Similar offers
Postage & Packaging: £0.91
Postage & Packaging: £2.95
Postage & Packaging: £0.91
Quote-start

Great camcorder by Samsung

Quote-end

4 Mar 31st, 2008  (Apr 1st, 2008)

54 Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful

Advantages:
Compact/light - weight, good range of features

Disadvantages:
Many competitors

Recommendable Yes:

Detailed rating:

Ease of use

Recording quality

Picture quality

Sound quality

Value for money

yassarikhan786

yassarikhan786

About me:

Hello! Thank you for rating and commenting on my reviews. I will not be writing a review within the ...

Member since:27.02.2008

Reviews:35

Members who trust:35

The Samsung VP DC171W is one of many camcorders released by Samsung, which records directly onto a DVD disk. Being a Samsung device you know you are going to get a great and compact camcorder for a good price.

With a width of 5.4 cm, a depth of 12.1 cm, a height of 8.7 cm and a weight of 360 g, you can see that you are getting a compact camera, which as a matter of fact is very light weight and in the process is portable. The sheer size of this camera makes it perfect for family days out or adventurous trips to places of natural beauty.

The camcorder sensor resolution is 800 kpix, this is basically the number of pixels the sensor can display on the provided screen. The display format is 112,000 pixels, which is also known as VGA quality and is less than 1 megapixel. This makes the camera perfect for lighted areas whereas areas which are in low light conditions may not provide a basis for good quality recording. Video is captured in widescreen, thus enhancing the video experience and making a home video look more professional.

The camcorder takes 4 different formats of DVD, these are: DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD+RW (8cm), DVD+R DL (8cm). These DVD's are much smaller than normal DVD disks and are designed specially for DVD recording camcorders.

Link to website where you can buy camcorder DVD's: http://www.jessops.com/Store/c3576/1-170-3576/Home/Camcorders/DVDs-for-Camc orders/details.aspx

The LCD display is a TFT active matrix and is 2.7" in size. The TFT stands for thin film transistors and these are basically tiny components arranged in a matrix (in columns and rows) to allow sufficient brightness levels to access each pixel to give you a high quality display output. The display includes the date as well as time and there is also a power saving option which reduces the brightness of the screen to save valuable battery life.

With the high quality display you get a 1200x digital zoom as well as an option of 34x optical zoom. Digital zoom is different to Optical zoom in the way it zooms into any particular thing. Digital zoom uses no lens movement just digital power to magnify a target, which in turn decreases the recording quality. Optical zoom involves the movement of the lens to magnify the image, which in turn has little or no effect on the picture quality.

The shooting modes include: Sand & snow, spotlight, portrait mode, hi-speed shutter, sports mode. When a particular mode is chosen the camcorder automatically adjusts focus, sensitivity and exposure to suit the scene which you are about to shoot.

The sand & snow option controls the light exposure of the white snow to give you a perfect light balance to allow recording of brightly lit areas such as sand & snow. The spotlight option focuses on the center of the shooting area and adjusts sensitivity and focus to give you a better view of the person or object in the spotlight. The high-speed shutter puts into use the integrated image stabilization to give you the ability to record great video whilst on the move. Finally the sports mode option gives you the option of recording fast moving objects, with the efficiency of a regular digital camcorder.

You can choose 3 possible recording speeds with this very camcorder. These are SP, LP and XP, these different recording speeds give you the option of recording more or less video content on a standard camcorder DVD disk. The SP recording speed is the lowest possible and will give you the option of recording more video content in a slower speed, thus increasing recording time and decreasing recording quality. The LP recording speed will provide less recording time than the SP mode, but a higher recording quality. And, finally the XP recording speed is the optimum and will give you the best possible recording speed and the least recording time of the 3 possible options.

You can opt to use special effects in your recording process. The special effects include: Negative, Art, Black & White, Sepia, Mosaic, Pastel, Mirror, Emboss. These effects can increase the value of a video but can also decrease the value if not used properly. You can also opt to adjust settings manually or choose to keep them on automatic. You can manually adjust exposure modes, white balance and focus.

The camcorders built-in microphone provides a standard stereo quality and also has a wind noise reduction ability, which by the name you can guess it takes away most of the noise created by wind.

Within the box you get an A/V (audio/video) cable to allow connections to external audio/video devices such as televisions or computer screens. You obviously get a charging cable as well as the required software. There is also an included lens cap and an included battery.

You can buy the Samsung VP DC171W for £139.99, from various online shops or you could opt to physically visit a shop and try to get a bargain. You will also always have the option of Ebay, where you may find a great deal. Most online shops will be selling this very camcorder for over £140, avoid these shops and go for the ones selling for £140 or less.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed my review of the Samsung VP DC171W. 

How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines

exceptional

very helpful

helpful

somewhat helpful

not helpful

off topic

Products you might be interested in »

Samsung HMX-H100

Samsung HMX-H100

Digital Zoom: 100 x - Optical Zoom: 10 - Image Stabiliser: Optical - Supported Media Type: SD/SDHC Memory Card - Viewfinder Type: without Viewfinder

Rate it now

Buy now for only £ 347.99

JVC Everio GZ-MG630

JVC Everio GZ-MG630

Digital Zoom: 800 - Optical Zoom: 40, 35 - Supported Media Type: HDD, MicroSD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card

User reviews (1)

Buy now for only £ 209.99

Samsung SMX-F30

Samsung SMX-F30

Camcorder - Optical Zoom: 34 - Digital Zoom: 1200x - Weight: 270 g - Supported Media Type: Flash card - Viewfinder: without Viewfinder

User reviews (1)

Buy now for only £ 115.00

Sony DCR-SX30

Sony DCR-SX30

Digital Zoom: 2000 - Optical Zoom: 60 - Image Stabiliser: Electronic (Steady Shot) - Supported Media Type: Memory Stick PRO Duo - Viewfinder Type: without Viewfinder

User reviews (2)

Buy now for only £ 167.00

Samsung HMX-R10

Samsung HMX-R10

Camcorder - Optical Zoom: 5 - Digital Zoom: 100x - Weight: 229 g - Supported Media Type: Flash card - Viewfinder: without Viewfinder

Rate it now

Buy now for only £ 250.10

Panasonic SDR-S26

Panasonic SDR-S26

Digital Zoom: 3500 - Optical Zoom: 70 - Image Stabiliser: Optical, Optical (Advanced O.I.S.) - Supported Media Type: HDD, SD/SDHC Memory Card

User reviews (3)

Buy now for only £ 167.00

Comments about this review »

majeedkazi 02.10.2008 14:12

Great Review...

miniluver1990 16.04.2008 22:01

Thanks alot for that review, very helpful and packed with usefull info, thnx.

Expired-Account 15.04.2008 23:28

I want one!!!! Very helpful review

Similar offers for Samsung VP DC171W »

1 to 10 out of 24 similar offers for Samsung VP DC171W Show all similar offers
DuraSec HighTec screen protection film for Samsung VP-DC171W

DuraSec HighTec screen protection film for Samsung VP-DC171W

Protectyour screenagainstuglyscratches!Pieces/Package:1 film(You really need not ... more

more!)Made in Germany


Postage & Packaging:  £0.91
Availability:  Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days......
 Visit Shop  >
amazon electronics
DuraSec NanoTec liquid screen protector Samsung VP-DC171W

DuraSec NanoTec liquid screen protector Samsung VP-DC171W

Bubblefreescreen protection byliquid sealingof the display withnanotechnology!Package ... more

contents:2 sponges, 2 microfiber towels, 1
spray-bottle display cleaner, 1 spray-bottle
nanotech sealerMade in Ge


Postage & Packaging:  £2.95
Availability:  Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days......
 Visit Shop  >
amazon electronics
5 x DuraSec ClearTec screen protector for Samsung VP-DC171W

5 x DuraSec ClearTec screen protector for Samsung VP-DC171W

Protectyour screenagainstuglyscratches!Pieces/Package:5 filmsMade in Germany


Postage & Packaging:  £0.91
Availability:  Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days......
 Visit Shop  >
amazon electronics
DuraSec HighTec screen protection film for Samsung VP-DC171W

DuraSec HighTec screen protection film for Samsung VP-DC171W

Protectyour screenagainstuglyscratches!Pieces/Package:1 film(You really need not ... more

more!)Made in Germany


Postage & Packaging:  £0.91
Availability:  Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
 Visit Shop  >
amazon marketplace electronics
DuraSec NanoTec liquid screen protector Samsung VP-DC171W

DuraSec NanoTec liquid screen protector Samsung VP-DC171W

Bubblefreescreen protectionbyliquid sealingof the display withnanotechnology!Package ... more

contents:2 sponges, 2 microfiber towels, 1
spray-bottle display cleaner, 1 spray-bottle
nanotech sealerMade in Ge


Postage & Packaging:  £2.95
Availability:  Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
 Visit Shop  >
amazon marketplace electronics
5 x DuraSec ClearTec screen protector for Samsung VP-DC171W

5 x DuraSec ClearTec screen protector for Samsung VP-DC171W

Protectyour screenagainstuglyscratches!Pieces/Package:5 filmsMade in Germany


Postage & Packaging:  £0.91
Availability:  Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
 Visit Shop  >
amazon marketplace electronics
MEXXTRONICS Video Camera / Camcorder Battery for use in Samsung VP-DC171W, 1600mAh, 7,4V, Lithium Ion, Li-Ion, LiIon, 100% fits, fully compatible (NOT AN ORIGINAL BATTERY), anthracite, 7,4 V, 1600 mAh, accumulator

MEXXTRONICS Video Camera / Camcorder Battery for use in Samsung VP-DC171W, 1600mAh, 7,4V, Lithium Ion, Li-Ion, LiIon, 100% fits, fully compatible (NOT AN ORIGINAL BATTERY), anthracite, 7,4 V, 1600 mAh, accumulator

You will receive 1 Rechargeable Battery,100% fits!Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery (brand new ... more

merchandise in original packaging)This high
capacity rechargeable battery definitely disposes
of more power than the battery which was included
in the delivery of your device. This rechargeable
battery can be used instead of the original
rechargeable battery without any problems and can
be recharged with the available standard power
supply. The rechargeable battery is protected and
secured against overcharge and
short-circuits.Important information:A battery
with a greater power output than the battery which
was included in the delivery of your device can
have larger dimensions. Please observe the
dimensions in mm indicated in the offer (see above
under technical details).safety due to heat and
overcharge protectionmore power than the battery
which was included in the delivery of your
deviceno memory effect - recharge your battery
whenever you likeexcellent fitting accuracy,
certified quality merchandise, not an original
accessorythe standard battery charger can still be
usedLegal note: This item is compatible, not an
original product of the video camera / camcorder
manufacturer and is not manufactured, supported or
recommended by the video camera / camcorder
manufacturers. All brand names, trade marks and
product names only serve the purpose of indicating
compatibility, in doing so are not connected to
the original products of the respective
manufacturers and are the property of the
respective holder of rights.


Postage & Packaging:  £3.98
Availability:  Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
 Visit Shop  >
amazon electronics
MEXXTRONICS Video Camera / Camcorder Battery for use in Samsung VP-DC171W, 1600mAh, 7,4V, Lithium Ion, Li-Ion, LiIon, 100% fits, fully compatible (NOT AN ORIGINAL BATTERY), silver, 7,4 V, 1600 mAh, accumulator

MEXXTRONICS Video Camera / Camcorder Battery for use in Samsung VP-DC171W, 1600mAh, 7,4V, Lithium Ion, Li-Ion, LiIon, 100% fits, fully compatible (NOT AN ORIGINAL BATTERY), silver, 7,4 V, 1600 mAh, accumulator

You will receive 1 Rechargeable Battery,100% fits!Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery (brand new ... more

merchandise in original packaging)This high
capacity rechargeable battery definitely disposes
of more power than the battery which was included
in the delivery of your device. This rechargeable
battery can be used instead of the original
rechargeable battery without any problems and can
be recharged with the available standard power
supply. The rechargeable battery is protected and
secured against overcharge and
short-circuits.Important information:A battery
with a greater power output than the battery which
was included in the delivery of your device can
have larger dimensions. Please observe the
dimensions in mm indicated in the offer (see above
under technical details).safety due to heat and
overcharge protectionmore power than the battery
which was included in the delivery of yourdeviceno
memory effect - recharge your battery whenever you
likeexcellent fitting accuracy, certified quality
merchandise, not an original accessorythe standard
battery charger can still be usedLegal note: This
item is compatible, not an original product of the
video camera / camcorder manufacturer and is not
manufactured, supported or recommended by the
video camera / camcorder manufacturers. All brand
names, trade marks and product names only serve
the purpose of indicating compatibility, in doing
so are not connected to the original products of
the respective manufacturers and are the property
of the respective holder of rights.


Postage & Packaging:  £3.98
Availability:  Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
 Visit Shop  >
amazon electronics
MEXXTRONICS Video Camera / Camcorder Battery for use in Samsung VP-DC171W, 700mAh, 7,4V, Lithium Ion, Li-Ion, LiIon, 100% fits, fully compatible (NOT AN ORIGINAL BATTERY), anthracite, 7,4 V, 700 mAh, accumulator

MEXXTRONICS Video Camera / Camcorder Battery for use in Samsung VP-DC171W, 700mAh, 7,4V, Lithium Ion, Li-Ion, LiIon, 100% fits, fully compatible (NOT AN ORIGINAL BATTERY), anthracite, 7,4 V, 700 mAh, accumulator

You will receive 1 Rechargeable Battery,100% fits!Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery (brand new ... more

merchandise in original packaging)This high
capacity rechargeable battery definitely disposes
of more power than the battery which was included
in the delivery of your device. This rechargeable
battery can be used instead of the original
rechargeable battery without any problems and can
be recharged with the available standard power
supply. The rechargeable battery is protected and
secured against overcharge and
short-circuits.Important information:A battery
with a greater power output than the battery which
was included in the delivery of your device can
have larger dimensions. Please observe the
dimensions in mm indicated in the offer (see above
under technical details).safety due to heat and
overcharge protectionmore power than the battery
which was included in the delivery of your
deviceno memory effect - recharge your battery
whenever you likeexcellent fitting accuracy,
certified quality merchandise, not an original
accessorythe standard battery charger can still be
usedLegal note: This item is compatible, not an
original product of the video camera / camcorder
manufacturer and is not manufactured, supported or
recommended by the video camera / camcorder
manufacturers. All brand names, trade marks and
product names only serve the purpose of indicating
compatibility, in doing so are not connected to
the original products of the respective
manufacturers and are the property of the
respective holder ofrights.


Postage & Packaging:  £3.98
Availability:  Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
 Visit Shop  >
amazon electronics
Compatible Accessory Kit - High-Capacity Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery and Battery Charger ( Mains Leads&Car ) for / fits digital camera/camcorder model SAMSUNG SC D35 VP DC171W VPDC171W

Compatible Accessory Kit - High-Capacity Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery and Battery Charger ( Mains Leads&Car ) for / fits digital camera/camcorder model SAMSUNG SC D35 VP DC171W VPDC171W

Premium quality rechargeable replacement battery pack and battery charger kit compatible ... more

with the model(s) stated. The battery can be
recharged with the original battery charger/main
adapter or LLpower77 battery charger.


Postage & Packaging:  free Super Saver Delivery
Availability:  Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
 Visit Shop  >
amazon electronics




Are you the manufacturer / provider of Samsung VP DC171W? Click here