Sony DCR-DVD7 DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

This videocam has excellent picture & sound quality. The basic instructions are easy 2 understand & implement, & because all you have 2 do is take the dvd out of the camera & put it into a dvd player ( including a playstation 2 ), it makes 4 ease of use. You really won't believe the quality. The camera itself is easy 2 hold in your hand & because it looks like a cd player, you won't have 2 worry about theft as much. The cost is very reasonable. The one thing i will say that you need 2 keep in mind is that while you can pick up the mini dvd at Wal-Mart & other stores, you may have trouble finding them in Europe. I found some in Paris at a Virgin Records store, but had trouble finding any in Berlin, & found only a few in Amsterdam.

Ok I've had this two years also, it's still working, but I haven't used it so very much yet. It's now been on a cruise & 2 a couple air shows. It does take good video, I've not tried it in still picture mode because I have a way better kodak camera 4 that kind of thing. It's handily small, not horribly weighty & it's easy enough transferring the data from the camcorder 2 your computer. I will say however it is TERRIBLE in video taking at the air shows. The LCD viewfinder is HORRIBLE when used 4 looking up into a sunny sky with little or no frame of reference around the object of video taking, also the LCD can be hard 2 see into with full on bright sunshine. With it having no other viewfinders on it, I wouldn't recommend it much 4 such a use. Sony's design on the model is nice, but it really needs a viewer on it that you can use you own eyes with. Also I highly recommend getting a backup battery.

Had this little guy 4 almost 2 years....

Then one day it just wouldn't turn on.

Sony wants over 200 dollars just 2 look at it & the problem is probably a 10 cent resistor.

Also the still photos are terrible. However the videos were good though though sometimes the sound of the spinning disk is recorded & can be heard on playback.

I can't help but wonder if there are better cameras out there at a better price.

2 years & many great movies later, I still love it. All the grandkids have their own special movies with slide shows & music 2 boot. I use Nero software along with the Picture Package. So what if the mini DVDs are only 30 minutes? That's a good place 4 a break, or another chapter. NO dull movies here! Now Grandma gets invited 2 all the kid's events so she can make a movie of it. This little camera doesn't look like the other camcorders, & has been discriminated against...what a shame. I think it is just ahead of it's time!Sony DCR-DVD7 DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

Extremely easy 2 use. Price on Amazon was terrific vs. Circuit City Offering. Like the way you can view immediately in the DVD player. Picture quality in sunny conditions is not good & grainy digitial picture taking.

The uniquely designed DCR-DVD7 DVD Handycam Camcorder lets you record movies in style. Circular & compact, you can take the DCR-DVD7 anywhere you go 2 capture digital video onto DVD-R, DVD-RW, & DVD+RW discs. Not only can you create your own movies, but as an added feature you can also take digital still pictures.Despite its compact design, the DCR-DVD7 comes equipped with a full 2.5" hybrid touch panel LCD screen & a professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens 4 capturing vivid, sharp images. Connect quickly & easily with USB 2.0 2 a compatible TV or PC 4 easy viewing & editing or your videos & digital still images.