In the increasingly crowded mid-to-low cost range of camcorder models, Samsung brings us the new VP-DC163i, a small DVD-based video camera using the new 8cm writeable DVDs, allowing for a smaller overall unit. With a good zoom, a reasonable array of features and ease of use, it would be a suitable camera for anyone looking for a decent camcorder option on a budget.
Design
The VP-DC163i is a small camcorder that fits easily into the hand, measuring just 51.5mm by 87.5mm by 121.5mm and weighing 425g without the battery pack. It's built to complement the curves of the 8cm DVD, with the unit only as high as the disc compartment itself, though slightly longer. Visually, it's mainly silver, with touches of gunmetal brown. It's a solid unit that would take some punishment, but you definitely wouldn't want to be too rough with it.
The main buttons for starting and stopping recording can be accessed easily with the right hand as you hold the camera, as well as the zoom toggle and a dedicated photo button, while other main functions can be accessed through a menu when the display screen is open. Quickly accessible functions include a basic manual zoom, selectable recording medium (disc or card), and basic seek options on your recording. Other menu choices are navigable on the LCD with a small joystick and selector button. The 2.5 inch LCD screen folds out as per usual and is rotatable to be viewed by either the camera operator or the subject. The underside of the unit includes a tripod mount and the slot for either Memory Stick or SD cards for image storage.
Features
With the usual layout of basic functions akin to any traditional camcorder, the VP-DC163i has a 33x optical zoom, as well as a 1200x digital zoom, though that will be as effective as any unit in terms of picture degradation at the highest levels. The 800,000 pixel CCD is sufficient for most home uses. The Digital Image Stabiliser can be of some help to compensate for a naturally unsteady hand and attempt to clean up images.
With the main record functions being freely controlled with the right hand, the other options are accessible via internal menus that are accessed by the small joystick selector, including the usual White Balance, Shutter Speed, Exposure Time and various playlist options. While those looking for a simply auto-camcorder will be happy with the basic buttons available, those looking for more detail will have to get used to navigating the various menu options quickly. A useful feature for the beginner is the Easy.Q mode that allows a simple one-touch setup for novice users. This simplifies recording immensely, but also restricts a number of options. The microphone is built-in at the front, though the unit also has a separate input to allow use with an external microphone -- something not that common in lower-priced camcorders.
Input wise, the VP-DC163i has a well hidden panel of options, with a DC power socket, a multi-purpose AV connector (allowing S-video or composite video, and stereo audio), as well as a USB port that allows the user to transfer images and video to a PC, which can then be edited with the provided software (Ulead VideoStudio SE DVD and DV Media Pro 1.0). Other accessories include the required USB and AV cables, as well as a small but efficient remote control.
Performance
As a general purpose camcorder for moderate home and entertainment users, the VP-DC163i should have everything the user needs for a wide variety of shooting, both in video and stills, though stills will still be low resolution. With options that cater to the total novice as well as more experienced users who want to control some aspects of shooting, and a respectably low price, this unit should find a wide audience.
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paul
10/06/2007, 12:05 PM
rating
7/10
I bought in Thailand, so valuable price compared to other asian country.
My job is work motion study in manufacturing. I use 2G SD memory card recording for VDO clip for each production line that longs enough for 120 minutes.
Auto focus when zooming is needed a lot to improve.
DVD is needed to make easier to more compatible with various mini DVD, sometime it got problem to format or reformat again and again.
When using SD memory card, AVI file can see in Ulead Studio BUT can not make movie project, I don't know why?
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Jim
22/04/2007, 05:55 AM
rating
9/10
Good vedio with microphone for making the training record.
Flexible record media. Value price below USD 400.-
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Peter Turner
15/09/2006, 12:13 PM
rating
7/10
Good Value. Dual Layer Support Memory Slot Diversity
Pros:
I bought this camera in Singapore based on the price..I tried it out instore and was quite happy. Using S-video out to my TV at home the picture is quite sharp and the sound clear and crisp. There were a lot of options on other cameras that i wouldnt need as I am a bit of a novice and just wanted to catch the kids and the odd special occasion while I am out somewhere...This camera does that very well. The startup time to record is fast (faster than some higher brand makes) approximately 2.5/3.5 seconds so capturing the moment is quite easy. Good position of zoom button (some say zoom button is flimsy but i dont think so!!). The unit feels well weighted and of a fair quality build. I am happy for the price i paid (dont pay more than $550.00 Aussie if buying overseas) for standard package (one battery and bag and 2 DVD+RW's). I am an AUTO setting shooter and this camera easily does that. The color nite settings are pretty lame but they do work, by slowing the shutter speed. I would say that this camera is fair to poor in low light. Overall I am happy, if bought for the right price this camera would please most families as their happiness recorder. It's a bit below the required scope for an intermediate user and is well suited to novices as a first DVD-camcorder. If this is your first DVD camera it's a good choice. The Memory card slot is a good option (most have them now) but this one supports a wide range of cards that you are bound to already own. The image quality (mpeg) recorded to memory card is quite good with artifacts showing only in low light..A good lit area will produce the best quality if recorded to memory slot. The camera looks quite sexy and well built, I think the fit and finish is good for a samsung camera...I have seen comparable build quality on some higher end brands. It deserves a look!! and a good haggle on price..What you pay for it will determine your love of it.
I am pleased with the included support for dual layer discs...this will give it a little more longevity in the market and push a few people to buy it for the flexibility of media types.
CONS:
800k image processor.....I believe 1mp could have been included on this model and woud have made it a credible contender against the big names in this price and specification (i.e DVD camcorder), it still produces great image quality (not stills) but this would have pushed it up in the market and given the higher brand lower end camera's a bit of a run...It will be overlooked by many due to the lower image processing power but is still a good novice beginner camera suited to a budget. The still images just plain suck....I would have opted for no stills and 1 megapixel CCD for my money if I had the choice...Yes!! it has good memory slot ability but there quite useless if the image quality of the stills is crap (not the video!!!) The menu is a bit bland (it is a semi base model) but that's to be expected in this price range. Woud like to have seen a DVD+RW rather than the single use DVD-R in the box. I wouldnt buy this camera for it's still quality at all. If a salesperson tries to offer this as a feature laugh him off!!
Pros: Sexy Looks and colour.
Wide range of DVD media Support.
Good location of shooting buttons.
Memory card slot and support for variety of cards.
Optional microphone input
Full AV-IN/OUT support with recording.
Record Mpeg (.AVI) direct to memory slot
Full manual focus
Good overall performer for novice.
Cons: Only 800k processor (1mp would have been great)
Poor quality stills ( jpeg's)
No DVD+RW in the box (only 1 DVD-R )
High price if paying full retail (dont pay over $550.00 Aud).
Only 800x600 (stills)
Auto setting slow to focus in low light.
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