Samsung SC-D363 MiniDV Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom

This camera has a lot of extra features that a comparably priced Sony Camcorder might not have, but, I think because of the less than stellar video quality I may be taking this camera back for a comparably priced Sony miniDV camcorder with less features. The video quality of the Samsung appears to be plagued with a snow(or grain) like effect. The picture is not real crisp but not terrible either. I've recorded video both ways. On Sony miniDV 60-minute tapes and by streaming video directly to my hard drive via 1394 Firewire cable. One other thing you may notice in your recordings is that the auto-focus takes time to become clear. So that if you switch from a closeup to a distance shot or vice versa you will actually see blurry video while it is focusing. This can be kind of annoying also. Now, lets talk about the features of the camera. One of the features, which I thought was awesome at first, is not really even worth having since I've learned more about it and thats the ability of the camera to accept flash memory(SD, Memory Stick/Duo, etc). You can't capture DVD quality video to any flash memory you have installed because the camcorder will only record onto flash memory in a highly compressed format. And if you are thinking of using this camcorder as a digital camera also, you may want to reconsider. Digital stills on this camcorder(and even on comparably priced Sony camcorders) are fuzzy or blurry. Who wants to view blurry photos? Blurry photos and highly compressed video greatly reduce, at least for me, the value of the flash memory feature. This is only my second camcorder purchase ever. The first purchase was a Sony TRV-280 which I dont ever recall as having blurry video during focusing from near to distant shots and vice versa. I would need much more experience to make a more professional evaluation but my first impressions on this camera are that its not what I expected as far as video quality goes.

Edited: May 22nd, 2006

I did take this camera back to the store and returned it for a Sony DCR HC-26 camcorder. The Sony camcorder does appear to have a better picture quality. I do however give Samsung praise for the quality DVD software that comes with the Samsung camcorder.

OK, this will contradict many before me. Tuff.

I use it, I like it. First, it plays my old tapes made on my expensive MiniDV I gave to my kid. Movie quality is OK+, even inside without pro lighting. Plays back on my 52" wide screen just fine. Sound is good. Feels solid. Handles tape smoothly. Samsung is good stuff, I've had lots of it. And I'm not looking for professional results...maybe for $200 that's what you get. Plus it works as a webcam.

Next, it's TINY. I like that. Many camera features, very good softwear. Manual is iffy but if you can think you'll get it. Movie clips on SD card lower quality but great for what I need...they are in AVI format, and you get an hour on a 1G card. Quick/EZ uploads.

Now, I admit the stills are washed out looking, but considering I, 1. have a photo editing program which helps and 2. I can use it for stills/movies on SD card, it's OK. Simple to use. The 30x optical telephoto is very good (using it with a card you don't get the anti-spaz feature). With tape you do. And it does take a little more time to allow it to focus under low light.

Finally, if you take some time and 'spearmint a bit as I have, it is clearly capable of a hell of a lot for a hell of a little in a hell of a cute little chunk of tech. I won't make phone calls though, bummmer.

Good for a first timer or an old timer who wants something HANDY/EZ!

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Poor picture quality when used in things like imovie, a constant "blob" appears in my viewfinder (no fault of my own), and the video workings are plain awful. The tape rewinds itself just a little bit after you finish your video taping. This means the next time you video tape, your last taping will be cut off. If you have important stuff on the end, you're out of luck. This is very annoying, and I have never seen a camcorder do anything like this. We're going to try to take it back.

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I recieved this camcorder as a gift over the holidays. It was on a super sale at Best buy on black friday, so naturally it was the obvious choice for someone who has never owned a digital camcorder before.

At first I was very disappointed with the quality. I had the same reaction as many of the people who reviewed here. I, however, did not have the option to return it for something "better", so I stuck with it. Over several months I have learned how to correctly use the camera, and now I can get good quality (for this type of camera!) indoors!

The secret is to actually LEARN how to use your camera. You CANNOT simply use all the automatic settings and expect the picture to be beautiful. This camera comes with an "EasyQ" option for beginners. DO NOT USE IT if you are taking footage of special events!! Your video quality will not be what you want. Instead take the time to learn what all the settings of you camera do, and use them to your advantage.

That was one really great thing about this camera. It has so many special features. I think the best one is the excellent sound quality. I have seen footage from friend's MiniDV camcorders (similar price range)and none of them compare to the sound quality on this one.

The only problem I have with this camera is that after using it for a few months it began to make a horrible noise after you load a tape in and turn the camera on. I believe it is a problem with the motor that loads the tape. I will be sending it in to Samsung to be fixed. This is the reason why I gave this 3 stars instead of 4.

Would I suggest this to someone as their first camcorder? Yes, but only if they are willing to take the time to learn how to properly use it. If you don't have the time then you should go for something more expensive to get the quality you desire without having to mess around with the settings too much.

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Decent non professional home movie quality...all one can expect for the price which is low. Havent tried the still component yet. Good zoom capacity, not so good low light capacity.