Toshiba Camileo X400 Camcorder

I purchased the X400 from Best Buy online. It had only been out a short whle and the feature set was compelling for me. Having been using a standard definition mini DV camcorder for years, this was my first entry into HD recording. My primary use was to record my son's gymnastics metts.

I shot a brief video outside to get used to the controls. The results were amazing crisp video with vibrant color. I was pretty psyched. Then I tried recording at the next gym meet. The resulting video was blurry. Strangely, the clarity of the picture would go in and out of focus. It appeared the camcorder was constantly attempting to autofocus but could never get there. I looked through the manual for help but could find nothing regarding this. I thought perhaps I should turn off the autofocus but could not find a way to do this. I experimented further changing other controls, resolution, auto stabilization, and light settings. Still the video was blurry.

Next step was to see if Toshiba could help. I went to the support section of Toshiba's web site. There was a user's forum but nothing on the X400. There was not a form or email address so I phoned the support number. I thought they might give me suggestions on how to correct the issue. I was wrong. They told me I would need to return the camcorder to Toshiba. So I boxed it up and sent it back. I was disappointed in the customer service in that they could not even offer any suggestions to resolve the issue.

Figuring that the X400 was defective, with the credit I decided to try the X416. It is the exact same camcorder with the exception of having 16GB of built in memory. (The X400 had no built in memory but relied solely on SD card). Unfortunately it is exhibiting the same deficiencies as the X400. Unless I can get better results out of the video, this will be returned as well.

The other issue worth noting with both the X400 and X416 is the battery life. It is pretty short. I am lucky to get 1 hours worth of video before the thing is spent.

I have purchased several Toshiba products in the past and been happy with the items and experience. I think their TVs are very good. But it appears they missed the mark with the Camileo HD camcorders. As disappointing as the camcorder is, the customer service is equally so.

This camera will not focus. It constantly moves in and out of focus and there is no way to stop it. I DO NOT recommend purchasing this camera.

Buy Toshiba Camileo X400 Camcorder Now

Low quality of the battery, it only lasts 1 hour ... I'm in for warranty claim.

The camcorder works great, excellent zoom and has a good quality recording and the best, is light.

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I bought this camera about 6 months ago. It is absolutely the worst camcorder I have ever owned, and I have owned several. It is HORRIBLE in low light. Seriously, its like you are recording through a thin film of tomato soup. It is average in bright sunshine, though I have seen non-HD camcorders with sharper picture. To top it all off, there is some kind of glitch, where if you record while plugged in (cause the battery only lasts about 15 minutes)it will just shut off in the middle of your recording, without saving.

Last, and WORST of all, there is no way to disable the autofocus, which constantly bounces in and out of focus, with the speed of a championship ping-pong match. It is IMPOSSIBLE to get good video with this camera....

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Good Day to all of our valued customers. I would like to take this opportunity to address any outstanding isues with the Camileo product line. If for any reason you are at the point of an unresolved issue with a product, you may have it replaced free of charge , from the origin of purchase. Furthermore, a new warranty will apply to your replacement item and you will be updated for 24 hour support on our valued customer marketing profile. Hoping this will ease your troubles or acclimation to any one of our new products. .... Please bring this correspondence with you.

Sincerely, Michael A. Camileo , Director,C.E.O. Marines Landing Companies on behalf of Norio Sasaki , Director,President,C.E.O. Toshiba Corporate Headquarters , Tokyo.

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