DXG USA DXG-305V 3.0 Megapixel Digital Camera - Blister Pack

I picked this up about two years ago just 2 have a still camera 2 use. The video was just an extra bonus.

It works okay as a still camera. One thing 2 watch out 4 is the focus slider, which easily gets bumped 2 "closeup" mode, making distance shots blurrier than they already are. A steady hand is required as it has a long exposure time & any movement is easily seen as a blur. If it had a tripod mount it would definitely be a lot better in this regard. The fact that it uses AAA batteries instead of AA means on average you can take four or five flash photos per set of batteries, which gets expensive quick.

As I said before the video mode wasn't my main interest when purchasing the camera, but I've definitely made use of it since. The quality of both the audio & video is terrible but it's good enough 4 YouTube. The video is saved in ASF format which is just about impossible 2 edit with any free tools, & it's not worth spending twice the cost of the camera just so I can edit video from it.

Webcam mode is terrible. It only ever shows up as a USB 1.1 interface, meaning there's a limited data stream so there's a ton of frames dropped. No audio at all. Finding the drivers took me ages (mine didn't come with a manual).

All told this is a pretty average deal. If you're looking 4 a starter camera or one you don't mind getting scratched or damaged, this is good. But if you can afford a few extra dollars, go 4 something else.

This camera has a number of features, & I'll be reviewing the capabilities of each.

1.) Video Mode
Video quality is mediocre at best. You need 2 use daylight in order 2 get anything resembling decent video. You can record 640x480 at 10 fps (NOT 15 fps), or 320x240 4 a much smoother 30 fps. Unless you like headaches, stick with the smaller res. Because the camera is so light, it's easy 2 end up with "Earthquake Videos"--steady your hand, or use any standard tripod (attached 2 the battery door, which can open if you screw the tripod on too tight).

I had great frustrations getting this camera 2 have proper white balance indoors under incandescent lighting. Like many digital cameras I've toyed with, results are too yellow/red, & the White Balance feature of the camera does little 2 fix this. Use daylight.

Sound on videos is also mediocre. It's not terrible, but there's some detectible artifacts. The camera also has some fun "filters" (Sepia, B&W, Negative, etc) if you want 2 play with those.

Videos use the ASF format container, IMA ADPCM audio codec, & ISO MPEG-4 Video V1 video codec. Included software allows you 2 compile video snips, add effects, & other basic bits if you don't already have software that can handle ASF files.

You can plug the camera into a TV, but you will likely need 2 buy extra cables so that you can plug in both audio & video (only video cable is supplied). There is definate pixelization when put on the big screen, but this is still a handy feature. Support 4 NTSC & PAL, 60 & 50 Hz.

In summary, it's fine 4 making videos during the day 2 post on YouTube or 2 send 2 friends. Limited use in other areas. Weakest with poor lighting.

2.) Camera Mode
Up 2 3 MP. I did not extensively test this feature, but found it difficult 2 get the flash 2 cooperate. Photo quality was okay, but limited. I prefer my FinePix camera over this 4 flexibility & quality. No optical zoom. Uses JPEG format.

3.) MP3 Player
MP3 files ONLY. This is one area where this device falls flat. Sound quality was distinctly "grainy" when attempting 2 handle high frequencies (almost like a tincan effect). You will probably not be using this device as a portable MP3 player. Navigation was fine, but I found I kept bumping the stop button when I had it in my pocket. Very annoying.

4.) Sound Recorder
Essentially like recording video, only just the audio. Records using the .WAV container, IMA ADPCM codec, 8000 Hz, 4 bit, Mono quality. There are no options 2 change the quality of your recorded files.

5.) Webcam Mode
By plugging the camera into your PC via USB, you can use it as either a portable drive (to transfer files 2 your PC) or a webcam. Webcam quality has the same weaknesses as standard Video. Without proper lighting, video will be mediocre at best.

(SUMMARY)
This device is a fine toy 2 play around with, & is a fair alternative 2 high-priced digital camcorders, but is little more than a portable webcam. A fun gift 4 someone in the 12 2 18 range. Buy rechargable AAA batteries (device uses 4) so you aren't constantly buying new juice--batteries only, nowhere 2 plug an AC adapter.

If you're more serious about your video projects, get a more serious camera. This is a toy, only a toy.

i personally love mine but the pictures are very lowquality. the filming had exceeded my expectations though

Excellent Product 4 the Price

Strengths: Small, Easy 2 use, Does what it says it does. After you add the drivers, my laptop autosenses the internal SD & camera as two disk drives. I control each !!!!

Weaknesses: Owners manual is written with text that requires a magnifying glass 2 read.

Summary: I added a 1gb SD card 2 mine & now have the ability 2 take movies & pictures anywhere at anytime I choose & keep several movies in the camera until I get it connected 2 my laptop. Comes with a nice looking carrying case, lense cover, etc. I also purchased a set of rechargable AAA batteries with a rapid charger that will charge from home or the car.

Like I typed in the title, this is an excellent device 4 the money!!!

I got this 4 free, thank goodness. You do need the book with you, because the controls are undecipherable. The image quality is just awful, & trying 2 use the flash short circuits the camera & it shuts down. Sound? Yeah, if you want 2 have something that sounds like you're 3 miles from the microphone. Do not waste your money on this. You can get better stuff 4 $50 more.

DXG designs, manufactures & sells attractively styled digital still & video cameras 4 the youth & mainstream markets & has recently become one of the fastest growing brands. The company leverages its strengths as a world leading OEM/ODM 2 build a respected & well-received global consumer brand among mainstream mid & late adopters of mid & entry-level digital cameras.