Samsung SC-X210L Camcorder Review

Comparison
Samsung SC-X105L
Last year, we placed the SC-X105L in the “toy cam” category, meaning simply that this is more a gadget than a serious tool for gathering video – and the SC-X210L is still a toy, but definitely a better and evolving toy. The SC-X210L will again score very poorly in terms of video and still picture quality – but video quality is one of the last reasons to buy this camcorder. In the consumer marketplace, both models feature a unique combination of ultra-compact size, some weather resistance, durable rubber exterior, and of course – the external lens. So what has improved? Actually quite a bit: The hard drive size has doubled from 512 MB to 1 GB; The external cam is now powered from the main body, and has added an external Power on/off/Record interface; menu navigation is easier via the new joystick; the overall design is slimmer and better integrated; the LCD pixel count has increased to 230K from 210K (though that’s not a difference that’s going to be discernable to many users); importantly, the price has dropped from $799 to $699;

On the downside, the SC-X210L has lost the extension cable for the external cam (perhaps because there is now a wireless model, the SC-X210W) and (sorrows!) lost the carabiner. But there is still no consumer camcorder on the market that lets you do what this one does off the shelf: record video with an included external cam that you can mount to just about any part of your body.

JVC GZ-MG30
When you are reviewing a one-of-a-kind camcorder like the Samsung SC-X210L, its not easy to decide what to compare it to, so we’ve chosen camcorders in a similar price range and sharing some of the same features. In the case of JVC’s GZ-MG30 of the Everio G-series, the commonality is that they both record to solid state non-removable hard disks. The capacity of the MG30 blows the Samsung out of the water at 21GB vs. 1GB capacity. Performance-wise, while the MG30 performs very poorly, it still produces video that is sharper and brighter than the SC-X210L. Where does the SC-X210L shine in this comparison? It’s smaller, cheaper by about $200, more durable, easier to use, and of course, extreme sport-ready. JVC also has entry level G-series Everio this year, the GZ-MG21, which have not yet reviewed. On the whole, we favor the JVC over the Samsung.

Sony DCR-DVD92
Once again, comparisons are difficult – but the Sony DVD92 does share some of the convenience and ease-of-use that are hallmarks of the SC-X210L. This comes in part from the fact that the DVD92 records to the familiar DVD format, and benefits from Sony’s commitment to simplicity in its consumer products. That said, the Sony purports to be a real consumer camcorder rather than a niche product for skateboarders like the SC-X210L – though its video performance was nearly as bad. These are also two products that many will find cool simply based on how they look – but in my opinion the ultra-compact size and black rubber exterior are much hipper than the bland silver body of the DVD92. And DVDs can skip when they’re shaken around. While you could certainly mount the Sony on a helmet with a custom rig, if that’s your goal, go with the Samsung. For pure performance, Sony has the slight edge.

Sony DCR-HC42
While it differs in many fundamental ways from the SC-X210L, the Sony DCR-HC42 could offer some competition to the Samsung on a few counts. As a MiniDV camcorder, it does not have the skipping liabilities of a DVD camcorder, so it should function solidly in sports-type situations. It’s not as small as the SC-X210L but is still very compact. And while its video quality is poor compared to other DV camcorders in its price range, the Sony still far out performs the SC-X210L – and it costs $200 less. However as in any comparison, the Sony lacks the multifunctionality of the Samsung, the external lens, and that cool black rubber exterior. It’s also a much poorer performer in the DV realm than our final entry – the Canon Elura 100. Once again, though, on performance alone, the Sony beats the Samsung.

Canon Elura 100
This camera offers perhaps the most compelling competition to the SC-X210L. It shares all the features that make the Sony worth discussion – notably small size, and the shock-proof MiniDV format – but it also boasts excellent video performance for the price – you could almost buy two Elura 100’s for the price of one SC-X210L ($399 vs. $699). An intrepid DIY-type could have some serious fun with a couple of Elura 100’s – think custom helmet mounts – opening up the potential to shoot decent video from two POVs. While the Elura 100 opens up some interesting possibilities for sports use, its still not as small, cool looking, or easy to use as the SC-X210L. And while MiniDV tapes are relatively cheap, the Samsung is tape-less. For better and worse, and until someone comes up with some real competition, the SC-X210L remains in a quirky class of its own. For most consumers, however, the winner is Canon.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (5.0)
This is probably the target market for the SC-X210L, though it’s a particular breed of point-and-shooter, the sports enthusiast, that will be best served. Simple interface, easy menu navigation, and passable automatic controls make this an appealing option.

Budget Consumers (4.0)
There are much better camcorders are lower prices, if performance is what you’re after. The Canon Elura 100, in particular, is a great camcorder at a great price. The X210’s price is drive up for reasons other than performance.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (1.0)
At 640 x 480 stills, this is not anywhere near a replacement for a still camera. For further proof, read the Still Performance section above.

Gadget Freaks (6.0)
The X210 certainly has some uses that most camcorders do not. The weather resistant housing is a big plus, and the external lens offers some very cool possibilities. Gadget freaks who passed on last year’s model because of price or a clunky cradle will be happy to see some changes.

Manual Control Freaks (1.0)
There are few manual controls to be found on the X210; focus and white balance are about it. If you want something with more control, look towards almost any other camcorder. Panasonic and JVC are particularly good.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists (1.0)
Most of you in this category will not be interested in the X210 as anything but a gimmick. Image quality is poor, and the highly compressed video does not have many professional applications.

Conclusion
The Samsung SC-X210L can make a compelling argument for itself, if you don't care about quality. It has a market, that’s for sure. They’ve targeted the sports crowd and delivered a camcorder that has a few decent features. The extremely compact, weatherproof body is easily imaged hanging off the side of a mountain climber next to a chalk bag. Also, the 15 year old who wants to shoot his friends skating, then put the video up on Myspace will probably lean more towards this than a MiniDV camcorder, even though MiniDV will deliver about 3x the quality.

The biggest liability is image quality. This is meant a convenience tool, and the video suffers because of it. We’re looking at a mediocre imager and the high MPEG4 AVI compression as the likely culprits. Every other camcorder in its class significantly outperformed it. Every other camcorder also offered more manual controls, automatic controls, and 16:9 shooting options. Those are some dire trade-offs for a camcorder with little going for it besides portability and weather resistance. The biggest strike against it may be the abysmal performance of its marketing hook, the external lens. This won't just give you run-of-the-mill bad video; you'll have trouble making out basic shapes under some lighting conditions.

So buyers, be aware. There are far better options out there if you’re just looking for a little camcorder. The SC-X210L has a short list of very specific advantages over other camcorders. Know that these are the most important factors to you going in, and there's a slim chance you might still like it. As we stated earlier, you could buy two cheap MiniDV camcorders and some glue at this price, and rig up something your skater friends have never seen before.