Review on OM Digital Solutions WS-500 Digital Voice Recorder: Capturing Crisp Audio in Sleek Silver by Josh Kim

I will not repeat what other reviews have written. The WS-500M does its job well and compares favorably to other models and competitors. Here I compare it to the DS-40 and WS-500M I have and the DS-61 (a 2GB version of the DS-40). However, there is something to add about this device and DVRs in general. Choosing the right microphone sensitivity is important for the best sound quality. WS-500M offers two levels, DS40 three. (The more the merrier.) Additionally, the WS-500M requires you to scroll down two levels in the menu to change sensitivity. The DS-40 has a handy switch on the side. Strangely, the next lower model, the WS-400S, has a two-position switch on the side. (You won't learn this detail from the descriptions on the website, only from a general guide or from your own experience.) Each line of Olympus dash cams has a different button layout. On the DS-40, they're on the side, and it's easy to tell when you've successfully started or stopped recording. The tiny buttons on the front of the WS-500M are far less conspicuous. The problem is compounded by the lack of a green playback indicator on the WS-500M. As well as having a red record indicator, the DS-40 also has a green tally indicator, and these indicators are brighter than those on the WS-500M. So far I seem to prefer the DS-40, but the WS-500M has its good points too. Thanks to the integrated USB port, you can always connect to your computer, even if a USB cable is not at hand. The WS-500M is slightly but significantly smaller, which I find valuable. Given that the WS-500M has four times the memory of the DS-40, that's a much cheaper price even if it lacks the latter's excellent detachable stereo microphone. (The DS-61 is 2GB, as is the WS-500M.) Conclusion: Both the WS-500M and DS-40 are great devices, but the former is cheaper. If pride in build quality is added to this equation, then the DS-40 is for you. UPDATE after a month of use: I really think the buttons are the weak point of this device. If you don't put it on standby, it's very easy to accidentally start a recording. When you're not looking at the device, it's harder to tell by touch which button to press than it was on the DS-40 detailed above. Now I think because of the superior buttons and external sensitivity control I would now recommend the DS-40 over it despite having the worst value for money. Button placement seems to be a matter of personal preference, with some other reviewers preferring them on the front, like the WS-500M. Various punches. UPDATE #2 after nine months. In real life, I've found that the smaller size of the WS-500M beats the build quality of the DS-40, and in fact I use the WS-500M a lot more. Another point: I found the battery useless as it has a much shorter lifespan than a good alkaline battery. Fortunately, any type can be used.