Customer Reviews
Love it!!!!! 
2006-02-23
This camcorder is the best thing i could have ever purchased, the screen is HUGE,,,,,,the quality is the best, the easy edit software is the best, easy menus, I LOVE IT!!!
I love this camcorder 2006-01-13
I bought this last year with extended warranty as I have kids at home. I bet they tried their best to damage the camcorder but with no luck. That's about robustness.
It's big screen is a great feature I don't find this in latest 403. I have tried many brand of DVD's and have not experienced ANY problem with recording or playing back.
Things I like about latest 403 is, it has got 3MP still photography, a flash and a shoe to fit light. Otherwise 301 camcorder is very good espcially with marked down price. I feel like buying one more after gifting mine to my dad (against my will !! He loved it so much and he asked me first time for something and I coudn't say no).
I have seen 403 and if price and size (of LCD) dosen't matter, I recommend buying it. Otherwise 301 is the best.
I have also heared lot of guys complaining about the editing software that ships with this camcorder. Honestly for starters, it's better than pinnacle or other high tech softwares because it's easy to learn and is targeted for entire range of users.
Net net, this is a good deal. And if you got few extra bucks, go for 403.
For those looking to buy the cheapest dvd-r..... 2005-09-12
Don't get Memorex dvd-r! I know people buy Memorex for its price. It well known Memorex doesn't work well with any burners. Go with Sony, Verbatim, Fuji, or TDK even though you pay a bit more.
Too many error messages 
2005-09-11
I use this camera for training purposes. I need every recording to come out perfectly so that I amy critique the participants. The camera does everything it says it will do but it does not read discs well. Last week, of 3 participants in the room, the recordings failed twice. Bah, humbug Sony! I can't afford to lose a recording when my clients are paying for the training.
I'm looking for another camera.
I really like this camcorder; battery leaves something to be desired 
2005-08-29
While I know that a bigger lcd screen is going to eat up the battery faster, a 3-1/2 inch screen is an awesome thing. My eyesight isn't what it used to be, and also I sometimes like to share what I have filmed with my parents right away; the bigger screen is a significant advantage. I don't really care about the new touch screen technology--in less than careful hands I would think that your lcd could be "toast" pretty quickly. Thus I don't mind having "buttons" to push. The adjustable viewfinder (now becoming a thing of the past) is a good thing too. The picture quality was great, and the disc finalized, played back in my dvd player without a hitch. The only complaint I would have is about the battery-- the one that comes with the camera runs out pretty quick, even if you aren't using the lcd. I was going to get one of the bigger ones, but they seem significantly bigger and heavier. So I just got another one of the small ones. It would also be nice if Sony would include a compact/travel charger instead of forcing you to purchase it separate; then again, I guess that's why Sony makes the kind of money it does . . .
Best video camera 2005-07-27
Sony DCR-DVD301 Handycam(R) DVD Camcorder -
Includes: ACL15A Power Adapter/charger, NPFM50 InfoLithium(R) Battery, Wireless Remote, CR2025 Battery, Stereo A/V cable, Lens Cap, Cleaning Cloth, DMR30 Blank DVD Media, Shoulder Strap, USB Cable, Photo ImageMaker software on CD for Windows Me, 2000, XP. The ingenious concept about this digital camcorder is that it uses a DVD as recording media instead of a MiniDV tape. This offers greater versatility than ever before. A single-sided 8cm disc can record 20 minutes in HQ to 60 minutes in LP. A Carl Zeiss Tessar lens offers super sharp optics with realistic color and depth. Whether shooting stills or video, this camcorder is a pleasure to use and own. Super NightShot Quick image transfer to PC using USB Intelligent Accessory Shoe for adding optional lights, flashes, or microphones Still images up to 1152x864 resolution Unit Dimensions WHD - 2.8 x 3.5 x 5.4 / Weight - 20 ounces without disc and battery NOTE - This camcorder uses 8cm DVD disc which are smaller in size than commercial DVD media. They may play on most current DVD players or drives but we are not certain that all are compatible
Sony Handycam DCR-DVD301 
2005-07-06
I was a SONY 100% loyal customers until I bought this camera (camcorder, computer, DVD player, pen drive..all SONY). First of all, if you are like me and like to edit your videos, don't think that you can just pop the disc in your computer and off you go. For capturing video it is just like any other camera: you have to connect with a cable. It is not very tolerant of low light either (my old one is) so you better be ready to buy a good light for any indoor shooting that doesn't have an excelent light.
It has also given me Disc Error massages with two discs, after I have finilized them. This means that that the great trip to Mexico that you thought you had recorded for posterity, it's all gone.
You can also take digital photos as well as video. This feature it's not bad. Except, that you cannot see the photos until you finalized the disc. It means that if you took 20 pictures that you need to see today, you have to render your DVD-R disc useless for further recording, or wait until you fill the whole disc to see your pictures.
Too bad. The concept seems like a good one but not fully developed. Shame on SONY for bringing something to the market when it's not ready.
I really wanted to like this handycam 
2005-03-01
This is a great handycam if all you want to do is shoot and play your movie on a dvd player. The kids love being able to watch thier events right away. The picture quality is not that good. I am still trying to figure out how to copy a dvd-RW to a full size disk so I won't have to buy thoses expensive little dvd's
Great Handycam! 2005-02-04
The Sony DCR-DVD301 DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom is a great camcorder for any one interested in recording quality footage, not to mention that it is small enough to fit in your pocket. It has a great new touch screen, which allows the user to go through a serious of menus to play with the picture. If you don't have any video editing software, not to worry! The new handy cam is able to make transitions from frame to frame. The program that it runs would cost up to 40 dollars on your computer! The picture on this handycam is better then ever before using the mini DV recording structure. The only negative thing about the Sony is that fairly expensive so be very careful not to drop it. I got this handycam for Christmas and I cannot but it down. Overall it is a great camcorder and worth the money!
Great Camcorder, easy to use and it has a great LCD 2005-01-04
This is my first camcorder and after reading several reviews and with a small baby at home, myself and wife had no question that a DVD handycam was the solution. We just started using it and it's really great to record, finalize the mini CD (it took just a few minutes) and watch it in the DVD. Amazing and fast. The quality of the video is great. Just what we needed.
