Camcorder Burns Directly to DVD
Sony has developed a new camcorder that burns directly to a DVD. The device, Sony model DCR-DVD7E looks like a CD Walkman with a lens, but burns video to DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD +RW formats.

According to Mike's List, "The unit reportedly features a 10x optical zoom, a 2.5 in. LCD screen and weighs some 360 grams. The release said the Sony DCR-DVD7E would be available in May, but it didn't say how much it would cost."

I find these devices interesting but more for a low tech user. I remember the Sony digital camera that wrote to a floppy. My mother loved it and in fact, I think she still uses it today. The rest of us like to edit before we burn to a still-costly DVD disc, but Sony is smart to target those who just want raw footage on a disc and no messy video editing and rendering, please.

From the mouth of Bill (Ewwwww....): Depending on the media used (DVD-RAM, DVD +/-RW), there is editing available on most of the higher-end mini-DVD cameras. If this thing ends up in the $600 - $900 range, it should also. The problem is, it's all delete edits. Also, although the TV commercials make it look like you can yank the disk out of your camera and pop it into you DVD player, you need to finalize the disc first. That closes the disc to further writing forever (no matter how much is or isn't on one) and these mini DVD discs aren't cheap. A few reviews you might find interesting:

Sony DCR-DVD100
Sony's DCR-DVD300
Sony DCR-DVD101

All tend to agree that they're not yet ready for prime time but do offer the lowest artifact count (none, it's a disc) and the longest archival life (because it's a disc).



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