DCR-DVD105

DVD Handycam Camcorder
The DCR-DVD105 records on DVD-R/-RW/+RW formats for simple playback and sharing on other compatible DVD Media. The Color Viewfinder and Easy Handycam Button make for easy monitoring and operation.
1/6" Advanced HAD CCD Imager, 680K Pixels Gross 1/6" Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 340K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance. 20X Optical/800X 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 VarioTessar Lens Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones. DVD Format Video Recording2 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 video game consoles. DVD-R/RW and +RW Compatible4 The DCR-DVD105 is compatible with a variety of DVD formats allowing the easy of use and simplicity found in DVD Media. With DVD+RW media there is not a need to finalize the disc (minimum recording required). Simply remove the disc and insert the media into a compatible DVD Player. 2.5" Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD Display (123K Pixels) Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The high resolution 123K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. SteadyShot Picture Stabilization System Picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera shake without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems. InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System Charge the battery at anytime because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subject to a life shortening "memory effect". Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. Manual Focus Allows the user to manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment. Super NightShot Plus Infrared System With Sony's Super NightShot Infrared System you can capture natural looking video, even when shooting in low light. Record subjects up to 20 feet away using the built-in infrared system, but without the overall monochrome color common with earlier low-light recording systems. Stamina Battery Power Management System1 Using the optional NP-FP90 InfoLithium Battery, the DCR-DVD105 can continuously record for up to 8 hours on a single full charge, providing extra long battery life. Picture Effects Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Monotone, Mosaic, Pastel and Sepia. Effects available in Playback mode: Monotone, Mosaic, Pastel and Sepia. Fader Effects Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black, Overlap, White and Wipe. Program AE (Auto Exposure) Modes Program AE modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach & Ski, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Sports Lesson, and Sunset & Moon. Battery Information At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. The display will show how much the battery is charged, in 10% increments and the recordable time left when using the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. ADDITIONAL FEATURES Easy Handycam Button Fader Effects

Specifications

General
Imaging Device: 1/6" CCD Pixel Gross: 680K Recording Media: 8cm DVD (DVD-R/DVDRW/DVD+RW) Recording and Playback Times: HQ: 20 min., SP: 30 min., LP 60 min. Video Actual: 340K Pixels Still Actual: 340K Pixels
Power Consumption: 2.4W/2.7W (VF/LCD) Battery Type: InfoLithium with AccuPower Meter System (NP-FP50) Power Requirements: 7.2V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)
Service and Warranty Information
Limited Warranty: 1 Year Parts; 90 Days Labor

Software

Operating System Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, XP Home, XP Professional Supplied Software: Nero Express 6

Convenience

USB Streaming: N/A SteadyShot Image Stabilization: Yes ( Super; Electronic) Accessory Shoe: N/A White Balance: Auto, Indoor, One-push, Outdoor Memory Stick PRO Media Compatibility: N/A Still Image Mode(s): JPEG Minimum Illumination: 5 Lux (0 Lux with Super NightShot Plus Infrared System Low Light Capability: Super NightShot Plus
Video Recording System: DVDVideo/DVD-VR/DVD+RW Video Video Signal System: NTSC color, EIA standards Analog-to-Digital Converter: N/A

Dimensions

Weight: 1 lb. 1 oz (470g) with Disc and Battery Measurements: 2 1/5 " x 3 7/15" x 5 1/13" (56 x 88 x 129mm)

Inputs and Outputs

Analog Audio/Video Input(s): N/A Analog Audio/Video Output(s): Yes (Multi A/V) Digital Audio/Video Input(s): N/A Digital Audio/Video Output(s): N/A USB Port(s): N/A i.LINK Interface: N/A Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s): N/A Headphone Jack: N/A Microphone Input: N/A Remote Jack: Yes (Mini Plug) S-Video Input(s): N/A S-Video Output(s): Yes (optional accessory)

Supplied Accessories

Power Adapter/In-Camera Charger (ACL25) InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery (NPFP50) Stereo AV Cable Lens Cap Nero Express 6 (3" Media Conversion Only) LCD Cleaning Cloth

Optional Accessories

DVD Camcorder Starter Kit (ACC-DVDP2) High Capacity InfoLithium Batteries (NPFP50/71/90) Travel Charger (BC-TRP) Carrying Case (LCS-VA30) Carrying Case (LCM-HCG) A/V Cable with S-Video (VMC-30FS) Filter Kit (VF-25CPKXS) Wide Angle Lens (VCL-0625X) High Grade Wide Angle Lens (VCLHG0725X) Telephoto Lens (VCL-2025S) High-Grade Telephoto Lens (VCL-HG2025) Infrared Light (HVL-IRM) Lightweight Tripod (VCT-R640) Pocket Tripod (VCT-TK1) High Grade A/V Cable with S-Video (VMC30FS) UPC Code: 000000000000

Hardware

LCD: 2.5" (123K Pixels SwivelScreen LCD Display) Lens Type: Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Viewfinder: Color (123K Pixels) Docking Station: N/A Microphone: Yes (Built-in)

Optics

35mm Equivalent: 44-800mm (4:3 Camcera Mode); 44-880 (4:3 Memory Mode) Aperture: f1.8-f3.1 Exposure: Touch Panel (24 steps) Filter Diameter: 25mm Focal Distance: 2.3-46mm Focus: Full Range Auto, Manual (Touch Panel) Progressive Shutter Mode: N/A Shutter Speed: Auto, 1/4-1/4000 (AE Mode) Optical Zoom: 20X Digital Zoom: 800X

1. Battery life may vary depending upon usage patterns. Designed for use with compatible Sony InfoLithium batteries. 2. Playback on all home DVD players, computers, DVD drives, and PlayStation 2 consoles cannot be guaranteed. Some players drives, and video game consoles lack the ability to read due to the optical reflection standard of DVD-R/RW disks and/or due to encoding incompatibilities. Refer to the specifications of your playback equipment for additional compatibility information. 3. Image size and files size may vary based upon the type and complexity of the image recorded. 4.Use of Sony DVD-R/-RW/ RW Media recommended. For third party media, confirm compatibility with manufacturer. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved.Sony, AccuPower, Advanced HAD, Handycam, i.LINK, InfoLithium, NightShot, Picture Package, Remote Commander, SteadyShot, SwivelScreen, and worryfreedigital are trademarks of Sony. Carl Zeiss and VarioSonnar are trademarks of Carl Zeiss. PictBridge is a trademark of CIPA. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Features and specifications subject to change without notice. Non-metric weights and measures are approximate. 2006 Sony Electronics Inc.
Please visit the Dealer Network for more information at www.sony.com/dn
Sony Electronics Inc. 16530 Via Esprillo San Diego, CA 92127 1-800-222-7669 www.sony.com

Last Updated: 12/22/2005

BESTFORLESS
DVD CAMCORDERS UNDER $500
Capture your memoriesand share them easilywithout blowing your budget.
by Anthony Losanno In case you havent noticed, the camcorder shelf at your local Best Buy is overrun with DVD camcorders. And for good reason. The format now accounts for more than 25 percent of the camcorder market. Thats because people want to be able to record something to disc, pop it out, and put it in the nearest DVD player or PC to share their footage. DVD cams are also a lot more compact than rst-generation models, as all three units we tested weigh around one pound. Yes, the nalizing process is a little annoyingand we havent yet reached the point where you can customize menu screens right on camera. But based on our tests of the latest budget models, video quality has improved to the point where you might think twice about picking up a MiniDV camcorder. Heres how they fared.

Canon DC100

$499 www.canonusa.com
The palm-sized Canon DC100 is the lightest in this roundup at only 14.5 ounces. What it lacks in weight it makes up in features, with a 2.7-inch LCD, a 25X optical zoom (the highest of the three models), and a Night Mode setting. Stills are poor and burned to disc; there isnt a card slot on the DC100. Video quality was mediocre, with excessive noise in low-light shots, dull colors in most settings, and some distortion when the zoom was pushed to the max. We like that the DC100 has a built-in lens cover (unlike the others easy-to-lose caps), and its image stabilization helped to steady our shots. Unfortunately, the record button is located very close to the hand strap; we accidentally pressed it several times during testing. Although the DC100 supports DVD-R and DVD-RW discs, the device is very nicky when it comes to nalizing footage, as the process didnt work on the rst few tries. Dual-layer discs do not work with the DC100.

Hitachi DZ-GX3100A

$499 www.hitachi.com
With specs nearly identical to Hitachis higher-end DZ-GX3300A (the only difference being a lowermegapixel CCD sensor), the DZ-GX3100A packs a lot of features into a 14.8-ounce camcorder. Features include a 2.7-inch LCD, a 15X optical zoom, and several preprogrammed auto-exposure and white balance settings. The DZ-GX3100A captures 1-MP stills (about what you can get from a basic camera phone) and records them to SD Cards. Footage captured with the DZ-GX3100A was sharp with few artifacts. Even low-light videos offered surprisingly decent colors and brightness (thanks to a lowlight mode). Burning discs was painless, thanks to a separate Finalize button found behind the LCD. The DZ-GX3100A records to DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVDRAM discs.
Sony Handycam Camcorder DCR-DVD105

$499 www.sonystyle.com

Sonys DCR-DVD105 offers an impressive mix of performance and features. This camcorder sports a 2.5-inch touch panel display, a 20X optical zoom, Sonys SteadyShot image stabilization system, and the ability to record to DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW discs. The DCR-DVD105 is the heftiest in this group, weighing in at 16.5 ounces. Stills are recorded to discs and unfortunately are fairly poor. Burning discs was effortless, and our test footage was ready in a few minutes. Video shot with the DCR-DVD105 looked good with balanced colors, which were only slightly muted in low-light situations. Some footage looked oversaturated but overall the DCR-DVD105 is the best low-cost DVD cam you can buy.
See for yourself which DVD cam shoots the sharpest video.
Go to www.laptopmag.com/nov.

LAPTOP | November 2006

299 Best for Less.indd 64

9/15/06 1:49:47 PM