Samsung VP-D20 Mini DV Digital

Great Digital Camcorder!

A review by Neo on Samsung VP-D20

I bought this camcorder about 6 months ago. So far very happy with the camcorder. There are numerous extras available such as sepia, mirror image, black and white etc.

Great features of the camcorder are functions such as, different mode if you are watching sports or on a moving bus, extra light, night mode if there is complete darkness, auto adjust button to correct the image with regards to lighting, photo button, Optical zoom - really good, I could go on and on because this camcorder truly has a number of features for the reasonable price.

The camcorder also has the feature of long play. That is if you have a 60 minute tape you can ''turn'' it into a 90 minute tape say when you switch on Long play function, which is excellent if you are going to transfer on a video / DVD. You can get more film out of a cheaper tape!

The camera is easy to use and self explanatory, my favourite option is the auto adjust button. This is used when for instance there is bad lighting, say if you are filming and it is very light behind a person / object it will adjust so the lighting is balanced same as visa versa if there is a very dark background. There is also a stabiliser if you are a first time user and you are not comfortable with the camcorder yet and shake a bit, there is a stabiliser for that. The sound quality is good as well as the picture quality also giving a 20 x optical zoom and I think it is 800 digital zoom. I have used this on a number of occasions and amazed at the quality and closeness of filming.

The camcorder is average in size compared to others and the weight of the camcorder is not bad. I do prefer one that is a bit heavier than the smaller versions so that I can ''feel'' I am holding something. To me the size is perfect, not too small, not to big. There is also a movable side lens which is in colour. This is pefect as you can see ''real'' colour images and also turn this around to focus on certain points, for instance turn it diagonally if you are in a crowd, you would lift above everyones head with your arm and adjust the lens so that you can see what you are filming. Same applies if you want to film yourself and want to see if you are in focus at the same time. You would turn it around completly to face yourself to see what you are doing. Another advantage with this is it comes with a remote, great if you are filiming yourself or have the camcorder linked to the TV so you can ''direct'' it from where you are sitting.

The only disadvantage I have found so far is that if you want to use the light on the camcorder then this will not work in long play mode and you have to revert back to short play mode, it also shorterns your batter life. Same applies to night mode - not available in long play.

The Camcorder is brilliant especially if you have never had one before and want one that works well and is of good quality. I hope that covers it all! I definately recommend you buy this camcorder you won't be dissappointed. :)

Ease of use Excellent
Recording quality Good
Picture quality Good
Sound quality Good
Value for money Excellent
Advantages: Quality, ''extras'', price
Recommend to potential buyers: yes