The Sony DCR-DVD408 is an updated version of last year's DCR-DVD405 and is our pick as the best value unit in Sony's new DVD camcorder range. A step below the top of the line DCR-DVD508, the DCR-DVD408 is still a high end DV camcorder that outshines the lower end units thanks mainly to a much larger CCD imager. The 2.1-megapixel, 1/3-inch ClearVid CMOS sensor delivers 1430K effective pixels for video and snaps stills at a maximum resolution of up to 2304x728.

The DCR-DVD408 records to three different DVD formats. You can use either write- once DVD-R format, rewriteable DVD-RW or rewriteable DVD+RW. It is also compatible with Dual Layer DVD+R discs, which can nearly double the camcorder's recording time so you can store about 38 minutes on a single disc at the unit's highest quality setting. If you use a DVD+RW disc you won't even need to finalize the disc before playing it in a compatible home DVD player.

The overall video performance is impressive. The DCR-DVD408 records in both 4:3 and 16:9 widescreen modes, and you can move between the two at the touch of a switch. In good lighting, the DV camcorder captures bright, sharp images with well-saturated colors and excellent skin tones. While colors lose some saturation in lower light conditions, images remain free of noise and the autofocus continues to work effectively.

Sony's Easy Handycam button switches off all the controls except those that are essential for recording video. This makes the DCR-DVD408 as simple as any DV camcorder to operate, even if you are a first time user. The unit is packed with user-friendly features, such as the AccuPower meter that displays the battery time remaining on the LCD screen and the visual index function that creates thumbnail images of video and stills for easy navigation. The smooth slow recording feature captures three seconds of video in fast motion and plays it back in 12 seconds, making it ideal for analyzing a golf swing or tennis serve.

The unit's built-in zoom microphone provides Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound recording while the accessory shoe can add a video light or an external microphone. The DCR-DVD408 is compatible with Sony's Bluetooth wireless mic, which captures audio up to 100 feet away. Users looking to frequently utilize the DV camcorder's manual controls will likely be frustrated by having to repeatedly access the 2-7/10-inch touchscreen LCD, but then DVD camcorders have always been aimed more at point and shooters rather than manual control enthusiasts. The DCR-DVD408 will not break that trend.

If budget is not an issue for you, the top of the range DCR-DVD508 offers a larger CCD and optical rather than electronic image stabilization for about $150 more. If you're trying to balance performance and features with value for money, though, stick with this unit. We feel the Sony DCR-DVD408 delivers the best value of Sony's latest range of DVD camcorders.

Pros: Large 1/3-inch CMOS sensor, 5.1-channel audio recording, very good quality video, built-in flash for stills
Cons: Smaller 10x zoom lens than lower end models, electronic image stabilization system.

Warranty
90 days, labor; 1 year, parts