Samsung SC-D453 Cheapo DV Camcorder

[Jerry Jones]

Recently, I decided to shop around for the cheapest DV camcorder I could find.

I wanted a camcorder with Web cam streaming functionality with an external microphone input.

Image quality wasn't so important.

So... drum roll... I remembered the big debate we had several months ago about Samsung and questions about the build quality of their camcorders.

Indeed, I am curious; so I've decided to experiment with the SC-D453 model reviewed here:

http://tinyurl.com/qkoce

http://tinyurl.com/gtalk

Some reviews *have* questioned quality control in connection with certain Samsung camcorders, including the SC-D590 model:

http://tinyurl.com/o3xod

Is it possible I'll open the box and find a defective camcorder?

Sure; it's possible.

Nevertheless, it's selling for only $250 here:

http://tinyurl.com/p8jue

If it works right out of the box, then I won't return it.

If it's broken right out of the box, then I'll send it back for a refund.

Maybe I'm buying junkware; maybe I'm not.

It should be a worthwhile experiment.

In the end, it could be a pretty functional camera for a bargain basement price.

I get the impression that most of these consumer camcorders are all made in China... not Japan... in spite of their "Made in Japan" labels.

Jerry Jones

http://www.jonesgroup.net

Link to manual: http://tinyurl.com/np745

[Jerry Jones]

Well, the experiment was instructive.

The Samsung camcorder is going back for a refund.

The positives:

This camcorder is small and cute.

The negatives:

The image quality is so terrible that there is NOISE EVEN WHEN THE LENS CAP IS ON.

In addition, the build quality is so cheap that the SC-D453 looks like it dropped out of a bubble gum machine.

Note to SAMSUNG:

IF YOU WISH TO BE RESPECTED AS A GLOBAL ELECTRONICS FIRM, THEN YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE IMAGE QUALITY OF THE SC-D453 DOES NOT MEET NORTH AMERICAN STANDARDS AND YOU SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO SELL TOYS LIKE THIS IN THE UNITED STATES. PRACTICALLY NOBODY WOULD CONSIDER THIS TO BE A BARGAIN (EXCEPT FOR CNET'S REVIEWER, PERHAPS).

If you can't produce quality beyond this, then get out of the game.

Jerry Jones

http://www.jonesgroup.net

[Jerry Jones]

P.S. The auto focus took three or four seconds to respond after scene changes... unbelievable that they could sell junk like this at all.