Sony DCR-DVD610 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

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Date 2008 - 07 -02 Price $319 at amazon.com

Customer Reviews at amazon.com :

Excellen Camera For the Price
I bought the camera a few weeks ago for to use on a trip to Disney Land. The camera was delivered the day before the trip so there was not much time to learn how to use it.I breezed through it and was on my way. If you own a GPS and or a computer you should have no problems sorting things out. I put in a Sony disk, pushed the Easy button and during the trip took two hours of pictures that are excellant. There is a format for fireworks that I used at Epcot that came out just great. Pictures that I took inside I was very happy with and are much better then the old VHS. I would advise buying a larger battery as well as the small sony battery charger. The charger that comes with the camera is so you can charge the battery through the camera is a rather long piece of wire with a box. My luggage was opened twice for inspection and I believe that was the reason.The 40x telephoto is nice but if you push it to far you will not be able to hold the camera steady enough. At least I can't. The only complaint I have is the same as the first review. If you put in a disk that is not Sony, Disney does not sell Sony, it reminds you of that fact every time you open the camera. All in all for the money i would highly recomend it.

A Great Gift for a New Parent!
When my oldest daughter had her first child (it was also my first grandchild) two years ago I bought her a digital camera and printer. I have been since rewarded by receiving many photos of my favorite (and only) grandchild.

Now, for my granddaughter's second birthday, I bought her this video camera. After reading many of the reviews for this and other camcorders on Amazon I picked the Sony DCR-DVD610 because met all of the needs that I had for a camcorder that I would give as a gift:

1. POPULAR. Almost everyone who purchased this item was very happy with it. This was not so with all of the best-selling camcorders, even those at twice the price.

2. EASY. I wanted to get her one that was fairly easy to use. I read the instruction book on-line and felt that this fit the bill.

3. DVDs. It was important to me that it used some sort of DVD as the primary recording media since I feel that it is more archival than tape and more secure than a hard drive only.

4. PRICE. Even though would have been willing to spend more, I was hoping for something under $400.

I also purchased an accessory kit (which included a bag, an extra battery and 2 DVDs) and then some extra Sony brand DVDs (after reading some of the reviews I decided to stick with the Sony brand in order to avoid the message that pops up when you use a different brand of DVDs).

So far my daughter and her husband have been VERY happy with this gift and I am hoping see some great videos of my beautiful granddaughter who lives several states away.

Sony ACC-DVDH2 Accessory Starter Kit for Handycam, DVD, Camcorders

Great Camera - Hybrid is the key
Have had this camera for two weeks now and it has surpassed my own expectations, which were fairly high. Picture quality and ease of use are superb, but I can't overestimate the hybrid feature. Being able to record to memory stick and then dub copies to mini-DVD all within the camera when you're on the road is fantastic. This allows you to make copies for people on the fly. The memory stick makes editing a cinch too. Just pop it in your memory card reader and load the converted mpg files into Vista Movie Maker, then have some fun!

poor performer
very dissapointed with the performance of this camcorder... my old sony tvr250 had much better picture and performance.. stay away
it does not focus well... the video looks slightly pixelated

I tried multiple recodings, media, and lighting situations without improved performance...

Product Feature :

Shooting and sharing video is easy with the DCR-DVD610 Handycam® camcorder. The simple controls and powerful features let you record your favorite events without a hassle. Compose your shots on the 2.7" widescreen (16:9) touch panel LCD display, then close in on the action using the powerful 40x optical/2000x digital zoom. Gain even more control over your images with Super Steady Shot® image stabilization, as well as Super NightShot® Plus technology for excellent quality in low light. With Hybrid recording technology, you can capture it all directly to a DVD or removable Memory Stick Duo™ or Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media.

1/8" Advanced HAD™ CCD Imager, 680K Pixels (Gross)

1/8" 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

40X Optical / 2000X Digital Zoom

The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® Lens

Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar lenses are designed specifically for compact camcorders, and utilize precision ground optics to maintain the sharpness and contrast found with larger lenses.

DVD Format Video Recording

The DVD recording format in MPEG2 (SD) delivers digital picture and sound quality comparable to that of MiniDV, but on DVD. Playback of these DVDs couldn't be simpler (depending upon the playback device used). After finalizing the disc in the camcorder, the disc can play back in most DVD Players (SD), computers, Blu-ray Disc™ players, and even PlayStation® 3 video game consoles.

DVD-R/-RW/+RW and +R DL (Dual Layer) Compatible³

Compatibility with a variety of DVD formats³ allows the ease-of-use and simplicity found in DVD media. With DVD+RW media there is no need to finalize the disc (minimum recording required); simply remove the finalized disc and insert the media into a compatible DVD or Blu-ray Disc™ Player.

Hybrid Recording to DVD or Memory Stick® Media

Hybrid recording technology delivers a new level of flexibility for transferring your video footage and digital photos from the camcorder to compatible viewing devices. Record to DVD media, or choose instead to record to removable Memory Stick Duo™ media or Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media. You can even select from various dubbing functions to easily copy video or still images from the Memory Stick media to DVD -- without using a PC. Images recorded or transferred to DVD can then be played directly most DVD Players (SD), computers, Blu-ray Disc™ players, and even PlayStation® 3 video game consoles to share your memories with friends and family.

Quick On

Missing an important scene can be frustrating, especially if the reason is because your camcorder is turned off. With the Quick On feature, the touch of a single button places that camcorder in Sleep mode. Another push instantly wakes the camcorder, so you’ll always be ready to capture special moments.

Built-in zoom microphone

Featuring Dolby® Ditigal 5.1 Creator, the built-in zoom microphone focuses audio recording on your subjects in sync with the camera’s zoom lens, helping memories ring true with clear dialogue and crisp, discrete sounds.

2.7" Wide¹ (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ Display (211K Pixels)

The 2.7" Wide¹ (16:9) LCD screen provides exceptional viewing clarity with improved resolution (211K pixels). The display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, as well as provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media Slot

Capture still images directly onto Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately) for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick® devices (sold separately).

Super SteadyShot® Image Stabilization System

An advanced version of Sony's SteadyShot® Image Stabilization system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies, to achieve an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some other image stabilization systems.

InfoLITHIUM® Battery with AccuPower™ Meter System

Unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "Memory Effect," so you’re free to charge the battery at any time. Additionally, Sony's exclusive AccuPower™ meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Manual Focus

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

The Super NightShot® Plus Infrared System uses a slow shutter mode to let you shoot video with improved color and contrast, even in total darkness (0 lux).

Stamina® Battery Power Management System

When using the Sony InfoLITHIUM® Battery, the Stamina® Battery Power Management System helps the camcorder prolong battery life for extra long continuous recording times from a single charge.

Scene Selection Modes

Scene Selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Auto, Twilight, Candle (move only), Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks (move only), Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Sports (movie only), Beach, Snow

Picture Effects

Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Monotone, Sepia and Pastel

Fader Effects

Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black and White.

Visual Index Screen

Shows thumbnail images of video clips and still images when playing back on your camcorder or DVD player, making your selection easier.

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. When using the LCD screen or viewfinder, the display will show how much the battery is charged -- in 10% increments -- and the recordable time left.

Easy Handycam® Button

Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people. With a press of the Easy Handycam Button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are "locked out," letting you focus only the buttons essential for recording.

Multi-Language Menu

Change the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, or Brazilian Portuguese

Product Specifications :

Video

• Format(s) Supported : SD (MPEG2)


• Video Signal System : NTSC color, EIA standards

Weights and Measurements

• Dimensions (Approx.) : 2 1/4 x 3 5/8 x 5 1/8 inch (55.0 x 89.0 x 130.0mm)


• Weight (Approx.) : 15 oz (450g) with Battery

Hardware

• Assignable Dial : N/A


• Flash : N/A


• Manual / Auto Lens Cover : Manual


• Memory Stick slot : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media


• Microphone : Built-in Zoom Microphone


• S/S & Zoom button on LCD : Yes


• Viewfinder : Color (123K Pixels)

General

• Imaging Device : 1/8" Advanced HAD™ CCD Imager


• Pixel Gross : 680K


• Processor : N/A


• Recording Media : 3" (8cm) DVD (DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD+RW/DVD+R DL), Memory Stick Duo™ Media, Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media


• Recording and Playback Times : Single Layer - HQ: 20 min., SP: 30 min., LP 60 min. Dual Layer - HQ: 35 min., SP: 55 min., LP: 110 min. When using 8GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media (sold separately): Standard Definition: HQ = up to 115 min., SP = up to 170 min., LP = up to 325 min.


• Still Actual : 340K Pixels (4:3), 250K Pixels (16:9)


• Still Picture Resolution : 640×480 (VGA)


• Video Actual : 340K Pixels (4:3), 410K Pixels (16:9)


• Video Resolution : 720 x 480

Power

• Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM® with AccuPower™ Meter System (NP-FH40)


• Power Consumption : 2.7W / 2.9W (VF/LCD)


• Power Requirements : 7.2V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)

Audio

• Audio Format : Dolby® Digital 2 channel

Service and Warranty Information

• Limited Warranty : Limited Warranty --- 1 Year Parts; 90 Days Labor

Convenience

• Dual Record : N/A


• Face Detection : N/A


• Hybrid : Yes


• Hybrid Plus : N/A


• Memory Stick PRO™ Media Compatibility : Tested to support up to 8GB media capacity; does not support high speed transfer function; does not support Access Control security function.


• Minimum Illumination : 6 lux (Auto Slow Shutter ON, Shutter Speed 1/30)


• Quick On : Yes


• SteadyShot® Image Stabilization : S-SS


• Still Image Mode(s) : JPEG


• USB Streaming : N/A


• White Balance : Auto, Outdoor, Indoor, One-push (touch panel)

Convenience Features

• BRAVIA® Sync™ : N/A


• Digital Picture Effect(s) : Old Movie


• Dubbing Button : N/A


• Dynamic Range Optimizer : N/A


• Easy Operation : Yes


• Face Index : Yes


• Fader Effect(s) : Black, White


• Film Roll Index : Yes


• Low Light Capability : S-NS plus


• Multiple Language Display : Yes


• Photo Capture from Movie : Yes


• PhotoTV HD : N/A


• PictBridge Compatible : N/A


• Picture Effect(s) : Monotone, Sepia, Pastel


• Scene Mode(s) : Auto, Twilight, Candle (move only), Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks (move only), Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Sports (movie only), Beach, Snow


• Slide Show Mode : Yes


• x.v.Color™ : N/A

Optics/Lens

• 35mm Equivalent : 48- 1920mm (4:3 Camera Mode), 41 - 1640mm (16:9 Camera Mode)


• Aperture : F1.8 - 4.1


• Digital Zoom : 2000x


• Exposure : Touch Panel


• Filter Diameter : 30mm


• Focal Distance : 1.9 - 76mm


• Focus : Full range auto / Manual (Touch Panel)


• Lens Type : Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar®


• Optical Zoom : 40x


• Progressive Shutter Mode : N/A


• Shutter Speed : Auto, 1/30 - 1/250 (Scene Selection Mode)

Display

• LCD Screen : 2.7" wide¹ (16:9) touch panel LCD display

Inputs and Outputs

• Active Interface Shoe : N/A


• Analog Audio/Video Output(s) : Included (via A/V Remote Terminal)


• Audio/Video Remote Terminal : Video/S Video/Audio/LANC


• Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : N/A


• Digital Audio/Video Output(s) : N/A


• HDMI™ Connection Output(s) : N/A


• Headphone Jack : N/A


• LANC Terminal : Accesible via A/V Remote Terminal


• Microphone Input : N/A


• S-Video Output(s) : Included in A/V Remote


• USB Port(s) : Hi-speed (2.0 compliant)


• i.LINK® Interface : N/A

Software

• Operating System Compatibility : Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional, XP Home, XP Professional, Windows Vista


• Supplied Software : Picture Motion Browser Ver.3.0.00

Accessories Supplied

• Power Adapter/In-Camera Charger (AC-L200)
• InfoLITHIUM® Rechargeable Battery (NP-FH40)
• Multi A/V Cable (Stereo)
• USB Cable
• Application CD-ROM w/ Driver
• Enjoy Handycam DVD

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