A Camcorder that records DVDs! Sony DCR-DVD300 NTSC Mini-DVD Camcorder

[@ThriftyAV]

ThriftyAV has reviewed many camcorders and cameras. The full playlist is HERE: kzbin.info/aero/PL_6HOAybADu4X0Ou-gNr5r2TEpjUwRsj_

[@stevenqbosell]

My wife just found her old one at her moms house this video is a godsend, thank you!

[@TOMORROWSPHERE]

Great show, content and channel! I love the use of old technologies especially digital cameras and video camcorders! Just because it does not meet the HD quality of today's requirements does not negates its use today! As a part of the history of modern digital image capturing I think it important to visit these devices save them from being lost.

[@ThriftyAV]

Thank you, Tomorrowsphere! I feel much the same way about yesterday's tech. I hope to play a role in preventing vintage gear from being lost and forgotten!

[@richardknieper973]

Love this camcorder!! I have a large collection of high end handycams and this is one of my favorites. I recently acquired the coveted mini disk recorder Dcm-M1. Anyway love your videos

[@ThriftyAV]

Thank you! I plan to return to vintage camcorder videos pretty soon! Unfortunately, I have yet to find the mini disk type during any of my thrift shopping, but if I do, I'll swipe it up!

[@XOclone9928]

I just bought a Sony DCR-DVD308E for 20 bucks and it's fully functional but i don't really know how to use it 😂 i need it for a project for my hs class

[@adityasanthanam1945]

Nice. I have a similar camcorder, DCR-DVD 301, that still works well with almost no scratches. I also have a few mini DVD-RW discs as well to use. I like these cameras. Also, Memorex discs do not work that well with Sony camcorders. I recommend Sony or TDK branded discs.

[@arthurzefanya4060]

Bro, do u know how to move the recording to pc?

[@MYTHGUNDAM]

I have one of those mini dvd for handycam. I used it to boot linux from it for computer data recovery.

[@stereophonicstuff]

“SONY DISC RECOMMENEDED”

[@josephblueshield2000]

I got some old sony DVD-RW 1.4 GB disc what do I need to watch them

[@ThriftyAV]

They need to be finalized, then played back on a DVD-RW compatible player. The other alternative is to finalize, then rip the files on a DVD-RW drive. This camcorder will work as an external USB2 drive for that purpose.

[@josephblueshield2000]

Would the original camcorder alone just play them

[@iamperdid]

Damn love your collection!

[@ZakWolf]

I've read how they can be a hassle, what with the long time to initialize and finalize each disc, the small amount of space on each small disc, the so-so video quality and how it's often hard to import the footage into a computer for editing. In fact, at the electronics recycling/reselling company I work at, last week I had to test such a DVD camcorder, and the finalization process did take quite some time (as with the camcorders we'd receive the previous owners would sometimes leave their recordable media inside), but at least it worked pretty well!

[@ThriftyAV]

Most DVD players, and even modern Blu-ray payers, are compatible with these smaller size discs. This item was marketed toward consumers who wanted to shoot, finalize, and play footage on a DVD player. At the time this came out, MiniDV was a better format for consumers who wanted to import footage for computer editing.

[@ssspit]

@@ThriftyAV love it. can make my own movies, i'm not a fan of endless files on the computer that can easily vanish at any moiment

[@sugartrap8801]

hey, i was wondering how i could play my disc? it’s super old from like 2006 but i don’t know what it’s compatible with laptop wise. would i be able to watch it on an imac?

[@giragama]

Can you make a review of the Sony CCD-TRV 608? And if you can make a comparison of Hi8 vs Digital 8? I always wanted to know if there is really a noticeable difference in the video quality.

[@ThriftyAV]

I've been looking for a Sony Hi8 that is about the same vintage as my Sony DCR-TRV103 Digital8. I can verify that there is a noticeable difference between my Samsung Hi8 and my Sony Digital8. Digital8 is the exact same codec as MiniDV but recorded on the larger 8mm tape. It has 500 lines of resolution compared to the 400 lines of Hi8. The extra lines of resolution make a difference, but where I see the biggest difference is the sharpness and detail on the chroma signal. Digital8 wins hands down.

[@WaxenParrotFISH]

Rally good review my good man, I have one too.

[@kaylale6469]

Hey man I have a Sony DCR DVD301 and I was wondering what cables and stuff I would need to get. My grandpa passed the camcorder down to me and I have no clue how to use and it haha

[@vintagesoul_01]

I have a camera that does this! But my computer does not have a DVD feature and I have no idea how to upload the DVDs onto it.

[@ThriftyAV]

You will need a MINI (not micro) USB cable, and you need to make sure the DVD has been finalized. This is in the camera menu. After the discs have been finalized, hook it up to your computer via the USB cable, turn the knob on the disc side of the camera to the "playback" mode. The LCD on the camera will display USB mode, and you computer will recognize the camera as a DVD RW Drive. In explorer, click on the DVD RW drive, and your raw video files will be in the VIDEO_TS folder. You can also use a program like MakeMKV to convert these raw video files into something easier to use with a Media Server or video editing program.

[@prodkazzz]

thanks for this. whats cord do you use to convert the clips?

[@MariaClaraHaro]

brilliant vídeo thankss! Just one question: mini dvd can work on a normal dvd player?

[@ThriftyAV]

When you open the tray on the DVD player, look for a smaller "inner" circle inside the big circle. If it has this, you can play Mini-DVDs.

[@hhhhhhhhhhheee]

They don’t work, I’ve tried unfortunately.

[@oliwier000b]

@@hhhhhhhhhhheee your dvd player might not support them

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

The only thing wrong with MiniDVD is its limited to 30 min of video where i can get MiniDV cassette with 80 min on SP or 120 min on LP .. But thinking of getting a MiniDVD camcorder

[@TVperson1]

Nice video! I'd like to see you look at an AVCHD DVD Camcorder, they're really odd because the bit rates would have been really low to fit on those discs.

[@ThriftyAV]

I'm always on the lookout for formats I don't have. I'll keep an eye out for AVCHD DVD!

[@TVperson1]

​@@ThriftyAV Cheers, they're usually a Sony model an HDR-UX* then a number.

[@rubyjones9658]

Very informative 🙂

[@starlitasmr]

Love ur shirt

[@ThriftyAV]

Open 24 hours!

[@chanachanaphol9333]

error code c:13:00 my sony handycam dcr dvd-301 ? help me, please , thank you

[@selenaloera6475]

I have this camcorder and am trying to download the dvd videos onto my computer, but I'm having trouble. I watched your video, but I'm still confused. Could you please explain?

[@ThriftyAV]

Have you finalized the recordings? I go through that process at 6:12

[@selenaloera6475]

@@ThriftyAV Yes, I've finalized them. Did you use only a USB chord to connect the camcorder to the computer? Also did you use any video editing programs? Thanks.

[@ThriftyAV]

@@selenaloera6475 There is a 3 position rotating "mode" switch. Rotate it full counter-clockwise to "playback mode". Now when you hook up via USB, the camcorder acts as an external drive. You can use some type of playback software, or you can explore the drive looking for Video_TS folder. Inside this folder, the VOB files are the video files. Windows Media Player or VLC media player will play these files.

[@moorcheh2547]

Hi , great video sir,i have a question! Should i convert the videos or can i directly import videos to editing program? By the way the format says my viedos are VOM format...much love if u help

[@ThriftyAV]

Good question. DVDs use the VOB container files that are basically re-packaged MPEG files. Some folks like to convert to MPEG before editing (remove them from the container... this is a lossless conversion), but modern editing software can work with the VOB filed copied directly from the DVD. You can ignore the IFO and BUP files, as these contain info for playback on a DVD player. Also, the camcorder will create a short VOB file called VIDEO_TS that is for a DVD menu. You can ignore this file as well. The files you want are named "VTS_" followed by a number.

[@moorcheh2547]

Thankk you🖤

[@dgmoods4966]

thnks

[@AdrianBalacang]

Do they have the same battery for SONY DCR-DVD200E?

[@Trreeeee2112]

What about MacBook Pro do you know how to import the footage to iMovie?

[@ThriftyAV]

I haven't used a Mac for many years, but I found a discussion of this topic HERE: discussions.apple.com/thread/7994477

[@Wiill]

Once the footage is uploaded to the computer it shows the footage in the dvd player on my mac. How do I get it from there to the editing software?

[@HostileLemons]

Good quality video. Shame you have such little exposure

[@ThriftyAV]

Thank you. My channel is just under one year old in a niche genre. I have plenty of ideas for more videos, and starting next month, I will have more time to dedicate to this channel, so that should help with exposure. In the meantime, please feel free to share the vids you like!

[@HostileLemons]

@@ThriftyAV Sure thing. I love older tech and I've got a Sony DCR-DVD106 that I use from time to time. Can I ask you a question while I'm here? I've finalised the disk but I cannot get it to play on my PC. ( I want to save the home videos there) all I get is a bunch of strange files but when I select them they dont play. Do you know how to fix this?

[@ThriftyAV]

@@HostileLemons The DCR-DVD300 creates a folder called VIDEO_TS. Inside that folder, is BUP, IFO, and VOB files. The VOB files are the video files, with the other files supporting playback on standard DVD players. I use the VLC media player for playback of the VOB files. I'm not sure if Windows Media Player supports these files or not.

[@HostileLemons]

@@ThriftyAV ah ok Thank you very much I'll try it out.

[@MRTAZER]

I currently have a DCR-DVD610 I have a memory stick pro duo for it but not a mini DVD

[@alexzarate8968]

I dont have the camera but how can i play them or where can i go to transfer them to something where i can watch them?

[@mememememem2057]

How do I get the 2003 camera

[@ThriftyAV]

Thrift Store, Garage Sale, Ebay, or time machine.

[@suepalmer8645]

I have one of these Handycams. Right now I am trying to play some of my dvd's will not play in a DVD player? I want to download the videos on my computer. Is there away I can play them on my cam recorder and download to desktop?

[@ThriftyAV]

At 5:59 on this vid, I tried to do exactly that, but nothing showed up on the computer. Have you finalized the recordings? I go through that process at 6:12

[@Montymacdad]

What if the finalize button in the disc settings on my camcorder isn’t letting me select it. It won’t let me initialize it or unfinalize it either

[@ThriftyAV]

@@MontymacdadFinalize will be greyed out on a disc that has already been finalized. This might also happen with a corrupt disc, but I have never had a corrupt disc. You can only unfinalize DVD-RW discs, not DVD-R. Sony provided a software title with the camcorder called "ImageMixer". It might also be available for download. I have not used this software, but it might be helpful for retrieving your video data.

[@tommyngo55]

I have a quick question on what cable I should buy for my cam corder to export it to my macbook or my windows computer. I have a dcr-dvd105 and it has a disk to export footage, but was wondering how can I get that footage onto my computer?

[@ThriftyAV]

Mini USB2 cable. But this basically just turns the camcorder into an external DVD-R drive. Discs still have to be finalized to transfer footage.

[@Soulvexx_]

So my parents had this camera and decided to give it to me and my siblings but we’re confused how to charge it

[@kevinsvideodump]

It actually has Sony's Intelligent Accessory (IA) shoe, not a cold shoe.

[@ThriftyAV]

Thank you for the clarification.

[@ThriftyAV]

Upon closer inspection, the plastic base pulls back, revealing 8 contacts... And I just discovered that my Sony Digital8 that I've owned for 19 years has the same feature, and I never knew it. Unfortunately, I don't have any of Sony's proprietary accessories to take advantage of the IA shoe.

[@shartne]

My old Sony camcorder died so I went and bought another one and I was wanting another HD sony. Unfortunately I bought one of these mini dvd camcorders with out realizing its a mini CD camera. It has not arrived yet. Do I have to buy a 13 dollar mini cd each time I want to take few stills of my radios I want to sell on ebay? Will I have to final the cd each time I want to upload pics to my computer? If so this was not the camera I needed. If so each time I take a dozen stills of my radios I will have to finalize the mini dvd ouch that will cost. It would be ok if it were a video of my vacation to Yellowstone national park or my grand kids birthday. Dang it was 79 dollars used they say it works perfectly. Looks like yours needs a new 47 uf capacitor. I have some of those. I bet the ones in these cameras are very small. I may have to try to send it back. Please reply I want to know if I have to finalize the disc just up load a few photos. Looks that way on this video. Man o man that's going to cost me.

[@ThriftyAV]

This is not the best tool for still photography. I don't know the exact resolution but it is low. You are better off with a modern smart phone, or even an old, used Canon Powershot or similar that stores on SD cards. I recall trying to access video files on an unfinalized disc using the camcorder as the drive hooked up via mini-USB, but I don't think I had access to the file system. Pictures and video can be pre-viewed in camera, but I never figured out how to access on a PC without finalizing. Instead of burning though a bunch of Mini-DVD-R discs, I believe this camera will also work with Mini-DVD-RW discs that can be reused. I do not have this type of disc to test with, and the camera is currently packed away in storage, so I cannot check this out right now. Yes, mine is having a capacitor issue related to the LCD screen. It is a common failure in this model. I'm not too worried about fixing it, but a fix might be a good followup video. Thanks for your input, and good luck.

[@18.1Productions]

It sucks... perfect!

[@WSNO]

Do you repair your camcorders too? I ask because i have a plethora of non-working video 8 camcorders that i've collected for my own hobby. i'm slowly getting through the backlog of repairing them, but if this is attractive to you i'm ok with donating a unit or two.

[@renvicious]

Love the vid man! this is a quality! does the model DC310 A also have usb port? thanks!

[@ThriftyAV]

Checking pages 13 and 14 on the manual, I do not see a USB port listed. I have not read through the entire manual. www.manualslib.com/manual/820247/Canon-Dc310.html

[@renvicious]

@@ThriftyAV aw anyway thanks! can i ask what is the cd called? is there specific size for that model?

[@ThriftyAV]

@@renvicious This unit will use blank Mini DVD-R discs or Mini DVD-RW discs.

[@nsprojex]

How to I transfer the data to a usb drive. When insert the mini cd into my PC it doesn't recognise it

[@ThriftyAV]

After you finalize the mini cd in the camera, then the PC should recognize it.

[@nsprojex]

@@ThriftyAV Im not sure how to finalize, the cds I have are from few years back that a relative had recorded using this camcorder

[@ThriftyAV]

@@nsprojex Load the disc. Hit the setup button. Arrow down until you are on the disc menu. Arrow right. Arrow down to FINALIZE. Then EXECUTE. I do this at about 6:25 on the video.

[@taolopreste]

I gonna buy the DVD dcr106e (PAL) Its similar? And its cool to film skate videos?

[@Srinaveenasatabdia2zsolutions]

sony camcorder dcr dvd755 DRIVERS PLEASE

[@mattm3729]

Why does it look so crisp and digital?

[@ThriftyAV]

DVD is a digital format. As far as the crispness, the file was originally 480i, upconverted to 1080p. It could look even better with AI upscaling, but I do not currently have the software for this.

[@rupert6478]

I bought a pc100 like new off of eBay :D

[@bluemagic3533]

Is there any way to play the disc or is it just like a way to store memory

[@ThriftyAV]

Most tray load DVD and Blu-ray players have a beveled inner circle. As long as the Mini-DVDs have been finalized, they can be watched on a standard DVD player.

[@renvicious]

what type and brand of cd u used for this camcorder? thanks! also where'd u get it from?

[@ThriftyAV]

I've used Sony and Memorex, but they are old stock that I already had. If you want banks, search for Mini DVD-R, 1.4GB DVD-R, or 30min DVD-R.

[@renvicious]

@@ThriftyAV one more thing, can I delete a footage on a dvd-r on the dvd camcorder?

[@ThriftyAV]

@@renvicious Only if you use dvd-rw discs.

[@skimfromukr38]

I got the mini dvds but don't have the camera,how can I view the dvd?

[@ThriftyAV]

If the DVDs were finalized, they will play back on any DVD player with the inner circle groove on the tray. They can also be ripped in an optical drive on a computer. If the DVDs were NOT finalized, there are a few DVD recovery software options, but I cannot endorse any of them, as I haven't tried them. Finally, there are services you can use where you mail in your DVD and they will provide a file for you. Again, I am not prepared to endorse any of these.

[@77upiter]

How do I delete footage on it?

[@ooplsnutes8096]

How do you delete footage on it?😢

[@FrutigerTB]

I don't have one, but i maybe know, go to menu, select than delate

[@itsjustme6877]

Where can I get these cds for my camera

[@ThriftyAV]

Search for "mini-DVD-R" or "3 inch DVD-R" on Amazon, Ebay, or other retailers.

[@nevermind4712]

How do you open the DVD player?

[@ThriftyAV]

The eject switch in on the top of the camera at the DVD tray. It says "OPEN" You push down the blue button and slide the switch.

[@Roger-ob2ft]

What can one use to watch those mini dvds?

[@ThriftyAV]

Most tray load DVD and Blu-ray players have a beveled inner circle. As long as the Mini-DVDs have been finalized, they can be watched on a standard DVD player.

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

Ahh ... The same comcorder that it came from 🤷🏽‍♂️