DXG DXG-595V 5.0 Megapixel High-Definition Ultra Digital Video Camera
- 5.0 Megapixel Cmos Sensor
- 4X Digital Zoom
- Resolution: 640 X 480 @ 30 Fps
- Still Image Resolution: 4048 X 30440
- 2.0-Inch Flip-Out Lcd Screen
Rating: 5 of 5
Incredible value 4 the price
Rating: 1 of 5
DXG: (Don't Xpect Good)
COMPANY: Some reviews of DXGUSA products mention that DXG is a United States company. In some of the advertisements 4 DXG you might even notice a California location. DXG does maintain an office in "City of Industry" California, however, according 2 the DXGUSA web site their products are manufactured in Taiwan, ROC (Republic of China). It is a common practice 4 overseas companies 2 have a local US office & add the suffix "USA" 2 its name, however, the consumer should understand that buying DXG is not supporting the red, white & blue.
Contributing 2 any country of origin confusion is DXG's executive board. Most people who would communicate with DXGUSA would do so through the sales, marketing or customer service departments. There you will find persons of responsibility with the names of Goldberg, delRosario & Castillo, respectively, which lends 2 an American image. Digging slightly deeper you'll find that those company executives with positions of major authority have Asian names. Some Japanese & Chinese companies have been known 2 send their own executives 2 the U.S. in order 2 run the company as if it were in their home country. Others may use U.S. addresses while company executives remain overseas. It's unknown if DXG is participating in either of these practices.
PRODUCT:
THE GOOD - [Price] The DXG 595V is the cheapest flash memory camcorder in the High Definition market. Wal-Mart offers this camera at a price of $180.00 with free shipping if ship-to-store is selected. Unfortunately, however, a Wal-Mart order 4 this camera took several weeks 2 leave the warehouse & was eventually lost in shipment. Amazon with its price tag 4 the camera of $202.00 delivered 2 your door is the next lowest on the net. Delivery via free Super-Saver shipping with UPS arrived two days ahead of schedule 2 the East coast.
[Size] The DXG 595V is just about palm-sized & is very light weight thanks 2 its all plastic construction & few moving parts. The style of the camera is also more conventional than most of the low-cost camcorders available today.
[Recording] If your desire is 2 capture some family moments & events in a digital format that looks almost as good as those large VHS tapes you used 2 use then the DXG in a standard definition mode is the right camera. Video & sound was very fluid while recording stationary objects as well as moving in a vehicle. The camera handled low light conditions well, though the image did become somewhat grainy, & the LED light is some help at close distance.
[Simplicity] The 595V sports few features and, therefore, is ideal 4 those who are not interested in a learning curve prior 2 using it. The integrated manual lens cover is a nice idea & circumvents the old problem of a lens cap dangling during the action. All controls are easily accessible.
THE BAD: - [Battery Life] The DXG battery, (NP-120), is said 2 provide 1.5 hours of recording time. The originally supplied camera possessed a defect which would report a charged battery as depleted & shut down the camera. A replacement camera did much better though the loose-fitting battery may have caused a spurious "low battery" report as well. Batteries are important because it is not possible 2 use an AC wall adapter 2 supply power 2 this camera. So you may want 2 purchase extra batteries because a full charge could take up 2 three hours.
[Surface] Some online reviews of this camera have complained about the smooth surface displaying finger smudges. You should keep a soft towel with you if this is an OCB 4 you but it shouldn't be a deciding factor in your purchase.
[High Def Recording] Once you set the recording mode above the WVGA standard definition format you're recording video that is reminiscent of an old silent movie unless specifically designed 4 HD software & monitors are used. The popular Roxio 10 video editing software will not work well with the DXG's .mov video format, whether high def or standard.
[Bundled Software] The DXG 595V comes with two software CDs. Although one CD is labeled as "Arcsoft Total Media Extreme" a user will realize after installing it that this is not a full product. Total Media Extreme is comprised of about five main features. DXG's version of the software package consists of only two. According 2 Arcsoft, any package not containing all components is a "lite" version. This fact is not noted on the disc, the camera's literature or packaging.
[Memory] Although the DXG 595V has internal memory it is not user available. The internal memory is reserved 4 settings so you must purchase an SD style flash card prior 2 use.
[Documentation] Poor. That's about as detailed as DXGUSA gets in their own description of the 595V's features. Some of the documentation is also misleading such as references 2 the camera's microphone which are listed in two different places on the camera in two different guides or the wrong item circled in an illustration. Directions 4 updating the camera's firmware are no different. The instruction, "press the negative of enter button," is practically cryptic.
THE UGLY: [Warranty] DXG's written warranty that comes with the camera states that, "This warranty covers all parts & labor 4 one (1) year from the date of purchase." However, it later states, "Not covered: flashes, cords & cables, batteries, power adapter, digital media, software, LCD, lens & additional accessories, other expenses or consequential damages." So, the camera is covered under the warranty but the camera parts are not.
[Customer Service] The DXGUSA customer service web site is less than helpful. Some self-help pages lead 2 blank pages while others have only three suggestions - none of which even pertained 2 the 595V. An email 2 DXG customer service complaining of a battery problem resulted in the following response:
"We apologize 4 the set back. Unfortunately, our warranty does not cover accessories."
DXG considers the included battery 2 be an accessory along with the camera's lens & LCD screen.
Although this response was sent from the email address of Carlos Castillo, Director of Customer Relations 4 DXG, the sender's name was posted as Chad Meza. The message was also stamped at five hours time difference from US Eastern Time. A trace of the IP address the message was sent from, (207.210.80.162), reveals that the server being used was located in Atlanta, Georgia, but the DXGUSA message appears 2 have originated from Jalandhar, PU India.
After responding 2 DXG's first reply Chad Meza sent another response, this time addressed from himself rather than Mr. Castillo, which stated:
"I apologize 4 any inconvenience, however, an accessory is anything that is not physically attached 2 the camera."
This response was particularly puzzling since the LCD & lens which were specifically not warranted by DXG are "attached 2 the camera."
RECOMMENDATION: This reviewer could only test the standard video performance of the product so the HD qualities are unknown. The standard video performance, however, is probably the best of any digital camcorder in the $200.00 price range. If good quality digital video at under $210.00 is what you've been searching 4 - & you're willing 2 gamble on product defects - then the DXG 595V may fit your needs. It is suggested that you make your purchase through Amazon since their return policy is painless & their prices are usually the lowest available.
The reliability of the product, however, is unknown & should it fail, even under the warranty period, there is little or no support 4 the product. As DXG stated in a response 2 this reviewer:
"Once you purchased that product, you as a buyer take full responsibility & cannot later hold the manufacturer, vendor, or distributor accountable 4 the conditions of the product. "Buyer Beware" Is a phrase that we cannot emphasize enough."
According 2 the Better Business Bureau DXGUSA has had fifteen complaints against it in the last thirty-six months. Twelve of these complaints pertained 2 DXG agreeing 2 comply with their contract. The BBB does, however, give DXG a very good rating.
Contributing 2 any country of origin confusion is DXG's executive board. Most people who would communicate with DXGUSA would do so through the sales, marketing or customer service departments. There you will find persons of responsibility with the names of Goldberg, delRosario & Castillo, respectively, which lends 2 an American image. Digging slightly deeper you'll find that those company executives with positions of major authority have Asian names. Some Japanese & Chinese companies have been known 2 send their own executives 2 the U.S. in order 2 run the company as if it were in their home country. Others may use U.S. addresses while company executives remain overseas. It's unknown if DXG is participating in either of these practices.
PRODUCT:
THE GOOD - [Price] The DXG 595V is the cheapest flash memory camcorder in the High Definition market. Wal-Mart offers this camera at a price of $180.00 with free shipping if ship-to-store is selected. Unfortunately, however, a Wal-Mart order 4 this camera took several weeks 2 leave the warehouse & was eventually lost in shipment. Amazon with its price tag 4 the camera of $202.00 delivered 2 your door is the next lowest on the net. Delivery via free Super-Saver shipping with UPS arrived two days ahead of schedule 2 the East coast.
[Size] The DXG 595V is just about palm-sized & is very light weight thanks 2 its all plastic construction & few moving parts. The style of the camera is also more conventional than most of the low-cost camcorders available today.
[Recording] If your desire is 2 capture some family moments & events in a digital format that looks almost as good as those large VHS tapes you used 2 use then the DXG in a standard definition mode is the right camera. Video & sound was very fluid while recording stationary objects as well as moving in a vehicle. The camera handled low light conditions well, though the image did become somewhat grainy, & the LED light is some help at close distance.
[Simplicity] The 595V sports few features and, therefore, is ideal 4 those who are not interested in a learning curve prior 2 using it. The integrated manual lens cover is a nice idea & circumvents the old problem of a lens cap dangling during the action. All controls are easily accessible.
THE BAD: - [Battery Life] The DXG battery, (NP-120), is said 2 provide 1.5 hours of recording time. The originally supplied camera possessed a defect which would report a charged battery as depleted & shut down the camera. A replacement camera did much better though the loose-fitting battery may have caused a spurious "low battery" report as well. Batteries are important because it is not possible 2 use an AC wall adapter 2 supply power 2 this camera. So you may want 2 purchase extra batteries because a full charge could take up 2 three hours.
[Surface] Some online reviews of this camera have complained about the smooth surface displaying finger smudges. You should keep a soft towel with you if this is an OCB 4 you but it shouldn't be a deciding factor in your purchase.
[High Def Recording] Once you set the recording mode above the WVGA standard definition format you're recording video that is reminiscent of an old silent movie unless specifically designed 4 HD software & monitors are used. The popular Roxio 10 video editing software will not work well with the DXG's .mov video format, whether high def or standard.
[Bundled Software] The DXG 595V comes with two software CDs. Although one CD is labeled as "Arcsoft Total Media Extreme" a user will realize after installing it that this is not a full product. Total Media Extreme is comprised of about five main features. DXG's version of the software package consists of only two. According 2 Arcsoft, any package not containing all components is a "lite" version. This fact is not noted on the disc, the camera's literature or packaging.
[Memory] Although the DXG 595V has internal memory it is not user available. The internal memory is reserved 4 settings so you must purchase an SD style flash card prior 2 use.
[Documentation] Poor. That's about as detailed as DXGUSA gets in their own description of the 595V's features. Some of the documentation is also misleading such as references 2 the camera's microphone which are listed in two different places on the camera in two different guides or the wrong item circled in an illustration. Directions 4 updating the camera's firmware are no different. The instruction, "press the negative of enter button," is practically cryptic.
THE UGLY: [Warranty] DXG's written warranty that comes with the camera states that, "This warranty covers all parts & labor 4 one (1) year from the date of purchase." However, it later states, "Not covered: flashes, cords & cables, batteries, power adapter, digital media, software, LCD, lens & additional accessories, other expenses or consequential damages." So, the camera is covered under the warranty but the camera parts are not.
[Customer Service] The DXGUSA customer service web site is less than helpful. Some self-help pages lead 2 blank pages while others have only three suggestions - none of which even pertained 2 the 595V. An email 2 DXG customer service complaining of a battery problem resulted in the following response:
"We apologize 4 the set back. Unfortunately, our warranty does not cover accessories."
DXG considers the included battery 2 be an accessory along with the camera's lens & LCD screen.
Although this response was sent from the email address of Carlos Castillo, Director of Customer Relations 4 DXG, the sender's name was posted as Chad Meza. The message was also stamped at five hours time difference from US Eastern Time. A trace of the IP address the message was sent from, (207.210.80.162), reveals that the server being used was located in Atlanta, Georgia, but the DXGUSA message appears 2 have originated from Jalandhar, PU India.
After responding 2 DXG's first reply Chad Meza sent another response, this time addressed from himself rather than Mr. Castillo, which stated:
"I apologize 4 any inconvenience, however, an accessory is anything that is not physically attached 2 the camera."
This response was particularly puzzling since the LCD & lens which were specifically not warranted by DXG are "attached 2 the camera."
RECOMMENDATION: This reviewer could only test the standard video performance of the product so the HD qualities are unknown. The standard video performance, however, is probably the best of any digital camcorder in the $200.00 price range. If good quality digital video at under $210.00 is what you've been searching 4 - & you're willing 2 gamble on product defects - then the DXG 595V may fit your needs. It is suggested that you make your purchase through Amazon since their return policy is painless & their prices are usually the lowest available.
The reliability of the product, however, is unknown & should it fail, even under the warranty period, there is little or no support 4 the product. As DXG stated in a response 2 this reviewer:
"Once you purchased that product, you as a buyer take full responsibility & cannot later hold the manufacturer, vendor, or distributor accountable 4 the conditions of the product. "Buyer Beware" Is a phrase that we cannot emphasize enough."
According 2 the Better Business Bureau DXGUSA has had fifteen complaints against it in the last thirty-six months. Twelve of these complaints pertained 2 DXG agreeing 2 comply with their contract. The BBB does, however, give DXG a very good rating.
Take your home movies 2 the big screen with this dynamic digital camcorder, reliving every moment in crystal-clear, high-def detail. With its 3.0" flip-out color TFT screen & SD memory card expandability, you'll always be ready 2 capture unforgettable footage. 90-day warranty. Model 595VHD.
($189.18)
Buy DXG DXG-595V 5.0 Megapixel High-Definition Ultra Digital Video Camera Now!
If you go in expecting flawless 3CCD quality 1080p video from this camera, then move along, the key is value 4 the dollar. My one criticism is that the anti-shake feature is not available in 1080p mode, effectively making 1080p a tripod-only affair. However, in 780p mode the camera shoots very good video, even in low light (it gets grainy in near-darkness, but that seems typical). The video is Mac-compatible & is stored in h.264 mpeg-4 files which play right off the SD card in quicktime & are importable into iMovie HD. Each clip you shoot is stored as a separate file, which makes editing easier, as some clips can get thrown out before the editor is fired up & the clips are imported.
I found this camcorder really fun 2 shoot with. it is very light, & about the size of three iPods taped together. The camera I got did not come with an SD card, fortunately I had extra cards from my digital camera. I found that you can tape over an hour of video on a 2GB card in 720p mode. I have thrown the camera in my laptop bag & hauled it with me 2 all sorts of places & it is still going strong.
If you want a simple HD camcorder that shoots good 720p video at an incredible price, this is the unit 4 you.