The DCR-DVD405 is an updated version of last year's impressive DCR-DVD403, and it sits one rung below the top in Sony's 2006 line of DVD camcorders. The image suite features a large 1/3-inch Advanced HAD CCD with 3.3-megapixel resolution, along with a professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens. The 10X optical/120X digital zoom capability is the same as with the previous model.

Sony has given the DCR-DVD405 some significant improvements over its predecessor. The 2-7/10-inch color LCD viewfinder now pivots, and the DCR-DVD405 can record digital stills to Memory Stick DUO as well as to disc. Another important change regards the MSRP, which Sony has reduced by $100. The next model lower in the series is the DCR-DVD305, which retails for $200 less but offers a smaller CCD.

The DCR-DVD405 records video to 3-inch DVD, which can be either write-once DVD-R or rewritable DVD-RW and DVD+RW. The overall video quality is excellent, with recorded images appearing stunningly sharp with well-saturated colors and accurate skin tones. This digital camcorder offers the choice of recording in either 4:3 standard or 16:9 widescreen mode. Perhaps the only gripe is that the DCR-DVD405 lacks substantial manual controls, although the Easy Mode is a joy to use. This model is an excellent choice for point-and-shoot enthusiasts who demand top-quality video recordings.

The stills performance on the DCR-DVD405 is similarly impressive. The camcorder captures stunning photos, and the DVD format enables you to store up to 1,800 images on a single recordable DVD. Alternatively, stills can be captured to Memory Stick DUO media, although no Memory Stick is included with the DCR-DVD405. The unit's built-in microphone records Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound directly to disc, ensuring impressive audio quality to match the DCR-DVD405's video and stills performance.

Pros: Great video and stills performance, very easy to use, widescreen recording mode
Cons: Few manual controls, package does not include Memory Stick media

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts