Sony DCR-DVD508 6.1MP DVD Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
By: Sony Average Rating: 3.5 Total Reviews: 10
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 On: 2008-02-16
This camera, like all of the Sony DVD camcorders, creates great movies. However, a MAJOR limitation is that most commercial DVD authoring programs do not work with the proprietary MPEG-2 codec Sony uses when you download the movies using Picture Package to your computer. Also, since Sony is stingy about licensing their codec to other software vendors, it is difficult to find converstion programs out there. Roxio products will not work at all, while uLead sometimes work, but often include a timestamp that you cannot remove. Typically Sony = great hardware, lousy software. No wonder LG and Samsung are eating their lunch.
 On: 2007-12-31
I am a gadget guy that wants to get the best bang for the buck. Loyal to Sony for generations and after many hours of intense internet research I have narrowed down my options to three formats, three top cams. MiniDv, MiniDVD, HDD.
MiniDv has proven to execute clear video performance for years now. Editing capabilities are simple because it uses a very flexible format known to many editing programs. Transferring to a computer is a bit annoying because you have to wait out the entire length of the tape. The top choice for MiniDv is the Sony HC-96. A bit more expensive than the newer HC-48 but pixly speaking its worth every cent.
MiniDVD was my choice. With regards to HDD, the need to always transfer my videos and load up my computers hard drive was not appealing. Invest in DVD-RW, rewritables are a must have otherwise you will have to finalize your dvd before popping it into a dvd player, AND your long term disc cost will be less. Crystal clear CMOS picture, Super steadyshot, and a horseshoe to put an external flash. BTW, CCD replaced CMOS for a while now, but its back, and the DVD508 flaunts the new updated image capturing technology. A nice feature is the 6.1 pixel still shot, but you will need to invest in a memory pro duo card to utilize it. The top choice for MiniDVD is the DCR-DVD508. second the dvd-408, but do not buy the DVD-308, or dvd-108.
HDD are becoming more popular. The sole reason to get an HDD is not CLARITY, its convenience. Sleek, quick transfer time, and for those that dont like futzing around with tapes of discs, this is a dream. Opt for the Sony SR-62 for a few more dollars than the SR-42. The SR-42 is almost the exact camcorder, except for the hard drive size.
Coclusion: MiniDV, is almost extinct but provides easy editing, cheap tapes, and for $300 you get the top model. MiniDVD, newer, easy to navigate on the camera to specific location, clarity, and 5.1 dolby surround sound. For the price of a low end HDD, your get a High end MiniDVD. HDD, ease of use, 7 hours or video without the need to transfer to a computer(for those long trips). $500 will buy you the lowest end HDD.
 On: 2007-12-15
With Sonys introduction of the 508 I am now convince that they had issues with the 505 model. I purshase the 505 model about two years ago and after one year, the touch screen stop responding to a touch. Now the camera is useless to me as it refuse to take still and video shots. To add more pain, it was past its warrenty period and after I contacted sony, they suggest it be shipped to their factory for repairs and will cost several hundred dollars for it to be fixed.
So, anyone contemplating to purchase and of these units make sure you find out if that model has this apparent flaw.
On: 2007-12-06
DVD508s battery charging connection is a bad design, after 2-month of using, the plug is not connected well, way too loose. We have to buy a separate battery charger to solve the problem.
On: 2007-12-05
DVD508s battery charging connection is a bad design, after 2-month of using, the plug is not connected well, way too loose. We have to buy a separate battery charger to solve the problem.
 On: 2007-11-24
This camcorder is easy to use and the playback quality is clear and sound quality was good. There was no hissing. I am not tech savy at all. The manual is easy to understand. I had the camera charged and was shooting and watching videos soon after I took it out of the box. I used only Sony dvds to save myself any grief with possibly not being able to use nonsony products. Also, the dvd+rw played in our non Sony players. I recorded about 25 minutes on the dvd-r and it took 2 minutes to finalize. The menu is a nice feature. I havent done any editing at this point. Also, there are three modes you can shoot in, the higher one only records 20 minutes according to the manual. I used the highest and middle to film, both look exactly the same. I tried out the night shot in low light indoors, and it makes it worse. The brighter the room, the crisper the images. However, even in low lit rooms, the movies were great. I am sorry if this is rambling, I am new to posting reviews. I would also like to say that Amazon has excellent customer service if you have questions regarding purchasing/returning products. I had to be home to sign for the package, so I ended up calling UPS to pick it up at their facility.
On: 2007-10-04
After MUCH research, trial and error, and actually trying 3 other video cameras, this is the one we stuck with. We even went to some local stores that had cameras on display, loaded in a blank dvd, shot some footage, and compared them at home on our 56" HD DLP TV.
Clarity of picture, ease of use, quick and easy transfer to pc and burning to dvd, quick and clear focusing....all these were high priority when we shopped around. We wanted to also be able to take still shots with reasonable results, so we went for something with a high megapixel.
We tried other Sonys, several Canons and a Panasonic, all priced from $300 to $800. This was the one that came out tops in all categories.
Touch screen controls are easy to use and intuitive. Manual is clear and well organized (especially compared to the indecipherable Canon instructions!) Software is very basic but does the job its meant to do. Some customization in the software, but if you want anything fancy youll need to buy something else (none of the cameras came with anything amazing as far as video software goes). Transfer of videos or pics to pc is quick and very easy.
Zoom may not be the highest of other cameras out there but its quick, quiet, focuses fast (unlike the Canon, which at times was unable to focus at all). Night shot button is easy to use and does the job well, although we shot video in a poorly lit restaurant ("ambient light") without the night shot on and it came out really well.
Still shots are easy to take, though if youre looking to snap a shot quickly, stick with a dedicated still camera. It takes a while for the camera to be ready to go, and time between shots is considerable. Still, they come out far better than the other cameras did and works fine for what we wanted; the ability to take video or reasonable quality stills, without having to carry around a lot of gear. I plan to buy a digital camera for those times when very high quality, or speed, is important. At todays low prices, its worth the investment.
So in closing, well worth the money (GREAT deal at Amazon, compared to local stores, chains, or other online sites).
Easy to use...100%
Video quality...85% (high def camera would be only thing better)
Picture quality...85% (get dedicated digital camera for the important shots)
Price for the product....100% well worth the price, if you buy it at Amazon and dont overpay at the local chain stores!
On: 2007-07-30
Especialmente para los compradores de habla hispana, esta es una excelente opcion, compre esta camara luego de revisar mas de 20 posibilidades y ahora que la tengo pienso que el esfuerzo valió la pena
ya que cumple con todo lo que promete, aunque tiene poco zoom, la calidad de video y los 6 megapixeles hacen que se aproveche al maximo el zoom de 20x, la vision nocturna es sorprendente, puedes tomar fotos mientras tomas video, la calidad de audio super.
On: 2007-06-20
I recently purchased the Sony DVD508. The picture quality is "Excellent".
Ive been a professional photographer for over 15 years and I can tell the difference between a average quality video and a fine quality video. This camcorder is on of the best that ive used. For under $800 it gives you the best bang for your buck. The camcorder is easy to use. It took me approximately 15 minutes to install the software onto my computer. I use pinnacle studio 11 for editing the frames, which is relatively easy for an amateur or pro. Again, you will absolutely love the quality of your end product, which is all that really matters.
On: 2007-05-31
I purchased this camcorder in March 2007. I like it. I have no problems with transferring videos to the computer. Video quality is crisp and clear. Battery life is about 1 hour I will be purchasing an addtional battery soon. I like the night shot mode. I recorded a school play and it turned out very clear sound quality was superb in. Nice to be able to take digtial snapshots while in record mode. Picture quality is good. I was able to fit 3 dvd+rw disc onto one dvd. I have not tried editting video inforamtion. This camera is perfect for families who want nice quality videos of chidrens school performaces, vacations, family times. I am very happy with the purchase. I paid just over $900. If you have windows vista the included software is incompatible. A simple free download from Sonys website to get the software required for Vista users. I am giving it a 4 star simply for battery life after years of comlaints about battery life one woulde think a battery with a longer life would be included in higher end camcorders.
On: 2007-05-30
I purchased this camcorder in March 2007. I like it. I have no problems with transferring videos to the computer. Video quality is crisp and clear. Battery life is about 1 hour I will be purchasing an addtional battery soon. I like the night shot mode. I recorded a school play and it turned out very clear sound quality was superb in. Nice to be able to take digtial snapshots while in record mode. Picture quality is good. I was able to fit 3 dvd+rw disc onto one dvd. I have not tried editting video inforamtion. This camera is perfect for families who want nice quality videos of chidrens school performaces, vacations, family times. I am very happy with the purchase. I paid just over $900. If you have windows vista the included software is incompatible. A simple free download from Sonys website to get the software required for Vista users. I am giving it a 4 star simply for battery life after years of comlaints about battery life one woulde think a battery with a longer life would be included in higher end camcorders.
On: 2007-05-05
Not a good product from Sony. Data is getting corrupted to often, Hissing sound from optical drive is too much and that is getting recorded onto the DVD. Its not worth the money, I am planning to get rid of this
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