The SC-D963 may not be as budget-friendly as other Samsung MiniDV units, but the improved optical suite makes for a more rewarding home video experience. The SC-D963 also has 32MB of internal memory for storing digital stills and MPEG4 video clips, which is a rare feature in MiniDV camcorders.

The top-end unit in Samsung's MiniDV line, the SC-D963's chassis is similar to the lower-end models, which is both good and bad. While light and comfortable to handle, the unit's construction quality is questionable at best. The 26X optical zoom and 2-1/2-inch LCD monitor are both smaller than on the cheaper SC-D365, but the SC-D963's superior optics more than make up for the difference. The 1.1-megapixel CCD captures improved video images, displaying good sharpness and accurate colors. The SC-D963 also has a widescreen mode, and all recording is supported by digital image stabilization.

The audio performance is also much improved, and although some ambient noise can be picked up by the built-in microphone, the SC-D963's Wind Cut Plus feature effectively cleans up the audio. In addition to the 32MB of internal memory, the SC-D963 has an SD/MMC card slot for the easy transfer and storage of stills and video clips. The inclusion of PictBridge technology means this digital camcorder can be directly connected to a compatible printer using a USB 2.0 connection. The maximum stills resolution of 1,152X864 is ideal for small prints, and the SC-D963 includes a flash.

One disappointing aspect of the SC-D963 is its short battery life. Samsung rates the included lithium-ion battery at about 80 minutes per charge, but it consistently underperformed for us, so we recommend you carry a replacement battery with you. Like the other models in the Samsung MiniDV line, the SC-D963 offers a selection of program AE (automatic exposure) modes, as well as an Easy Q button for point-and-shoot simplicity. The DV camcorder also offers manual control of focus, shutter speed, exposure and white balance.

Overall, the SC-D963 performs much better than the other Samsung MiniDV camcorders. While there are some shortcomings, the respectable video and audio quality and internal memory make the Samsung SC-D963 a camcorder to consider.

Pros:  32MB of built-in memory, good audio quality
Cons:  Flimsy construction, short battery life

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts