Samsung SC-DX205 Hybrid DVD & Flash Memory Camcorder w/34x Optical Zoom

by Samsung

Product Details

• Item Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001OQC0KW
• Item model number: SC-DX205/XAA
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,087 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 5, 2009

Product Description

You won't miss any of life's special moments with this compact, lightweight DVD camcorder. The Samsung SC-DX205 can give you up to 100 minutes of recording time. Plus, with the 2.7-inch LCD screen you'll easily capture those special shots like baby's first steps. Now you can capture these memories on DVD discs. No more bulky videotapes and no more hassle. Plus, the DX205 uses a high-performance Schneider lens, with extremely low distortion and astigmatic aberration tolerances, resulting in natural,accurate, compelling video. The powerful 34x optical zoom lets you get closer to the action with a bright F1.6 lens that lets more light through to the image sensor.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A decent entry level camcorder (was: Drains battery even in "power off " state ), December 6, 2009

By 

C. Shah "C. S." (Sunnyvale, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Samsung SC-DX205 Hybrid DVD & Flash Memory Camcorder w/34x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I bought this since it was a *reasonably priced*, *sleek looking* Hybrid camcorder, where I can record my movies on a SD card or a DVD.

So far, I tried a couple test video clips using my SD card and they turned out pretty good, no complains on sound/video quality. Haven't tried yet burning on the mini-DVD.

A **big disappointment** for me was the battery pack loosing power in a completely power off state. I charged it completely (till it showed green light), then disconnected the charger, the light remains green, switches to orange in some time and I left it overnight and in the morning-- the battery is completely drained :(, no power to even open the dvd tray :(

So, i read up the manual thinking I did something wrong. And this is what they have in the manual (p.21) " Remove the battery from the camcorder when it is not in use. Even when the power is switched off, the battery pack will still discharge if it is left attached to the camcorder "

Which electronic device looses complete power overnight, when in Off state? I mean even if I take the camcorder out for a day's shooting, at every interval i am expected to remove the battery, else it will die ? how am i suppose to use this as a portable camcorder ? come on Samsung, this is ridiculous

** UPDATE 12/14/09 **

Looks like the product I received is Defective. It was an interesting issue with this device. The Camcorder always *thinks* it is connected to the A/C power supply. The way I arrived at this conclusion was that even when the device was running just on battery, it didnt have the battery indicator showing on the screen (which should be showing as per the manual). Secondly, there is a setting "Auto Power Off" which is grayed out if the device is running on A/C power, which was disabled when i was running it only on battery. So, when i would switch off the device, the ACCESSS/CHG light would glow, as if its connected to external A/C power and charging the battery, but it was not connected, so it was using the battery instead and draining it.

I asked for a replacement, will update the review once I get the replacement

*** UPDATE 1/27/10 ***

I did receive the replacement unit and it worked great, no more issues with battery or the ACCESS/CHG light being ON. The camcorder voice and video quality are good for a entry level camera. I also tried burning directly to a DVD and it works great, no motor sound recorded on the DVD like make other camcorders. So, if you notice battery draining in your unit, make sure you immediately get a replacement. I am updating to a 4 star from a 3 star !

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Wish I could give it 0 stars!, June 16, 2010

By 

K. DANIELSON "KDan" (New Castle, Pa USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Samsung SC-DX205 Hybrid DVD & Flash Memory Camcorder w/34x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Don't buy this Camcorder! I received nothing but "disc error" on almost all of my discs when I would load them. Sometimes it would even record for about 10 minutes, then give the "disc error" notification. It won't even let you finalize the discs when this happens! So, I'm left with discs that are unwatchable! WHat a gigantic waste of money! Much better to get a memory card camcorder - I recommend a JVC model.
I also called customer service about the constant disc error and they said it is a rare occurance. Not true at all from what I've heard from other camcorder owners!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Low Price, Decent Camera, February 13, 2010

By 

J. Berarducci "JB" (ROCHESTER, PA, US) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Samsung SC-DX205 Hybrid DVD & Flash Memory Camcorder w/34x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

My review will be short. Basically the camera has good ease of use and has an OK picture on the CDs. The downer is that the CD length is only around a half hour. For the cards, the digital quality appears much better and not grainy except for low lit times. Overall it was a good buy at the price.