Samsung SC-X210L Camcorder Review

Compression (4.0)
The SC-X210L (Review, Specs, $449) (Review, Specs, ) records video in the MPEG4 AVI format at two sizes, 720 x 480 and 352 x 240. The latter is intended for streaming web video in small file sizes, the former for television or, presumably, larger streaming video clips. While MPEG4 may slowly be superseding MPEG2 as the format of choice for video, this particular codec leaves a great deal to be desired. Video quality is bad and compression artifacts (that “pixilated” look) are rampant. There are three quality settings for each resolution size: Super Fine, Fine, and Normal. These correspond to bit rate, but the rates are not listed in the manual.

Media (2.0)
The X210 contains a solid-state internal memory of 1GB, twice the size of that found in last year’s X105. The camcorder also accepts SD and MMC card in a port on the front of its body. Cards over 2GB in capacity will not read properly. With this much internal memory, you can capture 29 minutes of super fine quality video at 720 x 480, 43 minutes of fine quality, and 65 minutes of normal quality.

Both JVC and Sony manufacture camcorders with internal memory that far exceed the meager capacities of the X210, running between 20 and 30GB. Their image quality generally exceeds that of the Samsung as well. Of course, those larger capacities take up space, and part of the X210’s appeal is its small size. But how often are you carrying a laptop on your surfboard to dump the video when you reach the 29 minute mark?

Editing (6.25)
Editing the MPEG4 footage from the Samsung X210 requires downloading the proper codec, which comes on a CD-ROM in the box. This disc, called DV Media Pro 1.0, also includes Ulead Photo Express SE for still editing. A second disc includes Ulead VideoStudio SE DVD v9.0. This video editing software gives you the same rudimentary editing features that ship with nearly all camcorders these days. You can import video, stills, and music, then tie it all together with a few cheesy transitions and export it to a DVD, MiniDV camcorder, or MPEG or AVI file. It's better than last year's software though, which shipped with Miniket Media.

The software is actually split up into two distinct programs: Movie Wizard and Video Studio Editor. The first is the very basic functions for those likely to be intimidated by the editing process. The latter has more features, including a one-touch color enhancement tool and image rotation tool (great for righting a crooked image from the external lens).

ULead welcome screen, which lets you choose between two editing programs

Movie Wizard is the program for absolute beginners.

The VideoStudio Editor program offers a more options and control.