Sony DCR-DVD105 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom

After 1 year this product has several problem. I think that the mechanical design is not OK. The disk cover is wear out. Drive error message came up then all recorded data will be lost forever. The cost 4 repair is high enough 2 buy a new one.
Not recommend 2 buy this product

I bought this camera after reading recommendations on Consumer Reports website. It's a pretty good camera, but perhaps I should have bought something else. Here are the reasons 4 that: 1) the editing is not easy; 2) colors seem 2 be washed out, along with the focus; 3) camera broke down after 18 months of use. For the last bullet, it appeared 2 be some kind of internal electronic malfunction, resulting in complete failure when using camera in moderate sunlight situations (the screen goes white): only when the amount of sun/light is fairly low, will it function. Sony can fix it, but it will cost abuot $250 (I paid $400 4 the camera). The other reviews describe problems with this camera in more detail; I just wanted 2 highlight reliability of the camera.

At first I really liked this camcorder, although the difficulty 2 edit the vob & especially the vro files on a PC was quite annoying.

About a year after purchase I started having serious problems with this camcorder. After having recorded on the mini DVD disc (using Sony's accucore disc, or other brands), & switching on the device again, the error message "recording on disc disabled" appeared. There was no way 2 retrieve the footage that had already been filmed. I inserted a new blank disc, recorded again without problems, until one day again that error message appeared, & all data was lost.

I contacted Sony Support, with little hope after the warranty period, & they told me 2 reset the device. So I did & at that moment it recorded without problems. However, the next day when I switched on the device the error message appeared again, & all data was lost.

Sony could only offer me 2 bring it in 4 repair, but the repair would cost at least $211. I'm not going 2 pay that 4 a camcorder that obviously had an internal malfunction, as the Sony analyst who assisted me also said: "I've talked 2 our experts who suspect that the camcorder has an internal malfunction".

He also added that this is not a common problem, & that the unit has very good reviews. Well, that doesn't help me, but I guess it's an acceptable rate of failure 4 Sony.

No more Sony 4 me, although I loved the camcorders I bought from them so far.

When I saw the recommendation at Consumer Report 1 year & 4 months ago, I was sure that buy this camera would be the right move. Such a mistake...

The final result of any film made is very disappointed: the colors came out too washed out.

However, the worst part happen recently. I was in my dream vacation in Hawaii last month (August) & the camera simply stop working, suddenly dead, no power, after only 1 year & 4 months of use. Even when I connect the device using the power cord. The DVD-R was trapped inside & I am not even able 2 take it out.

Best Buy Geek Squad confirmed my camera is really dead & tried 2 charge me US $ 100 just 4 shipping. Sony told me that, since is out of warranty (1 year), I need 2 pay US $ 200 + S/H in order 2 fix it.

And we are talking about a US $ 380 value camera here...

Bottom line is: do not buy this piece of junk!

if you think the following you reasons are enough 2 scare you, then keep away from this one.

1) The DVD cover are not able 2 close tightly, after 1 year of routine use. Once you get this error message, then you arrive at the end of life of this camcorder, because there is no simple way 2 fix it.

2) no editing function, like what other reviewer commented here.

3) High rice, compare with other similar models.

Simple digital video & still image recording is here with the DCR-DVD105 DVD Handycam camcorder. It's simple because Sony has created a camcorder with easy-to-use features, & you can record directly onto DVD. Features such as Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization compensates 4 camera "shake" & makes it easy 2 record smoother video. It's also easy 2 capture distant objects with 20X optical zoom & 800X digital zoom.Though easy-to-use, the DCR-DVD105 is fully capable of capturing difficult shots. With Super NightShot Plus infrared system, you can record even in low light situations. The 2.5" LCD screen provides image clarity & easily rotates 2 give you the best possible viewing angle. The DCR-DVD105 also comes with additional LCD touch screen controls 4 extra convenience. Could digital video & digital still image recording be any easier?