Samsung SC-X300L Flash Memory Divx Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom and Wired External Camera

Yes, there are multiple versions of this camera out there. This seems to be a huge problem. The one I purchased does not take stills, does not have the built in LED flash, or the 2gb on board flash memory as described on the web site I purchased it from. This is false advertisement. Buyer beware. As far as how the camcorder operates, read the other threads. I only gave it one star because of false advertisement.

PROS: The camera is awesome for video. High resolution excellent quality and the "anti-shake" feature is the best I have seen. If you want VIDEO ONLY this is an excellent choice.

CONS:
1. NO internal memory was built into the unit that I bought. As far as I am concerned that is false advertising.
2. It will function as an MP3 player, video recorder, voice recorder, and external hard drive, BUT IT WON'T TAKE STILL PHOTOS?!?! I simply do not understand the marketing decision behind that. It would have to be a simple software/firmware adjustment in order to make it function as a camera but the brain trust at Samsung felt it more marketable to include MP3 functionality or even better, voice recording? As if I am going to leave myself voice memo's with it? Now I have to carry a second device if I want photos and I am not going to drop my iPod in favor of using a video camera to listen to music.
3. Battery life is not that great.

In conclusion I would give this 5 stars if it handled still photos and came with the advertised 1GB internal memory.

UPDATE: You CAN in fact take still photographs with this camera. See Below for instructions.

Taking Still Pictures


* You have to set the mode switch to the MEMORY CARD position to use the camcorder as a Digital Still Camera.
* Audio cannot be recorded with a still image onto the Memory Card
* Images are compressed in JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format.
* The number of pixels are 640x480 unless you change the image quality (see below)

Inserting The Memory Card

1. Turn the Power switch to OFF.
2. Insert the Memory Card in the direction of the arrow into the Memory Card slot located on the bottom of the camcorder.

Recording images to a Memory Card

1. Set the mode switch to MEMORY CARD.
2. Set the power switch to CAMERA.
3. Press the PHOTO button.
The still image is recorded to the Memory Card.



Note: While the camcorder is recording the still image, appears on the screen.

Selecting Image Quality

* You can select the quality of a still image to be recorded.

1. Set the mode switch to MEMORY CARD.
2. Set the power switch to the CAMERA mode.
3. Press the MENU button. The menu list will appear.
4. Turn the MENU DIAL to highlight MEMORY.
5. Press the ENTER button to enter the sub-menu.
6. Turn the MENU DIAL to highlight PHOTO QUALITY in the submenu.
7. Press the ENTER button.
8. Using the MENU DIAL, select the image quality. Press the ENTER button to confirm the image quality.
If you exit the sub-menu without pressing the ENTER button, the quality mode is not changed.
9. To exit, press the MENU button.

If you think this little 350 dollar job is gonna give you the same image quality as the canon xl2, or that it will be your only way to capture all those precious family memories i would suggest you keep on looking...now that "those" people have moved on...... The SC-x300L is nothing more than a fun little toy. If you have owned a cell phone or video camera since Reagan you shouldn't have any problems with the function or navigation for simple operations. The video quality is ok --samsungs website has all the info you need- sub for tv but great for web or if your a whiz w/ final cut it should be fine. The physical construction of the camera seems cheap and weak and i was originally a little reluctant to man-handle this unit but after being attached to my motorcycle and surviving a 90mph low-side that did a grip of damage to my bike i've since changed my mind. ((i've also taken it on wet and muddy trails -motocross- and it survived a nice little impact with a rock and my hip)) Overall if you are looking for a good helmet camera this is your best bet for the sub 800 price.

The bad: sound quality (wind noise) on external camera. no native mac support (do a little google search and you'll find a nice individual that has written a little converter program that work like a charm)

Others are correct that is does not come with internal memory, but still the camera is great. Fits in your pocket, records almost two hours on a 4GB card, and the picture is very good quality. The external camera works great and with the remote on it allows you to put the camera in a safe place while doing action sports. I have used it to record several things on my bike with great success. I would definitely buy this again.

It's a cool, little, fun camera but the image quality isn't mind-blowing. It's perfect for action, sports, etc.
I wish they had launched the wireless version of this camcorder, the cable is a pain.