The Sony DCR-DVD 305 contains many improvements, compared to previous Sony camcorders.  The main improvement is the use of 1/5.5” Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) 1070K CCD imaging sensors.  You also get a 5.1 Channel Surround Sound mic, rather than an onboard stereo mic.  It also includes a Memory Stick Pro Duo slot, remote control and USB terminal.  Moreover, this DVD camcorder has 12x optical zoom and 800x digital zoom.

The DCR-DVD 305 uses MPEG-2 format for video recording at three compression settings – HQ, SP and LP.  It can record 20 minutes of video in HQ setting, 30 minutes in SP and 60 minutes in LP.  Some DVD camcorders can manage up to 8.5 Mbps for HQ mode.  In comparison, MiniDV camcorders can capture 25 Mbps producing a superior video quality to this DVD camcorder.

The DCR-DVD 305 records in any of the following 3-inch discs, DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW.  One of the main advantages of DVD camcorders is the convenience of popping out the disk after recording and playing it to any accessible DVD player; however, it takes time to format and finalize the DVD disk.  It may be easier and more reliable to use MiniDV tapes or HDD drives, though finalized DVD media is relatively stable.

Aside from DVD discs, the camcorder supports Memory Stick Pro Duo cards for still photo capture.  This card is proprietary to Sony, which means you can only buy this card from retail stores selling Sony products.  Another proprietary product of this camera is the Active Interface Shoe that only supports Sony accessories like the external mic or light.

As mentioned earlier, the DCR-DVD 305 has an Advanced HAD technology with a gross resolution of 1.3 megapixels.  The HAD technology increases the amount of light hitting the sensor creating a finer resolution.  In bright light conditions, it results in a lower noise level for a slightly better picture.

Its successor, the DCR-DVD 405, uses a much larger imager at 1/3” HAD CCD.  There’s little difference in video performance of this camcorder compared to the DCR-DVD 305, although the DCR-DVD 405 may take the upper hand in image crispness.

Another camcorder in the same category, priced a little less than $100, is the Panasonic VDR-D200.  Surprisingly, the VDR-D200’s image, that has fewer pixels and is smaller, looks sharper than the DCR-DVD 305’s.  This is one of the categories where Panasonic is able to compete with Sony.

On the other hand, the Advanced HAD technology in the DCR-DVD 305 has its own breaking point.  When this point is reached, the blue noise that exists in most Sony camcorders will start to appear and will be more noticeable.  Perhaps, it must be a byproduct of the CCD technology since many camcorders that used the ClearVid CMOS did not manifest the same problem.

The DCR-DVD 305 captures stills at a resolution of 1152 x 864 or 1MP.  This value is very much similar to most MiniDV camcorders.  The DCR-DVD 305 offers a better resolution in still photography than most camcorders in the same price range.  The main advantage of the rest of the camcorders lies in their ability to use SD cards that are more common than Sony’s Memory Stick cards.  The DCR-DVD 305, like many camcorders, is good for videos but not still pictures.  Camcorder manufacturers have yet to master both tasks, since still photos and videos work with colors differently.

The DCR-DVD 305 comes with Nero Express 6, a basic software package for DVD creation.  The camcorder also includes a self timer feature, which offers up to ten seconds of delay.  Other modes are exposure, focus, Spot Meter and Spot Focus.  All these modes, including the self timer, are available in both video and still camera modes.

In terms of portability, you don’t call the DCR-DVD 305 a Handycam for nothing.  It’s too big to slip into a pocket yet small enough to insert in a purse or a bag.  You can carry it anywhere you want. 

Other features include its ECM-L100 mic and its Easy mode.  This mode makes the Sony camcorders popular.  As a point-and-shoot camcorder in Easy mode, the device performs relatively well.  It’s even easier to use with its touch screen interface.  It sits comfortably in your hands and poses no trouble in navigating its menu.

With a 2.7-inch LCD screen, the DCR-DVD 305 can switch from 4:3 to a widescreen mode using the wide select button found under the LCD screen.  This widescreen mode adds some horizontal width to the video image.  Moreover, this camcorder records video at the standard 60i without any alternate scan rates like 24p.

The DCR-DVD 305 uses a surround sound mic, but the sound captured in this mic is not any better than the onboard mic of other camcorders.  It’s as if you record a low quality sound in five channels.  Because of this, you should have an external microphone jack on its proprietary accessory shoe.  With a mic jack, you can choose from a wide variety of mics, from wireless lapel microphones to shotguns, depending on your recording preferences.

The DCR-DVD 305 uses a battery that lasts about 68 minutes and 13 seconds.  It uses a remote control located behind a small port cover on the right side of the body and it includes ports for A/V, USB 2.0 and DC-IN.  Other features of this camcorder include Color Slow Shutter, NS Light, Super NightShot Plus, NightShot Plus, Fader, Digital Effect and Picture Effect.

If you are looking for a better video performance and have the extra money to spare, you may also want to check out the DCR-DVD 405 – a step-up of the DVD 305.  The added amount in price is due to its larger imager at 1/3”.  The DCR-DVD 405 is also a better hybrid camcorder with its video light/flash and a filter diameter of 30mm.  However, its optical zoom and digital zoom ratings – 10x and 120x, respectively – are lower, compared to the capability of the DCR-DVD 305.  On the other hand, if you are looking for a camcorder that will cost less than the DCR-DVD 305 but embodies most of its features and performance, check the DCR-DVD 205.  It is the step-down model from the DVD305 and costs $100 less. 

For comparison the JVC GZ-MG77, although not a DVD camcorder, uses the same MPEG-2 format as the DVD305.  As an HDD camcorder, the GZ-MG77 boasts a larger imaging sensor at 1/3.9”, a joystick for navigating the menu and a better still resolution at 1632 x 1224.  Unfortunately, the video performance is below satisfactory considering its expensive cost.

Overall, the DCR-DVD 305 can be a little more expensive than most of the camcorders in its category, but it offers a more superior video and still imaging performance.  It makes strong color balance and decent image sharpness for a camcorder at its price range.  The camcorder is also very easy to use, making it suitable for frequent shooters.

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Technical Specifications

LENS/ZOOM

Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® lens
Zoom Key (Lever/Button on LCD frame)
Zoom/Zoom Speed (Optical)
with Lever during Standby: 12x/variable (1.8-22.9 sec)
with Lever during Recording: 12x/variable (1.8-22.9 sec)
with Button on LCD frame: 12x (7.1 sec)
Digital Zoom¹: 24x (800x)
Selection of Digital Zoom Ratio (2 steps): 24x/800x (Setup)
Precision Digital Zoom²
F: 1.8-2.5
f (Focal distance): 3.0-36mm
f (35mm conversion) in “MOVIE” position:
16:9³ (46-628.5mm)
4:3 (48-576mm)
f (35mm conversion) in “STILL” position:
16:9 (43.6-523.2mm)
4:3 (40-480mm)
Filter Diameter: 25mm
NightShot plus
Super NightShot plus (“MOVIE” position)

CAMERA

Full Range Auto/Manual Focus System
Manual Focus (Panel)
Spot Focus (Touch Panel)
Auto Focus (Double Mach AF)
1/5.5″ (3.27mm) CCD Interlace Imager with 1152H and Advanced HAD™ Technology
Number of Pixels: Gross 1070K;
in “MOVIE” Rec position (16:9): Act 670K; in “MOVIE” Rec position (4:3): Act 690K;
in “STILL” Rec position (16:9): Act 750K; in “STILL” Rec position (4:3): Act 1,000K;
Minimum Illumination: 7 lux; with NightShot: 0 lux
White Balance: Auto, Outdoor, Indoor, One-push (Set Up); One-push Auto
Shutter Speed: 1/4 – 1/4000 sec (Colour Slow Shutter, Program AE, Super NightShot plus)
Auto: 1/60 – 1/250 sec
Program AE: 1/60 – 1/4000sec
Super NightShot: 1/4 – 1/100 sec
Colour Slow Shutter: 1/4 – 1/250 sec, Off (Menu)
Auto Shutter (Setup)
Colour Slow Shutter in “MOVIE” position (Touch Panel)
Program AE⁴ (Setup): Portrait, Beach & Ski, Sports Lesson, Landscape, Spotlight, Sunset & Moon
Auto Non Flicker
Exposure Control (Touch Panel): 24 steps
Backlight Compensation (Button)
Spot Meter
Iris Control/Gain Control (Auto only/Auto only)
Review
Self-Timer (Touch Panel)
Disc Title
Fader⁵ (Touch Panel): Black, White, Overlap, Wipe
Camera Noise Reduction
16:9 Wide: High Quality (Setup)
16:9 Default
Clock Setting (Setup): World Clock (Area or Country SET); DST or Summer Time
Auto Date/Time Indication
SteadyShot (“MOVIE” position only): Electronic, Super SteadyShot
SteadyShot ON/OFF (Setup)

VIEWFINDER

Colour
Size: 0.73cm (0.3”)
123K dots
Backlight Select⁶: Normal/Bright; Setup

AUDIO

Linear PCM Digital Stereo Playback
Dolby Digital 2ch Playback / Recording
Dolby Digital 5.1ch Recording (with optional microphone)
Dolby Digital 2ch Down Mix Playback
2ch Built-in Stereo Electric Condenser Microphone with Automatic Wind Position
Speaker
Speaker Volume Control: +/- (Touch Panel)
MIC Reference Level: Normal/Low
External Surround MIC Setting: Stereo/4ch MIC
Surround Monitor
Multi-Sound Switch: HiFi Sound / Bilingual Switch (Setup)

RECORDER/PLAYER

Format: (Physical) DVD-R/-RW/+RW
(Logical) DVD-Video/DVD-VR/DVD+RW Video
Line-In REC
Frame Advance: +/-
Next
Previous
Slow Playback
2x Playback
Visual Index
Moving Image Index (Setup)
Selectable Number of Index: Zoom Key / Setup
Movie Quality:
HQ (Average: 9Mbps) (VBR);
SP (Average: 6Mbps) (VBR);
LP (Average: 3Mbps) (VBR)
Linear Time Counter
Data Code: Rec Date/Time, Camera Information
Date on Subtitle (Setup)
OSD On/Off (Button)
OSD Output: Line Out, LCD, VF
TV Type Select
Playlist Edit: Add, Delete, Move, Divide
Original Edit: Delete, Divide
Photomovie Create
Playback Zoom: 1.1-5x (Touch Panel + Zoom Lever)

INPUTS/OUTPUTS

Multi AV: Video In/Out, S-Video In/Out, Audio In/Out⁷
Remote (Stereo MiniMini)
USB Terminal (mini B/Hi-Speed)
DC In

LCD SCREEN

2.7″ WIDE (16:9 ratio)
Number of Pixels: 123,200 dots (560 x 220)
Hybrid LCD Monitor
Touch Panel
LCD On/Off⁸
Backlight On/Off (“Press & Hold” Button)
Backlight Brightness Select⁹ (Normal/Bright; Setup)
Brightness Control: +/- (Setup)
Colour Control (Setup)
Upside Down/Mirror
Opening Angle: 90 degrees
Turning Angle: Counter Clockwise: 180 degrees; Clockwise: 90 degrees; For Monitoring: 0 degrees
Anti-glare Treatment
Anti-fingerprint Treatment

REMOTE COMMANDER® CONTROL

RMT-835
MOVIE/STILL Common: REC Start/Stop, Zoom
MOVIE/STILL/PLAY/EDIT Common: Cursor Key (4 Directional), Enter, Display
“STILL” Position: Photo
“PLAY/EDIT” Position: Playback, Stop, Next, Prev, Scan/Slow, Pause, Visual Index, Data Code

MULTI-LANGUAGE OPERATION

Menu/Warning Messages: English, Simplified English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese, Canadian French, Latin American Spanish and Korean
Default Language: English

OTHERS

Charge on camcorder
Setup: Active Menu
Start/Stop Button on LCD Frame
Zoom Button on LCD Frame
Wide Select Button
Play/Edit Button
Auto Shut-Off (Setup)
Remote Sensor, Remote On/Off (Setup)
Beep Sound, On/Off (Setup)
Warning Message
InfoLITHIUM System
Disc/Battery Remaining Indicator
REC Time Indicator
Battery Information
Demonstration Mode (Setup)
Easy Handycam button
Weight (without tape, battery, etc.): 400g
Weight (with battery)¹⁰:
NP-FP50: 460g
NP-FP70: 500g
NP-FP71: 550g
NP-FP90: 510g
Power Consumption (VF/LCD): 3.1W/3.6W
Power Requirements (AC Adapter/Battery): 8.4V/7.2V
Charge Time for 1-Hour Shooting (Floating Charge): 35 min.
Charge Time for 1-Hour Shooting (with optional AC-VQP10 AC Adapter/Charger): 45 min.
Dimensions (W x H x D): 54 x 88 x 129mm
Accessory Shoe
Active Interface Shoe
Calibration (Setup)
Digital Picture Effects¹¹: Luminance Key, Old Movie
Picture Effects¹⁰: Mosaic, Monotone, Sepia, Pastel (Setup)

STILL PICTURE

Format (Physical): DVD-R/-RW/+RW;
(Logical): DVD-Video/DVD-VR/DVD+RW Video
Memory Stick® media Type: Memory Stick Duo™, Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (Parallel Interface), High Speed Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (Parallel Interface)
Default Recording Media: Memory Stick® media
Selectable Recording Media: DVD/Memory Stick® media (Setup)
Recording Mode: Fine (1/4) / Standard (1/10)
Recording Method: Progressive Shutter System/Frame REC
Image Size: 1152×648 (16:9); 640×480/1152×864 (4:3)
Compression: JPEG
Exif 2.2
PictBridge
Date/Time
Continuous File Number (REC)
Image Delete: One/All
Burst REC: Normal, Auto Exposure Bracketing
Review
Playback Zoom: 1.1-5x (Touch Panel + Zoom Lever)
Slideshow (Setup)
DVD to Memory Stick® media Dubbing

DISC TOOLS

Format
Finalize
Un-Finalize
Memory Stick® media Format