The DVS20's compact body

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.

• Devours batteries like sweet, sweet candy
• Only so-so low light performance
• The flash tends to wash out details

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.


Handy digital camera   February 1, 2004
 27 out of 30 found this review helpful

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


Great Product Overall   December 13, 2003
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

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.]


Great Product Overall   December 13, 2003
 10 out of 12 found this review helpful

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. ..........


Poor Quality Pictures, Blurry Video, Short battery Life   January 31, 2004
 10 out of 16 found this review helpful

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!