The DCR-DVD910 is the top-of-the-line DVD camcorder in Sony's standard definition group for 2008. On paper, it's an improvement on last year's DCR-DVD508, but the result is an unimpressive camcorder that simply can't compete in today's shrinking market for standard definition and DVD camcorders. Its middling video performance makes it difficult to justify not purchasing a roughly equivalent camcorder for less money or a vastly superior camcorder for only a little bit more. What remains for the DCR-DVD910? Not much.

The Sony DCR-DVD910 comes with a 1/5-inch CMOS sensor and 15x optical zoom. It records exclusively to DVD, even though the step-down model (the Sony DCR-DVD810) records to DVD, 8GB of internal memory, or removable MemoryStick cards. DVDs typically have very short record times and can scratch easily, but they are familiar and easy to use: just pop the DVD out of your camcorder and into your DVD player. As far as recording is concerned, the controls are straightforward.

Aside from the popular easy mode and the touch screen, Sony has made very little effort to include extra features that might entice the average consumer. Considering this is Sony's top-of-the-line product in standard definition DVD camcorders, it's disappointing to find no mic or headphone jack. You will find a hot accessory shoe on top, but it is only compatible with Sony brand accessories. The manual control options are neither varied nor well implemented—manual focus with the touch screen is an especially unwieldy chore. There simply isn't a lot that this camcorder offers to lure consumers up to a higher price point.

Performance (read in-depth lab performance at CamcorderInfo.com)
The DVD910 is an odd case for the testing labs. The video was mediocre—even worse than last year's model, the DCR-DVD508. Blame likely falls on the tiny new sensor, which is 1/5-inch and just 2,360,000 pixels. Strangely, this is the same sensor that Sony is putting in its high definition DVD camcorders, the HDR-UX10 and HDR-UX20. So, the DVD910 is collecting all the same information, but discarding a large portion during processing.

The results are very unimpressive. The resolution and overall amount of fine detail was much better in Sony's effort last generation. Color and noise were fine, but not markedly better than what you get in the step-down model, the DCR-DVD810. In low light, the lab results were a real disappointment: darker and less saturated than most of the other camcorders currently produced by Sony. Automatic adjustments were usually adequate, but focus became a problem at lower light levels.

Comparisons (read in-depth comparisons at CamcorderInfo.com)
Consumers shopping for standard definition DVD camcorders probably like the ability to record onto DVD and then pop it right into their DVD players at home. You can't do this with high definition DVD camcorders unless you own a BluRay player. This essentially leaves two choices: other standard definition DVD camcorders or a high definition camcorder with internal memory. For the former, Sony offers a few less expensive options: the DCR-DVD710 and the DCR-DVD810. Both have decent video performance and a lower price tag than the DVD910. For the latter, why not check out Sony's high definition hard drive camcorder, the HDR-SR10?

The mystifying truth is that on the Sony website, prices have been cut on nearly every Sony camcorder... except for the DCR-DVD910 (MSRP $649.99). That means that the list price for the DCR-DVD810—which has more storage options and performance that's nearly as good—is now $399.99 and the greatly superior, high defintion HDR-SR10 costs just $699.99 and includes a 40GB hard drive. If you like Sony camcorders and want to experiment with high definition video, the SR10 is a great choice. If you want to stick to the easy playback of DVDs, you'll get a lot more for your money if you stick with the DCR-DVD810. There are also better choices among the competition: the Canon DC330 or the Panasonic VDR-D230. With any luck, the DCR-DVD910 will simply stay on store shelves this holiday season.