Samsung VP-D380i Digital

This is a cracking little camcorder, simple to use and produces great results for a single CCD.

This is a mini DV camcorder, it seems that the none-to-intelligent general public are being swindled into buying the new hard-drive camcorders by manufacturers and retailers, but until technology advances considerably then mini DV is still way out in front.

The 2.5 inch TFT LCD is pretty good, but you need to be careful to view it from the right angle.

There is an option to use memory stick and to take stills but I've never bothered as 800k pixels just isn't worth even thinking about.

All in all, this was an exceptional purchase which did not disappoint, it has been a reliable and quality camcorder. Now updating and getting myself a pro-sumer Canon but will keep hold of tis camcorder as I'd be sorry to say goodbye to it. This camcorder is no longer available to buy I don't think, such is the desire from manufacturers to sell us upto the minute technology, but if it were then I'd say it'd still be worth close to what I'd paid for it 18 months ago.

The 'EASY' mode is great for hand-held shooting as it stabilizes the picture, and this works pretty well. The controls are well placed, very straight forward, none of the daft menu systems I've seen on supposedly better newer models.

Transferring to the computer for editing is a doddle, I'd ignore the software that comes with the camera (I'd follow that rule for virtually any product actually, but maybe that's personal preference), it's just a case of connecting a cable between camcorder and pc.

Picture quality is very good, infact for a single CCD camcorder it's exceptional.

Not brilliant in low light situations.

Sound is not too good, the positioning of the built in mic is not good and finger movement and operational noise is an annoyance, this can be overcome quite easily though by using an external mic and there is a hotshoe on this camcorder.

Never had a need to rely on customer service, this product has been ultra reliable.