As a Mac user who favors still photography, I do like to take bits of video here and there, and this fits the bill perfectly. Have only taken video indoors so far and I've found the video quality to be perfectly adequate (no faces hidden in the shadows). Sound is fine, too. The software included functions fine on my Mac (although I think you have to have the camera plugged in to see video you've stored on your computer). Have also imported the AVI files into iMovie easily.

If you're still thinking about getting a video camera for home movies or amateur filmmaking, and are still confused about the various formats, and concerned about the cost, here's a simple solution. It's simple to use, rugged, and so cheap that it's almost (but not quite) disposable. It even loads its software for you on your home computer. Shoot some scenes, plug it in to the computer, and a few minutes later you're editing and overdubbing.
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br /This little camera may not have the highest resolution around, but for viewing on the average computer display- or even a moderate-sized TV- it's perfectly satisfactory. For web-based movies, it's more than good enough. And it's small enough and cheap enough to take with you everywhere.
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br /I bought mine at Costco (at a significant discount) on impulse, and since then I've never been without it. It travels in my short pocket, on my bicycle handlebar bag, in a pocket in a larger camera bag, even in the case I keep my iPpod in. And when you do have it with you at all times, it's surprising how often you find yourself reaching for it.
br /
br /A half-hour doesn't seem like a lot, but if you were raised on 3-minute rolls of 8mm film, well, it's 10 rolls of film- more than enough for a vacation trip. And if you have your laptop nearby, you can download the contents, and start fresh again.
br /
br /Best of all, at the price you can hand these out to film-minded kids for their own projects without worrying about them damaging the family's expensive video camera. A friend bought one for her 10 year old daughter after seeing how much fun she had playing with mine. And given the ruggedness and low cost, I didn't mind letting a child play with it, either.
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br /As others have noted, the flip-out USB connector is clever but ungainly. It works well with laptops, but is difficult to insert in some desktop front panels, and puts too much load on USB connectors in some positions. The solution is simple, of course- get a USB extension cable.
br /
br /In summary, a handy and fun toy at a very reasonable price.

I bought the flip to replace my Vivitar digital camera and my JVC VHS-C camcoder. The flip's picture quality is great, better than the VHS-C and better than the Vivitar. It also has better focus. I can take a picture 1 foot away and its still not blurry. The light sensitivity is fantastic. You can take video in a dark room and it comes out fine. With my Vivitar camera, I would always have to do post processing on the image to lighten it up.
br / On the down side is zoom, its not worth much but then again I would not expect a camera of this size and price to have a zoom that competes with the JVC full size camera.
br / Its so easy to operate and download videos that I use it alot more. With my other cameras it was always a matter of asking myself if I wanted the hassle for a picture of the moment or not - or the moment passed before I could get ready. I paid $99.00 for this at BestBuy.
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I bought this on a lark, it just seemed like such fun and though I bought it back in Dec, I finally really used it today at a wedding, and I was shocked! It took great video inside the church where my (low end) digital camera could not. I wasn't sure how the video would actually turn out, but it was GREAT considering by the time things were done I paid $[...] for it. The built in software is wonderful (though i wish I could download it to the computer) and I made a "movie mix" of the wedding with the camcorders software and how fun is that! Shoot, for the $[...] if all I got was the wedding video it was worth it. I really couldn't believe how clear the video was with this little "toy!" I don't understand any negative reviews, it's cheap, it's fun and it does a heck of a lot for [...] bucks. Pure Digital Inc. has a $[...] rebate on their website. Buy it, use it, have fun!

I had my doubts when I first ordered this product, and I actually waited for the 60 minute version instead of the 30 minute one tht was available previously. I have to agree with the other reviewers that this product is really easy to use. I have no complaints whatsoever. I use a Mac Computer and the files were easy to import and convert into DVD format . I use this camcorder primarily for work where I facilitate a challenge course and I have my co-facilitator record the activities. Afterwards I convert the captured files into a dvd and give them out to the kids who participate so they can share with their parents and friends. THis camcorder is really amazing for the combination of price and ease of use

I test RCA and Flip, although they are very similar, pure digital PSV-351 is the BEST, easy to use, record and download, colors perfect, sound very good (not RCA)price OK, I recommend it to everybody from kids to seniors.

I owned one of the previous models that was originally sold through
br /Wallgreens as a returnable "one-time use" video camera.
br /The theory was that you didn't actually "own" the camera.
br /You would pay $30 for it; shoot some videos;
br /then return it to the store and get a DVD of your videos.
br /But of course, people figured out how to hack the camera
br /to add a USB cable and download the videos, so you didn't need
br /to return the camera to get the videos.
br /
br /So this new PSV-351 looks like the "legit" model that Pure Digital
br /came out with to satisfy the demand of all the people buying the
br /older models and never returning them. Smart move! Instead of complaining,
br /give pople what they want. If you can't beat 'em join 'em.
br /Even at three times the price of what I paid for my hacked version
br /I would easily buy another legit one.
br /
br /I loved my hacked PSV. I kept telling people that "Pure Digital
br /should sell these!" It's a very simple camera. It doesn't try
br /to pretend to be more than it is. It has very few features.
br /But what it does do it does well. You push the big red button and it records good quality video (quality is impressive for the price).
br /I'm a big fan of simple products that work well -- like a Nintendo or an iPod.
br /This camera looks a bit like a toy, but it's durable.
br /This would actually make a good toy for a kid or an adult.
br /The ergonomics are nice. It's comfortable to hold.
br /The quality of construction is very good.
br /I like the fact that it runs on two ordinary AA batteries, so
br /you don't need a charger.
br /
br /I would buy another one of these -- or maybe even a few of them.
br /Buy a bunch of them and pass them out at a wedding.
br /Duct tape one to your motorcycle helmet. Tie one to a kite.

This camera is perfect for me. I can take as litle as a one second videos to a whole hour of fun and then view them on my TV or better yet, load the video(s) into my computer, e-mail them to everyone I know, or make a dvd to share. The play, delete, and record buttons are easy to use and editing can be done on your computer. It's small size fits into a pocket or purse for easy access. And the price is right. Of course it's only power source is batteries, and that may be a drawback for people. I orignally purchased the 30 minute Pure Digital Point-and-Shoot video camera about a year ago, and when the 60 minute one came along, I scooped it up. Love these cameras!

This camera is great in many respects. I bought it for my kids to use and it is small and easy to operate. Downloading through the USB is easy but involves reaching around the back of the computer since my USB splitter doesn't work with this device.
My only problem is that the software didn't install. I can still retrieve the .avi files and view them through WinAmp so it is not the end of the world but I sent an email to Pure Digital and never got a reply back. Since this product is aimed at people who aren't necessarily knowledgeable about how to download viewing software and work with video files I thought this was not very satisfactory.

Because of its shirt-pocket size, this digital camcorder is easy to bring along on family outings and such. I originally bought it because I plan on attending my sister's graduation and didn't want to bring on the plane both my very large semi-pro Canon digital camcorder and my digital still camera with all its lenses. I took the Pure Digital on a business trip by plane just to check it out and it was great fun. Simple to operate, and the results were surprisingly sharp. The only two drawbacks: 1) like any small device, could be easy to drop it, and 2) it seemed like the batteries were getting kind of low, and boot-up time was getting longer and longer, after about 40 or so minutes of recording. I recorded about 55 minutes, and it was still working. but, if you need to be quick about capturing precious/important moments, might want to carry a spare set of batteries

This little camera does everything it claims to do. It uses regular AAA batteries, and produces a nice picture. I don't know anything about higher end products so I am not comparing this camera with others. It reproduces exactly what I viewed and the quality is fine. The one thing that it doesn't do, or I don't know how to do, is in relation to Power Point. When I try to insert a video into a slide it goes in as a picture and does not "move". The video does not play. Otherwise I would recommend this little camcorder whole heartedly.

My daughter was very pleased after receiving the Pure Digital PSV-351 Camcorder for her birthday. We were very pleased with the results. She and her cousins have made music videos and done plays and we can watch their creations on the TV or the computer very easily. I was surprised by the picture and sound quality. Very impressive for such a small, inexpensive camcorder. The only downside is that it really doesn't "zoom" very well. But, I can't complain too much given the price, and my daughter hasn't complained about any of the features...which is what matters the most.

This little camcorder is the best deal around. It is quick, compact and convenient too use for capturing priceless memories. And the picture quality rivals camera's costing four or five times as much. It even shoots well in low lighting. Just be sure to get a DVD burner(they have the at wallmart for around sevnety dollars), and rechargeable AA bateries(around thiry dollars). You might need to upgrade memory to 512MB on older computers for burnig DVD's
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We love this camcorder! We bought it because our other bulky, digital video that uses tapes, which we would have to copy onto VHS/DVD, stopped working. We didn't want to spend a lot of money. We loved the idea that it was easier to carry in my purse and you could download it straight to the computer or burn it (which is very simple to do, and you do not have to download any software.) I have to admit I was a little reluctant that the quality of the picture would be less than great, and only 60 minutes concerned me, but the pictures is great and I haven't ran out of time yet. We have used this indoors, outdoors and have no problems. We have recorded our son's basketball games and it worked great. We read where the batteries didn't last very long, but we have been using rechargeable batteries and have been impressed with lifetime they have. This is a must for those who have children or grandchildren.

I have the latest and greatest digital camcorders and cameras but they all require charge time. Waiting for scheduled or planned moments to be captured is fine, but what about those unplaned moments. I have four poodles and two cats. Many times my husband and I have wished that the camera or camcorder were available to capture a special moment as it was occuring. Through lots of research over the last month, I found this camcorder.
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br /It's easy to use, just hit the on button and the big red button in the center, and you're recording that moment you so desperately wanted to capture. Because it runs on 2 AA batteries (included and pre-loaded for convenience) you can start capturing those moments the second you get it out of the package. It's so easy to operate that my non-electronic minded husband was able to understand and use it in seconds.
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br /Only a few minor drawbacks-the on/off button is small and hard to hit for people with large clumsy fingers, the zoom isn't so great, you are the shake control, and if you speak loudly while recording-your voice will be clearly be heard.
br /
br /But! these drawbacks are nothing. This camcorder fills the bill for everything we wanted and will be used more than any other digital device will own.
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br /It's always ready to go, easy to use, and the power source is readily available making down time nill. We love it. With it we were able to capture a moment that could never be seen again - the interaction of our animals the first time they were introduced to their new little brother!
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br /This is a must have for all pet owners, new parents or grandparents. Don't miss those precious moments again.
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br /It comes pre-loaded with its own software so you can easily downlownd it to your computer and it comes with a/v tv cables for instantous viewing.
br /
br /Truely a must have!

I want to add my support to the many reviews already praising this gadget. It's a video camera that is meant for online, rather than TV monitor, viewing. I did try it out using the television, and it was not great, but on the computer it's just fine. In conjunction with Windows Movie Maker, I've been able to put together some nice little movies. The batteries that came with it were just about DOA, but I've recorded about 90 minutes with the new ones I put in, and they haven't died yet. So I have no complaints on that score. I've downloaded videos onto several Windows computers, with no problems at all. I agree with those who've said that a USB extension cord is useful, but it can generally be done without one--but you'll want to hold it in place as you transfer the clips, so as not to damage the connector or the port. But since this transfer process only takes a minute or so, it's no big deal.
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br /The main thing is the combination of simplicity, portability, and inexpensiveness, all of which make it more likely that you'll have this camera with you when there's something to record. And that's what it's all about.

This is wonderful. I can take mini-movies of my grandchildren and my cats, and load then onto my Palm to show off or just to enjoy when I feel homesick. It fits in the palm,and is easy to learn and use. I devised a lens cover with adhesive Velcro sheets cut to size, an easy cheap and convenient solution. I will take it to Japan this summer to record special moments as a back-up to my SLR with zoom. A full-size cam-corder in addition would be way too much, but there are always those times when a movie says a lot more than a still picture. I'm ready!

You have to see the quality to believe it. And when played back on your television, the image is as good as any camcorder I've seen for under $700. Absolutely great!

It's easy to use but I wasn't aware that it wouldn't run on WinME until I tried. Also haven't been able to run the videos on any TV I have. I have taken the camera to CVS Pharmacy, the only place that burns them to DVD and they don't know how to do it without help from me. The cost is $12.99 plus tax for one video. Also the video doesn't match the audio. Compact size, ease of use and clear pictures are the positives.

The camera is extremely easy to use. Uploading (AVI) video is simple. The camera takes a good picture for the price. Zoom is short and clicking noise from the zooming is audible when you record. Would be great if you are creating YouTube type vidoes or short interviews, not for recording cherished family home videos.

Point, action and shot! Easy to download and save. However, it does not allow easy editing - that you got to get a sophisticated editor's program. For a low cost camera, the images are pretty clear and the sound quality is o.k.

The camera works fine and I record performances of the various bands I play with. The sound is ok (just remember to keep your fingers away from the mike), and it records fairly well in most nightclub situations, but if it's dark, the video will be dark as well. The USB connection is a great thing, but remember that it needs to be disconnected via the software before you jerk the camera away from the computer. I damaged the hard drive with my very first use, and now I can only record 16min. of video before I'm full. It was MY fault.

My pre-teen and teenage kids wanted to shoot videos. I did not want them to use my expensive Canon camcorder or any standard tape-based or DVD-based camcorder because I knew these camcorders would not hold up to the rigors of my kids. These camcorders have no moving parts (other than the buttons). Even the zoom is electronic so the lens does not move. This fact makes these camcorders a cheap solution for a simple-enough-for-kids, and rugged little camcorder they can use to do their video creating. Just remember these camcorders have no image stabilization so the videos will have more jiggling than usual, and their low light capability is rather poor. These camcorders are mostly useful for close up situations.

I have had this camera for about 6 months now, and have never had any trouble with it. It is small enough to carry in your purse or pocket, and the video quality is better than I expected for the low-priced camera that it is. The software works fine with WindowsXP, but it is NOT COMPATIBLE WITH VISTA! And there will not be any upgrade available to enable it to work with Vista, per customer support. So, let the buyer beware! It is possible to upload videos to a Vista computer, but it is a little tricky. And it makes Windows Media Player crash...

Here's a gadget that is convenient to carry in the pocket or mount on the dashboard. Extremely easy to use. Very few of those mysterious choices to make--just point and shoot. It takes adequate pictures and sound, despite a recent New York Times review that I felt was unduly lukewarm. The movies look really good on our bigscreen TV.
br /I wish I had the 60-minute version instead of the 30-min.

I brought this with me to visit family in state of Wa.Everyone loved it. It was a lot of fun and easy to do. I learned more from reading the reviews then the instructions. For instance, when I saved my videos I didn't know where to find them. Via the reviews found out they were in My documents under my albums. My son-in-law showed me how to save them on cds. quite a value!!

I was tired of trying to keep up with the tapes, charging, carrying, etc. of my old (2001) video camera. Whenever we wanted to use our old video camera, it was such a hassle and it was heavy!
br /
br /A friend showed me her PSV-352 and I was instantly hooked. It is soooooooo easy and tiny that I just throw it in my purse or backpack for the kids and we're off. We keep it in a basket on the counter so it's accessible at a moment's notice. Downloading the 60 minutes of video onto a CD is easy because the software is on the camera itself and it automatically loads. The video quality is amazing, plus, it runs on 2 AA batteries so no charging!!!! It's been great to tape the kids singing Happy Birthday to Grandma and Grandpa and send it to them via an email birthday card. You just scroll through each video to view and the kids love seeing themselves instantly and are more eager to "perform." As a busy working mother of two, this has been a joy to use and I highly recommend it. :)

The Point Shoot records a decent image. It is amazingly simple to shoot and download video clips. I use our camera with my students - to create Moviemaker movies -- we can use any laptop/desktop -- since you just plug in the camcorder via USB to any machine. We don't have to use a specific computer, loaded with specific software. What a relief!! As this product is developed -- since its only 2Xoptical -- maybe this aspect will be improved.
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br /The Point Shoot performs as promised! Would be great for everyone - kids, grandparents, parents-on-the-go at sports events, recitals, graduations, etc.

...is that it's cheapness, tiny size, very reasonable battery usage, and ease of compatibility with my MAC G4 have all taken the pressure of of "getting my money's worth" out of this incredible device. Didn't break it out today? Who cares? At this price I don't have to feel guilty about using it non-stop, and I LOVE that. The ironic thing is it makes me use it all the more (especially as it's small enough that I've always got it). I captured some crazy footage of the fire in Burbank a couple days ago, a mad cop weaving across several lanes of highway traffic, and all sorts of other goodies. I'm almost in disbelief that I didn't have this capability before. The digitizing onto iMovies takes a bit of time as you might expect, but saving footage onto the included software just takes a minute, so you don't need to worry about carrying around a bunch of footage at all times. Sure the zoom is weak and the footage is not the best resolution, but who on earth would get this camera for that reason anyway? Want a dependable, self-contained device that won't make you weep like a collicky baby if it is lost or damaged? I recommend this one.

This digital video cam is easy to use and take nice video for a small cam. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked in low lighting. The video is brighter then what I expect from low light situations although a little on the noisy side. But I will take a little noisy over being too dark any day. It is easy to upload the video to my Mac. I had no problems making iMovies from the video. This little easy to carry and use video camera was money well spent. Thanks Pure Digital for a produce that works as you advertised.

I've been looking for something like this to fill two needs, one professional, the other personal.
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br /Professionally, I've been looking for a video camera that could be used to capture a short clip of 3-5 minutes of student teaching to include in an electronic portfolio. Since I teach the technology course, all of the tranferring, editing, etc. would fall to me without a solution like the one offered by the Point-and-Shoot. With the built-in USB port and software, students can process their vidoes themsleves. I think the videographer will have to get fairly close for the audio but the picture is certainly sharp enough for the web. Great solution for us!
br /
br /Personally, I wanted something light and small to capture those unexpected funny and cute things that our grandchildren do, especially when all 7 of them are bouncing off of each other. This camera does the trick.

This camera worked a few times on two different Windows XP computers then stopped working. The computers would recognize the camera when attached to the usb port but then only error messages from the camera would follow. Computer also froze once when connected. The camera's website troubleshooting page led to the evaluation that the problem was with the camera's usb arm. This would have been a nice little camera at a good price if not for this big problem.

The camera seems to work as advertised. For the price, the picture quality is excellent. Autofocus and brightness auto-adjustment does an excellent job. The only problem I had with it was that the program that it had installed on its internal memory which was supposed to let me view my videos on a computer contained a virus and the Puredigital technologies website (not to be confused with a similar one for PureDigital of the UK which seems to apply only to small radios) was pretty useless in getting me a replacement for that program. There is no mention of the PSV-351 anywhere on their website that I could find. I still haven't located a replacement and the 888 tech support number only works from US locations.

I would give this a 5 star had I not had a problem initially. At first I tested it before giving it to my girlfriends 9 yr. old son. I did a 7 minute video and later noticed that when deleting, it only showed 23 rather than the 30 minutes as it should have.
br /I had great customer service though. Pure Video offered to send me a new unit overnight at no cost. Before it got here I was sent instruction on how to clear the memory which worked perfectly. I therefore did not accept the new recorder which arrived the next day.
br /There have been no additional problems in the month it has been in use since.

I bought the point and shoot video cam to capture some family moments and possibly do some funky stuff on youtube. So far we've used it as a family and it's great. Really simple. I haven't tied to load anything onto the internet with it yet but I'd be surprised if it's a problem. I'm going to film some uk property (as I'm an estate agent). To catch the footage go to [...]

First off, this camera is simple to use, and is a very convenient size (about the size of a fat ipod). The video quality is pretty decent, i use it to upload to youtube and myspace videos. I would recommend it for just that, if you're looking to uploading videos to the internet. Videos can be saved really easily (and the usb port being directly on the unit is so handy) and can be edited/spliced with microsoft movie maker. (using this program also cuts the MB size considerably!)
br /
br /My only complaint is the so-called 30 minute recording capability. I had a 3 minute video on my card and it said i only had 21 minutes left of recording. After i filled the card i noticed i did not have a full 30 minutes, maybe 18-20.
br /
br /Oh, and the audio is a bit on the funky side, mainly because it tends to give a lisp to any 'ch' and 's' sounds. Look this camera up on youtube to see examples!

This product met my expectations, and then some. My daughter loved it's small size, easy use, and quick download capabilities. It has sufficient internal memory for lots of video, and the picture quality is great. If you're looking for a great zoom, this is not the camcorder, but for fun video, indoors and out, it's a great buy.

I purchased this item for my son on his 11th birthday. He and his friends are always running around making "commercials" or skits. This is very easy to use and portable. We take it with us on vacations, it's light and there is no need for cables, tapes, or discs! The only "negative" is the record time. Thirty minutes is not always long enough, and if you don't have your computer around, you're stuck either deleting clips or not recording anything new. Also, you need to replace the batteries. It would be nice if it were rechargable.

I bought this to record 1-hour presentations simply, that could also be easily downloaded to my computer. It is very simple to use, what you see is what you get. I love it, no extra buttons, everything's right up there, simple to figure out, intuitive, easy to use, and EXCEPTIONAL BUY!
br /This is made in a 30-minute version, but I got the 60-minute camera for a 1-hour presentation. I love the tiny purse size too, and the USB that folds out--no separate attachment or cord we have to have.
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br /Excellent value and product. One of the easiest electronic items I've ever used. Thank you!

This recorder with 1 gig memory has great volume and uses battery sparingly. The integrated USB is very handy. The software pops up upon insertion of the USB, and the ability to share videos with the partinered website is very convenient.
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I bought this pointshoot cam not expecting much but WOW i was one surprised buyer. It performed well and sending images to friends is a snap - i like this little camcorder anyway who shoots movies longer than 30 minutes at a time - it is a 5 star item -

Fantasticly designed camera. Incredibly easy to use even for the novice. Small enough to carry along with me everywhere I go and family members are loving it, since I can now send them video clips of my kids so easily. Also, I LOVE not having to download even more software for another product. The software is built into the device and I have used it without any trouble on various friends computers already. Just pop out the USB arm and you're done. I wish other device developers would take note, it's a fantastic feature. Truly a mobile camera.
br /
br /If I had to add anything to it, I would love to see them make one of these with the ability to take point and shoot pictures on it as well.
br /
br /This was a great all around buy and well worth the money.

Good cool video camera despite the batteries run out quickly. I am enjoying very much. It if fun to shoot with and make you tube videos.

I purchased this item (I think it was one of the first - model 225) many months ago when I saw it on sale at a local discount store. It really fit all my expectations! 1)Something about the size of a cell phone to carry in my purse, 2)instantly able to record memorable moments, 3)easy to use, and 4)easy to save files to my computer and share over email and the web. Within 10 minutes after I opened the box, I had recorded a video and shared it via email without having to read any instructions! I consider myself somewhat technology savvy, but I always dread a new piece of electronic equipment due to trying to learn about all the little bells and whistles. The Flip has simple buttons and functions that don't require lugging around an instructional manual. I read one review that said the USB connection wouldn't fit any USB port on any computer and that it was necessary to buy a cable extension. In contrast, I found that it works on my desktop tower with front USB ports. The weight of the camera sometimes pulls it down slightly, causing the connection to fail, but if I'm careful, it works just fine. I do intend however to get a cable in the future so that I don't have to baby it. The only other thing that I consider a drawback is the lack of a memory card slot. But all in all, I love the camera...it's a keeper!

The first time that I used this camcorder, I could not believe how easy it was to use. I first used my brother's and decided right then that I had to have one to take on my Hawaiian cruise in mid-September 2007.

Awesome camera, no fuss, easy to use and the DVD's I've gotten back are very good quality. I'm very happy with this purchase. I love that it's so small too...truly is a go anywhere size.

I saw this little camera on Martha Stewart and could not believe what its capabilities were, so I ordered one for myself. It did everything she said and more! We took it on a summer trip and used it everywhere. We sent movies to friends and family and have enjoyed seeing them again, now that we are home. I am planning on giving one to my granddaughter for Christmas--she showed me how to use it!!

Do not let the price or simplicity fool you. This product is awesome. Videos and sound are crisp and clear. Same quality with less fluff as more expensive video camcorders. You will find they make excellent presents.

All that needs to be said is, pure simplicity brilliant product.
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br /Honestly since this product is so cheap I thought it would only last a couple of months.
br /
br /I personally have had mine for almost two years I purchased a bunch more as gifts....
br /
br /Everyone I purchased tis for loves it..
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br /Highly recommend.
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Pure Digital PSV-351 30 Minute Point-and-Shoot Camcorder
br /
br /This is a great stow and go camcorder. I bought this for my husband when we went to Europe. Point and Shoot video and then upload it into the computer and save it or create a video. This camera would be a great graduation gift for any aspiring photographer or for someone learning about video.

I just got this exact product for $13 from BIG LOTS. It's well worth the money. I may buy a couple more. It's tiring to haul out my DVX100 + tape + battery pack whenever I need a quick vdeo reference or moving texture for animation. This tiny camera, with acceptable video quality, is perfect for that. Low light performance is much better than I expected. I don't have to worry about dropping it or losing it - [...]! File transfer is quick and easy via USB. The video files are 640 X 480 XVID AVIs. I convert them into MPEG2 files with SUPER (a free program, from:[...] for loading into other video programs for rotoscoping and etc.
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br /This is not a videophile product, though. Its low price (did I mention it cost [...]) has much to do with my positive impression. The video is solid, great for reference, but not pretty. There are obvious compression artifacts. The digital zoom is very pixellated. Sound is bad with lots of hiss. It sucks AA batteries dry in a hurry, so use rechargeables. If you want good-looking home movies, spend at least a couple hundred bucks for a better camera. If you want a throwaway video toy to keep handy in case a UFO crashes while you're out jogging, this camera is perfect.

Like others mentioned, this is a really easy to use device. No manual, no software CD. Open the box and you know how to use it right there. The quality is OK. I was watching it on TV and computer, It is like the Hi8 kind of quality. On computer, can't use the whole screen. It didn't look good. (BTW, I only got yesterday, so only shot in a lower light condition)
br /Downloading to PC can take a while. 5 mins video is about 100MB. To me, probably makes more sense using video funtion in a digital camera. At leasat, you can take both still picture and video chip.
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Love the camcorder, but with a warning. It has been hard to find downloading to DVD support in the stores the company lists as of yet -- especially in more rural areas. Not all stores I tried even knew about the camcorder yet, and this was at Christmastime 2006. I had to go to at least three Rite Aids and three Longs Drugs to find somewhere to download my content. And at locations that did do the downloads, many of the employees had not been properly trained.

Having been a Canuck for more than a half a century, I'm pretty used to having troubles ordering anything from the US. Today, when I learned about this neat little camcorder, I immediately came here to Amazon, and tried to buy same. Been a member here for more than 5 years and NEVER had troubles before -- but this item it seems can NOT be shipped to Canada.
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br /Huh?
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br /Boy was I pissed. So I immediately went to Ebay, found it for $30 US cheaper and ordered it, paid for it using PayPal and am told I should expect it next week.
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br /THAT's online customer service!
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br /Shame on you Amazon - us canucks are worth selling to...
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br /Jim

The easiest video recorder I've ever seen. However, I would certainly like to know how I can burn my own dvd's with the clips!