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"Would be good, if only it were dependable" on by M_L_Weiland
Pros: Supports double-layer DVDs, good zoom range, good feature set
Cons: Failures! - writing to DVD fails sometimes
Summary: I like to edit videos on a computer and thought that a mini-DVD solution would be better than MiniDV tape -- so I could bring the data into the computer easily and faster than real time. That, and play the video immediatly on a DVD player. Something that had held me back from mini-DVD was the size limitation: 30 minutes (in "SP quality") on a disk. This unit accepts double layer (DL) DVD+R's, so I thought that mitigated the limitation.
Well... turns out DVD+R DL's are not on the market yet, only -R DL's (which this can't use). OK, I can wait.
But the showstopper problem I had with this unit was disk problems: 1) Some new DVDs (single layer -R's) were rejected right away with "disk error" messages. 2) Others worked, and I could replay the disk on the unit, but it fails when "finalizing" (necessary to use on the computer or DVD player). 3) Worst, one DVD appeared to finalize correctly -- but then in the DVD player or computer no data was readable. This was an intermittent problem; I did have some disks that worked OK. But unfortunately the ones that failed were at a daughter's school play and those moments are lost forever now. This reminds me of early DVD-writers on PCs (and years ago, CD writers): you made a lot of coasters as well as usable disks. But if you lose video to a coaster you CAN'T GET IT BACK!!!
I ended up returning the unit and got a hard-disk based JVC Everio. It has been rock-solid reliable so far, and allows over 4 hours at top quality level. Moving data from that system to computer is almost as easy as mini-DVD's (it's a USB 2.0 connection; camera looks like a disk drive to the PC, and I just drag & drop the file onto the PC). -
"Not a great camera" on by joshuaren
Pros: screen, wide screen shooting, DVD
Cons: auto focus, photo quality, reliability with memory card, computer software, start up/shut down time
Summary: This camera was a big mistake. If it were $200 it would be worth it, but unfortunately I paid $399. I bought a samsung home theater which I enjoy, and I heard a lot of good things about their televisions, so I mistakenly thought their quality would extend into other realms. I was very wrong. The autofocus is TERRIBLE, it can't "make up it's mind" EVER, I will keep the camera still on a flat surface in a bright room, and it will not stop adjusting. The image quality for this camera is terrible, and many times when I take pictures to upload to my computer and they are corrupted. The zoom is large but even with the anti shake it's VERY shaky at high zoom. It's not the most intuitive camera to use either, you cannot upload video directly to your computer if it's on a mini dvd, you have to put it in the computer drive, so make sure your drive will play those kind of dvds. This camera also takes a VERY long time to turn on and turn off. It's not worth it, almost any camera is better than this one.
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"Never buy a Samsung camcorder." on by famatheus
Pros: Unknown by me.
Cons: Too many to count.
Summary: I bought this camcorder last summer with the hope of using for quite a long time. Regrettably, my hopes were soon dashed after the machine broke down. It spent nearly five weeks at the repair facility.
It received a minimal amount of usage and approximately two half months ago, it broke down. It's been sitting there at the repair facility. I am very dissatisfied with the product and the service. Samsung has offered to replace the camcorder for a new camcorder of the same model. At this point, I would prefer either having my money back or some other new camcorder since I believe that most likely, this model is poorly designed and it is found to break down. Do n never hase any camcorders from Samsung. -
"EVEN MY KIDS CAN USE IT.." on by ENERGIZERBUNNY6969
Pros: PICTURE IS GREAT , EASY TO OPERATE, ZOOM FUNCTION IS ALSO WONDERFUL AND CLEAR.
Cons: WISH THE BATTERY WOULD LAST LONGER
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"Samsung must take responsibility for it's product." on by masbeni
Pros: Nothing beneficial - after knowing fatal failure of the product.
Cons: Cannot finalize discs. My precious memories are gone!
Summary: I used to believe in Samsung's products before. My washing machine, television sets, celular phone, refrigerator were Samsung. I never have any problem with them. That's why I decided to choose Samsung when I needed a camcorder.
I was very excited when first time used this produt. But, soon, I deeply regreted realizing that I cannot finalize it's disc. Failure happened. My memory has gone. A beautiful memory with my wife and children which I couldn't repeat again.
Poor product. Poor me.
Samsung had to take responsibility for this. I don't believe in Samsung anymore!!!
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