Sony DCR-DVD610 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

I purchased this camcorder 4 a vacation I just returned from. This is a GREAT camcorder. The learning curve is quick, very simple 2 use. Two options of recording video, either on a memory card, or via mini-DVD. The option of being able 2 pop out the mini-dvd & putting it into any DVD player is awesome. No computer necessary.

I had purchased 20 Memorex miniDVD+RW hoping/thinking they would work (via some other reviews on here), but they didn't--after formatting, "unsupported format" & no go. If there is a way 2 make them work, I'd love 4 someone 2 tell me how. So I ran out 2 Target & bought 5 of the Sony mini's which worked, of course flawlessly--but at 3 times the cost.

We just watched some playback of video & are floored by the absolutely perfect color of the outdoor shots. I'm really quite stunned at the quality.

In any case, if you are like me a month ago & searching 4 a camcorder 2 buy, I say buy this one. I would have been pleased at twice the price I paid.

I have used the Sony DVD610 4 several weeks. The hybrid feature is nice & I tend 2 store directly 2 memory stick & keep a few disks with me 4 over flow. The 4 gig pro-duo memory stick holds about an hours worth of video. The 40x zoom is nice but is difficult 2 hold steady shots when fully zoomed. The picture could be better. I film my sons hockey games from the stands, when zoomed out you cant read the players names on the jerseys. I probably should have gone with the DVD710 model 2 get the more clear picture. Over all I am satisfied with the camera. It functions well with no odd problems.

I Bought this Camcorder 4 My Girlfrend's Daughter. They live in the Philippines & are very happy 2 have this Camcorder. One thing I would suggest is that You get a Memory Stick along with the extra DVDs & don't forget the Battery charger & a Carrying case. It is really 2 bad You are not told up front everything that is needed 4 this Camcorder, but then they may scare a lot of buyers off. I think this is a Good little Camcorder.

Great camcorder. Easy 2 use, small enough 2 carry in coat pocket vs bag, very light. No cons yet. I used reviews on Amazon 2 decide my purchase. Also Sony products are dependable.

The biggest drawback of this camcorder is that it uses Sony 3" Rewritable DVD+RW. And it has only 30 minutes storage capacity. So after every 30 minutes you need 2 change the DVR. Now who will use a camcorder with just 30 minutes of one time recording capacity? These are the days of hard drive based camcorders where most competitors use a 40/60 GB hard drive which gives around 1000+ minutes of video. Unfortunately Sony decided 2 use them in their high end camcorders.

records high-quality MPEG-2 video * records 2 mini DVD-Rs, DVD-RWs, DVD+RWs, & DVD+R DLs (Dual Layer) * one single-layer disc holds 20 minutes at HQ setting; 30 minutes at SP setting; 60 minutes at LP setting * digital photo mode * widescreen 2-11/16" touchpanel LCD *