Samsung SCD23 MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5 LCD

Although Samsung makes extraordinary LCD products, their camcorder line is bottom of the barrel. This is my 2nd Samsung camcorder, & it is also the 2nd time I've been ripped off. My last one (I forget the model) & this one both stopped recording video about a month or two after the warranty expired. Since neither Samsung or Best Buy (where I bought them) care about this decidedly negative customer experience (and apparently seem 2 think that 1 year of usage is about par 4 the course) I have decided 2 no longer buy their products (including their splendid monitors). Companies that consistently screw their customers do not deserve 2 remain in business. I hope someday Best Buy & Samsung go bankrupt. Buy a Canon, & buy it online. You'll be happy & you'll save money.

If you plan 2 buy this camcorder then please know before hand that you are taking a risk. You might get a broken one or not. That is the risk you are taking. When I first purchased this camcorder 3 years ago, I only used it 4 1 week & already it broke. The screen was all distorted & was making weird noises. I took it back 2 bestbuy & they exchanged it 4 a new one. I have now had this one 4 3 years & have had no problems. I love this camcorder. At this point I would not buy a new camcorder because I love this one too much. I have read all of the buyers comments on amazon & yes it is true that this camcorder is cheaply made & is does break but like I said, you are taking a risk if you buy it. It might be broken or it might work fine 4 3 years or more like mine. But remember, mine broke too after using it 4 1 week but my exchange one has worked 4 3 years & counting. So, I guess I wouldnt recommend this camcorder because who wants 2 buy a camcorder & have 2 take a risk & wonder if it will be broken when they receive it.

Yes, I am another victim of The black screen of death. I used my camcorder only 1 1/2years & my screen went black but I am also able 2 view recorded tapes. Samsung will only offer a refurbished camcorder 4 $150.00 cost 2 me. NO THANKS!!

Yeah, this is a "me too" review. Got the SCD23 as a gift in December of '03. Liked it while it worked, but in April of '07 it was struck by the Black Screen of Death described by other posters. It'll play previously recorded tapes, but in camera (record or standby mode), the image is either totally black or horizontal white streaks (when a bright light is in the scene). I'll be contacting Samsung on Monday, & we'll see how they stand by their product. An internet search on this problem shows that a) it is by no means isolated & b) Samsung has a very poor reputation 4 providing reasonable customer service in these instances. I'm hoping 2 be the exception! :)

Among Asian countries they don't rely too much in co-Asian manufactured goods because of poor quality ( except Japanese made) Sony, Canon & Panasonic still has the best quality among electronics.I don't know why samsung,hyundai, Daewoo etc. made it in the US Market that while in fact in Asia, these products are all a piece of Junk.

Samsung introduces the SC-D23 with its 2.5 in LCD & enhanced night recording capability. The user will be able 2 shoot in low light luminance with the enhanced LSS feature.PRODUCT FEATURES:Lens: Optical 10x, Digital 400x;CCD: 680K pixels;Built-in DSC (Memory-Stick Slot);Image Stabilizer: DIS;TFT LCD: 2.5in.;Color Slow Shutter;0 Lux Night Pix, Power Nite Pix;PC Link: USB, IEEE1394 In/Out;MPEG 4 Video Clip Recording;Color OSD, Beep sound;Easy-Q, Easy-Navigator;Built In Light.

Optics
The SCD23 features a high-performance 1/6" 680,000 Pixel CCD 2 capture high-quality video & digital photos. It's also fitted with a 10X optical zoom & a 800X digital zoom lens. Digital zoom is a powerful tool, but it can lead 2 "jaggies"--zigzag contours that reduce picture quality. Samsung has applied a Digital Image Stabilizer 2 correct this problem.

Digital Stills & MPEG Video
The scd23 can cpature videos in MPEG4 format at a resolution of QVGA 10fps. In addition 2 high-quality video, the SCD23 also captures digital still photos that are stored on a memory card as JPEGs in your choice of three image qualities.

Inputs & Outputs
The SCD23 comes with an IEEE1394(In/Out), USB interface, Audio/Video Ports, & an S-Video Cable port.

MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the preferred format 4 personal & broadcast-quality video, highly regarded 4 its high audio & image quality. With up 2 540 lines of horizontal resolution & minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20-percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

What's included
Camcorder, AC Adapter/Charger, Battery Pack, Hand Grip, Remote Control, S-Video Cable, & Memory Stick.