Samsung SC-DC173 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on Aug 23, 2007 4:40 PM 
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The SC-DC173 ($369 MSRP), an entry-level DVD camcorder, doesn’t have Sony’s ease of use, Canon’s performance, or Panasonic’s handing, but by piecing together bits from each, it ended up with a decent camcorder. Sure, we have a lot to complain about, but what entry-level model doesn’t inspire some “what were they thinking!” moments? The SC-DC173 is not a powerhouse, but it just might do the job.
The Front (5.0)
Welcome to the tall, slender façade of the Samsung SC-DC173. Its 34x optical zoom lens has a filter diameter of 30mm, focal length of 2.29 – 75.57mm, and an aperture range of f/1.6 to f/4.3. This slim, compact entry-level DVD camcorder is relatively barren up front. Beneath the tiny lens lies the LED video light, which provides about as much luminance as a cluster of birthday candles. Now here’s the deal—the video light can only be used while shooting in 4:3 aspect ratio in conjunction with the 1/15 shutter speed Night mode. Digital zoom is only available in 4:3 aspect ratio, as well. Don’t worry, we’ll grill this nonsense later on in the review. The front end of the SC-DC173 is rounded out by the built-in stereo microphone located right below the video light.
The Right Side (4.5)
A large, circular disc hatch engulfs most of the SC-DC173’s right side. Unlike most disc hatches, Samsung’s includes an embedded plastic window so you can see some disc spinning action while you record. The SC-DC173’s hand strap is probably one of the most adequate features on this camcorder. It’s soft, bulky, and padded with plush foam. In addition, the hand strap is mounted almost halfway up the back, so the SC-DC173 will not flop to the side like most camcorders. Above the rear strap anchor is the generously-sized mode dial, which is easy to access and shift with the thumb. Near the top, above the mode dial, you’ll find the disc/card switch. A miniscule USB port hides below the rear strap anchor, sheltered by an oval plastic cover secured to the body rather firmly.
The Back (4.0)
The back view really solidifies the SC-DC173’s tall, thin design. Its meager SB-LSM80 battery pack extends about a half inch from the back of the camcorder, flush with the viewfinder. Now, we’re using the term viewfinder pretty loosely here. The SC-DC173’s non-extendable, non-rubberized, hard plastic nub reminds us of most Canons. If you opt for a larger battery, forget about using the viewfinder unless you want a face full o’ battery. The dioptric adjuster is located on the right side of the viewfinder’s shaft, and is exceedingly difficult to adjust without some elaborate finger acrobatics.
To the right of the battery you’ll find a column of two ports with the record start/stop button wedged in the middle. The record start/stop button is well placed and easy to access. At the top you’ll notice an open hole. At first, you’ll think it’s a manufacturing mistake, but upon further investigation you’ll find the AV jack— exposed and naked, with no port cover to provide safety or support.
Beneath the record start/stop button is the DC input. The DC input is awarded with a port cover identical to the one found on the USB terminal. A green charge lamp sits above the DC input.
The Left Side (2.75)
Here’s where the SC-DC173’s control panel is located. Directly above the LCD cavity is a small rectangular joystick. The joystick is great, but when it comes to making adjustments, shooters will find their fingers become an obstruction to the LCD monitor. The Q. Menu button is embedded to the left of the joystick, and the Easy Q button is located to its right. Flipping the 2.7-inch wide LCD screen open reveals an LCD cavity stocked with the following buttons: Menu, Display, C. Night/Light/Slide show, Multi Display/Manual, and Auto Focus. The square playback speaker is embedded in the middle of the LCD cavity. A vertical strip of controls runs along the left side of the LCD panel, including LCD enhancer, Zoom In/Out, and Record Start/Stop. Samsung has crafted the controls of the SC-DC173 quite well, utilizing the LCD screen and cavity. It would be near-perfect if the joystick was mounted on the back or the LCD panel. Lastly, on the bottom of the SC-DC173 is an SD/MMC card slot protected by a sturdy plastic strip. This means you’ll have to take the camcorder off the tripod to swap cards.
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The Top (4.75)
This is about as basic as it gets. The SC-DC173’s narrow zoom toggle sits in front of the round photo button. The zoom toggle is undersized and does not provide enough grip—similar to the Canon HV20 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $903) in that regard. Toward the end of the lens is the disc hatch eject tab, which generates an instant response when shifted to the open position.
