Sony DCR-DVD403 3MP DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

I've used this successfully with Maxwell, Panasonic, Sony & other mini DVDs in -R & -RW formats.

However I have not had any success with Memorex Duralayer +RW DVDs.

In the 3 years? or so that I have had the camera it has functioned well.
I have had 2 replace the battery with a larger capacity model & 2 replace the charger when it cooked.

Other than those items it has done a good job.

I've owned this camera 4 about 18 months now. I wanted a camera that could shoot both decent video & stills, & would do mpeg2 encoding 2 save me the work of converting DV-AVI files 2 mpeg2 myself. This camera largely met those goals but has lots of annoyances too.

1. The lens cover. If you read the reviews here you'll be well aware that the lens cover on this camera is very prone 2 failure. In my case the lens cover will not close. There was no apparent reason 4 the sudden failure; I have always taken good care of the camera & only use it lightly.

2. The PC software is truly appalling. Forget about doing anything useful with it. I use it in its first couple of steps just 2 get it 2 extract the individual mpeg2 files out of the DVD VOB files it creates, & then manually rename each one with the date & time, then I copy them out of the temp directory & quit the app. It's way more tedious than it need be just 2 do this, & useless beyond this basic task (and it crashes and/or hangs frequently so often requires several attempts).

3. If you use non-Sony media the camera complains, & you cannot access the non-Sony media on your PC until it is finalized. This is pure evil manufacturer lock-in BS; I don't believe there is any technical reason 4 this as non-Sony media support multi-session writes.

4. The still camera works great in good light but not in low light. The pictures are more reminiscent of CMOS sensors than a CCD.

5. It's a Sony. That means don't expect any of these issues 2 be fixed or even acknowledged. Once Sony have your money you're dirt.

The Sony DVD403 Handycam takes great pictures & is easy 2 use, but beware! The software that comes with it messes up your computer BIG TIME! We have had 2 rebuild our computer & leave the software off. I have been told that "Sony is aware of this problem & is working on it" but I am very disappointed that they did not notify me of the problem. They could have easily done so since I registered the camera with them. If you have been experiencing problems with your computer not wanting 2 shut down and/or 'blue screen' & you have the software 4 this camera installed - that could be your problem.

Nice images. Compact, easy 2 transport. Keep the manual handy as there are a lot of functions that are easily forgotten unless the camera is used often. Found this unit is not too nice 2 other disc manufacturers.
Use Sony discs 2 avoid disappointments.

Poor lens cover design this is an offical money trap dont buy this product
311 spending towards a quality cammera!

Capture powerful sound & sharp images direct 2 DVD with the DCR-DVD403 Handycam camcorder. Built 4 serious recording, the DCR-DVD403 comes with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens 4 creating superior quality images. Featuring high-resolution imaging with an 3.3 Megapixel Advanced HAD CCD imager, you can take not only sharp digital video, but also detailed digital still photographs. Equipped with an optional surround sound microphone, you can record Dolby Digital 5.1 Channel surround sound 2 make watching your movies like a visit 2 the theater.Other features include built-in flash & Super NightShot Infrared System 2 help record in low light situations. See the bigger picture with the 2.7" wide SwivelScreen LCD display with touch panel capabilities. Bets of all, you capture digital videos directly 2 DVD 4 the ultimate in recording convenience.