The DCR-DVD105 is the entry-level model in Sony's current line of DVD camcorders, a restyled update of the DCR-DVD92. Sony has aimed the DCR-DVD105 solely at point-and-shoot consumers seeking a relatively inexpensive way to record video and stills to DVD. Sony's Easy Handycam button switches off all the controls except those essential for recording video, making the DCR-DVD105 almost foolproof to operate, no matter how little camcorder experience you may have. This model also has a selection of easy-to-use Program AE modes, including Sports, Landscape, Beach and Ski, Moonlight and Portrait.

Manual controls are limited, to say the least. Manual focus is operated via the menu system, and Sony offers a number of picture and fader effects to add some creativity to home movies. Serious videographers seeking greater creative control should really be looking beyond a budget-price DVD camcorder such as the DCR-DVD105.

In addition to a 20X optical zoom, the DCR-DVD105 has a digital zoom function of 800X. To combat handheld shakes, the unit is equipped with digital image stabilization. The DCR-DVD105 offers plenty of flexibility when it comes to recording media, recording to DVD-R/RW and DVD+RW. Digital stills functions are limited, and with no Memory Stick slot, they must be saved to disc.

As with other Sony DVD camcorders, the menu system on the DCR-DVD105 is accessed via the 2-1/2-inch color LCD touchscreen. In addition to framing shots and viewing recorded footage, this display also shows handy information such as the amount of life left in the InfoLithium battery. While any entry-level DVD camcorder falls short of similarly priced MiniDV camcorders for features and performance, the Sony DCR-DVD105 performs as well as any budget DVD camcorder.

Pros:  Budget price, responsive automatic controls for point-and-shoot simplicity
Cons:  Virtually no manual controls, limited stills features

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts