Product Review: DXG-125V 720p HD All Weather Camcorder

Cameras are everywhere. Let's face it, we can't escape roving electric eyes. Cams are built into mobile phones, PC's, notebooks, and tablet computers like Apple iPad. Digital camcorders and still cameras can take a backseat to all purpose tech flooding the market. However, when you must shoot video footage in a less than forgiving environment, a dedicated video camcorder is required. DXG fills that bill nicely with their DXG-125V 720p HD all weather camcorder. It's a video camera to take anywhere, to capture most any moment in your life, in most any weather or climate.

Physical Stats

Coming in at the size of a candy bar, and weighing only 3 ounces, the DXG-125V 720p HD Camcorder won't be a burden to even the most finicky consumer tired of lugging around heavy cameras. I bought my first digital still camera way back in the 90's. It was a tiny Polaroid model, and though it was a bit smaller than the DXG-125V, it weighed about the same. A few years back, I purchased my first DV camcorder. It was a Sony model, and was much bulkier and heavier than the 125-V. This camcorder is so small and light, it can be held for hours, or even worn around your neck.

Performance

Similar to other pocket camcorders like the Flip, the DXG-125V performs basic video recording most anywhere. I've used the unit under almost every conceivable outside lighting condition, including bright sun, gloomy overcast, rainy days, and snow. I've recorded footage under all indoor lighting environments, with both fluorescent and incandescent lights. Videos ranged in quality from good to great.

The DXG-125V boasts a rugged construction and it's splash proof. Now, this doesn't mean you can jump in a pool or ocean with the unit. It's not water proof, but shooting outside on a rainy or snowy day is fine. I loved the no worry feel when filming in a local park while it snowed.

By using SDHC cards for recording - up to 8GB Class 6 - it isn't limited like other pocket models to an internal hard drive's capacity. Video quality is good to pretty stunning. The highest quality footage - 720p - really impresses, so long as lighting is good. In brilliant sun, the 720p video I took pleased all who watched, and I even burned great DVDs for family. There's no image stabilization, so shakiness can creep into videos, but a tripod or a steady hand mostly solves the problem.

Summary

DXG may not be a company name you know, but these guys have made a fantastic all weather pocket camcorder. It's a market niche that hasn't been fulfilled in ways, and DXG-125V's design, all weather construction and solid performance make it stand apart from other pocket camcorders. What's especially welcome is the amount of support materials included. When I unboxed the unit, all cables were there to connect the unit to a PC (USB). They even give you a pair of great headphones. The unit outputs to HDMI - so you can view videos on a big screen TV. Often, you must purchase these cables separately, but DXG includes all you'll ever need. Retailing for around $100 dollars or less, the DXG-125V is a bright, affordable performer in the land of pocket camcorders.

http://www.dxgusa.com/