Sony DCR-DVD301

Description: The Sony DCR-DVD301 is a DVD-RW (8 cm) and DVD-R (8cm)-based, consumer camcorder.Compared to other consumer camcorders on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $500.It ships with PIXELA Image Mixer software.This unit weighs 1.3 pounds and has a sensor resolution of about 0 megapixels.

Pros: Has a 3.5-inch viewscreen, which is considerably larger than some similarly priced camcorders.Offers manual focus control, whereas many camcorders have only auto-focus.Weighing a little over a pound without battery or media, this camcorder is reasonably portable.

Cons: Has MJPEG digital video format, which is less favorable than some similarly priced camcorders.For example, the Canon DC40, a DVD-R (8cm) and DVD-RW (8 cm)-based camcorder at around $500, has MPEG-2 digital video format.

Suitability: Made for those who want the perks of a DVD-recordable disc but don't mind the compromises.The manufacturer estimates that a fully charged battery will provide 120 minutes of power, though this will vary depending on your usage.

Value: Overall, this camcorder's features are in line with its price.

Suggestions: For more help selecting the right digital camcorder, visit CNET Reviews' buying guide.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

• Manufacturer: Sony
• Part Number: DCR DVD301

• General

• Product Type Camcorder
• Digital Zoom 120 x
• Effective Sensor Resolution 690,000
• Total Pixels 1070,000
• Optical Sensor Size 1/5"
• Optical Sensor Type CCD
• Min Illumination 0 lux
• Analog Video Format NTSC
• Digital Video Format MJPEG
• Special Effects Sepia, Mosaic, Pastel, Monotone, Old Movie, Luminance Key
• Image Stabilizer Electronic (Super Steady Shot)
• PCM Digital Sound 16bit (48KHz / 2 channels), 12bit (32KHz / 2 channels)
• Digital Scene Transition Wipe fader, Black fader, Overlap fader
• Min Shutter Speed 1/4 sec
• Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
• Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
• Shooting Programs Landscape, Spotlight, Night mode, Beach & ski, Sports mode, Portrait mode, Sunset & moon
• White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
• White Balance Presets Indoor, Outdoor
• Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
• Camera Flash None

• Main Features

• Camcorder Sensor Resolution 1 megapixels
• Color Support Color
• Still Image Format JPEG
• Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
• Media Included Qty 1
• TV Tuner None

• Memory / Storage

• Flash Memory None
• Floppy Drive None
• Image Storage Fine 1152 x 864 : 2250 - With DVD-RW disc, Standard 1152 x 864 : 4300 - With DVD-RW disc, Fine 640 x 480 : 5400 - With DVD-RW disc, Standard 640 x 480 : 8600 - With DVD-RW disc
• Media Type DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm)
• Recording Speed LP, SP

• Lens System

• Type Zoom lens - 3.2 mm - 32 mm - F/1.8-2.3
• Focal Length 3.2 mm - 32 mm
• Lens Aperture F/1.8-2.3
• Optical Zoom 10 x
• Lens system type Zoom lens
• Interchangeable lens No
• Min focal length 3.2 mm
• Max focal length 32 mm
• Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
• Lens Manufacturer Carl Zeiss
• Filter Size 25 mm
• Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 46 - 460 mm
• Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
• Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive

• Additional Features

• Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
• Digital Still Camera Function Yes
• Additional Features Date/time stamp, Accessories hot shoe, USB 2.0 compatibility, Backlight compensation, Progressive shutter system
• Remote control Remote control - Infrared
• Software PIXELA Image Mixer, Drivers & Utilities
• Included Accessories Lens cap, Cleaning cloth, Camcorder shoulder strap

• Viewfinder

• Viewfinder Type LCD
• Viewfinder Resolution 123,000 pixels

• Display

• Type LCD display - LCD passive matrix - 3.5 in - Color

• Digital Player (Recorder)

• Type None

• Microphone

• Type Microphone - Built-in

• Connections

• Connector Type 1 x Composite video/audio (input/output), 1 x S-Video input / output, 1 x Microphone, 1 x USB, 1 x DC power input

• Audio Input

• Audio input type Microphone
• Microphone type Built-in
• Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
• Microphone Technology Electret condenser

• System Requirements for PC Connection

• Operating System Support MS Windows ME, MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000
• Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive

• Miscellaneous

• Carrying Case None
• Cables Included Yes, A/V cable, S-Video cable, USB cable

• Power

• Power Device Power adapter - External
• Battery type 1 x Camcorder battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion
• Run Time (Up To) 120 min

• Battery

• Supported Battery Sony NP-FM50
• Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1180 mAh ( Included )

• Viewfinder / Display

• Display Form Factor Rotating
• Display Format 123,200 pixels
• Viewfinder Color Support Color

• Environmental Parameters

• Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
• Max Operating Temperature 104 °F

• Expansion / Connectivity

• Wireless Connection No

• Physical Characteristics

• Width 2.8 in
• Depth 5.4 in
• Height 3.5 in
• Weight 1.3 lbs

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• NP-FM50 InfoLithium M Series Rechargeable Battery for Select Sony Digital Cameras / Video Recorders / Camcorders
• Sony VCT 870RM - tripod
• Sony VCT-D680RM Tripod with Remote Control
• Sony AC-SQ950D Dual M Series Charger
• Sony Infrared Light - HVL-IRM
• Sony Portable Tripod Kit - VCT-MTK
• AV Cable
• Sony NP QM71D - camcorder battery - Li-Ion
• Sony InfoLithium M Series NP-QM91D - camcorder battery - Li-Ion
• Sony BC TRM - battery charger
• Sony InfoLithium M Series AC adapter + battery charger
• Sony RM VD1 - remote control
• Sony DCC L50 - battery charger - car
• Sony ACCFM50A - accessory kit
• Sony LCS VA40 - soft case for camcorder
• Sony LCS VA30 - soft case for camcorder
• Sony VCL HG0725 - converter
• NP-FM50 InfoLithium M Series Rechargeable Battery for Select Sony Digital Cameras / Video Recorders / Camcorders
• Sony VCT 870RM - tripod
• Sony VCT-D680RM Tripod with Remote Control
• Sony AC-SQ950D Dual M Series Charger
• Sony Infrared Light - HVL-IRM
• Sony Portable Tripod Kit - VCT-MTK
• AV Cable
• Sony NP QM71D - camcorder battery - Li-Ion
• Sony InfoLithium M Series NP-QM91D - camcorder battery - Li-Ion
• Sony BC TRM - battery charger
• Sony InfoLithium M Series AC adapter + battery charger
• Sony RM VD1 - remote control
• Sony DCC L50 - battery charger - car
• Sony ACCFM50A - accessory kit
• Sony LCS VA40 - soft case for camcorder
• Sony LCS VA30 - soft case for camcorder
• Sony VCL HG0725 - converter

Sony

Manufacturer profile

• Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
• Address: 16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA. 92127
• Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
• Email: contact@sel.sony.com
• Fax: 941-768-7790