Performance

The Sony DCR-DVD105 offers a 1/6" CCD with 680K gross pixels (340K effective). This is the smallest chip size you’ll find among the major manufacturers, and is common among entry-level models. As expected, the image at 3000 lux is underwhelming. The picture isn’t bad—it’s just not good.

Color balance is decent, with a bit more emphasis on the blues and greens than the reds (common for Sonys). The picture looks a little oversaturated, but that is almost universal among lower-end camcorders. Most non-discerning consumers would rather have vivid than accurate colors, and Sony knows that.

On the whole, the picture is rather soft-looking; it lacks crispness around the edges and borders. Thankfully, however, there is not much in-camera sharpening. With low-resolution chips, sharpening can often have a detrimental effect on the look of curves and diagonal lines. Here, Sony seems content to present a softer image that masks the lack of detail.

Last year’s DVD92, which the DVD105 is replacing, had an almost identical image, which leads us to believe that little has changed in the imaging system this year. The picture looks marginally sharper, but color performance is identical.

The Sony DVD205, the next model up, has a slightly larger imager (1/5.5"). The review for this is not complete yet, but we have tested it, and the difference from the DVD105 is obvious. The picture looks much sharper – clean, crisp lines – and has a more even color pallet.

The big problem that starts appearing in the DVD205 is blue noise, an issue that plagued last year’s Sonys. This year, enigmatically, Sony has improved some models and left others behind. For example, the MiniDV models, the HC36 and HC96, no longer show the blue noise, but the HC46 does. Perhaps this a manufacturing default; it’s definitely an issue to be aware of.

The DC100, Canon’s entry-level DVD camcorder, also had an oversaturated image, but this time skewed too heavily towards the greens. A number of compression artifacts also sullied areas of the picture. The Canon was less noisy, however.

Finally, the Panasonic VDR-D100 produced an image with less saturation, but a very heavy dose of fine grain noise. The Panasonic was better able to capture fine detail, but the noise levels are hard to ignore.

**Video Resolution ***(10.5)*

The DCR-DVD105’s video was tested for its resolution by shooting a standard ISO 12233 resolution chart and running stills from that footage through Imatest imaging software. In 4:3 aspect ratio, the DVD105 produced 337.0 lines of horizontal resolution and 312.0 lines of vertical resolution (with an average 0.89% clipping), yielding an approximate resolution of 105144.0. In 16:9 aspect ratio, the camcorder produced 394.0 lines of horizontal resolution and 212.4 lines of vertical resolution (with an average 1.53% clipping), yielding an approximate resolution of 83685.6.

Imatest reports clipping when information (pixels) in the image either blows out or, as was the case here, bottoms out (all channels equal zero). This is often a result of too much in-camera sharpening, which creates stronger looking edges by darkening the darks and brightening the lights. Clipping can create some accuracy issues with Imatest scores. The scores, which can be seen below, were in the same range as other camcoders of the same price range, with a notable improvement from last year.

Low Light Performance*(3.0)*

Camcorders with a 1/6" CCD do not generally fare well in low light, as chip size ultimately determines the amount of light the camera can capture. At 60 lux, the DCR-DVD105 retained a lot of color information. The high saturation that we saw in bright light seems to be working to its advantage here. Noise levels went up considerably, though. Thankfully, there was almost none of the blue noise that affects so many Sonys. This noise is mostly blackish, and, while distracting, is really no different from most 1/6" chip camcorders.

Last year’s DCR-DVD92 had similar noise issues and slightly dulled colors. The DCR-DVD205, the next model up from the DVD105, had stronger greens, but otherwise differed little from the DVD105 in terms of color. If anything, it looked less healthy than the DVD105. There was less noise overall, but the presence of the insidious blue noise was enough to spoil the picture.

The Panasonic VDR-D100 had a brighter image, but the color variance suffered. The yellow and green tones tended to run together. Of course, noise levels (which were high even in bright light) shot up even higher. Finally, the Canon Elura 100 produced results similar to the Panasonic’s. Noise levels were just as high, but the Canon’s noise was thicker and tended to group in several multi-pixel clusters.

At 15 lux, the DVD105 lost most of the color information, becoming almost grayscale. Color tones were a matter of vague guesswork. Noise levels went up, of course, and tended to overwhelm a lot of the fine detail.

The DVD92 had essentially the same image – same noise levels and same color performance issues. The DVD205, with its larger chip, managed a bit more color information. Blue noise really took off, though, and could no longer be ignored.

The Panasonic VDR-D100 had, again, a brighter image with more severe noise problems. It did manage to report more color information, perhaps due to better automatic gain control. The Canon Elura 100 was only slightly duller than the Panasonic, but still much better in its color performance than the DVD105. The DVD105 retained slightly more fine detail than the Elura, however.

Wide Angle* (8.6)*

The DCR-DVD105 produced a wide angle of 43 degrees in 4:3 and 43 degrees in 16:9. This lack of difference between the different modes indicates that the camcorder does not have a true wide angle. Rather than simply widening the field of view (almost like opening the shutters), the camcorder clips information from the top and bottom in order to create a 16:9 frame. In doing so, you actually lose rather than gain information.

Format

Compression* (5.0)*

Like nearly every DVD camcorder on the market, the Sony DCR-DVD105 compresses its data into MPEG2 video files. It records on three different disc types, discussed below in the Media section, and offers three quality modes for recording: HQ, SP, and LP. This is similar to Panasonic’s XP, SP, and LP recording modes. In HQ mode, the Sony DCR-DVD105 will yield approximately 20 minutes of playback/recording time; it provides 30 minutes in SP mode and 60 in LP mode. The heavy compression of DVD camcorders, compared to MiniDV models, is reason enough to stick with tape until the technology catches up if image quality is your main concern.

Media***(5.0)*

The Sony DCR-DVD105 records on three DVD disc types: 3-inch DVD-R, 3-inch DVD-RW, and 3-inch DVD+RW. It does not record on 3-inch DVD-RAM. This year’s Panasonic DVD camcorders record to DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM discs . DVD-RW currently seems like the best disc format, offering the multiple recordings of the DVD-RAM format without the compatibility hassle when it comes to playback on standard DVD players.

It’s possible to record and play back discs while still in the camcorder, as well as after on-camera finalization.

Editing* (3.0)*

Editing on DVD camcorders has been a problem for many years. The MPEG2 format often requires users to use proprietary and awfully rudimentary software, which lacks the versatility of more in depth, independent applications often used for MiniDV editing, such as Avid or Final Cut Pro. This sort of makes sense, as DVD camcorders are expensive and limited enough to attract, largely, only the convenience- or gimmick-hungry. These buyers tend not to be interested in editing footage; they prefer to finalize video on-camcorder and slip it into the DVD player.

The DCR-DVD105 ships with Nero Express 6 software. This is one of the main upgrades over last year’s model, and gives users an option for transferring footage from the 3-inch DVD discs to larger, regular-size DVD discs using home computers.

The software itself seems like a stripped down version of the well-known burning software. With it, Sony seems to adopt a stance strictly against the editing of captured footage, one in favor of a collection of regular length DVD-Rs, archiving your footage rather than manipulating it.

Tour

**The Front ***(6.5)*

Sony overhauled the design for most of last year’s camcorders, including the DVD105’s predecessor, the DCR-DVD92. This year’s camcorder is slightly different in design from the DVD92, however: while keeping the basic design, it is smaller, sleeker, and more portable.

The DVD105’s front contains the camcorder’s lens barrel tip, slightly less prominent and massive than that on last year’s DCR-DVD92. Below this, as on the DCR-DVD92, is a curving slope which features an infrared sensor and, further down, a stereo microphone. Microphone placement is fine; just be careful you don’t rub against the mic when you open the LCD screen.

As its front notes, the DCR-DVD105 does feature Carl Zeiss optics. While perhaps more of a name-drop than a viable selling point, these are nice features for such a low-end camcorder.. The DVD105 has a filter diameter of 25mm, 20x optical zoom and 800x digital zoom, F=1.8 – 2.5, and f=2.3 – 46mm (which translates to a 35mm equivalent of 44 – 880mm in video and still mode).

**The Right Side ***(7.0)*

The right side of the DCR-DVD105 features the camcorder’s DVD mechanism drive, slightly smaller than that on last year’s DCR-DVD92. Running along the bottom of the camcorder’s right side is Sony’s comfy, if large, strap. This strap has more Velcro on it than do Panasonic straps, generally, which adds a step to adjustment. However, it is also a bit more comfortable.

To the immediate left of the DVD mechanism is a small port cover, which, while grey like the rest of the side, sort of sticks out as ugly. Its placement is better than it seems, however, as the cover rests directly under the user’s pointer-finger knuckle during handheld use. Users will often cock their fingers to operate the camcorder’s zoom toggle, photo button, and mode selector switch, so the cover won’t be obstructive. While the cover is large enough to cover two ports, it only covers one here: the camcorder’s Audio/Video output port.

**The Back ***(5.5)*

The back of the DCR-DVD105 is the main control center for the camcorder. Prominent features include the large battery port, Direct Current adaptor port, and other controls. The battery port and DC input port are close together here, putting power all in one place; a smart design means that the battery port can fit larger batteries as well as the standard size. Also, the DC input does not interfere much with the camcorder operation, as it will be most likely used with a tripod and thus does not hinder handheld use.

The camcorder’s primary record button is located to the right of the DC input port, along the right side of the DVD105’s back; it is a bit slender ,but should be adequate, especially as a secondary record button rests on the margin of the LCD screen.. Above these is the mode selector switch, which has been changed from last year’s DCR-DVD92. On this year’s model the switch sits toward the top of the camcorder, easily to access with a pointer finger. User can chose between video capture mode and still capture mode with this device or capture stills to disc in video capture mode. Well done, Sony. Next to these controls is the camcorder’s viewfinder. Its color capability is nice, but its extendibility, or lack thereof, could be an issue.

**The Left Side ***(5.5)*

The left side of the DCR-DVD105 features the camcorder’s 2.5 inch LCD screen. Its size is one of the main downgrades from the DCR-DVD205. It also lacks the 205’s Wide Select Button, which switches between widescreen and 4:3 LCD screen display. The DCR-DVD105 does have a widescreen capability; it’s just a black bar on the top and bottom of the 4:3 screen. The Wide Select option is located inside the camcorder’s touch screen menu system.

Buttons under the DCR-DVD105’s LCD screen include a button to shuffle between display options and battery info, and, more importantly, a button to activate the camcorder’s Easy mode. While I would have liked to have had this button in an easier position to get to, this design is a relatively good one. The LCD screen itself features secondary buttons for zoom controls and the recording. Above the LCD screen, on the camcorder exterior, are two buttons for back light and access to the Play/Edit mode.

The Top* (6.0)*

The top of the DCR-DVD105 is slightly flatter than that on the DCR-DVD92 last year. The curved upper rim of the DVD mechanism, for so long very prominent on DVD camcorders, has been reduced here to a flatter surface. On it is the switch with which to open the DVD mechanism itself, change discs, etc. Close-by is the camcorder’s Night Shot Plus switch, which makes it easy to change the camera to night mode. Further towards the back of the camcorder’s top are its zoom toggle (and what a nice zoom toggle it is), its photo capture button, and the upper portion of its mode selector device. All three of these controls are clustered together for easy operation: I just wish they’d swap the zoom toggle and photo button, which would put the toggle directly beneath my index finger.

Auto / Manual Controls

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (9.0)

Sony camcorders, DVD camcorders included, are known for the accuracy and speed of their automatic controls. in particular The DCR-DVD105 is no exception; let’s just say this camcorder is auto-centric. It’s made for the point-and-shooter to use on vacations, at parties, and on other occasions when getting the shot is more important than fiddling around with buttons.

By sacrificing some manual features, such users get some superb automatic controls with the DVD105. Automatic shutter speed and iris control are top notch: quick and accurate, with excellent transitions between extremely light and extremely dark areas. Sony does a good job of offering controls that are subtle when they need to be and sharp and overate when the environment dictates it. Low end Panasonic DVD camcorders, for example, have exposure and shutter controls that lag in adjustment, creating blinding white areas slowly forming into recognizable shapes, and their white balance systems, though accurate, have awkwardly quick transitions.

The DCR-DVD105 offers Sony’s standard Automatic Exposure (Program AE) presets for various predetermined shooting environments. These include: Spotlight, Portrait, Sports, Beach and Ski, Sunset and Moon, and Landscape.

The P-Touch menu, which is the first you encounter when you enter the menu.

The next level of the menu.

*The Camera Set sub-menu, which contains most of the manual controls. *

Overall Manual Control (3.0)

The Sony DCR-DVD105 features Sony’s standard dearth of manual controls, offering manual adjustment on white balance, exposure, and focus only. Really, the only top quality manual control on the camcorder is white balance, as "exposure" is a conglomerate control of iris and shutter speed masquerading an undisclosed algorithm. Focus functions much like exposure, with an unlabelled horizontal scroll-meter. As might be expected on such a cheap point-and shoot camcorder, it’s less than accurate.

The camcorder’s zoom is pretty good as far as manual control goes. Its toggle benefits from Sony’s recent ergonomic design overhaul, moving easily and fluidly.

All the Sony DCR-DVD105’s manual controls are located within the touch screen menu system. We’ve continuously berated this system for a number of reasons. One, real-time manual control adjustment using a touch screen makes for shaky video, as the operator literally taps out the changes on the screen. Two, finger oils make the screen greasy and nasty, especially over extended use. Three, touch screen navigation is cumbersome endeavor in general, as it adds another link in an already tedious navigation chain for the sake of a little flash and ‘touchy’ bling.

Zoom (8.0)

As stated above the DVD105’s zoom is top-notch as far as pointing-and-shooting goes. It provides easy and fluid movement, leaving the operating finger unobstructed by surrounding gadgets and other controls. This is essential to fluid zoom. Toggles on Panasonic’s lower-end DVD camcorders, in comparison, are generally more cumbersome.

However, where the Sony loses out, as far as zooming power goes, is in its size. While the camcorder offers a healthy 20x optical zoom, it really can’t compete with the zoom sizes Panasonic is putting out on their new MiniDV and DVD models. For them, it seems that 30x optical is the norm. Point and shooters love their zoom, so, while a difference of 10x doesn’t sound like a lot (especially from 20x to 30x), sales might say otherwise. I wouldn’t let this make or break the camcorder, though; 20x should be plenty unless you’re a super-spy.

The DVD105 also offers 40x and 800x digital zoom options.

Zoom Power/Ratio (20.0)

The Sony DCR-DVD105 comes equipped with a 20x optical zoom and 40x and 800x digital zoom options. This is 10x less that Panasonic’s lowest end DVD camcorder this year, but could be plenty for you.

Focus (4.0)

Like nearly every Sony with a touch-screen menu, the DVD105 has a seriously flawed manual focus capacity. While a focus ring is very out of the question on a camcorder this cheap, touch screen focus is kind of like no focus at all. The need to tap on the touch screen menu to access manual focus, then tap the cursor along to adjust the focus itself, will produce a notably shaky picture.

Sony has included the Spot Focusing function on the DCR-DVD105, as it has on so many camcorders over the past years, and it does help compensate for the problem with the manual focus. This feature allows a user to touch the spot on the LCD screen he or she wishes the camcorder to focus on. While kind of impractical for use during recording, this feature provides a quick way to test the looks of differently-centered foci.

Exposure (Aperture) (4.0)

Exposure adjustment, aside from existing as a combination of shutter speed and iris adjustment at an undisclosed ratio, is a pain to navigate on the DCR-DVD105. As with focus, adjusting exposure requires tapping a cursor across a horizontal meter, with no indication as to which F-stop or shutter speed measures each step employs. Furthermore, accessing the option requires users to tap the touch screen and enter the menu. You see what we mean when we say this is an auto-centric camcorder.

Sony has included Spot Metering on the DCR-DVD105. Like Spot Focusing, this feature allows the user to touch a spot on the LCD display; the camcorder then adjusts exposure to that point. Like Spot Focusing, this feature is a neat add-on and offers a quick and fun way to see your picture at different exposures. Having to access it through the touch screen, however, discourages its use during recording.

*Shutter Speed (0.0) *

There is no manual shutter speed control on the Sony DCR-DVD105. This is a problem not only with other Sony DVD camcorders but with most Sony camcorders, especially the cheaper models.

White Balance (7.5)

White balance adjustment lies deep within the Byzantine structure of the DCR-DVD105’s touch screen menu system. While some manufactures are offering all kinds of white balance presets to accommodate a vast range of light sources, Sony keeps things short and sweet. Options include: manual, indoor, outdoor, and auto. We recommend learning how to do a manual white balance. It’s simple, and your picture will definitely benefit.

Gain (0.0)

There is no manual gain control on the Sony DCR-DVD105. This is a problem not only with other Sony DVD camcorders but with most Sony camcorders, especially their cheaper models.

Other Manual Control (0.0)

What, you want more than that? Kidding, folks, but, seriously, there isn’t too much more that Sony could avoid putting on this thing. There are no other manual controls on the DVD105.

Still Features

Still Features* (4.0)*

A pared-down DVD camcorder, the DVD105 records video and stills to DVD disc only and only captures either at 340K effective pixels, just like the video. This spells bad still performance and, most importantly, added inconvenience when transferring stills to computer. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a dedicated still media device (Sony MemoryStick) in which to quickly dump your photos? I thought so, but you’ll have to buy a camcorder two steps up (the DCR-DVD305) for such a capability. The DCR-DVD205 captures stills to disc as well, but at a higher resolution, up to 1.0MP. Many of the competing DVD camcorders, such as the Panasonic VDR-D100 or the Canon D100, feature dedicated still media as well as the ability to manually adjust digital stills with more precision than Sony offers for its video. The DCR-DVD105 does include an 8 second self-timer so you can get in your own shots.

This is the same capability that last year’s DCR-DVD92 had. I wouldn’t let it be the deciding factor between this year’s and last year’s models. The DVD105 does not have a flash. The next model up, the DVD205, takes larger (and better) stills. The model, after that, the DVD305, has a Sony active interface shoe, which gives you the option of adding a flash. The model after that, the DVD405 (and now we're talking a $400 upgrade from the DVD105), has a built-in flash.

Still Resolution* (1.3)*

We tested the DCR-DVD105’s stills for resolution by shooting a standard ISO 12233 resolution chart and running those stills through Imatest imaging software. In total, the camcorder managed to produce a resolution of 127184.43. As the chart below shows, the DVD105 neither wowed the competition nor did it fall into disgrace.

Still Performance* (3.25)*

The Sony DCR-DVD105 only produces stills at 640 x 480, or 0.3MP, making it virtually useless as a replacement for a dedicated still camera. Even the cheapest still camera can shoot at 6x to 8x that resolution. The only thing the DVD105’s stills might be good for is visual record keeping. For those who say that 640 x 480 is more than enough for web photos, remember two things. First:, camcorders are designed to capture video, not stills, which requires a different internal process. Secondly, it’s a much better idea to take a higher-res still, then shrink it down with a photo editor. Picture quality will improve immensely.

The DVD105’s stills show terrible color performance, cast over in a blue hue despite custom white balancing. Very noisy, they suffer from blue noise in the violets, reds, greens – almost everywhere. The image lacks even the video’s fine detail.

The Sony DVD205 captures at 1152 x 864, which proves to be only a larger version of a bad image. The color performance is just as bad as on the DVD105, though noise is lessened. The DVD92, last year’s camcorder, is actually better. The color levels come close to that of the video image, rather than being washed out and blue. If anything, though, the noise is worse. The Canon Elura 100, which captures at a maximum of 1024 x 768, is more washed out than any of the Sonys. The image is sharper and less noisy, but really not that much better.

As stated above, this is not a suitable replacement for a dedicate still camera.

**

**

Handling and Use

Ease of Use* (9.0)*

Along with their LCD screens, Sony camcorders’ ease of use is generally considered the best in the industry. Why not? Why wouldn’t Sony want their stripped down, cheap, DVD camcorder to be easy to use? Give the people what they want; that’s right.

*The Easy mode button is located in the LCD cavity. *

The superb automatic controls on this camcorder only enhance its ease of use. A blue button labeled "easy" beneath the LCD screen activates the Easy Handycam mode and locks in these controls. The idea, no doubt, is that anybody could pick this up and be recording within minutes. In all fairness, Sony comes pretty close to the mark on this goal.

The main feature in this category is the prominently displayed Easy button, located in the LCD cavity. This effectively renders the camcorder 'idiot-proof.' The menu options are severely truncated and, in case you've also lost the ability to point at things, the buttons on the touch screen are about twice as big. In Easy mode, you can point and shoot your troubles away. This is exactly what you shoudl expect on an entry-level camcorder.

Handling* (7.0)*

Following in the footsteps of last year’s Sony DCR-DVD92, this year’s low-end DVD camcorder handles nicely, especially in Easy Handycam mode. The extremely good automatic controls on this camcorder take a lot of strain off of handheld use, and allow the user to be less cautious when switching environments or making sudden movements.

The most important on-the-go manual control, especially for point-and-shooters, is the zoom, which in this case is very easy to operate, thanks to Sony’s new zoom toggle. This is the same toggle as on last year’s DCR-DVD92, but it’s still nice. My only request would be to move this toggle further on the camcorder body, placing it directly under my pointer finger. Doing otherwise is a growing trend in the industry as camcorders make room for photo-buttons and power switches—but, really, what finger do *you *want on your zoom toggle?

One of my long-running complaints about Sony is their dependence on the touch screen menu system. While they market it as gimmicky technological advancement that separates Sony’s sleeker products from other manufacture’s wares, the facts remain otherwise., This screen is cumbersome, requires tapping on the LCD screen and makes LCD use mandatory—a requirement only more glaring when the viewfinder is virtually immobile—and makes a greasy mess of the screen itself. Look to Panasonic’s new joystick navigation method for a better example of on-camcorder operating options. While Sony has added secondary zoom and record buttons on the margin of the LCD panels, and provided very comfy straps, these seem compensatory rather than additional amenities. One more comment - the Steady Shot image stabilization works very well.

Portability* (6.25)*

For a DVD camcorder, the DCR-DVD105 is relatively compact. Even 8cm mini-DVD discs are somewhat more cumbersome than MiniDV tape, past DVD camcorders have only been able to get so small. While the DCR-DVD105 is certainly not the answer to that problem, it does feature a slightly more compact design than last year’s DCR-DVD92. Both camcorders weigh the same (15 oz.); however, the DCR-DVD105 does have a slightly shorter top and a slightly skinnier waist.

LCD/Viewfinder* (9.0)*

The Sony DCR-DVD105’s LCD suffers in comparison to those on other Sony DVD camcorders this year. While the camcorder does offer better resolution than Panasonic’s lowest end DVD model, the VDR-D100, it is the only Sony in this year’s DVD line without a widescreen LCD screen. It does offer a color viewfinder, which hasn’t appeared on Sony’s entry-level camcorders in the past. In fact this is one of the main differences between the DCR-DVD105 and last year’s DCR-DVD92.

Sony LCD screens in general are the best in the industry, which could be a reason to pick this camcorder over Panasonic’s lower end model. You’d be getting better display, though sacrificing some manual control and zoom power. For convenience-hungry vacation-documentarians, however, the DCR-DVD205 might be a better option.

The Sony DCR-DVD105 features a 2.5 inch (diagonal) LCD screen with a 123K pixel count. Its on-camcorder picture is superb; the colors are great on both viewfinder and LCD screen, and, while the LCD display cuts off a tiny bit on the frame margins, its own margins feature secondary record and zoom controls, which meld well with the camcorder’s touch screen menu system. These secondary controls are not new, however, as they appear on last year’s models as well. The camcorder’s viewfinder only extends directly back instead of swiveling up towards a downward-looking eyeball; while this is nothing new, it could be a hindrance to a point-and-shooter in search of more flexible operations.

Battery Life* (12.6)*

The DCR-DVD105 ships with NP-FP50 battery, the same battery that also ships with the DVD205 and DVD305. The manual states that the battery last for approximately 100 minutes of continuous shooting and 125 minutes to fully recharge. We tested that claim ourselves by shooting continuously with the LCD open and the backlight on. No manual controls or zoom were engaged, and the camcorder was left in Easy mode. When the DVD needed changing, the DC power was plugged back in. In total, the NP-FP50 lasted 126 minutes and 21 seconds (2 hours, 6 minutes, and 21 seconds). This is an excelletn battery life, comparatively.

Audio / Playback / Connectivity

Audio* (2.5)*

The only way to capture audio on the DCR-DVD105 is via the built-in microphone located on the lower front. There is no audio input jack or accessory shoe. Audio is compressed according to Dolby Digital two channel standards. The DVD205 offers similar capability; the DVD305 and other upper models feature the ability to record Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, often with the help of an optional microphone accessory which fits into the camcorder’s accessory shoe. In my opinion, this surround sound business is mostly a marketing hook and should not strongly sway purchasing decisions.

Another aural characteristic that the DCR-DVD105 shares with the DVD205 is the lack of an audio/video input port. On these camcorders the port is limited to output. You’ll have to shell out the extra bones for a DCR-DVD305 if you want an upgrade. All in all, your sound options are virtually nill.

VCR Mode* (9.0)*

VCR mode, also known as Play/Edit mode is the DVD105’s on-camcorder method of reviewing captured footage. There are two ways to access this mode: the Play/Edit button above the LCD screen on the camcorder’s left side and the small touch-screen button with the universal "play" icon on the bottom left of the LCD display.

The Play/Edit mode shows nice graphics. There are two tabs to touch your way through, one for stills and the other for video, and a touch pad scroll bar to shuffle through your data, which displays in nice little thumbnail boxes. The movie files even play through like little DVD menu chapter icons. Very gimmicky. Very cool. Data code display is available in the Play/Edit modes menu system, accessed in the same way as the recording mode’s menu system.

Ports* (5.0)*

The Sony DCR-DVD105 features only an audio/video output port and a DC input port for battery-less operation. These are similar ports to those on the DCR-DVD205, the next model up. If you purchase a DCR-DVD305 or higher, you’ll get audio input capability tacked onto the audio output port, as well as a USB jack and a LANC (remote control) jack.

The DC input port is relatively inconveniently located right next to the user’s primary record button, which could be cumbersome but shouldn’t be a problem unless you shoot handheld video while plugged into the wall.

The camcorder’s battery port is conveniently placed in the back of the camcorder, which allows the viewer to switch batteries without taking the camcorder off of a tripod. Most importantly, the battery placement allows users to purchase larger batteries and thus extend battery life even further.

Panasonic’s VDR-D100 offers a wealth of ports, including USB and S-Video; its audio/video port is, like the DCR-DVD105’s, output only. The Canon Elura 100, a comparably priced MiniDV camcorder, includes a microphone jack, a USB port, an audio/video input/output port, as well as, of course, the firewire port used to transfer MiniDV tape data. Both camcorders also record stills to card media. Compared to some other manufacturer’s offerings, the DCR-DVD105 doesn’t really come up too well.

Other Features

Widescreen/16:9 Mode* (5.0)*

One of the biggest differences between the Sony DCR-DVD105 and all of the subsequent DVD camcorders in the line is its lack of a 16:9 LCD screen. The DCR-DVD205, DCR-DVD305, DCR-DVD405, and DCR-DVD505 all feature a wider LCD screen and a wide select button with which to toggle between 4:3 and 16:9 modes. In contrast, the DVD105 features a standard 4:3 screen and an inferior crop and zoom based widescreen feature in its touch screen menu system.

Scan Rates/24p* (0.0)*

The Sony DCR-DVD105 does not offer any alternate scan rates, frame rates, or anything like that. Video is captured at the standard 60i rate; that’s all that’s written in the book of the DVD Camcorder.

Other Features* (4.5)*
Self-Timer - Available in both still and video recording modes, this feature gives you up to ten seconds to put yourself in the frame. Recommended for the lonely.

Color Slow Shutter - Color slow shutter is the crazy night mode that Sony has been putting on most of their camcorders over the past years. In order to compensate for the nasty monochromatic greenish glow of normal infrared night shot modes, this mode institutes a really slow shutter speed as to let in more of the visible light spectrum, giving realistic color a chance. The only problem is that it’s extremely slow shutter: don’t move, or you’ll blur.

Auto Shutter - This is the closest Sony gets to manual shutter speed control. The default setting for this other feature is "on", and, according to Sony, it prompts the camcorder’s shutter to adjust automatically in bright light environments. I’m not sure if this is a preset window of performance or what. Frankly, I can’t tell the difference.

Nightshot Plus - This is the camcorder’s normal night mode, accessible via the switch on top of the camcorder itself. This is that greenish infrared-y looking stuff you’re used to.

Supper Nightshot Plus - This option in the camcorder’s touch screen menu system increases the intensity of Nightshot Plus camcorder.

NS Light - This option, also available in the camcorder’s menu system, emits an infrared light out of the front of the camcorder to increase the clarity, if you can call it that, of the video captured in Nightshot mode.

Steadyshot - This is Sony’s own electronic image stabilization system, which can be accessed from the camcorder’s menu system. It is not the optical image stabilization that higher-end camcorders offer.

Fader - Again accessible within the camcorder’s menu system, this option allows users to add fades to their video.

Digital Effect - This DCR-DVD105 ships with various digital effects, accessible in the menu system. They include Lumikey and Old Movie.

Picture Effect - The camcorder also offers a number of picture effects, including Sepia, Black and White, Pastel, and Mosaic.

Comparisons / Conclusion

Comparison
Sony DCR-DVD92
Both the DVD105 and last year’s DCR-DVD92 share a similar imager as well as similar manual control options and disc compatibilities. Their images in low and bright light are very similar; any subtle differences can be attributed to the testing environment. Most of the other specs are the same. Both camcorders fail to record still images to media other than DVD discs and both only have A/V output ports.

The DVD105 is sleeker and slimmer. Its zoom toggle is also further up the back of the camcorder, allowing easy access from the user’s index finger. The DCR-DVD105 also ships with Nero 6 Express software and features a color viewfinder, both features lacking on the DCR-DVD92.

Both the DCR-DVD92 and the DCR-DVD105, having the same imager and still specs, perform similarly. So, if you’re in the mood to save some cash and don’t mind sacrificing a few small amenities; last year’s model might be your ticket out of the poor house.

Sony DCR-DVD205
The Sony DCR-DVD205 is the next camcorder up in Sony’s DVD camcorder line, but doesn’t differ greatly from the DVD105. One of the main distinctions is the imager: the DCR-DVD205 ships with a 1/5.5" CCD, as opposed to the DCR-DVD105’s 1/6" chip, which has nearly double the effective pixels and thus permits better video and still performance in bright and low light. This is also the same imager found on the DCR-DVD305.

Otherwise, the Sony DCR-DVD205 has the same manual control options as the DCR-DVD105, features the same port structure, and also captures stills only to DVD disc. It does ship with a widescreen LCD screen, which, coupled with the imager upgrade, is perhaps its most salient difference from the DCR-DVD105—other than a hundred dollar price increase.

Panasonic VDR-D100
The VDR-D100 is Panasonic’s lowest-end DVD camcorder. It is priced comparable to the Sony DCR-DVD105, though perhaps the MSRP is a little higher, and features many of the same specifications. For instance, both camcorders contain the same 1/6" imager with similar pixel counts. As far as performance goes, the Panasonic showed a grainier, but comparable image in bright light; this extra grainy noise helped achieve a brighter, yet noisier image in low light. Both camcorders feature crop/zoom 16:9 approximation for their widescreen modes (the Panasonic doesn’t have a widescreen LCD screen either). While the Panasonic’s body design is not as appealing aesthetically or ergonomically (it has worse port placement) as the Sony’s, the VDR-D100 does feature superior manual controls, including shutter speed, iris, and gain, and offers 10x more zoom power, rounding out with 30x optical zoom. However, it doesn’t have a center-channel microphone or still-to-disc recording capabilities, and its LCD resolution is slightly smaller. Overall, the total package of features puts it just over the edge compared to Sony. Only those who categorize themselves as strict point-and-shooters should pick the Sony DVD105.

Canon Elura 100
The shark in Canon’s Elura line this year, the 100 has taken the place of the previous year’s three models. This is a MiniDV camcorder and is priced around four hundred dollars, making it slightly cheaper than about the lowest price you’ll get for the Sony DCR-DVD105. It serves as a quick lesson in how MiniDV, although going out of style, is still, at this point, superior to DVD camcorders in format. The Elura 100, while cheaper than the DCR-DVD105, features a larger imager (1/5") with nearly double the effective pixels of the Sony, and dedicated still media, recording 1152 x 864 still images to SD card. The camcorder has the same optical zoom (20x) as the Sony, and improves on the manual controls greatly. It has a widescreen LCD as well, something only available to the DCR-DVD205 and up in the Sony DVD line, and performs better both in regular and in low light environments.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters *(5.5)*

The Sony DCR-DVDD105 is only good for point-and-shooters. This is Sony’s cheapest DVD camcorder, people. You’re buying a (relatively) expensive (compared to MiniDV tape) format camcorder, for (presumably) convenience’s sake and sacrificing a widescreen LCD screen, manual control, and video quality for a lower cost.

Budget Consumers* (4.5)*

If you’re in the market for a lower-end DVD camcorder this one might work; I would look into the lower-end Panasonics, the VDR-D100 and VDR-D200, as well. That said, the DVD camcorder racket isn’t exactly the place to look for budget equipment in the first place. If you really want budget stuff and don’t mind sacrificing the gimmick of DVD technology, look into Sony’s lower-end MiniDV line. Or you could wait a couple years until DVD camcorders are more ubiquitous and wicked cheaper.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid* (2.0)*

This isn’t the camcorder to buy for still photo capture. Not only does the DCR-DVD105 only capture stills at 340K effective pixels, which is pretty much the bare minimum for camcorders, it also captures them only to DVD disc, which takes a lot of the convenience out of things. The worse news is that the DCR-DVD205 functions in the exact same way. You’ll have to buy a DCR-DVD305 to record to dedicated, extractable still media (memory stick). If you wanted to go all out with this still business, you could (God forbid) buy a digital camera or buy a DCR-DVD505 for upwards of nine hundred clams to achieve, according to Sony, 5.0MP stills to memory stick.

Gadget Freaks* (1.5)*

All DVD camcorders have been fair game for the gadget hunter over the past couple years, but I suspect that they are over-staying their welcome, especially on the lower-end. The only gadgety thing about a lower-end DVD camcorder like the DCR-DVD105 is its ability to record on DVD rewriteable discs, which adds a lot to its versatility. It doesn’t offer the still, hybrid capabilities of the other Sonys in this year’s line, their abilities to capture surround sound audio, or their widescreen LCD screen display. This camcorder is for the frugal, not the gadget-minded.

Manual Control Freaks* (2.0)*

I cannot recommend a Sony--or a DVD camcorder, for that matter--in this section. DVD camcorders across the industry tend to sacrifice video control for the convenience and point-and-shooter bliss of the DVD recording format, and Sony overlooks manual control on nearly all their camcorders, let alone their lower-end ones. As mentioned before, this is an auto-centric camcorder, through and through.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists* (2.0)*

Obviously, the DVD105 is too low-end to function as the primary camcorder for such a user. Furthermore, as a DVD camcorder, it isn’t a realistic option for a backup camcorder either. For a more versatile, cheaper, and easier to edit backup camcorder, serious hobbyists should still look to MiniDV.

Conclusion

This year, if you buy the DCR-DVD105, you’ll get the DCR-DVD92 wrapped in new clothes. And, while the additional color viewfinder and included software might whet your consumer taste-buds, they probably won’t get you to reach for your wallet—at least, perhaps, not after you read this.

Performance is nothing special: there are plenty of cheaper and much better performing, new MiniDV camcorders. So check those out. Really, folks, "the cheapest DVD camcorder" is kind of an oxymoron. You take the most expensive format out there for consumer video camcorders, then strip down the vessel, and you’re left with a moderately priced DVD camcorder that is still more expensive than many of the feature-filled Mini models.

If you really want DVD format, look either back to the DCR-DVD92, over to the slightly cheaper and more feature-filled Panasonic VDR-D100, or up to the Sony DCR-DVD205, which might be the best value among the cheapest three Sony DVD camcorders this year.

Specs/Ratings

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