Hi, my Samsung Mini DV Camcorder is giving me problems. In playback mode it will play everything on the tape, but when in capture/filming mode the LCD screen and viewfinder go black. Is this a problem with the imaging sensor? Is there a way I can do a test to find out what the problem is? Thanks

To transfer the recordings from your Samsung SC D353 Mini DV tape to your computer, you'll need to follow these steps:

1. Connect the camcorder to your computer: Use a FireWire (also called IEEE 1394) cable to connect your Samsung SC D353 Mini DV camcorder to your computer. Most computers have a FireWire port, but if yours doesn't, you can purchase a FireWire adapter card.
2. Turn on the camcorder: Turn on your Samsung camcorder and set it to VCR mode.
3. Open the video capture software: On your computer, open the video capture software that came with your operating system (e.g. Windows Movie Maker, iMovie on Mac) or a third-party video capture software (e.g. Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro) that supports Mini DV tape.
4. Start recording: In the video capture software, select the option to capture video from a DV device. Click the Record button in the software and then press Play on the camcorder to begin playing the Mini DV tape. The video should be captured and recorded onto your computer.
5. Save the video: Once the video has been captured, you can edit it if necessary and then save it to your computer in the desired format.

Note: If you do not have the original video capture software, it is recommended that you search and download compatible software before beginning the transfer process. Additionally, make sure your computer has enough storage to store the transferred files.

u can fix the problem by using the cleaning tape, play it for a 10 sec. only and then your camcorder would be fine. if problem persist then go to the nearby service centre .because you would nt be able to clean its drum Assy. manually.

Try a DV tape cleaner first. If that doesn't work, see what it would take to get the audio heads realigned. Any camera store can do that for you.

Your playback heads might be clogged. I am not sure if this camera with give you a RF warning if your record heads get clogged. Also most professional machines drums are rated at 1000 - 1500 hours before they need to be replaced. If you are at 500 and never cleaned the heads it is time to. Run a cleaning tape a few times.

It sounds to me that the damage was created prior to you attempting to capture the video.
There are several ways to help prevent these issues.As a rule I would suggest only to use miniDV cassettes to record only once, as they are prone to errors such as you describe.  Also, keep the tape heads clean and inline. tape heads have a limited mileage and need to be replaced after a while.
We all become victim to the mosaic problems you describe, and it can be repaired on the computer, although it is a painstaking manual process. 
If you have footage that is damaged in this way and you really feel you need it repaired, please contact me, I will be happy to offer my services. 

One of the units is not making good interchange in recording (CAMCORDER) or (PLAYBACK) DSR11 deck either buy or get a known good recording to isolate the bad unit. Camcorders are notorious for loss of interchange as the cassette compartment wears out the scissors jack elevator gets sloppy and changes the angle of attack on the drum and wellah a tape that only plays back in the camcorder.

TRY A DRY TAPE CLEANER. A GOOD ONE DONT BE SKIMPY. OR YOU MIGHT NEED TO GET THIS CLEANED BY A PRO. SOUNDS LIKE YOUR HEAD IS DIRTY.

Hi,

Did you try setting the rec mode to SP in the playback menu?

This is from the D250 manual.

The camcorder may be in what may be called "narration mode." This function mutes the playback audio so you can narrate with you own voice when playing tapes back. Check for a function like this in the playback sound menu.

perhaps it has to do with the SP and LP settings, I know certain video editing programs won't capture video recored in LP.