The Sony DCR-DVD201 is Sony’s most advanced DVD camcorder this year, though that might not be saying much. The DCR-DVD201 is outfoxed in low light performance by all other DVD camcorders this year, except the DCR-DVD201, from which it offers some imager upgrades.
The DCR-DVD201 ships with a 1/5 inch CCD with 1.07MP gross, more than any other DVD camcorder this year, though Hitachi’s DZ-MV580 comes close with 960K. But, something about the DZ-MV580’s 1/3.8 inch CCD yields superior low light performance. The DCR-DVD101 only has a 1/6 inch (680K) CCD.
TECH SPECS
Format: DVD-R, DVD-RW (8cm)
Lens: f/1.8-2.3, 3.2-32mm, 10:1 optical zoom, 25mm filter diameter
Image sensor: 1/5-inch CCD
Gross pixels: 1,070,000 pixels
Video effective: 690,000 pixels
Still effective: 1,000,000 pixels (1 megapixel)
Viewfinder: color LCD (123,000 pixels)
LCD viewscreen: 2.5-inch color LCD (123,000 pixels)
Focus: auto, manual
Anamorphic 16:9: yes
Image stabilization: electronic
Exposure: auto, manual, presets
Minimum shutter speed: 1/4 (automatic)
Maximum shutter speed: 1/4,000 (automatic)
Iris Control: automatic
Electronic Gain: yes
Zebra Stripes: no
Night Mode: IR illuminated
White balance: auto, outdoor, indoor, hold
Audio: Dolby Digital AC-3, 2-channel
Microphone input: 1/8-inch mini
Inputs: S-video, composite video, stereo audio, USB 2.0
Outputs: S-video, composite video, stereo audio, USB 2.0
Edit interface: USB 2.0
Other features: progressive shutter, visual index, Super Nightshot plus, ImageMixer authoring/editing software
Dimensions (w x h x d): 2 1/4 by 3 1/2 by 5 3/8 inches
Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz. (sans tape/battery)
Review By Megacameras
The Sony DCR DVD201 DVD Camcorder (DCRDVD201)utilizes a 1.0 Megapixel CCD imager, delivering exceptional video and still images that all of your family and friends will enjoy. The DVD recording format of the Sony DCR DVD201 DVD Camcorder (DCRDVD201) delivers digital picture and sound quality comparable to that of MiniDV, but on DVD-the disc plays back in compatible DVD Players, computers and even PlayStation 2 video game consoles.
Review By Amazon
Experience the ultimate in videotaping convenience with the DCR-DVD201 DVD Handycam Camcorder from Sony. Now you can record directly onto 3-inch DVD-R and DVD-RW at resolutions comparable to MiniDV. Best of all, the DVD media can easily be viewed on most current DVD players and PCs, making playback a snap. You can even capture still JPEG images up to a maximum resolution of 1152 x 864 thanks to its 1-megapixel CCD imager. It’s like having both a camcorder and digital camera in one. The DCR-DVD201 also includes all of the options you’d want from a Sony camcorder, such as a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, 10X optical zoom, Super NightShot Plus night recording system and Super SteadyShot picture stabilization.
Review By Pcmag
The quality was on par with most of the DV camcorders we’ve looked at, though it fell short of the Canon Optura 400, the best DV camcorder in this roundup. Dynamic range and exposure remain similar to that of the DVD101, and it was still hard to determine detail in shadows, but the overall image appeared sharper and in better focus than the DVD101’s output. On the other hand, this sharper video made artifacts more visible on the DVD201. Our low-light test video on auto settings revealed a dark but less noisy picture. The DVD201 has the same infrared capabilities as the DVD101.
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