If you are shopping for a low- to mid-price digital camcorder, there are plenty of models available that represent a better value than the Samsung SC-D365. While this midrange model in Samsung's line of MiniDV camcorders has some features to recommend, the overall video quality is disappointing, even for a unit in this price bracket.

The SC-D365 offers widescreen recording framed with a 2-7/10-inch widescreen LCD. The 1/6-inch, 680,000-pixel CCD is standard for an entry-level digital camcorder, and the powerful 33X optical zoom capability is augmented by a preposterously large 1,200X digital zoom. At anything near the outer limits of the digital zoom, images are unusable. The digital image stabilization system is marginally effective, helping to minimize some unwanted shakes during handheld shooting. Unfortunately, video quality is poor, even in ideal lighting conditions. Images appear grainy with a visible lack of sharpness, and colors tend to be washed out.

This MiniDV camcorder offers plenty of flexibility when it comes to shooting digital stills. The unit's four-in-one memory card slot can handle SD, MMC, Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro media. The SC-D365 also sports PictBridge technology, which enables you to connect the camcorder directly to any compatible printer via USB cable. This makes it convenient for quickly printing your favorite stills, although the quality of the stills captured by the SC-D365 mean you'll want to limit the print size to 4X6 inches.

The SC-D365 handles comfortably, although the construction feels somewhat flimsy. In addition to several program AE modes and an Easy Q button for point-and-shoot usability, the SC-D365 offers manual control for focus, shutter speed, exposure and white balance, and all are surprisingly easy to access. Unfortunately, these good points don't detract from the primary fault of this digital camcorder: the video quality of the Samsung SC-D365 is poor compared to similarly priced models.

Pros: Four-in-one memory card slot, good manual controls for a budget unit
Cons: Poor video and stills, low-quality construction, digital zoom useless at high levels

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts