Sony DCR-DVD403 DVD Handycam

Reviewed by: donut44

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: Great Video lookTouch ScreenEasy to useEasy to hold

Weaknesses: Must use LCD screen as eye thing is hard to look through

Overall Evaluation: I wanted to wait awhile before I commented, so that I could use all the features and see how the recorder handles. After two months, I have to say that I am completely pleased with this camcorder. This camcorder takes an absolutely excellent video and the quality is unreal. As for the photos, I think they are terrific. We continually heard how not to expect good pictures from a camcorder. Well, I have seen way too many digital cameras that just plain stink. This blows them away.1The price is fabulous, especially using this site to find the best deal, we paid a little over 700 with everything included. 1The mini-dvd is easy to handle and easy to use. If you use an -RW you can edit right on the camcorder. Otherwise, just transfer to your computer and put on a large DVD for consolidation or just finalize and use the mini. Don't know where people are buying their mini, but they don't cost as much as people make out. Buy 10 for $25 and I am sure that will go down. You can record up to 60 on the least quality and I haven't found too much problem with that, except when it is not light out you will want a better quality, thus cutting your time down. If you want something else besides a mini-dvd, then buy another camera. You will be hard pressed to find too many cameras that do everything. Mini-dvds and hard drives are the camcorders of the future, so you can buy your tapes and everything, but be careful, you are out of date. 1The battery to me seems to last a long time as we have yet to have any problem with it. We don't record entire ball games or anything, but then again, if you are and you think any camcorders basic battery is going to last, you may be in for a surprise. This battery lasts at least 2 hours as long as you arent continually using it to watch what you just did.1The sound is real good, but maybe too good and not directed enough at the source. You pick up everything and I mean everything. Not really a problem, just be careful of wind and not zooming fluidily, as you can pick up the sounds of both. 1The touch screen rocks and works really good. The zoon is nice but a little too touchy. Probably my fault and I need to learn to be more gentle, I don't know. I found the software hard to load on the computer and a little confusing, but that is why I married someone smarter than me, as she figure it out right away.1There are a lot of features and they do take time to understand, but the touch screen helps out and it is a fun camera. All in all, I am overjoyed with this purchase, and I hate to spend money, so that says a lot.1