Summary: EXTREMELY PLEASED

Comment: Overall the 508 performs just as advertised and I'm very happy with it. It is compatible with several different 8cm DVD discs giving you different options for recording. I did not realize a memory stick was required for still pictures, so I had to make an additional purchase after receiving the camera - - not sure if the advertisement mentioned it. The menu and touch screen work very well, making for easy set up and review. The Operating Guide is sometimes confusing, but all in all gets you to where you need to go.

Summary: Great images but beware

Comment: This camera, like all of the Sony DVD camcorders, creates great movies. However, a MAJOR limitation is that most commercial DVD authoring programs do not work with the proprietary MPEG-2 codec Sony uses when you download the movies using Picture Package to your computer. Also, since Sony is stingy about licensing their codec to other software vendors, it is difficult to find converstion programs out there. Roxio products will not work at all, while uLead sometimes work, but often include a timestamp that you cannot remove. Typically Sony = great hardware, lousy software. No wonder LG and Samsung are eating their lunch.

Summary: Excellent Home Handycam...Avoid Low Light Situation

Comment: I am a gadget guy that wants to get the best bang for the buck. Loyal to Sony for generations and after many hours of intense internet research I have narrowed down my options to three formats, three top cams. MiniDv, MiniDVD, HDD.
MiniDv has proven to execute clear video performance for years now. Editing capabilities are simple because it uses a very flexible format known to many editing programs. Transferring to a computer is a bit annoying because you have to wait out the entire length of the tape. The top choice for MiniDv is the Sony HC-96. A bit more expensive than the newer HC-48 but pixly speaking it's worth every cent.
MiniDVD was my choice. With regards to HDD, the need to always transfer my videos and load up my computers hard drive was not appealing. Invest in DVD-RW, rewritables are a must have otherwise you will have to finalize your dvd before popping it into a dvd player, AND your long term disc cost will be less. Crystal clear CMOS picture, Super steadyshot, and a horseshoe to put an external flash. BTW, CCD replaced CMOS for a while now, but it's back, and the DVD508 flaunts the new updated image capturing technology. A nice feature is the 6.1 pixel still shot, but you will need to invest in a memory pro duo card to utilize it. The top choice for MiniDVD is the DCR-DVD508. second the dvd-408, but do not buy the DVD-308, or dvd-108.
HDD are becoming more popular. The sole reason to get an HDD is not CLARITY, it's convenience. Sleek, quick transfer time, and for those that don't like futzing around with tapes of discs, this is a dream. Opt for the Sony SR-62 for a few more dollars than the SR-42. The SR-42 is almost the exact camcorder, except for the hard drive size.
Coclusion: MiniDV, is almost extinct but provides easy editing, cheap tapes, and for $300 you get the top model. MiniDVD, newer, easy to navigate on the camera to specific location, clarity, and 5.1 dolby surround sound. For the price of a low end HDD, your get a High end MiniDVD. HDD, ease of use, 7 hours or video without the need to transfer to a computer(for those long trips). $500 will buy you the lowest end HDD.

Summary: Flaw with the DCR-DVD505...?

Comment: With Sony's introduction of the 508 I am now convince that they had issues with the 505 model. I purshase the 505 model about two years ago and after one year, the touch screen stop responding to a touch. Now the camera is useless to me as it refuse to take still and video shots. To add more pain, it was past its warrenty period and after I contacted sony, they suggest it be shipped to their factory for repairs and will cost several hundred dollars for it to be fixed.

So, anyone contemplating to purchase and of these units make sure you find out if that model has this apparent flaw.

Summary: Bad battery charging

Comment: DVD508's battery charging connection is a bad design, after 2-month of using, the plug is not connected well, way too loose. We have to buy a separate battery charger to solve the problem.