Samsung SC-DC164 Camcorder Review

Audio (6.75)
The audio options on the SC-DC164 are decent. The front of the camcorder houses a built-in stereo mic. If this option does not satisfy you (and it should not), then you also have the option of using the microphone jack, located in the rear next to the viewfinder. This is a great feature to have, and is rare on camcorders at this price range. No other DVD camcorders have it until you reach the top Panasonic model, the VDR-D300 (some Hitachis have this option too). Sony offers expanded audio options with their DCR-DVD305, DCR-DVD405, and DVR-DVD505, but you have to go through their proprietary shoe rather than a universal audio jack.

There is a Wind Cut feature located in the menu that cuts some of the low rumble that wind causes. There is no audio dubbing feature, which is just as well. Any simple editing program would let you add as many extra audio tracks as you like.

VCR Mode (6.5)
The playback on the SC-DC164 is a simple operation, as it is with most DVD camcorders. Thumbnail images of each clip are created, six to a page. The joystick is used as the primary navigation device. Our biggest complaint with playback was the incredibly slow reading speed of the DVD. Between turning the camcorder and displaying the thumbnails, it could take as long as 15 seconds. It may not sound like much, but trust us, it’s aggravating.

There are a number of advanced playback options, if you'd rather work inside the camera instead of through editing software. You can get clip information, add titles to clips, create playlists, title the playlists, delete portions of a clip by adding in and out points, and creates names for the DVD discs.

The VCR controls are located on the left side in the LCD cavity. The buttons are small, but they have a good response.

Ports (7.75)
The ports options on the SC-DC164 are generally good. In a hard plastic port cover located just behind the LCD cavity, you’ll find a high-speed USB 2.0 connection, an AV in/out jack, and the DC power-in jack. The placement of the ports here is smart. Cords sticking out won’t get in the way of anything. The mic input is placed on the rear, just next to the viewfinder. This is not quite so smart, as a cord jutting out in this location would prevent you from using the viewfinder with your left eye. Still, it’s hard to complain about a mic input, as you don’t see them that often in entry-level camcorders. The same goes for the AV in/out; most camcorders at this price only offer an output signal. An input allows you to use analog-to-digital conversion. Do you have a bunch of old Hi-8 tapes that you wish you could digitize? Here’s your chance.