Samsung SCD6040 Camcorder Review

The Samsung SCD6040, with its smooth black design and silver highlights, is a visually impressive camera. Samsung’s Duo-Cam technology makes the camera immediately recognizable as a hybrid — there’s a separate lens for the digital camera and camcorder. The SCD6040 has a 10x optical lens for the camcorder (supported by a 1/6-inch 680K CCD), a 3x optical for the digital camera (1/1.8-inch 4.13 MP CCD here), and a 2.5-inch color LCD with color electronic viewfinder. A built-in pop-up flash, along with controllers that alternate functions when in the different modes, shows that this camera has been designed for the user who plans on using both aspects regularly. The Samsung retails for $649.95.

Video Performance (3.0)
The Samsung SCD6040’s video performance is stuck in a bit of a quagmire even when shooting at 3000 lux, a circumstance resembling strong daylight. The yellow has already become muddied; the scale moving from yellow to red actually appears more green and brown in underlying hue. The grayscale came out quite well, with consistent steps between the shades, although the pure white could be a bit more brilliant. Furthermore, the black represented was close to a true black, unlike that shown on the SCD303 or 103, making this camera more successful. The violet is redder than it is blue, and the changes between violet and blue are already losing their focus, allowing the colors to begin to blend together. The square in the center of the primary red color bar has begun to lose its boundary integrity, making me worry about this camera’s ability to capture video under low light, a situation under which it is harder to shoot successfully. Overall color brilliance is a bit washed out, although with strong lighting, this may happen naturally. It should be noted that the tones are a little muted and faint, especially the stronger ones.

The Front (8.0)
The front of the Samsung SCD6040 features two separate lenses: one for the digital camera portion of the camera, and one for video capture. The lower lens functions as the lens for the digital camera, featuring a 3x optical zoom. The digital camera lens is recessed into the camera body; when not in use it retracts until it is flush with the body of the camera. At the top of the front is the 10x optical, 900x digital zoom camcorder lens. Nestled between these two lenses is the remote signal receiver.

The Right Side (6.0)
The external microphone port is found on the front of the right side of the Samsung SCD6040, beneath a small square port cover that’s labeled MIC in small gray text. Above and slightly behind the Mic port is the Power Nite Pix feature, allowing the user to shoot under low and no light situations. This feature is available on the SCD103 and 303; oddly, it’s not on the 903. Next to and behind the Power Nite Pix switch the user will find the Slow Shutter button, which allows for control of shutter speeds lower than those found within the LCD screen menus. There are three slow shutter speeds available via this button: 1/8, 1/15, and 1/30. Farther back from the Slow Shutter button on the same side is the Zoom lever, which controls the amount of Wide Angle (if pushed left) or Telephoto (if pushed right) engaged by the user during zoom control. Finishing off the top row of controls on the right side of the camera is the photo button, used for still photo capturing. When depressed partially, the automatic settings establish image parameters. When depressed fully, the photograph is taken, either in digital camera or camcorder modes. The photo button and zoom lever are logically placed with comfort in mind, although I had to use my pinkie finger to activate the slow shutter speed. This is sometimes tedious, but easily overcome by establishing settings prior to recording.

Moving down from the photo button is the Power Switch. The controller has a small green button, embedded in a tab, which allows the user to change between Off, Camera, Play, and Record Modes. Play and Record are responsible for information recorded to MiniDV tape, while the Camera setting is reserved for information recorded to the Memory Stick.

A textured silver plate on the right side of the Samsung SCD6040 denotes the presence of the bottom-loading MiniDV cassette cartridge, which is opened via the clearly labeled tape eject switch on the bottom of the camera body. The textured potion of the right side gives security and a solid grip to my bracing hand; this is often overlooked on camcorders, but definitely a plus if long shooting sessions or wet or warm conditions are likely. Unlike the 303 and the 903 within this series, Samsung appears to have remembered the importance of aesthetic design, forsaking the “blah” utilitarian exterior present on the two lower-priced models. However, as with all the models in the SCD line, it has a bottom-loading cartridge, making tape changes while shooting on a tripod nearly impossible.

Located at the front, where the cassette cartridge separates from the camera body, is a polished sliver tab, which when flipped out from the camera body, exposes the memory stick slot for the Samsung SCD6040. Spanning the right side of the camera from back to front, and moving downwards at a slight diagonal, is the hand strap, constructed of leather and Velcro and adjustable to a range of hand sizes.

The Back (5.0)
The recessed electronic color viewfinder can be found on the back of the Samsung SCD6040, and should be pulled out when in use. This way, the battery pack does not obstruct its use, and the user can adjust the focus on the viewfinder using the device atop it. To the left of the viewfinder, the user will find an optional eyelet for wrist or neck strap. Below the Samsung SCD6040’s electronic viewfinder is the Lithium-Ion battery pack. Located underneath, and accessed when the battery is removed, the user will find the circular Li-Ion backup battery slot. The backup battery is not essential; the camera will run with just the Li-Ion battery, but its presence allows for extended battery life with fewer recharges.

The Left Side (6.0)
The most prominent feature on the left side of the Samsung SCD6040 is the 2.5-inch LCD screen. The recessed LCD screen is opened by depressing a rectangular button in the middle of the camera body, closer to the rear of the camcorder. The LCD screen can spin 180 degrees upward and 90 degrees down. When the screen has been rotated 180 degrees, it is possible to lock the LCD screen back into the camera body.

Once open, the LCD screen uncovers a set of buttons located in the recessed area. Forming an oval, and moving clockwise from the top, are the following features: Stop/BLC (backlight compensation), Fast Forward/+, the in-camera speakers, Rewind/-, Play/Still, and Fade buttons. These controls, with the exception of the backlight compensation, are meant to be engaged during playback in both Video and Still scenarios. In the middle of the this ring of buttons are two more controls. The top one is a grid of nine squares, indicating multi-image review mode, and the bottom one is the delete button for unwanted images, signified by a trash can. To the right of the LCD, in the bottom corner, are the battery release and the light that indicates a charging battery.

Above the LCD screen are a series of external controls. Furthest to the front is the EasyQ button, a feature that essentially freezes all control and choice, launching a tightly constrained automatic control mode that prevents “worry” of manual mishaps on the part of the user. This mode might be best if this is the user’s first camcorder or camcorder hybrid; however, it quickly becomes limiting and overwhelmingly demeaning. Behind this button is the display button, which controls the amount of onscreen information available during capture and review on both the LCD and Electronic Viewfinder. (One major flaw in this camera is the amount of onscreen information available. While the data can be helpful, at times it adds clutter and disorients the user, making it difficult to immediately acknowledge and respond to the changes being made.) Behind this is the menu button that, when depressed, either engages or disengages the onscreen menu for the Samsung SCD6040. The five-button controller allows for scanning within the onscreen menu in the cardinal directions, along with an OK button located in the center. The exterior buttons have two purposes, with the top button controlling Flash settings, the right button controlling Macro, the down button controlling AE Lock, and the left button controlling the reviewing of pictures just captured.

Underneath the LCD screen, beneath a port cover only accessible when the LCD screen is open, are the following jacks, moving from front to back: USB out, DV input/output, S-A/V output, and DC in. Towards the front of the camera, past the LCD screen at the bottom of the camcorder body, is the MF/AF button and another Navigation Wheel, which controls focus, volume, and the Quick Menu. The quick menu allows the user to scan and set the following properties without entering the more extensive onscreen menu: DIS, DSE, Program AE, White Balance, Shutter, and Exposure. This wheel spins to scan selections and, when depressed, chooses the highlighted feature.

The Top (5.0)
On the top of the camera body, illogically placed, are the left and right stereo microphone pick-ups for the Samsung SCD6040. Unless breathy voice-overs are the intended soundtrack for your video work, the microphone placement will inevitably compromise the audio envelope and quality captured during recording. At the back of the camera, located near the viewfinder, is yet another mode control, this time in the guise of a Mode Dial. This dial controls Program, Scene, Automatic, S. Speed Priority, Manual, MySet, Moving Image, and Playback Modes. Once in a Mode Dial setting, it is then possible to access the onscreen LCD menu controls available to denote specific parameters within these more broad headings. Scene settings available in Menu are: Night, Children, Close-Up, Dawn, Fireworks, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Backlight, and Beach & Snow. At the front of the camera body, the built-in flash flips up when the shutter is engaged. It cannot be engaged manually.

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (6.0)
This camera slips into Automatic control easily, requiring little real work on the part of the user. If this is a first-time camcorder or hybrid camera, the EasyQ setting on the left side of the camera body is perhaps the perfect button to engage. However, after reading the manual and learning how to use the other controls, the user will certainly desire the better quality images that come from more adept control. The EasyQ setting freezes all the manual controls and menus, making it impossible for the user to press or engage any option that would affect the captured image. Automatic adjustments to exposure and focus are average in responsiveness, but their sluggishness increases during extreme changes, as was expected.

Overall Manual Control (4.0)
There is a fair amount of manual control available through the Samsung SCD6040’s onscreen menu and exterior controls. However, the multiple buttons, wheels, dials, and mode settings for each function make it essential for the user to remember where the appropriate controller for the desired adjustment resides.

Zoom (6.0)
Zoom is controlled using the zoom lever located on the top of the camera body, which allows the user to choose between telephoto (to the right) and wide angle (to the left). The Samsung SCD6040 has a 10x optical zoom for the camcorder and a 3x optical zoom for the digital camera portion. Under “D Zoom” in the “Rec. Mode” Camcorder section of the Samsung SCD6040, the user can choose from among the following settings for digital zoom: off, 100x, 200x, 400x, and 900x. Variant speed zooms are relatively easy for this consumer camcorder, due to the elevated zoom toggle.

Focus (4.0)
The manual focus is controlled using the MF button to the front of the LCD screen, on the left side of the camera body. When depressed, the user can spin the Navigator Wheel to soften and enhance the subject’s focal quality. The MF insignia appears on the LCD screen and viewfinder.

Exposure (Aperture) (5.0)
In digital camera mode, one can press the Navigator wheel to select EV settings. By pressing the left and right portions of the Samsung SCD6040’s five-way controller, it is possible to select settings between –2 and +2 in half-step increments. In camcorder mode, exposure can be adjusted manually, and is valued from 00 to 29, incrementally.

Shutter Speed (4.0) When shooting in Camcorder Camera mode, it is possible to adjust the shutter speed for image recording. Press the MF button, then use the navigation wheel to select the Shutter subsection. The user can then choose from among the following shutter settings: 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/1/4000, and 1/10000. On the right side of the camera, near the top of the camera body, is the slow shutter speed button, which enables the user to engage shutter settings unavailable in the onscreen menu (S1/8, S1/15, and S1/30).

White Balance (1.0)
White Balance can be manipulated via three separate controllers, designed for optimal user confusion. If in Video mode, press the menu button, enter the menu, and scan down using the five-way controller to select White balance and press the OK button. The user can then choose among the subsections of Auto, Hold, Indoor, and Outdoor. Or press the MF button on the left side, and scan the menu on the screen until White balance is selected. If the user has selected another White Balance setting prior to this, the user can switch between that setting and Automatic. In digital still camera mode, the user must press the Navigation wheel to initiate the right side selections on the onscreen display. Once pressed, scan down using the five-way controller till AWB is highlighted. Then, by pressing OK and scanning left and right, the user can choose between the selections displayed at the bottom of the LCD screen. The following choices are available for White Balance settings: Digital Still Mode, AWB, Manual, Glow Lamp, Halogen, Fluorescent, Cloudy, and Sunny.

Gain (0.0)
There is no gain control available on the Samsung SCD6040.

Still Performance (8.0)
The Samsung SCD6040 has multiple shooting modes available via the Mode Dial located on the top of the camera near the viewfinder. Automatic, Manual, S. Shutter Speed, MySet, Movie, Playback, Program, and Scene are all available. It is possible to choose among the following formats: 2272 x 1704, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480. Quality settings available are TIFF, Super Fine, Fine, and Normal. Metering Modes that are available are Multi and Spot settings. Effects available are Normal, B&W, Sepia, and Negative, with sharpness level ratings of soft, normal, and vivid. Shooting modes are Single, Continuous, and AEB settings, with timer settings of OFF, and two- and ten-second self-timer settings. It is possible to set ISO, White Balance, EV, Focus, and Flash. Flash modes are Automatic, Red Eye Reduction, Fill in Flash, Slow Sync, and Flash Sync. It is possible to record still images to both DV tape and Memory card formats, depending on camera mode settings.

VCR Mode (8.0)
When the Samsung SCD6040 has been switched into Play mode via the Power Switch, it is possible to review previously captured footage through either another monitor or the LCD screen. Underneath the LCD screen are the controllers for video playback. Arranged in an ovoid ring, they are (starting from the top and moving clockwise) Play/Still, Stop, Fast Forward, and Rewind.

Low Light Performance (2.0)
Low light performance on the Samsung SCD6040 does, I’m afraid, leave something to be desired.

At a light level of 60 lux, slightly below average indoor light levels, the noise level has risen quite sharply from the 3000 lux setting. The color chart has become entirely blurred and pixillated. The brilliance of the colors has left — the yellow has completely succumbed to the green section of the menu, the red has lost any strength it had, and the blue and violet transition has become confused, with a fair amount of the violet impeding onto the blue portion. The grayscale, in an attempt to compensate for the low light, has compromised the darker end. The steps between the black and one step down are drastically different from the lighter end of the scale. The noise is less apparent in the lighter end of the gray scale, but becomes distinctly apparent at the darker end of the gray scale. At the warm end of the color bars, the flesh bars have lost their distinctiveness, with the one nestled in the primary red square becoming almost a circle.

Finally, at 15 lux, the camera shot in an unfocused manner, unable to distinguish most of the separations of tone between the color bar. The colors have lost all their brilliance, with noise taking over and compromising the color entirely. Samsung camcorders are notoriously bad with noise, and the SCD6040 is no exception. The overall tones are flat and blasé, with the square centered in the red bar almost entirely blending into the surrounding square. The grayscale has begun to show pixel colors of red and yellow, with an overall tinge of brown. (The good news is that the dark end of the grayscale did reach black successfully.) Most of the transitions between bars are blurred, and the separating lines are indistinguishable.

LCD/ Viewfinder (6.5)
The LCD monitor located on the left side of the camera body measures 2.5 inches diagonally, with a 123K pixel count. The viewfinder is electronic and full-color, measuring nearly a quarter-inch. It is released by depressing a button located to its right, which pops up the LCD. Unfortunately, the LCD solarizes when viewed from an angle.

Audio (5.0)
There is an internal mic, inappropriately placed on the top of the camera body, along with a mic port for external mic, located on the right side of the camera body. However, there is no accessory shoe, so the user would have to hold the mic if an external one were used.

Handling (4.5)
The overall physical handling of the Samsung SCD6040 makes sense. Even considering the often excessive multiple feature controls, they still fit logically and are easily accessed with one hand. The port underneath the LCD is a bit awkward to open, and does get in the way of the LCD screen, but once the user attaches cables from the camera, the port cover is held open and out of the way. The Samsung is a comfortable size, and the grip on the right side, where the cassette cartridge is, makes it so that even when my palms got sweaty I never worried about the camera slipping from my hands. The electronic viewfinder, however, must be used by the right eye because your right hand gets in the way of your face during use. If a user is fine with using only the LCD, though, this is easily solved.

Ports (7.0)
On the right side of the Samsung SCD6040 is the external mic port. On the left side of the Samsung SCD6040, beneath a port cover underneath the LCD screen, are the USB out, DV in/out, A/V out, and DC in ports.

Other Features (7.0)
DuoCam
The Samsung SCD6040 features a DuoCam layout, with a separate digital still lens and camcorder lens on the front of the camera body. Both of these lenses are capable of capturing both still and video images to memory stick or MiniDV tape.

EZ Navigation
The EZ Navigator on the Samsung SCD6040 allows for the use of a basic series of shortcut settings to expedite and simplify access to the menu settings. However, overlap between the full menu and the EZ Navigator settings are not one-to-one; some of the options available in one will not be available in both screens.

Slow Shutter
With the Slow Shutter option, the Samsung SCD6040 allows the user to choose shutter settings otherwise unavailable within the onscreen menu. The settings available with Slow Shutter button engagement are S1/30, S1/15, and S1/8.

Nite Pix
This feature allows for the user to shoot in low- or no-light situations, using a longer shutter speed and Nite Pix technology.

Playback Zoom
The Playback Zoom allows users to examine previously captured images at an increased zoom ratio to specific portions of the prerecorded images. It is possible to set Playback Zoom up to eight times the original resolution.

Navigation Function:
With four major control choices, the Samsung SCD6040 at first appears to be equipped to give the user a series of multi-tiered operating options. However, it quickly becomes apparent that, with the cluttered screens and overwhelming amount of varying overlap, having so many separate controllers handling so many separate functions can become confounding and irritating. Add to this the fact that some controllers can control the same settings as another, and the process of shooting straightforward manual video becomes overly complex and debilitating. The menus have bright colors and large symbols that could be easily replaced with straightforward and concise menus. In fact, the entire menu and display would benefit greatly from a reduction of color, pizazz, and visual distractions in favor of functionality and ease of use.

Widescreen Mode
Within the DSE menu, the user can choose to initiate the Cinema setting, which cuts the top and bottom portions of the image to create a fake 16:9 format. This simulates a widescreen mode. DSE settings tend to be tacky, kitschy imitations of viable video features, and are to be avoided if any sort of integrity is to be maintained.

MPEG
MPEG images are capable of being captured when the Samsung SCD6040 is placed in camera mode. Once in camera mode, the user must then set the Mode Dial to Movie. It is possible to shoot at 30 or 15 frames per second, at a resolution of 320 x 240.

Analog to Digital Pass-Through
Analog to digital pass-through is not available on the Samsung SCD6040.

Comparisons
The Samsung SCD6040 has a 1/6-inch 680K CCD for the digital camcorder, and a 1/1.8-inch 4.13 MP CCD for the digital still camera, obviously making it a DuoCam design. A 2.5-inch LCD and Color Electronic Viewfinder both display onscreen menus with the ability to alter settings in either viewing device, due to externally placed menu controllers. This feature is greatly appreciated. Stereo microphones internally, along with an external mic port, fill out the audio features for the Samsung SCD6040. It performed well during testing at 3000 lux; however, in lower light situations, the 6040 did begin to lag in image quality standards. The user can record to both memory card and MiniDV Tape.

Sony DCR-HC40 The Sony DCR-HC40 is a slightly more expensive camcorder than the Samsung SCD6040; however, it has a 1/5-inch CCD and only one lens barrel for the entire camera. It has a 2.5-inch LCD screen, hybrid functionality, and a 10x optical zoom. At 3000 lux, the camcorder functions well, with Hade CCD noise reduction technology specifically designed to deal with noise during shooting. But in lower light situations, the camera suffers. Although an accessory light may be an option for some users, most would prefer a camera that will just work in these detrimental lighting situations on its own. The DCR-HC40 performs a bit better than the SCD6040 here, largely due to the SCD-6040’s high noise levels.

Panasonic PV-GS120 The Panasonic PV-GS120, having replaced the GS70, has three 1/6-inch 690K CCDs. The colors during 3000 lux testing are brilliant, clearly defined, and in focus. The overall test came out better than the Samsung SCD6040, with concise articulation of individual color bars and grayscale transitions. In lower light situations, the GS120 still managed to maintain most of the articulation between color transitions, along with a distinct lack of noise overall — a bonus, when contrasted with the amount of overall noise and darkening which occurred with the SCD6040. It is equipped with a 2-inch LCD screen. If you care more about video than a good hybrid camcorder, the Panasonic PV-GS120 is the way to go. The PV-GS120 lists at $699.99.

JVC GR-DX307 With its vertical matchbook orientation and its sleek, slender, and small design, the JVC GR-DX307 is meant for an entirely different consumer than the Samsung SCD6040. Still reasonably within the same price range, the GR-DX307 has a 1/4.5-inch 1.33 megapixel CCD and the ability to function as a hybrid camera. In 3000 lux, the camera performed reasonably well, although focus was already a bit off. Most of the colors are accurate, along with the grayscale, except in the yellow and green portions, where one influences the other. Under low light, the amount of grain on the GR-DX307 became outstanding, overwhelming and darkening the image, though saturation remained fairly accurate even where colors began to vary. At 15 lux, the image becomes almost indiscernible, but with less overall noise than the Samsung. Neither of these camcorders are meant for low light; in fact, I believe the JVC is meant for celebrity hunting in the warm California sun. However, this smaller, friendly, point-and-shoot camera does have a 3-inch LCD.

Canon Elura 60 Priced slightly higher than the Samsung SCD6040, this Canon has a 1/4.5-inch, 1.33 MP (680K for video) CCD and a 14x optical zoom. With ideal lighting situations this camera performs well, and the Canon layout and design makes it easy to use. Some slight discoloration and washing out does occur at 3000 lux, although it's nothing alarming. Although colors did begin to wash out and gray in lower light situations, the major problem was the over-saturation of the red and green color bars. However, overall color quality and clarity remained better than that of the Samsung SCD6040, without the noticeable increase in grain.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (4.0)
This camera has the ability to satisfy a point-and-shooter, and the more experienced enthusiast might find this hybrid camcorder to be acceptable. However, the number of controls and separate functions make it confusing and a little overwhelming for a first time camera buyer. The EasyQ setting could be used as a go-between for the user and the more layered system.

Budget Consumers (3.0)
If a hybrid camera is essential, you’re not planning on pushing the lighting situations, and manual control is important but not always used, the Samsung SCD6040 has these features at a reasonable market price.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (8.0)
With its DuoCam design, this camera is intended specifically for this category of user, with separate lenses equipped to capture both still and moving images. This camera makes a case for the functionality and feasibility of Hybrid technology.

Gadget Freaks (7.0)
With all of the controllers, dials, and menus, along with the multiple lenses, the gadget freak could find that the Samsung SCD6040 may keep them content for hours, figuring out all the different ways to initiate the same setting. The design layout is clean, sleek, and somber, with two lenses. Who wouldn’t be jealous of you at the next Chess Club meeting?

Manual Control Freaks (2.0)
For the manual controller who doesn’t mind working a bit at first to reap benefits later, the Samsung SCD6040 presents the problem of too many different variables and controllers that alter and modify the camera’s settings. However, given time, these begin to make more sense. If you can remember how and where they come into play when working with the camera, this may be one to consider.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists (1.0) The pro and serious hobbyist might find use this as an accessory camera with their higher-end models when the luxury of having a hybrid camera, which is lighter and more compact than other models, is needed. Manual control exists throughout the layout, both on the exterior of the camera body and in the onscreen menus, giving multiple control choices.

Conclusion
The Samsung SCD6040, with its two lenses, allow for the user to switch back and forth between the two modes without too much concern or consternation. The excessive number of controllers and dials and wheels may frustrate and confuse upon first use. Reading the manual should be mandatory, because many features, with small details existing for each separate aspect of the camera, will be overlooked otherwise. The design is clean, fits comfortably in my hand, and I never worried about the product slipping from my grasp. The digital camcorder has a 1/6-inch 680K CCD, while the Digital Camera has a 1/1.8-inch 4.13 MP CCD. This camera did best under well lit testing conditions; the camcorder was not quite able to stand up to low-light situations without creating a large amount of noise, discoloration, or darkening among the color bars during testing. The digital camera can record both still and video, as can the camcorder portion, with both formats being transferrable to both MiniDV Tape and Memory Card. If you are looking for a camera that has separated the hybrid features, but allows for overlay and interplay, along with the ability to use just one aspect of the two modes, then this camera may be what you have been looking for.