Hope the information helps out!

If only the DVDs were a bit easier to find, but it’s still a nice camcorder!

@@TheOriginalCollectorA1303 I was actually wondering if the 1.4GB discs are the only functional ones for handycams like these because the only ones that are sold are double-sided and definitely more than 1.4 GB.

I’m not entirely sure, based on what I can find it just seems to depend if it’s the right type, like DVD-R, -/+ RW etc. I would have to test it once I get some mini DVDs.

Thanks! It may take quite a while for part 2, it’s been difficult to find accessories for it.

Nice! Now I just need to get more accessories for it.

Thanks! I appreciate it! Hope that your new battery works well!

Thanks!

Thanks! I got the charger, (dead) battery, and the camcorder together. I got them from a thrift store and I hope to find accessories and mini DVDs there as well but nothing yet. You could find them online but waiting for some to appear in one of those stores usually ends up being much better price wise when compared to sites like eBay.

Thanks! I appreciate it!

Yeah, it does.

Older camcorders are still cool to use!

They made a lot of cool accessories, I’d eventually like to find more.

@@TheOriginalCollectorA1303 Hi ive just won an auction for the same camcorder, comes with leads and mini disks,

bought a Sony Handycam DCR -653E with night shot plus, works well

@@fuge90 Nice, sounds like you got a good deal!

This particular camcorder only uses mini DVDs to record onto. SD cards won’t work, but there are similar camcorders and cameras from the same era that do use SD cards though.

Double check that the lens and the discs are clean, then check that the lens assembly isn’t jammed/stuck after not being in use.

Since it records onto a DVD, you can just read it with the computer. I think there is some software that initially came with the camcorder, but you should still be able to read it without it. When I can actually record with it, it would be something I’d test out.

Is there a specific cord ???

Probably the best way to transfer it would be to use a PC to copy the contents of the disk and then copy the files to the iPhone. There isn't an easy way to copy it directly from the camera to the iPhone since it uses DVDs. If it used SD cards or something similar, you could use an adapter but I'm not sure if DVDs can natively communicate with the iPhone.

@@TheOriginalCollectorA1303 thanks. There was a port that says Dolby something what is that for??

The port on the front under the lens? I believe that is an AV out port to connect up to a TV or something like a VCR/composite input. Useful if you want to watch on a TV or something but not the best way to capture what was recorded. Getting the files directly from the disc maintains the highest quality.

I really don’t know too much about what could help. I can only recommend you try cleaning everything, the DVD, laser, check to see that the laser assembly isn’t stuck. It’s a common error message and it could be something as simple as using a CD instead of a DVD or the disc is damaged, etc.

A lot of the old discs can only hold up to 30 minutes of footage maybe that could be what’s wrong . Are you using Maxwell DVD-rw discs

The camcorder has the ability to charge batteries directly, sounds like the battery doesn’t hold a charge anymore. You could try and leave it plugged in for a while to see if it’ll “wake up” but if nothing changes, then you’ll need a replacement.

I’m pretty sure it only uses DVDs, the manual also doesn’t mention memory sticks. They typically advertise or put a logo on the camcorder if it can use memory sticks or something similar.

@@TheOriginalCollectorA1303 dont wanna be a bother but do you know any handycam models which are memory compatible?

Well there are a lot of different models that support Memory Stick. There are older Digital8 and MiniDV style Handycams that can use a Memory Stick. Although typically they usually are only able to take photos onto it. Something like the DCR TRV22 is a MiniDV based Handycam that can use Memory Stick, but I believe primarily just for photos. A later DVD Handycam like the DCR DVD610 does take Memory Stick as well, but I’m not sure if you can record video with it. Although, considering it’s newer, it should be able to. The best way to check is to look at the manual and see what it supports. If you only want Memory Stick, there are newer Solid State based Handycams that only use them alongside internal storage.

Well the Sony model numbers can be a bit strange if you don’t exactly know what they mean. I believe that the DVD92 is newer but is a slightly more affordable/lower end model than the DVD403. Can’t say for sure about the quality but they might be pretty similar considering they were released pretty close to each other.

@@TheOriginalCollectorA1303 The DCR-DVD403 costed about $1,000 when it was new so that makes me believe that the 403 is the higher end one right?

I looked up both models and it seems that they are similar but the DVD 403 has additional features and better resolutions than the DVD 92. The larger price tag makes sense in that case.

@@TheOriginalCollectorA1303 Yeah, but they are still equally awesome camcorders in my opinion.

I agree, certainly a cool version of the Handycam using the magic of the DVD!

The Sony charger that came with it, it’s proprietary and they are different depending on the models.

DVD based camcorders use 8cm Mini DVD’s, they look like a normal CD or DVD, but smaller. They should still be relatively easy to find.

@@TheOriginalCollectorA1303 thank you!

Nice! I know the old style infoLithium batteries are still available new but I'm not sure about the state of these newer styles.

Yes, it has Nightshot Plus.

This model uses the Sony AC-L200 charger. Sorry for the delay, I just saw this.

There are a couple ways to charge it, most cameras/camcorders work the same way when it comes to charging. Most of the time you just plug the power supply into the camcorder directly and it'll charge the battery. Alternatively if you have a separate battery charger, you can just charge the battery like that and put it in the camcorder.

I actually do have a Sony Mavica! Unfortunately I still have to find a power adapter and a battery but I’ve got a lot of floppy disks.

@@TheOriginalCollectorA1303 those batteries can be bought new because camcorders and other devices use the same

@@fuge90 True, I’d like to find an official charger for the battery it takes, but a good 3rd party battery works well.