Review on 📷 Sony DCRDVD200 Handycam Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Digital Still Capability - MiniDVD (Discontinued by Manufacturer) by Yung Rich

The DCR-DVD200 sits at the center of Sony's recently launched range of MiniDVD camcorders. Other models in this series are the DCR-DVD300 and the DCR-DVD100. The main difference between the three camcorders in this range is the size of the LCD and the resolution of the CCD: - DCR-DVD300: 3.5" LCD, 1 megapixel CCD - DCR-DVD200: 2.5" LCD , 1 megapixel CCD-DCR- DVD100: 2.5" LCD, 640K CCD Advantages: - Records Dolby Digital Stereo. - Carl Zeiss lens. - 10x optical zoom. - Video quality is almost on par of miniDV camcorders (in slower recording modes) - Super SteadyShot image stabilization system - and Sony system really helps - Three low light recording modes: Nightshot, Super Nightshot and Color Slow Shutter - Excellent connectivity: FireWire, USB 2.0, S -Video, headphone, mic-in, etc. Easy DVD navigation - just select a scene and you're done there!- Supports analog to digital conversion - Hot shoe for accessories with lots of extra accessories Cons: - Expensive - like most Sony products you pay more, plus you pay for DVD convergence - Average performance in low light - No memory card support, if you want to take a photo it's saved to DVD - Microphone picks up sounds from spinning DVDs in quiet environments - DVD finalization takes over 10 minutes and can a - Don't expect much from recorded stills , even at a resolution of 1 MP. - No pop-up flash for photography and no built-in light for video, but you can get a combo flash/video light for under a hundred dollars. - smaller LCD screen (2.5 inch) compared to DVD300 (3.5 inch). - no manual focus ring. - Inserting video into editing software (like Final Cut Pro) is harder than it should be. - Not suitable for Mac. - Poor battery life with included battery, so add $$ to your budget to buy a larger capacity spare. - Compared to current camcorders, this is quite a large camcorder measuring 3.1 x 3.8 x 5.6 inches and weighing 1 lb 6 oz. It's a good solid performance from Sony and I give them points for DVD convergence. In my opinion, however, the DCR-DVD200 is too big and awkward to use. it's expensive for the features, but the alternative to this DVD camcorder (miniDV cassette camcorder and DVD burner combo) is even more expensive. I already have a DVD recorder, so it's better for me to use a compact and easy-to-use miniDV camcorder. if that's the case for you, I would recommend Panasonic GS-70 or SonyPC-105, both miniDV camcorders. Otherwise, if you want to get a finalized DVD straight from your camcorder, see DCR-DVD200.a, last note. If you decide to record straight to DVD, which camcorder should you buy? DCR-DVD200 or DCR-DVD300 or DCR-DVD100? You'll save $70 (retail price) if you go to DVD100, but I think you're missing out on a lot if you go to 640K CCD, so I wouldn't recommend going there. If you want a larger 3.5 inch LCD, it will cost you an additional $70. I think it's a fair price for an upgrade. I hope this helps you with your purchase decision. World.