Review: Vivitar DVR410 Cheapest Camcorder? 4.1.2010

Digital video cameras are getting smaller, and so is the price. Today, we are checking out a very basic camcorder that is small in size, flash based, and dirt cheap in price. With the popularity of YouTube and video on the internet, this $30 camcorder might be worth a look particularly for starters or teens.

Vivitar is a name brand familiar to those in electronics with a long history of some pretty decent products. We are reviewing the DVR 410 personal camcorder which is standard definition. Most low end camcorders have issues with lighting and this model is no exception. However, for this low end fixed focus model, it is important to keep two things in mind. First, try to use it where there is really good lighting like outside during a sunny day in the summer. Second, try to keep the camera as still as possible and avoid any zooming as this will reduce the resolution and stability of your image during playback. If you can manage those two tips, you probably won't have many issues with this camcorder.

Great for Starters
The 410 is great for starters who want to get use to taking video, recording it to a flash card, and then moving it to your PC for editing. For the price, it does offer half way decent video, although it can be grainy at times depending on several factors like lighting and focus. Although this boxed retail model comes with software, we recommend that you simply use the flash card to drag and drop the files directly to your computer hard drive. Most laptops and netbooks already have card readers that will accept the SD card this camera uses.

Bottom Line
This is bottom line, so there are very little options as far as extras go. There is no microphone input. Its main resolution (and maximum) is 640x480 pixels for video and 1280x1024. It has an anti-shake function for still images, white balance settings, and a 4x digital zoom only (fixed lens). Records to avi format for video and jpeg format for images. Screen size is 1.80" able to rotate 180 degrees. Colors available seem to be limited to purple (grape). Powered by 3x AAA batteries inserted into the front cover of the camera, it saves you the trouble of recharging. Uses external SD memory card up to 8gb. Audio is a little weak and there seems to be a slight delay on the video screen during preview using the built in color screen. Built in USB 2.0 for connecting to PC port.

This is a very simple camera probably for starters that takes somewhat decent video (in good lighting) for every day events. You probably would not use this camcorder to record a wedding or special event though as it lacks high definition abilities and higher quality audio. If you're just looking for something around $30 dollars to upload video to YouTube or just playing around, this is probably worth the small cost. Overall, it gets a medium rating for the price alone. Audio and video could be better, but the price is about as good as it gets. The model in this review was purchased at Kmart for $29.95 + tax.


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