The DCR-DVD201 utilizes a 1.0 Megapixel CCD imager, delivering exceptional video and still images that all of your family and friends will enjoy. The DVD recording format delivers digital picture and sound quality comparable to that of MiniDV, but on DVD--the disc plays back in compatible DVD Players, computers and even PlayStation 2 video game consoles.

Specifications

1.0 Megapixel Advanced HAD CCD Imager:
1/5" Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD imager with 690K effective video pixels provides excellent detail and clarity, for exceptional digital video (up to 520 lines of resolution) and still image performance. Realize great looking digital still images with 1,000K effective pixels.

Advanced HAD CCD Technology:
Enhanced CCD design allow more light to reach the imager which reduces video noise to improve signal-to-noise ratio by up to 6dB (2x better than a standard CCD). Particularly effective when shooting in dark situations.

10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom:
The optical zoom helps to bring the action up close from far away. In addition, the digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.

InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System:
Charge the battery at any time because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries Sony’s rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "memory effect". Sony’s exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in the viewfinder or the LCD screen.

Visual Index Screen:
Shows thumbnail images of movies and still images when playing back on your camcorder or DVD player, making scene selection easier

Analog Inputs:
Record any analog NTSC source to digital video via the analog inputs. Perfect for archiving analog tape recordings. This recorded video can then be edited on your computer.

Progressive Shutter System:
A mechanical shutter system that provides progressive scan performance, while utilizing an interlaced scanning system. Digital images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition

Intelligent Accessory Shoe:
Conveniently gives you the option of adding accessories such as lights, flashes and microphones to the camera, which can communicate with the camera and also draw power from the camera

Color Viewfinder:
Provides a clear, color view of subjects and makes spotting and/or following subjects easier.

DVD Format Video Recording:
The DVD recording format delivers digital picture and sound quality comparable to that of MiniDV, but on DVD. Playback of the DVDs couldn’t be simpler. After finalizing the disc in the camera, the disc plays back in compatible DVD Players, computers and even PlayStation 2 video game consoles.

1.0 Megapixel Still Image Capture:
With a maximum resolution of 1152 x 864, you can capture over 6,000 images on a single disc, plenty for any vacation or event.

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens:
Carl Zeiss lens have an advanced optical multi-layer coating offering less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect renditions of subtle tones.

.5" Hybrid SwivelScreen LCD Display (123K Pixels):
Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 123K pixel LCD rotates up to 270-degrees for multiple viewing angles, providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The Hybrid LCD Screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light, virtually eliminating the "wash-out" common with traditional LCD screens.

Burst Mode:
Capture up to 4 images in 1152 x 864, or 12 images at 640 x 480 consecutively, perfect for capturing fast action.

Super SteadyShot Picture Stabilization System:
An advanced version of Sony’s SteadyShot system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies, to achieve an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some other image stabilization systems.

USB 2.02 Interface:
USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect your DVD Digital Handycam camcorder to computers for fast transfer of video and still images to your computer for editing. The camcorder can also be used as an external DVD burner, convenient for making copies of your DVDs or burning edited movies.

Super NightShot Plus Infrared System:
An advanced version of Sony’s NightShot Infrared system that allows users to record natural color images in low-light conditions, but without the blurring common with other low-light recording systems.

Review

I too have suffered the same unexplained frustrations with the mini-DVD format errors, disc errors, etc that randomly and unpredictably come with this camera. I have a DCR DVD-300 which is essentially the same as the 100 and 200 series with a few more options. I would recommend a mini-DV or solid state format until this technology is perfected. Early on during my ownership of the camera which has been for over three years, I had a disc get stuck in the camera. It would not eject due to a format problem. Sony's only answer was to charge over $200 just to open the camera. Instead, I purchased a technical repair manual, and removed the disc myself. Since that time, I've had no fewer than six discs result in format errors or disc errors. This will happen when you least expect it. My most recent one happened two weeks ago when my nephew was filming my wedding! Therefore, no wedding video! I'm sure I can spend an exorbitant amount to a data recovery service.
Source: http://www.amazon.com/