Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

General Features
Mini-DVD Features
Digital Still Camera Features
Battery Information
Inputs and Outputs Notes
Software and Computer Information

General Features

2.7" Wide Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD Screen: The 2.7" Wide (16:9) LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The high resolution 123,200 pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier. In addition, the LCD doubles as an "on-screen" touch panel, allowing you to navigate through the menu system by touching the LCD screen. You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen, the brightness of the LCD screen's backlight and the color intensity of the LCD screen. You can even rotate the LCD screen around 180-degrees until it faces your subject and a mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the image you shoot will be normal when recorded. When recording in mirror mode, the image is not displayed in the viewfinder.

Viewfinder: The Sony DCR-DVD850 also features an electronic color 123,000 pixel viewfinder that allows to view and record images while using less battery power compared to viewing images on the LCD screen. The viewfinder has an adjustment lever to help you see through the viewfinder more clearly. The viewfinder pulls out about an 1" to access the viewfinder adjustment lever. You can also adjust the brightness of the viewfinder from Normal to Bright.

Hybrid Plus Recording: Hybrid Plus recording technology delivers a new level of flexibility for transferring your video footage and digital photos from the camcorder to compatible viewing devices. Hybrid Plus allows you to record to your choice of DVD media, an internal 16GB flash memory drive, or removable Memory Stick Duo media or Memory Stick PRO Duo media (sold separately). You can even select from various dubbing functions to easily copy video or still images from Memory Stick media or built in flash memory media to DVD without using a PC. Images recorded or transferred to DVD media can then be played directly in most DVD Players, computers, Blu-ray Disc players, and even PlayStation 3 video game consoles.

Advanced HAD CCD: The DCR-DVD850 features a 2.25mm (1/8") Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD imager with 680,000 gross pixels. The enhanced CCD design allows more light to reach the imager which reduce video noise to improve signal-to-noise ratio by up to 6dB (2x better than a standard CCD). This really helps when shooting in dark places. The number of effective pixels changes, depending on the mode:

• Movie (16:9): 410,000
• Movie (4:3): 340,000
• Still (4:3): 340,000
• Still (16:9): 250,000

Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens:  This camcorder features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with an advanced multi-layer coating system, resulting in less glare and lens flare with increased contrast compared to other systems. The result is vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones.

SteadyShot Picture Stabilization: SteadyShot picture stabilization system uses motion sensors to remove unwanted picture shake without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems.

Zoom: The camcorder has a 60x Optical Zoom for bringing your subject up close. It also features a selectable 120x or 2,000x digital zoom. Because the picture is processed digitally, the picture quality deteriorates the more you zoom in. The power zoom lever can be moved slightly for a slow zoom, or moved further for a faster zoom. The LCD Screen also has zoom buttons on the frame.

Focus Modes: The Sony Handycam DCR-DVD850 features a Manual and Auto Focus modes.

• Manual Focus: With manual focus, you can manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows you to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.
• Auto Focus: You can also select automatic focusing. When using autofocus, you can choose to focus on a subject in the center of the screen or with Spot Focus, focus on an off-centered object.
• Spot Focus: You can select and adjust the focal point to aim it at a subject not located at the center of the screen.
• Tele Macro: This feature is useful when shooting small subjects, such as flowers or insects. You can blur out backgrounds and the subject stands out clearer. You can recorded subjects as close as 19-3/4 inches in Tele-Macro mode.

Exposure Modes: The Sony Handycam DCR-DVD850 features the following Auto, Manual and Scene Select Exposure Modes.

• Manual Exposure: Manual Exposure allows you to fix the brightness of your picture manually. You can adjust the brightness when the subject is much brighter or darker than the background
• Auto: Select this mode to automatically record pictures effectively without the preset scene select modes
• Scene Select Modes: The following Scene Select modes are available to suit your specific shooting requirements -
  • Twilight Mode: maintains the darkening atmosphere of the distant surroundings in twilight scenes
  • Candle Mode: maintains the dim atmosphere of a candlelit scene
  • Sunrise/Sunset Mode: maintains the atmosphere of situations such as sunset and sunrises
  • Landscape Mode: allows you to shot distant subject clearly
  • Fireworks Mode: select to record all the splendor of fireworks
  • Portrait Mode: brings out the subject such as people or flowers while creating a soft background
  • Spotlight Mode: prevents people's faces from appearing excessively white when subjects are lit by strong light
  • Sport Mode: minimizes shake when shooting fast moving pictures
  • Snow Mode: help with shooting in very bright white conditions
  • Beach Mode: prevents people's faces from appearing dark in strong light or reflected light.

Spot Meter: This feature allows you to adjust and fix the exposure to the subject, so that it is recorded in suitable brightness even when there is a strong contrast between the subject and the background.

White Balance: You can adjust the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment. You can choose from the following.

• Auto: the white balance is adjusted automatically
• Outdoor: the white balance is adjusted to be appropriate for the following recording conditions - outdoors, night views, sunrise, sunsets and fluorescent lamps
• Indoor: the white balance is adjusted to be appropriate for the following recording conditions - indoors, at parties or studios where the lighting conditions change quickly and under video lamps in a studio, or under sodium lamps or incandescent-like color lamps
• One Push: the white balance will be adjusted according to the ambient light

Auto Slow Shutter: When this feature is activated the shutter speed of the camcorder is automatically reduce to 1/30 second when recording in dark conditions.

Backlight: When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, you can use the backlight function.

Visual Index Screen: The Visual Index Screen shows thumbnail images of movies and still images when playing back on your camcorder or DVD player, making scene selection simple. You can choose from 6 or 12 images at a time.

Guideframe: The Guideframe displays a frame around the recorded images and allows you to check the subject's horizontal and vertical position.

Data Code Function: The camcorder automatically records time codes along with the images you shoot, so you can display the date and time during playback or editing.

Playback Zoom (PB ZOOM): This feature lets you enlarge images during playback. The magnification can be adjusted from 1.1x to 5x.

Easy Handycam: When the Easy Handycam mode is activated, most of the camera settings are set to the automatic mode, only basic functions become available, and the screen font size increases for easy viewing. This mode makes recording and playing back recordings less intimidating, even for first time users.

Multi-Language Menu: The camcorder allows you to select between English, Simple English, French, Spanish and Portuguese for the unit's menu language.

Built-In Lens Cover: The mini-DVD camcorder features an integrated lens cover that opens and closes with the slide of one simple switch to protect the camcorders lens from damage when not in use.

Mini-DVD Features

DVD Format Video Recording: This innovative camcorder records movies to mini DVD-Rs, DVD-RWs, DVD+RWs and DVD+R Dual Layer discs. The DVD recording format delivers digital video and sound quality comparable to that of Mini DV. Playback of the DVD media is simple and convenient. After finalizing the disc in the camcorder, the DVD disc will playback in most DVD Players and computers. The camcorder records in high-quality DVD-Video and DVD-VR formats (DVD-Video is MPEG-2; DVD-VR is a modification that works only with DVD-RWs and permits functions like playlists and editing). You can also choose to record video onto the unit's built-in 16GB flash memory or a Memory Stick Pro Duo card (sold separately).  Video can be recorded in a 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio.

Recording  Mode: You can select one of the following recording modes: HQ (High Quality), SP (Standard Play), or LP (Long Play). Using a single-sided mini DVD-R, DVD-RW, or DVD+RW, you can record approximately 20 minutes of video in HQ mode, 30 minutes of video in SP mode, and 60 minutes of video in LP mode. When using a Dual Layer mini DVD+R disc, you can record approximately 35 minutes in HQ mode, 55 minutes in SP mode and 110 minutes in LP mode. The DCR-DVD850 is capable of supporting 720 x 480 lines of resolution. The following chart lists the approximate recording time (in minutes) when you to choose to record video onto a Memory Stick Pro Duo card or the unit's built-in flash memory.

Movie Dubbing: You can even dub movies from the camcorder's internal Flash memory or an inserted Memory Stick Pro Duo card to a mini-DVD within the camcorder.

Disc Select Guide: The camcorder features a Disc Select Guide that helps you choose the appropriate mini-DVD for your application.

Fader Modes: You can select from "Black Fader" or "White Fader." You can add these modes to currently recorded pictures for fading in or out.

Dolby Digital 5.1ch Recording: The DCR-DVD850 will record in Dolby Digital 5.1ch surround sound with the built-in microphone. By recording in 5.1 channel surround sound, you can experience your home movies with active sounds coming from all directions. The camcorder's microphone level can be set to Low or Normal.

Built-In Zoom Mic: The Built-in Zoom Mic feature allows you to record sound with directivity as you move the power zoom lever.

Finalizing: In order to play back your recordings on DVD players or computers with DVD-ROM drives, you need to finalize the disc. Once a mini DVD-R, DVD-RW or DVD+R DL is finalized, you cannot record on the disc again. You can however "unfinalize" a mini DVD-RW, allowing you to use it again for recording. You can also record additional material onto a mini DVD+RW. A DVD+RW does not require finalization to be played back on other DVD devices.

Face Index: Detected face images during recording are displayed on the camcorder's Index Screen. You can ply back the movie from the selected face image.

Playlist: Playlists can be created on DVD-RW discs recorded by the camcorder in DVD-VR mode. By creating a Playlist, you can rearrange your recorded scenes, cut and divide scenes, and create the playback order that tells your story in the most effective way.

Note: Performing these functions within a playlist does not affect the actual data recorded on the disc.

Auto Remaining: This feature displays the remaining disc indicator for about 8 seconds on the LCD screen and Viewfinder in certain operating situations. You can also set the disc indicator to always stay on. When the remaining recordable time for movies is less than 5 minutes, the indicator stays on the screen regardless if this function is set to Auto or On.

Digital Still Camera Features

Digital Still Memory Mode: Digital Still Memory mode captures high quality still images directly to Memory Stick Pro Duo media. You can choose one of the following resolutions: 640 x 480 for 4:3 aspect ratio or 640 x 360 for 16:9 aspect ratio. Images are stored in the JPEG format providing easy transfer to PCs for e-mailing, printing, or sharing with family and friends.

Note: Still images cannot be captured onto mini-DVD.

Approximate number of still images that you can record on a Memory Stick Pro Duo or Camcorder Internal Memory:

Photo Capture:  You can capture still images onto the camcorder's flash memory or a Memory Stick Pro Duo card from video during playback of mini-DVD within the DCR-DVD850.

Self-Timer: If you want to take a picture of  yourself, the self-timer feature will automatically fire 10 seconds after being activated.

Flash Modes: When using an optional external compatible Flash, you can choose one of three flash levels: High, Normal, or Low. You can also set the camcorder for one of the following flash modes:

• On: flashes every time
• Auto: flashes automatically when needed
• Redeye Reduction: prevents redeye by activating the flash before recording

Slide Show: This function allows you to play back all the still images on a Memory Stick in sequence.

PictBridge: You can print directly from the camcorder to a PictBridge-compliant printer via USB cable, even if you don't have a computer. PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA). Through the camcorder, you can select the number of copies to be printed, up to 20, and choose to print the date and time on each picture.

Battery Information

InfoLithium Battery With AccuPower Meter System: You can charge the battery at any time because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable lithium ion batteries are not subject to a life shortening "memory effect." The AccuPower meter system displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. The battery is charged while on the camcorder.

Battery Life: The approximate recording, charging and playback times using the supplied and optional batteries are: (in minutes)

• Charging and Playback Times:

• Recording Times:

Note: Typical recording includes approximate number of minutes elapsed while repeating record start/stop, zooming, and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.

Auto Shut Off: The camcorder will automatically tune itself off when you do not operate the camcorder for more than approximately 5 minutes.

Inputs and Outputs Notes

Analog Outputs: This camcorder features a proprietary Audio/Video output connection for use with the supplied A/V connecting cable. The cable has a proprietary plug on one end and male stereo RCA audio and RCA composite video connections on the other end. You can also use an optional proprietary S-video cable with this jack. You can convert the signal output of the camcorder depending on the TV connected when playing back your video or images. You can choose from a 16:9 or 4:3 video output. You can also choose to display the camcorder's recorded information on the your TV along with your image or video.

High-speed USB 2.0 Interface: The camcorders USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect the mini-DVD Handycam camcorder to your PC for fast transfer of video and still images to your computer for editing using the supplied software. The camcorder can also be used as an external DVD burner, convenient for making copies of your DVDs or burning edited movies.

DC In: The camcorder DC input is for use with the supplied AC power adapter/battery charger.

Software and Computer Information

Included Software: The included software allows you to transfer images and video from the camcorder to a computer hard drive and view and store transferred images/videos. The supplied CD-ROM includes:

• Picture Motion Browser ver. 4.2.00
• Product Registration

Picture Motion Browser Software: You can enjoy the following functions after installing the supplied Picture Motion Browser Software to your PC.

• importing and viewing movies and still images taken with your camcorder on your PC
• editing movies and still images imported to a computer
• creating an original DVD - you can create an original DVD from image data imported from you camcorder
• you can copy all the images on a disc taken with your camcorder

Computer Requirements: Picture Motion Browser (Windows)

• Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP SP3/Windows Vista SP1 (64-bit editions and Starter editions are not supported)
• CPU: Intel Pentium III 1 GHz or faster
• Memory: 256 MB or more
• Hard Disk: Available free hard disk space for installation is required: approximately 500 MB (for creating a DVD, 5 GB or more may be required)
• Display/Graphics: Minimum of 1024 x 768
• Applications: DirectX 9.0c or later (This product is based on Direct X technology. It is necessary to have DirectX installed)
• Others: Pre-installed USB 2.0 Hi-Speed port, DVD writeable disc drive, CD-ROM drive