The Gateway DV-S20 Pocket Multi-Cam is an affordable way to capture great times with friends and family. The extremely versatile DV-S20 is a digital camcorder and camera - all in one compact, lightweight design. At just 4.3 oz. and 1.2" thick, it fits neatly into your pocket or purse - perfect for people on the go. Track all the action with the 1.5" LTPS flip-out and reversible color LCD. You won't miss a thing with the 320x240 MPEG4 QVGA video and 2.5x digital zoom. Plus, pictures stay crisp and clear with the 2 megapixel camera, internal flash and an image resolution of up to 1600x1200.The DV-S20 captures up to 18 minutes of video with or up to 700 still pictures directly into its 64MB internal memory. That means no tapes to buy - ever! For extra room, use the SD memory card slot for memory expansion - with a single 512MB SD card you can record more than two hours of video or up to 5600 still pictures. Sharing the fun is easy - just download video and images directly into your PC through the DV-S20's standard USB port. Then use the included Pinnacle software to edit and create home videos or short films. Or use the audio/video output for instant TV playback.
Not a full-fledged camcorder, and yet very much more than a toy, the Gateway DVS20 MPEG4 Pocket Multi-Cam is one of a new generation of "convergence" devices that take both still images and tapeless digital video. In a head-to-head contest with a full-featured tapeless camcorder--something from Panasonic D-Snap's line, for example--it may not come out all that well, but at this price range a more fair comparison would be with an entry-level digital still camera. Seen in this light, the DVS20 does very well indeed. In fact, I now find myself favoring my Gateway over my everyday digital camera, a low end Olympus.
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| The DVS20's compact body |
The first advantage it has over almost every still camera in its price range is the swiveling LCD that lets you take photos from awkward angles--you can shoot holding the camera over your head for example, by angling the LCD down, or capture stylish, cinematic low angles. And the shutter action is above average, with very little of the dreaded shutter delay effect of many digital cameras (you know, when you press the button and the picture gets taken sometime the following week).
So what about video? The DVS20 does okay, though it would be better to think of video as a bonus function rather than its main purpose. It performs middling to poor in low-light conditions, but in daylight it takes pretty clear, if somewhat herky-jerky footage. A memory card is a must if you want to do any significant amount of taping--the size of the internal memory is actually pretty generous at 64 MB, but this will hold a maximum of 18 minutes of video, and that's at the lowest resolution (a very grainy 320 x 240). It's worth noting that the mic performs much better I expected. I was able to tape a public event, getting very clear audio for both the PA and the ambient crowd noise.
One real downside is the rate at which this thing eats through batteries--one day of sporadic use was all that a pair of alkalines lasted me. Do not proceed without rechargeables! And while we're talking downsides, I should also mention that the flash tends to wash out facial features at distances under ten feet. Overall, though, you'd be hard put to find a better value in this price range. --David Stoesz
Pros
- Above-average performance for its price range
- Swivel-view LCD
- A/V and USB outputs
- SD card slot
- Very compact body--comparable to a pack of cigarettes.
Cons - Devours batteries like sweet, sweet candy
- Only so-so low light performance
- The flash tends to wash out details
1 Amazon's Review is Right on
A must buy if you want a 2-megapixel camera.
Amazon's review of this camera is very accurate.
I have had this camera for 4 months now, and it goes everywhere with me. I Just keep it in my jacket or backpack. I love it. For the cost, it has paid for itself in pure ease of use and convience, and the video, although mpeg-4, helps capture those moments hard to get with a single picture.
I found that using rechargable Ni-mh batteries last much longer per use than Alkalines, especially when using the flash. Outdoor picture are remarkably crisp, but indoor pictures in average or less light are a little less desireable.
The other plus, and deal sealer for me, was the 64mb internal memory. That is alot of pictures, 350+ at a more than decent medium quality, and 100+/- at high quality.
2 Absolute piece of garbage!
I got this camera last year for Christmas. At first, it worked great and took great pictures. I took it with me to Thailand and the pictures were fabulous. Unfortunately, as soon as I got back (a month after I was given the camera), the buttons started jamming and I had to send it back to Gateway. They sent me a brand-new one. However, the new one's pictures show up with lines and multi-colored streaks through all the pictures (they display normal the first time you take the picture, then it surprises you later with a bunch of ruined pictures). It's also useless for taking video, since it only takes about 20 minutes of poor-quality video, and don't bother using the flash, because it washes everything out. DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA!!!
3 Pocket Cam is cool
It's useful on trips the movies it makes are cool and if it were cheaper I would buy a million of them
4 You Get What You Pay For
I purchased a DV-S20 last week. Well, I have to agree with what the people who give this product one and two stars have to say. I really cannot add much more to what's been said about it, but I can confirm that it performs poorly in pretty much all aspects of operations. The one thing that I truly did not care for, is that the camera insists on taking pictures at 1/30 of a second, no matter how much light is available. I adjusted the ISO by bumping it up to 400, but to no avail. In some cases, the shutter operated at 1/6 of a second! With shutter speeds that slow, it's no wonder that most of the pictures were fuzzy. Once in a great while, I was able to get a good, clear picture. But that was only achieved by holding the camera perfectly still with two hands and leaning up against something solid. Unfortunarely, this method isn't very practical in the real world. I used up the batteries very quickly because I spent so much time deleting a lot of bad pics. The video I took of my normally graceful gray tabby made her look as if she was in an earthquake. It was very jerky.
5 Great Wow factor
This is a great little gadget for capturing spontaneous stuff. It is so small I take it everywhere and it's not obnoxious when you start shooting. You know how people freeze up or start "acting" whenever the camcorder starts recording. The DVS20 is less intimidating so you end up getting unbelievable bits.
Don't be confused, it is not a camcorder, but then it's a fraction of the price too.
6 DVS20
Great for Moblogs.
I want to make it clear that this is NOT a precision high tech video camera. The DV-S20 is a TOY that you can take anywhere and have fun with. That being said, on with the review...
I am a television video producer; I edit video for a living. I am always updating my "goings on" via my moblog and the DV-S20 Multi-Cam continues to be perfect for taking video of an event and quickly uploading the video onto the web. The small camera's appealing design (about the size of a deck of cards, only a little thicker) attracts attention whenever I use it. Even my peers in the "television world" take note. I carry it around with me everywhere I go because it is so small and at such a low price I am not afraid that something may happen to it.
The camera can be held and controlled with one hand. The A/V out is great for watching the photos and videos on TV or recording to VCR, if that is your type of thing. I would suggest getting an SD media card for heavy use. The stock 64mb memory has plenty of room for photos, but video will quickly eat up that space. Having separated "video record" and "photo" buttons makes it nice to take a mix of video and photos on the fly. Sound quality is about par with the average consumer camcorder.
I want to make it clear, the Multi-Cam is a toy. If you are looking to replace even the lowest end camcorder, you will be VERY unhappy with this product. Don't use it to document "Babies first steps" or "Julie's Second Wedding". The DV-S20 Multi-Cam is not made for these events... the price should clue you into that!
The DV-S20 Multi-Cam is made for Bloggers, Young people just getting interested in video production, and the "Gadget Freak" that loves to show off. I love my Multi-Cam, I use it everyday. It fits my mobile technology life and I recommend it.
PRO: Cheap price for a well made product, small package, attracts attention, fast and easy uploading to the computer, easy memory upgrade. Very easy to learn and operate. Quality consumer software included.
CONS: Lackluster video quality if used for TV viewing, .asf files do not agree with some computers and editing programs. No zoom in photo mode, 2.5x digital zoom in video mode.
7 Handy digital camera
OK, first off, I read the reviews here, and it seems people were mislead by Gateway calling this a 'camcorder' and are upset when it doesn't do as well as a real camcorder costing a lot more, all this is is a 2 MP digital camera (lower end at that) with video and audio.. I sell cameras as part of my job (I work for Staples) and am my store Digital Camera person, I see all of the ones we get in and test all of them, yes 'some' cameras that do video will do better job, but they also cost more, and yes they have optical zoom, but it either doesn't work in video, or can only be zoomed *before* the video is started, anyway, the Gateway DV-S20 isn't a camcorder replacement, what it is is a very handy, easy to carry, camera with an adjustable viewscreen, flash, and a much smoother vdeo mode than most of the other cameras on the market (most only do 15 fps, this does 22-25)with audio (most others have audio, but not all), I bought mine for use when I dont wanna carry my regular digital 8 camcorder, or places where a camcorder isn't allowed, since this is a digital camera it is usually allowed in, and then I get to have videos of the things I am watching, not perfect, but still, I have something *smiles*
there are some things I wish this had, a focusable lens for one, so it could get closer than the 1.2 meters it is rated for (there is a way around this, if you have close up lenses from another camera, you can hold them in front of the lens, and then you get closer focus). People complaining about Battery life, what brand batteries are you using? I have used Rechargeable NiMH, Duracell Ultra AA, and CRV3 batteries, and Everready Titainium, and Photo Lithium AA batteries, I have yet to get less than the rated ammount of time on any of them, you can't use cheaper batteries in this camera or it won't last the rated time. (Kodak CX and DX line of cameras have this problem also, which is why Kodak tells you NOT to use Alkaline AA batteries, only AA Lithium, NiMH, or CRV3 batteries).
anyway, as for the DV-S20, I am VERy happy with it overall, once you learn the limits of what it can do, it will do well, just don't expect miracles lol
8 Poor Quality Pictures, Blurry Video, Short battery Life
If your only other option is to flush your money down a toilet, then maybe buy this, otherwise, don't even bother. It is a terrible camera and a worse camcorder.
Here is a list of my complaints:
1) Unacceptable exposure AND color control. The exposure is close to correct only on a small percentage of pictures. If I were to carry this camera around, I would also have to Cary another camera, because it takes poor pictures.
2) Battery life is unacceptably short. 26 minutes for fresh alkaline batteries, not the 45 they advertise.
3) I do not believe the door over the battery/card slot would last over a month. It is very flimsy, and 'pops' into the wrong place from spring-load from the battery. Extreme care has to be used to close the thing. I would open the thing constantly, because I prefer transferring via the memory card, and I'm sure that door will not last.
4) Too much pressure is required for the video record button. This would not be an issue on a three-pound video camera, but this camera is so little, one cannot press the button without jerking the camera, and that messes up the video.
5) Everybody turns yellow when you use the flash.
6) The screw inset for tripod is too shallow. I cannot tighten the camera onto a standard tripod and make it tight because the screw cannot be turned into the camera far enough.
7) The only thing I do like about the camera is the Pinicle Video software, but I can't make it even see the camera, and downloaded video clips have to be changed to another format, and that's just too many steps for anything useful.
8) The low light warning is always on except in bright sunlight.
9) Costomer service is ridiculous. Here's an unedited clip written from GATEWAY Customer Service Department: "I am sorry that you had to go through all of this just to receive a product that you could not use. Therefore, there is nothing further that my supervisor can assist you further in this regard." --In other words, they don't even try to defend their product or to deny that it's a piece of crap, they are just sorry for me because I was unfortunate enough to be stuck with it!
9 The DV-S20
The Gateway Mini-DV series camcorder has been a great medium for taking quick photos. I have absolutely loved it for taking photos at parties or events where the lighting is decent, but otherwise... IT SUCKS (lol). I cannot take any type of videos at night or photos that do not have very bad blemishes alll over. The photo software that comes with it is probably the best thing about this Cam.... SORRY!.
10 Lousy
My digital still camera (a Toshiba MD700) takes better video. My daughter's toy video camera (the digital blue) takes better video. The quality on this is just utterly unacceptable. I don't know how much of that is the MPEG4, but I think part of it is the lens -- there's very noticeable distortion and light falloff around the edges. It's bad. I think Gateway tried too hard to pursue the pricepoint.
I'd love to have a product like this one, if it produced decent video.
11 No good...
This is a good idea, but the finished product is not ready for prime-time...
First on the video side of things, video quality is low resolution & low frame rate. You can only shoot videos in absolutely perfect lighting conditions. So forget shooting anything usable indoors, because it is not possible. There are some camera settings for light type & levels, but the difference when using these settings is undetectable. My digital camera takes much, much better video, so I know I'm not being too harsh on this camera.
As for the digital camera side of things, the camera is the worst I've seen. Again, perfect light is an absolute neccessity. All of the flash pictures that I've taken come out with terrible color. Even in the best light, pictures are low quality with poor color. Many of the flash pictures come out overexposed.
The speed of this camera is another real issue. It takes forever between pictures & videos. I find myself pushing on the button frequently with nothing happening. Forget about any action shots.
I bought this on special so it was inexpensive, but this camera is just frustrating. Watch out for Gateway's customer service, they won't take this paperweight back after 15 days, even if it was a gift.
Update: It's been two months and I still have not received the form to claim the $100 rebate (I've called 3-times). Once I get the form, they claim it will be another 6-8 weeks (Probably more). This is criminal!
12 Good Idea, Bad Product
Gateway calls the DV-S20 a "multi-cam". I think it is a brilliant idea to combine digital camcorder and camera into one unit -- that is, if Gateway could only deliver it. It turned out that the DV-S20 is not suitable for either role.
The biggest flaw -- and a fatal one -- with this DV-S20 is lack of picture quality. The video is recorded in MPEG4 at 320x240 resolution, similar to digital cameras with movie mode, albeit at a higher speed of 25 frame per second. Video is blur at best, even with the super-fine mode. The picture is nowhere near a regular camcorder quality, but also has severe color shifting problem. At super-fine mode, a 512MB secure digital card, which costs about $150, will only yield 40 minutes of video.
The quality of still image is the worst I have ever seen. Clarity was poor and the colors came out unnatural and weird all the time. About 1/3 of pictures were out of focus. When using the flash, the object was often washed out. My sonÁ?s HP 1MP digital camera takes much better pictures.
There are also weaknesses in design. Because of its boxy shape, it is hard to hold steady with only one hand while shooting video. To prevent blocking flash, sensor, and microphone in the front panel, you need to hold the unit at its lower half; however, that make using those control buttons (located at the upper half of the unit in the back) inconvenient. Beware of the 2.5X digital zoom, it only works for video, but not for still image. Worse, the image in the LCD depends on the zoom setting, so if you forget to set zoom back to 1X after shooting video, what you see is not what you get when taking still images. The time lag is about 1 second. It is hard to catch the moment you want. The power consumption is way too high. Using 2 AA alkaline batteries, I had to change batteries every 30 minutes. Rechargeable NiMH battery is a must.
To be fair, the DV-S20 does have some good points. Its size is small enough to fit into a pocket or purse easily. The flip-open LCD provides decent quality. The menu is easy to maneuver. And it comes with a generous 64MB internal memory, as compared with the 16MB comes with most digital cameras in the market. However, all these become irrelevant when the picture quality is so poor. After all, what you want it for is to take at least acceptable quality picture and video.
Gateway had a brilliant idea but came up with a terrible product. In my opinion, Gateway shouldnÁ?t even have released it to the market with this kind of quality. Needless to say, I returned this junk to Gateway, even though it would have cost me only $99 after rebate, and even though Gateway charged $36 restocking fee (based on its regular price plus accessory kit). There are plenty of choices for quality 2MP digital camera with 3X optical zoom and movie function for less than $150, such as Kodak CX6230, FujiFilm A205, HP PS-635, to name just a few. You will be much better off with any of these than GatewayÁ?s so called multi-cam.
13 Severely underimpressed
I bought this for my wife for the holidays, and was really disappointed. Under perfect lighting conditions, it gives decent still pictures - but for anything less, the camera is lousy. Flash pictures completely wash out the subject unless you're standing far away, and pictures in moderate-light conditions can get blurred easily if you don't hold the camera real steady. And the movie mode is average, at best. Even though I only paid $140 after rebates at Gateway, I'm still underwhelmed. Going to take it back for a refund.
14 Camcorder?
This product is advertised as an MPEG 4 camcorder on the gateway website, but the video capabilties are pathetic when compared to my sister's digital camera. The photos are mediocre at best and the software provided doesn't even support the video camera's format. If you want a digtal camera this might be ok, but it IS NOT a camcorder
15 Great Mini Video Camera
This camera is just great. The quality of the videos and pics aren't perfect like you would see from an 1000 dollar camera but I love them because I just want a camera that I can have fun with and not get real serious about it. First of all it's inexpensive so if it breaks, it isn't the end of the world and since it's so small you can take it anywhere. It includes software that you can use to edit and create your own movie masterpiece. It's zoom is a little weak but having a great zoom is too high above the price range of this product. Its battery life is about one hour but if you get the accessory pack it will turn into 90 minutes if you use the batterys included in it. The vidoes do include sound since the camera has a microphone. Another great quality it has is the fact that it can record up to 18 minutes and 700 pictures with its 64 MB internal memory. I would recommend this to someone who doesnt want the top of the line camera (if you do than spend more money) but wnats something that will be easy and fun to use. Really, anyone who wants to make movies should buy this. That's what my intention was and I love it.
16 Great Product Overall
The small camcorder is great. You can take it anywhere. I recommend getting the accessories--to have 90min of [rechargable] battery power. You should also get the 512mb sd--2 hours of recording time with it. If not the five twelve, get 256, but nothing less, for you won't have enough recording time. The zoom is not powerful, but it gets the job done just fine. The size, 2 megapixels, and extremely low price are the best reasons to purchase this product. The camcorder is a fine product and is great for anyone who wants small size, good clarity, and low price. ..........
17 Great Product Overall
The small camcorder is great. You can take it anywhere. [I recommend getting the accessories--to have 90min of [rechargable] battery power. You should also get the 512mb sd--2 hours of recording time with it. If not the five twelve, get 256, but nothing less, for you won't have enough recording time.] The zoom is not powerful, but it gets the job done just fine. The size, 2 megapixels, and extremely low price are the best reasons to purchase this product. The camcorder is a fine product and is great for anyone who wants small size, good clarity, and low price. [ You should check the Gateway website from time to time, if you are thinking about buying this. They have recently released a free shipping coupon and $100 rebate (12/12/03)--just $99 after the purchase. Gateway has made a great offer.]
18 Like the size, not the quality
For the size and price its not a bad deal, but it didn't have the video quality i would've liked. The stills aren't bad but good lighting is needed. The video is very choppy and jumps around when recording. If you're looking for a cheap, small camera with video and don't need good quality, go for it. Overall I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
19 Cool little camera!
This versitlile and very handy camera gives people an easy way to film everything from backyard football games to family reunions. I am definatly going to look into actually buying one for the holidays with my family. Hope this helps you!
