Sony DCR-DVD405 3MP DVD Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

Box Contents: DCR-DVD405, ACL25 Power Adapter/In-Camera Charger, NP-FP60 InfoLithium(R) Rechargeable Battery, Stereo A/V Cable, USB Cable, Lens Cap, Picture Package 1.8 and Nero Express 6 software, Cleaning Cloth
The Sony DCR-DVD405 Handycam(R) Camcorder lets you bring home movie and video productions to life, while making it simple to share images and video. Enjoy sharper, crisper images through the Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* lens, while capturing every detail through the 10x optical and 120x digital zoom. You can also capture great-looking stills directly onto a Sony Memory Stick(R) PRO memory card, for easier transfer and sharing with other cameras and PCs. The camcorder will also burn your movies and stills directly to an 8cm blank DVD, for the easiest possible sharing of your new masterpieces. Super NightShot(R) Plus Infrared System SteadyShot Picture Stabilization Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* Lens Aperture - f1.8 - f2.9 Touch Panel Full Range Auto & Manual Exposure Focal Distance - 5.1 - 51mm Shutter Speeds - Auto, 1/4-1/4000 sec. (AE Mode) Progressive Shutter System Program AE (Auto Exposure) Modes - Beach and Ski, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Sports Lesson, and Sunset and Moon Compatible with DVD-R, -RW and +RW White Balance Modes - Auto, Indoor, One-push, Outdoor Picture Effects - Monotone, Mosaic, Pastel, and Sepia Fader Effects - Black, Overlap, White and Wipe Onboard battery information (displayed on LCD) Easy Handycam(R) Button Active Interface Shoe USB 2.0 Port Optional S-Video out Dolby Digital 5.1 Channel Recording InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower(TM) Meter System Operating Systems - Windows 2000 Professional, XP Home, XP Pro Battery Life - Continuous recording for up to 8 hours on a single full charge Dimensions - 2-5/8 x 3-5/8 x 5-3/4 (66 x 90 x 143 mm) Weight - 1 lb. 5 oz. (590g) with disc and b

Customer Reviews:

Awesome camcorder ++++
The Sony DCR-DVD405 Handycam is one of the easiest piece of technology I have ever used. This is my first camcorder and I wanted to get one because my twin boys are turning one and I don't want to miss a thing. The problem was all of the camcorders that are on the market today vs. cost, value and not out growing something to soon. Upon researching, this was my best choice. If you can swing it this by far is going to be a purchase you will not regret. I starting using it before I even looked at the book. The touchscreen at your fingertips is a lovely feature and allows you to feel like a pro in no time.The sleek, compact design is an added luxury. All though the Sony media is a little costly for such a small amount of time per mini disc, going from camcorder to playing device is priceless.
--2006-12-11

A GREAT Camcorder For The Money!!!
I shopped and shopped around looking for the Best Mini DVD Camcorder. After much searching, I came across the Sony 405. This is a terrific camcorder for the money. It is very easy to use and offers many great features. The camera is very small and great for travel. I haven't had this camera for a long time but for the time I have had it, I am very pleased. I originally wasn't planning on spending the money but when I checked Amazon's prices it was worth it. This camera was far more expensive on other store's websites. Especially when you compare the features of this camera to all of the other ones on the market. I originally planned on buying the canon DC-100, and it just didn't compare to that of Sony's. The quality is fantastic and overall it performs wonderful. The only thing I wasn't too keen on was the fact that you could only record 20 minutes of video on the dvd's (using high quality mode) but when I discovered that this camcorder could use the dual-sided discs it worked out great. Especially when I bought this camera to use on a family vaction. I really didn't want to have to use multiple discs but using the dual-sided one all I had to do was flip it over and continue recording. The zoom on this camera is very sufficient. I also like the fact that it let's you take pictures as well (especially if you do not feel like taking your camera around with you). If your in the market for a camcorder I highly recommend looking into this one. One important tip to note as with this camcorder and all othere mini-dvd camcorders in order to play back the mini-dvd on your TV you must "finalize" the disc. This must be done before you place the dvd in your player to playback on your tv. This can only be done within the camcorder itself and it must be plugged in (you can't do this on battery mode). It usually takes a few minutes for it to finalize. For me, I found this to be a hassle when I wasn't using the camera at home and if I wanted to immediately playback what I recorded. But there is a way around this!!! If you use +RW mini-dvd's for recording you DO NOT have to finalize. These dvd's allow you to just record and then put the dvd into your dvd player for immeditae playback and viewing. These dvd's cost a few dollars more but are DEFINETLY WORTH IT !!! It allows you to just record and then be able to pop the dvd right into your dvd player for immediate playback. A good little tip if you do not feel like finalizing!!! Overall this is a great camcorder, and in comparison to the other models on the market you get a lot for the money!!!
--2006-11-26

Sony dvd405, decent product, bad sony service
I ordered this from amazon. Got it quick. Had problems from the begining. Turns out there was a issue with the cd drive and it destroyed several mini-dvd-r's. Sony support was horrible, non english speaking people, went thru there troubleshooting steps with them on the phone and ate a few more dvd-r's to conclude the camera was broke which I already new. Sony would not replace it or the damaged dvd's, only offered to repair it at a warranty place and for brand new that was unacceptable. Luckily amazon returned the camera and dvd's with full refund. I reordered the camera from another place and the replacement works well. The software is a bit lacking but ok. Camera is nice. End result, Sony support is worthless...
--2006-11-08

Are you using the DVD405?
All of the reviews that degrade the video quality of this unit, must be visually challenged. The only problem that I had was audio noise. The on board microphone captured wind noise at a high degree. Simple solution, I bought an auxiliary microphone with wind screen. The video quality from my unit is exceptional. I am not a novice.
--2006-10-31

Amazing Quality
I have had this camera since August and I wanted to use it enough before I reviewed it. First of all it was about $300 cheaper here on Amazon then anywhere else. I took this camera to Knobles, football games, hayrides, etc. This camera has been great. The picture quality that it produces is fantastic, especially considering my last camera is 6 years old. I just buy dcd-rw discs so that I can burn them right to a dvd and re-format each disc. I haven't baught new software yet so I can't review anything like that. I can just say that the picture is crystal clear and the touch screen function is so much easier to use than anything else. I have gone through about 4 discs so far during pee-wee football season, I am just so glad I decided to splurge on an investment like this, that will keep my kids childhood alive for years. If you have already been looking into this camera, you won't be sorry!
--2006-10-27

- Sony