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6.5 out of 10

Sony DCR-DVD405

 

Information found in: from 21 sources in 8 countries

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  • User Score (110)
    8.6 8.6 from 110 reviewers
  • Expert Score (1)
    7.0 7.0 from 1 reviewer
  • Value for money (4)
    6.0 6.0 from 4 reviewers
  • Ease of use (5)
    6.4 6.4 from 5 reviewers
  • Durability (4)
    6.4 6.4 from 4 reviewers
  • Overall quality (4)
    6.0 6.0 from 4 reviewers
  • Battery performance (5)
    6.7 6.7 from 5 reviewers
  • Video quality (4)
    7.6 7.6 from 4 reviewers
  • Functionality (4)
    6.4 6.4 from 4 reviewers
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  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(0)
7-8
(1)
5-6
(0)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(71)
7-8
(17)
5-6
(8)
3-4
(2)
1-2
(9)

  • Expert Reviews

  1. Camcorder Info

    Camcorder Info
    30 March 2006

    Comparisons Sony DCR-DVD403 The Sony DCR-DVD403 was released in 2005 and is the predecessor to this year’s Sony DCR-DVD405. The DVD403 originally retailed for $1000 and can now be found for far less. Like this year’s model, the 403 has a surround sound microphone, Active Interface proprietary hot shoe, 2.7-inch LCD, 10x optical zoom, LANC port, USB 2.0, A/V-in/out and DC-in ports. Read more

  2. Easy Camcorder

    20 April 2006

    The DVD405 is Sony’s direct follow-up to the popular DVD403. Sony did offer a new top model, the DVD505, this year, which uses a CMOS sensor. The DVD405 uses the same 1/3” CCD as last year, but the imaging system seems to have undergone some changes for the better. Read more

    • -Well placed in-camcorder flash, -Easy mode, -Zoom toggle, -Thumbnail playback menu structure
    • -High compression levels with DVD format, -Minimal manual control capabilities, -Mic input can only be engaged through the proprietary hot shoe and thus only with Sony...

  3. CNET

    CNET
    7.0/10
    26 May 2006

    The Sony Handycam DCR-DVD405 is a solid DVD camcorder, as long as you don't mind fiddling with a touch-screen interface on a too-small display Read more

    • Better-than-average video quality, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround-sound recording, Decent still photos
    • No video light, Occasional compression artefacts still noticeable, Slightly grainy low-light video, LCD too small for touch-screen operation

  • User Reviews

  1. Excellent transaction

    Amazon
    10/10
    Reviewer: The DeRango's "The DeRango", Amazon
    5 February 2009

    Yes it worked out really well for me and my family. I really appreciate this website because it allows everyday people to reep the benefits and that's rare Read more

  2. Sony Handycam DCR - DVD405

    Ebay
    10/10
    Reviewer: 218madmax, Ebay
    1 January 2011

    got a good deal works like new. does have problem with memory stick but I,m working on it. Maybe my nephews 7 year old can figure it out.I would buy from this person again. Read more

  3. Sweet cam

    Newegg
    10/10
    Reviewer: Jagman, Newegg
    27 January 2007

    The Super Nightshot is a bit distorted.Dont mistake the flashing lazer like dots for anything unexplainable.If you keep a steady shot in the night sky you will notice them blinking around.As you move the cam you can clearly see them follow your shot.If your recording you will also notice them in the raw format once exported. Read more

    • Great picture... Lots of features.Amazingly bright in very low light conditions. I really enjoy the Super Nightshot w/infrared...Look out!!! UFO's Everywhere!!! :-)
    • none really...

  4. so simple my mom can use it

    ABT Electronics
    10/10
    Reviewer: Your Review Buddy, ABT Electronics
    30 August 2006

    I bought this for mom for Mother's Day after she actually requested a gift. She wanted a DVD one, but I was worried it would be too difficult to use. Instead, this Sony was perfect. Easy to use -- I didn't even have to show her how to use it. In fact, it's SO easy it comes with an Easy button. Seriously. One thing to keep in mind -- the DVDs hold about 30 minutes per video. Read more

    • Great Features, Great Picture Quality, Great Sound, Simple Controls, Versatile

  5. Sony does it again

    Pricerunner
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: Jenny, Pricerunner
    13 June 2006

    This camcorder is worth carrying along everywhere. It gives great still pictures and has good video quality too. The sound recording is amazing. The LCD is slightly small but apart from that this is a good camcorder overall. Read more

    • Great dolby surround sound recording, takes simply amazing still pictures and video quality is great too. LCD is 2. inches.
    • Low light pictues dont come very well, no video light and although the LCD has touch screen it is so small that operating it is very difficult because of the congestio...

  • WikiFreak Description

Sony is known world wide for producing top notch camcorders, and the DCR-DVD405 is no exception. While it is not as intriguing to buyers as some of its other models, the DCR-DVD405 does have quite a bit to offer. If you are looking for a solid, reliable camcorder and do not care too much about small details, the DCR-DVD405 may be the perfect fit for you. For new camcorder buyers the DCR-DVD405 is most definitely recommended for its reasonable price tag, Sony quality, and high quality video performance. …

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Sony is known world wide for producing top notch camcorders, and the DCR-DVD405 is no exception. While it is not as intriguing to buyers as some of its other models, the DCR-DVD405 does have quite a bit to offer. If you are looking for a solid, reliable camcorder and do not care too much about small details, the DCR-DVD405 may be the perfect fit for you. For new camcorder buyers the DCR-DVD405 is most definitely recommended for its reasonable price tag, Sony quality, and high quality video performance.

If you are shopping for the DCR-DVD405 make sure that you do not get it mixed up with the DCR-DVD505. They are similar models, but the DCR-DVD405 is not quite as advanced as its big brother. With the DCR-DVD405 you get a 3 megapixel CCD in addition to a 2.7 inch display. When compared with the DCR-DVD505 this seems like old technology, but when looked at as a stand alone it is not all that bad.

The biggest benefit of the DCR-DVD405 is the video quality. Not only are the pictures sharp, but color stays pretty much true to form in both low and bright light situations. Another benefit of this model is the Dolby surround sound recording. This is a feature that the competition skimps on, but one where Sony shines.

To go along with the benefits there are some drawbacks of the DCR-DVD405 as well. First and foremost, there is no video light which can in turn lead to grainy quality in low light situations. Additionally, the LCD screen is a bit too small for easy touch screen operation. This is something that you will have to get used to if you purchase the DCR-DVD405.

Overall, the Sony DCR-DVD405 is a solid performer with many benefits that outweigh the drawbacks.

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