Both reviews I've read on this product seem scattered and incoherent, so let me see if I can clear-up some of the misconceptions about Sony's DVD camcorder 101. I've had mine for 6 months now and am getting used to it. Despite what you might hear about the DVD format, this isn't an easy piece of equipment to use. You will have to put some time (translate: hours) into the learning process involved in using the camcorder and the powerful but heavy-on-the-steps PIXELA ImageWriter software that works with the camera.For me, the camera works great...it does just what the manual says it will do and it does it well. I find the images to be clean and clear, the sound to be excellent, and the buttons and internal program to be logical and understandable. Buy an extra battery and a filter to protect the Zeiss lense-aftermarket products should cost you less than $100 for both and well worth it. I was under the impression that I could just plug my MiniDVD into a drive and burn right away to peripheral DVD drive-just like with Video copying-BUT I was wrong. You have to download everything to your computer hard-drive (and you better have lots of space!), then edit it, then you can make a copy. This process yields a clean product but, yikes, it takes alot of time and effort. Hopefully, some future software package will just automatically cover the many steps necessary to burn a simple DVD. In the meantime, you guessed it, manual keyboard labor!
Now, the Pixela software is another story; It's complicated and confused the heck out of me. It's designed to be universal in format, hence, not words just icons! But, again, once you learn the language of the program you can get it to do what you want, but be prepared to sweat it out and make lots of silly errors before you land in the world of ImageMixer extraordinnaire...
Now, I'm having lots of fun with the camcorder. It's handy and small and the stabilizer works better than I imagined. But, be forewarned that the doggone stuff is complicated to transfer and is best suited for the computer-literate geek!
It takes great pictures and allows you to save them directly to your DVD vs forcing you to download the images to your computer. I was also able to preview the video footage before I finalized the DVD. You also just hook the Camcorder up to the TV to view your films instead of downloading them to your computer. If you are more interested in watching your home movies vs editing them, then this could be a good camcorder for you.
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These are great for quick DVD renditions of home video, but a bit tougher if you have to spend time in the very-difficult-to-learn and use ImageMixer software. If all you want is to shoot your home movies and make a DVD really fast, this is the camera for you. Great lens, great machine, lousy lousy software. ImageMixer (Pixela) support was very good, but the software leaves a lot to be desired. This camera is not compatible with the MAC platform, a real shame.Read Best Reviews of Sony DCRDVD101 DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom Here
We have had one a few years now, our first video camera dvd. It was easy to setup, try out and plug into the tv or pop in the dvd and see what we took. We love the features it comes with and the editing part we didn't really have much trouble once we read the instructions. I'm sure if you mess around with it without reading the instructions it would be confusing. But once you know what your doing, your fine. We have used this at home as well as on numerous trips over the years. We had no problems or flaws with sony or the camcorder. Original batteries are still working fine and recharging. We have two batteries we carry with us as well as extra dvd's as they do fill up fast; but what a better way to store your memories!Want Sony DCRDVD101 DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom Discount?
I purchased this camera over a month ago and I have had nothing but headaches when it comes to the software. My intention on purchasing this camera was to burn extra dvd's just in case the original dvd was damaged. After spending weeks on my pc and speaking with tech support with Pixela it was determined that my 6month old DVD burner was not compatible with their software. Now I have tried to use two other software programs but they will not recognize my camera being plugged in. I am at a loss as to what to do next. If I can't burn extra dvd's I don't care to have the product. OH and don't even attempt to contact Sony for support you will just get the run around. As for the camera I am pleased I am just having problems with the camera to pc operation. If you are purchasing for plug and play you will be fine. The compact design is great, I carried it on my fanny pack all over Disney World.
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