Sony DCR DVD408 4MP DVD Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
Normal Price:$619.99
Our Price:Too low to displayClick on the "Buy from Amazon" button to see the price. You can remove it later.
Availability:Usually ships in 1-2 business days
... For more information or Buy from Amazon.com ...
Manufacturer: Sony
Model: DVD408
Binding: Electronics
Publisher: Sony
Label: Sony
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Features for Sony DCR DVD408 4MP DVD Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom:
- 2.1-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor
- Carl Zeiss Vario- Sonnar T* lens; 10x optical/80x digital zoom
- Dolby Digital 5.1-channel recording; built-in microphone
- 2.7-inch widescreen touch-panel Clear Photo plus LCD
- DVD-R/RW/+RW/+R DL compatible
Small Picture
Medium Picture
Customer Reviews
Sony Handycam DCR DVD408 
2008-01-16
I bought the Sony Handycam DCR DVD408 for my wife in December 07 as a Christmas gift since Amazon offered a decent reduction in the price. I have to say I am impressed with the quality of the recordings and the out-of-box ease of use. It even has an easy button if you aren't overly confident in your video recording skill. I purchased additional miniDVD's and planned to record onto a disc and then finalize it and then use another disc. Now I have started to just transfer the video onto my computer and then format the disc as I have a fairly large external HDD and I'm not too concerned with running out of space on it (Videos can get large - about 1MB per minute recorded). If you plan on editing your video I would not recommend this format (MiniDVD) since it is not as friendly for editing, also Sony did not include any software for editing with the original package. All you get is some crappy dubbed instructional DVD and a basic (VERY BASIC) software suite. Sony does not give you a Memory Stick either so you can't use the still image camera out of the box; so if you buy this, make sure you also have a MS if you plan on using that feature. The steadyshot is smooth and you can really see it in action especially at full zoom. The NightShot feature is also very cool and looks great too. Just keep in mind that the IR (infrared) spot light illuminates the human eye in a not-so-pretty way. Colors are rich and true to life thanks to the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens and great image processor onboard. The camera offers both standard and widescreen shooting options and also has DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 Surround capture abilities which is awesome when you watch your final cuts with the family. Just remember that when you're wielding the camera to talk a little lower since your voice will come out on the final recording with a lot of volume especially if you have a decent surround sound setup. The LCD viewfinder is a touchscreen and it is very well done, the screen response is very precise and quick and the old school eye viewfinder is not fixed and can come in handy although most of the time you'll find yourself using the LCD screen because it is more comfortable. Battery life is about 100 minutes and this will vary depending on whether or not you use the LCD viewfinder or not. This camera is small and realtively lightweight compared to other Sony Handycams. Overall I would buy this camera again if given the chance, the main drawbacks being lack of software, poor compatibility with Vista and limited editing due to the nature of the recording medium.
DCR-DVD408 DVD Camcorder Review 2007-12-31
I previously owned a later generation Sony DVD Handycam (DCR-DVD405) and decided to stick with Sony after reviewing their new product line, as well as what their competitors had to offer. This new camera does not disappoint.
Disappointed with Amazon product 
2007-12-30
Honestly, I am quite sure that this is a fine product. However, the one I received from Amazon would not charge. After speaking with Sony about the issue, they determined it was an issue with the camera itself. So, Amazon sent me a replacement model. This one also would not charge or turn on. I ended up sending it back for a refund. I heard through a camera shop I spoke with about the camera that amazon sells "gray market" or refurbished electronics that are not covered under the Sony warranty in the US. I have always had a good experience with Amazon before, but I will not be purchasing electronics through this company anymore!
Great all around camcorder 
2007-12-23
This is my first digital camcorder and the picture is great. I did a lot of research trying to determine which format to get. I had a tape VHS-C before and it just didn't get it anymore. Started having trouble with bad tapes. So I really did not want another tape format. The new hard drives are nice, but so are the prices. I went with the DVD format and I am very pleased with it. Before you go on a trip or to a special event just make sure to format the disc first. I believe you just can't go wrong with Sony and especially with this camcorder. Very simple to use, yet has enough features for the more technically advanced user. High recommend this camcorder. Compared it to Canon and Panasonic and Sony came out on top.
Everything I wanted 2007-12-21
This camcorder got good reviews - better than the 508, which is its top-of-the-line sibling. It is very easy to operate. I was using in just as soon as I charged up the battery. The video looks great. The touch screen is a little small but so far it has worked well for me. I got the biggest battery for it since it was recommended as being very long lasting. Definitely an excellent value.
sony handy cam 2008-07-01
I got the handycam to film my son at the national beta club coonvention. It was exactly what I needed. The microphone picked up his voice well and the zoom picked up the picture. I got the camera for a song too.(385) Well below the price charged by other dealers. Very happy with this dealer. I would buy from him again.
Great video recorder! 2008-03-07
I recently purchased this as a gift for my cousin on the arrival of a new born. We took some videos of the baby and they came out really well. The sound quality is excellent and the auto focus works very well. The camera design is very intuitive and easy to use. This is overall a great buy!
Very Nice Handycam 2008-02-19
This is a very nice camcorder at a very decent price. I would definitely recommend this product.
Everything I needed 2008-01-19
After a lot of research, I decided to purchase the sony dcr-dvd 408. night vision works great, a bit grainey with telephoto, but the instructions tells me this. Telephoto is very good, everything works as expected, no surprises.
Great color, easy to operate, great price and free super shipping. This is a
sure buy, Shoot the disk, finalize, throw it in a player and there it is.The
manual is a pain tho, you read about a function in the front and then either the middle or back of manual to finish reading about areas of the same function. Has a disk that comes with it, a little editing, haven`t worked with that much. Usually software that comes with a product is only bits and pieces of a real program anyway. I am going to purchase a program anyway.
Malefunction 
2008-01-18
I think the camera itselfes is a good one, but unfortunately my model had a malefunction after 2 minutes of operation. During recording it shot off completely and could not be restated at all. So I had to sent the camcorder in to SONY service center. UPS shipping was $ 31,-!!!
