Sony has improved many features here on the DVD508. For example, the camcorder can shoot 6.1-megapixel stills. I also like that the company has overhauled the menu system, adding an easy-to-navigate tabbed interface. Even better, its list price is $200 lower than that of last year's model. The DVD508 also sports a 2.7-inch LCD and accepts dual-sided miniDVD discs.

Like the DVD505, this camcorder comes equipped with an "Easy" mode, which simplifies things by limiting the Menus to just a few options. You'll also find the familiar night-shot mode present on other Sony camcorder, which outperforms almost all other non-Sony devices.

The DVD508 won't disappoint in terms of image quality. In my portrait test shot, the dynamic range, resolution, and clarity were all quite good. Skin tones looked spot-on. The color was accurate, too, with very little color shifting. In general, I also found the audio to be excellent-quite clear, and with no swirling or excessive hissing. In my action clip test, I noticed that the nimble auto focus adjusted very well. It also kept up with a variety of details in moving objects without any streaking. On my EIA Resolution Chart, the DVD508 scored 475, which is very good for a DVD format camcorder.

Of course. The Sony Handycam DCR-DVD508 isn't perfect. One flaw is its sluggish boat-up and recycles times; I think Sony could do better. Nevertheless, if you're not converting your system over to HD any time soon, then this easy-to-use camcorder might be your next mlniDVD camcorder.

Sony Handycam DCR-DVD508: $899.99