With the VP-D371, Samsung offers a mini-DV entry level camcorder with a few rare advantages: 36 mm wide angle, 34x optical zoom, digital image stabilization. Is image quality up to par with this technological arsenal?

Ergonomics

The VP-D371 is an entry level camcorder that looks like a quality product with not too much plastic. Ergonomics are classic and well thought out. It has an Easy button, which allows you to concentrate on the action. There is also a manual mode, but as is often the case, it’s not too easy to use. The 2.5'' LCD is fluid, but lacks a little definition and more importantly, it’s not in 16/9 format when the camcorder does offer this function. The 34x optical zoom looks really good on paper, but in practice is difficult to use.  Here, electronic stabilization quickly shows its limits. It needs additional pixels and with a 800 000 pixel sensor this doesn‘t leave much extra room. In fact, the stabilized mode limits the camera to 4/3 mode (goodbye 16/9). One good point is the VP-D371’s 35 mm wide angle zoom, which is very practical and not too common.

Image quality

Normally, mini-DV camcorders offer nice image quality thanks to low DV compression. Unfortunately, video image quality isn’t solely based on this criteria and our first tests weren’t too convincing. With tungsten lighting, the image leans towards red and precision leaves something to be desired. In low lighting, the VP-D371 is almost inoperable and overall the image lacks contrast.