With the ever increasing popularity of sites like YouTube, easy to use "mini camcorders" are also becoming more common place. And to be honest, I can see the appeal of these "One Touch" video wonders.
This week, I'll be reviewing the DXG-567V HD Mini Video Camera Value Pack. I picked this up at my local Walmart for a few reasons. The main reason being that I have be planning on doing a review of a mini camcorder for some time now. And the second being that, if it preformed as well as I had hoped, I would be able to use it during future reviews to make video reviews.
Now, without futher delay let's get started with.........
the packaging!! That's right. It's what catches our eye as we shop. And in some cases, it's the entire reason that we buy a particular item. So, does the DXG-567 V HD win any points with an awe inspiring package? Um, no. It comes in this very boring orange and white box. No major graphics, nothing flashy. The box has the usual "Specifications", Accessories", and "System Requirements" printed on it. Along with a few photos of the DXG-567V. So it doesn't receive any points for originality.
Ok, but what about the extra bits they included? After all this is a "Value Pack". Well in this aspect, it does fairly well. It includes :
- 2GB SD card
- 1 Portable Tripod
- 4 x AA rechargeable batteries
- 1 Battery Charger
- AV Cable, Camera Pouch, and Wrist Strap
- Arcsoft TotalMedia Extreme Software
The box claims that I'm getting something like $180 worth of free accessories
and software. I don't know about those numbers but it's not uncommon
for those types of statements to be "mildly" exaggerated. It also claims
to record in HD! 720p at 30fps to be exact. But does it really? Hmm.
Okay. If you've read this much, you're probably wondering when I will talk about how well / bad it works. Here's where things go both ways. Now before you start yelling about how that is no help let me explain.
Appearance :
Nothing to really comment about here. It just looks like a very standard mini camcorder. The USB connector it attached directly to the camcorder, so if you do decide to one, be sure to also buy a USB extension cord.
Ease of Use :
As far as ease of use, this mini camcorder ranks a 10. But lets be honest, that's the major appeal of these. It only has one button that you either click, or flick it in the usual up, down, left, and right. Not many ways to mess up here really.
Performance :
Outside it performs really well. The video quality was quite clear. I did have a few issues with frame rate and audio quality though. While the less than par audio quality may be common with this types of camcorders ( this is my first time using one after all ), I would think that the frame rate issues that caused someone on a bicycle to blur slightly is not of the norm and simply a flaw with the DXG-567V. But considering the box states that it records at 30fps that should definitely not happen.
Indoors however, it performed very poorly. Even under the best lighting I have, the video was so grainy it reminded me of video shot with a $20 webcam. While the still images were not as bad as the video, they were nowhere near as good as my G.E. A735 digital camera.
Final summary:
The Good: Price. This Value Bundle was only $90.00. Very easy to use. Everything is included to begin using immediately.
The Bad : Video quality was less then expected. Audio quality very poor.
The Bottom Line : Save your money and buy a full blown digital camcorder. If you really want a mini, DON'T buy the DXG-567V HD. Again, save your money and buy a different, proven mini camcorder.
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