, while offering the convenience of direct-to-disc recording

Pros: Better-than-average video quality ; excellent, large LCD ; Dolby Digital 5.1 surround-sound recording ; innovative wireless microphone accessory ; decent still photos

Cons: No video light ; occasional compression artifacts still noticeable ; poor battery life ; slightly grainy low-light video

Verdict: Full-featured but somewhat bulky, the Sony Handycam DCR-DVD505 DVD camcorder matches its MiniDV competitors in most areas, while offering the convenience of direct-to-disc recording.

Review summary: Thanks to a large LCD screen and responsive performance, shooting with the Sony Handycam DCR-DVD505 is a pleasure; throw in its superior video quality, and the camcorder makes an excellent alternative to MiniDV models if you're looking for straight-to ...

Review summary: The DVD camcorder has grown by bounds in the last few years, and few have been so highly anticipated as the DCR-DVD505 from Sony. This was their premiere camcorder at CES, and barring the upcoming HDR-HC3, it has more new technology and hype than any ...

Review summary: Sony's DCR-DVD505 is the Japanese behemoth's most expensive DVD camcorder, and its most advanced to date. The camcorder features a ClearVID CMOS chip, similar to last year's (now discontinued) DCR-PC1000; however, the DCR-DVD505's CMOS is much bigger, ...