Samsung SCD107 Camcorder Reviewby Kathleen BrillPublished on Jul 7, 2004 12:00 PM 
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If only the Samsung SCD107 camcorder offered more accessible and intuitive manual features, it would be a better camcorder. As it is, with an MSRP of $499.99, this 1/6-inch CCD camcorder is best for point-and-shooters who mainly take advantage of automatic modes and a few preset options. The manual features are complicated to locate and activate, as compared to comparable camcorders on the market. The Samsung SCD107 lacks a switch or a button specifically designating manual versus automatic settings. For automatic functions, however, the multi-language (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German and Italian) menu is very easy to navigate with a combination of buttons and a dial that work intuitively to those familiar with standard computer software menu navigation. Also, users wishing to edit their work will appreciate the standard NTSC configuration and FireWire and USB ports. More serious camcorder users will find the Samsung SCD107 lacking in several key areas; color quality, low-light performance, and overall manual fine-tuning are all substandard on this model. Fine-tuning a shot requires navigating an infuriatingly cumbersome menu. Not only are features such as manual focus and white balance difficult to find, these features also do not appear to function reliably in our test lab.
Video Performance (4.5)
The Samsung SCD107’s 1/6-inch CCD and 3.5-inch 225K-pixel LCD monitor keep this camcorder's performance within the ballpark of some similarly priced models. Most of the problems are not yet apparent at 3000 lux, but the reds and yellows are somewhat off. The blues and purples are imperfect representations of the colors on the original chart. Most importantly, true white can not be found anywhere on the chart, even at 3000 lux, and the blacks tend to blend together.
Color adjustments may be made on the Samsung SCD107 by pressing that line in the menu and then spinning the dial up or down to add or remove color. While this is a fine feature, turning the dial is likely to destabilize the shot– so don’t count on this for smoothly readjusting color and lighting during a shoot.
The Front (7.0)
The most prominent feature on the front of the Samsung SCD107 is a lens that measures 2.3 inches (46.0mm). The camcorder has a 20x optical zoom lens, with a 900x digital zoom. Immediately below the lens are a remote sensor, infrared light and video light. There are no other significant aspects of the front panel for this camcorder.
The Right Side (8.0)
The right side of the Samsung SCD107 features a slow shutter button near the top, and a rectangular port cover that opens with a slight pull on the tab. The door swivels somewhat to the side. Here on the right side of the camera are the USB and FireWire ports. Immediately beneath is a yellow-ringed A/V port, followed by an S-video port and, finally, a red-ringed mic jack near the lower front of the right side. The remaining two-thirds of the right side consist of the tape-loading compartment that swings out into the hand strap, and is actually accessed from the bottom of the camera.
The Back (6.0)
The battery port takes up almost the entire back of the Samsung SCD107. Off to the right side is a dial to start the camera and to activate the on/off settings. A record button is in the center of the dial. Along the right side of the dial are some textured grooves and a green rectangular button that must be pressed to slide the dial from one mode to the next.
The Left Side (8.0)
Samsung made a fine decision about the position of the menu button on the Samsung SCD107. Even before opening the LCD screen, the left side offers immediate access to the menu button and a handy dial for navigation. This is much better than requiring the user to touch the LCD screen or use a confusing keypad, a common problem with other brands. Having this kind of access allows menu adjustments without opening and closing the LCD screen, making it easier to keep a steady shot.
The LCD screen itself rotates 180 degrees, from facing the back to the front, and 45 degrees down. The 3.5-inch, 225K LCD screen is fairly easy to unlatch by pressing into the thumb grooves along the bottom of the closed screen door. Opening the LCD screen reveals an “easy” button. The easy mode allows for certain recording capabilities when in camera mode, but certain features (including the menu) are not available in this mode. It is strictly for point-and-shoot. The top row of buttons consist of buttons for reverse, forward, slide show for still images, and a backlight compensation button. Just beneath this row of buttons are a display button and a video light button. Below these sits the PB/Zoom macro button. Directly underneath the last button is a switch for memory card and tape modes. Samsung includes a handy remote for many of these features
The Top (6.0)
The top of the camera is home to the left and right microphones, set near the front about two inches behind the lens. The NITE Pix switch slides from on to off immediately behind the microphones. Separated by about an inch and half is a very springy wide-angle/telephoto zoom toggle that responds slowly but reliably. This leads to the viewfinder, which is just over an inch long and tilts up, but does not rotate.
Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (8.0)
The auto white balance is easy to set on the Samsung SCD107: press the menu button, turn the dial to highlight the first in camera, then enter, then white balance, followed by enter again, and then confirm by pressing the white balance mode again. The “indoor” and “outdoor” white balance settings are best used in close-ups or when the subject is mainly a single color; “indoor” is also recommended for use under halogen or studio lighting equipment, as “outdoor” is for daylight.
The automatic controls are extremely convenient, since the menu and enter buttons and the dial used to navigate are positioned intelligently on the left side, near the back of the camera, and do not require opening or using the LCD screen at all. The user interface of the menu is very intuitive, and all of the settings are clearly marked in writing and with visual icons.
Overall Manual Control (4.0)
Manual control for the Samsung SCD107 is accessible mainly from the menu, which is visible on either the LCD screen or the viewfinder. The controls are difficult to find, complicated to handle, and at times appear to be working when in fact they are not. This was especially problematic while trying to manually white balance the Samsung SCD107. In our test lab, this feature failed to work despite repeated attempts, all made while following the manual. As the test shot images clearly demonstrate, manual white balancing efforts on the Samsung SCD107 were unsuccessful.
Zoom (6.5)
A zoom lever on the top right of the camcorder controls the 20x optical zoom. The lever is awkward to reach and inconvenient to use. However, gradual zooming is relatively simple with the remote. Zooming progress may be monitored on the on-screen display; however, this feels redundant, since the image being shot must be observed anyway. Moving toward “T” zooms in, while “W”(wide angle) makes the subject appear further away. Zooming from 20x up to 900x is done digitally, via the menu.
The Samsung SCD107 also has a tele macro feature, which makes it possible to record from a distance of about 10 mm in the wide angle position. When using the tele macro feature – or any zooming, for that matter – it is best to use a tripod for improved stabilization. Bear in mind that many users of the Samsung SCD107 will require a second hand to zoom, while gripping the camera with the other hand when using either the remote or the on-camcorder zoom lever.
Focus (4.0)
To switch between manual and auto focus, one must select “focus” on the menu and press enter. This feature is not immediately obvious, and must be located by digging through the menu. A focus button or, better yet, a focus ring would be nice on this camcorder. The Samsung SCD107 is designed for point-and-shooters who will primarily use auto focus, but the manufacturer specifically recommends manual focus for improved depth of field when shooting multiple objects at varying distances, as well as for footage of people surrounded by fog or snow. Manual focus will also somewhat improve the image quality of shiny, glossy subjects and fast-moving action shots.
Exposure (Aperture) (5.0)
Exposure on the Samsung SCD107 is measured numerically and may be manually adjusted using the same menu button, dial and enter button. The camcorder’s power switch must be in “camera” mode. After turning the menu dial to see the shutter speed/exposure icon, press the enter button below the dial, then turn the dial to select either shutter speed or exposure. Set it as desired, then press the enter button. Exposure settings go up to 29.
Shutter Speed (4.0)
Shutter speed on the Samsung SCD107 ranges from 1/60 to 1/10000 of a second, and is fairly easy to adjust after being located by scrolling through the menu. The camcorder’s power switch must be in “camera” mode. After turning the menu dial to see the shutter speed/exposure icon, press the enter button below the dial, then turn the dial to select either shutter speed or exposure. Set it as desired, then press the enter button.
White Balance (1.0)
White balancing is a bit of mystery on the Samsung SCD107. While the standard auto white balance setting may do for some users, the “hold” feature intended for manual balancing did not function in our test lab. There were indoor and outdoor presets that could be useful. White balance can be found when the camcorder is in “camera” or “m.rec” modes. However, like many manual functions on this camcorder, it was very difficult or next to impossible to operate them via the menu. Despite repeated attempts in the test lab, we were unable to engage the manual white balance. When “NITE-PIX” is on, the white balance feature will not function.
Gain (0.0)
There are no gain options on the Samsung SCD107 camcorder.
Still Performance (5.5)
The memory stick can record still images and present single shots and slide shows. Memory card is also an option; still images will be saved in JPEG format with 640 x 480 pixels, and may not exceed 1.4MB. Again, all of this requires searching through the menu. The memory card allows for approximately 45 images on an 8MB card, or 90 images on a 16MB card in its superfine quality mode. “Fine” quality will store up to 85 images on an 8 MB card, or 170 on a 16 MB card. The “normal” quality setting allows for up to 155 images on an 8MB card, and 310 on a 16MB card.
All of this is done by switching the mode to memory card, turning the power dial to “camera” and pressing a sliver-sized rectangular photo button on the top right side of the camera. The remote’s photo button also works nicely for those who don’t want to jar the camcorder when shooting
VCR Mode (8.0)
The buttons for Play/Still, Stop, Fast Forward, and Rewind are on the left side of the camcorder beneath the LCD screen, and duplicated on the remote. The remote also has frame advance and slow buttons. The tape playback works when the camcorder is in Player mode, making it possible to view a tape on the LCD screen, useful for viewing footage on location during a shoot.
The Player mode is underneath the A/V set in the menu. Recording in “player” mode is possible when the AV in/out is set to “in”. Pressing the start/stop button will activate record/pause and pause will appear on the LCD screen.
Low Light Performance (1.5)
The Samsung SCD107’s low light test shots appear very grainy, and most of the color tiles– especially in the red area– fade into a gray-black haze at 15 lux. At 60 lux, there is slightly more differentiation; however, at this light level, the whole chart has a cold, bluish haze. Also, the yellow and green tiles are practically indistinguishable, even at 60 lux. Color saturation was poor, with a fuzzy, washed-out quality.
In sum, most of the colors were grainy, ridden with noise, and not at all distinct representations of true colors even in better lighting conditions. This was one of the most disappointing features of the Samsung SCD107.
LCD/ Viewfinder (7.0)
The fairly standard electronic color viewfinder is just over an inch long, and the image is clearly visible in its tiny window, along with the menu, which is nice for those who prefer to keep the LCD screen closed. However, this viewfinder does not rotate, creating potential handling issues for some users of the Samsung SCD107.
The 3.5-inch, 225K-pixel LCD is of average quality and size, with fairly true color on the screen for most images. (Unfortunately, this does not always translate to the image on tape.) The image can appear somewhat blurry, especially when recording movement. There is less solarization with the Samsung SCD107 than with some similarly priced camcorders, except when tilting the screen up or down – then screen solarization becomes a problem.
Audio (6.0)
The Samsung SCD107 features a -7.5 dB audio output, 3.5 stereo external mic, and a PCM system audio recording system. Left and right mics on the top front of the camera are spaced less than a quarter of an inch apart. Many will find the mic placement to be annoying, since both are located on the top instead of the front – close to the zoom lever where they are more likely to pick up unwanted sounds from the user’s hands.
Handling (5.0)
The Samsung SCD107 does not handle well. It has neither the benefits of a larger model nor those of a smaller model. Considering its 3.44-inch height, 5.9-inch length and 2.16-inch width (not including the lithium ion battery pack and Mini-DV tape), and the awkward distance between the grip and the zoom lever, only a giant would be able to keep this camera remotely steady during an average shoot. Many users would be inclined to steady the camcorder in one hand and operate the zoom with the other. The zoom position is not great for most hands, but it is operable. In contrast, the remote zoom is handy, and works well to eliminate unnecessary camera jarring; however it requires a free hand.
At best, handling on the Samsung SCD107 is inconsistent, even with the remote. Overall, handling issues with the Samsung SCD107 really are alarming, especially since Samsung clearly tried to keep an eye on handling issues by positioning the menu button and dial outside the LCD screen area, improving flexibility for the user. Keeping these buttons and dials outside of the LCD screen enclosure is by far the best feature of the camcorder.
The padded strap is adjustable and comfortable. However, most of the camcorder is smooth, metallic and just a bit slippery. The battery slides in along the back of the camcorder, just underneath the viewfinder. A tiny release button just below the battery allows for quick removal.
Ports (8.5)
There are multiple ports on this camera, and most are grouped together on the front of the right side, underneath a plastic cover. These include: USB, FireWire, A/V, S-Video, and a mic jack. Grouping these ports together will be convenient for most users.
Other Features(6.0)
Zero memory button
The Samsung SCD107 has a zero memory button on the remote control that will set the time code to 0:00:00; this position can then be found when rewinding and fast forwarding, and the tape will automatically stop here. This feature will not work if there is a break in the time code between multiple shoots.
Beginner-friendly manual
The user manual is written in a style that will be helpful and straightforward for point-and-shooters who have zero previous knowledge of camcorders. More experienced users may not care as much about this, and may be concerned that the instructions tend to gloss over the manual functions somewhat.
Night mode
Nite Pix is available in “camera” and “m. rec” modes, and allows recording in darkness or “0 lux” conditions for up to a maximum of about 10 feet in distance. This fun feature is somewhat reminiscent of wearing night-vision goggles, and works pretty well. One activates it by turning on the gray switch located behind the speakers. The Samsung SCD107 also has a Power Nite Pix function in camera mode. This feature is more powerful, and is accessible by pressing the slow shutter button when the Nite Pix switch on the top of the camcorder is turned on.
Remote
The remote provides a useful alternative that works quickly and is easy to operate. It includes buttons for still photo, start/stop, self timer, zero memory, photo search, audio dub, playback buttons, date/time, 2x playback for forward/reverse, frame advance, reverse playback, zoom, and a display toggle. Using the remote requires installing a fresh lithium battery in the camcorder.
Navigation Function:
The somewhat old-fashioned dial and button navigation system is conveniently positioned outside the LCD screen, near the back of the Samsung SCD107. The arrangement of the camcorder’s menu is similar to a standard computer software menu.
Widescreen Mode
A widescreen mode is not available on the Samsung SCD107.
MPEG
The camcorder has a USB streaming (MPEG4 data type) feature. Also, it is possible to view a video by linking the Samsung SCD107 to a PC by switching the mode to tape, the power to “camera” or “player,” and then connecting the USB cable to the jack on the Samsung SCD107 and the appropriate port on the computer. (Note: This appears to be just for digital purposes.) The USB port is on the front of the right side, next to the FireWire port and above the A/V, S-Video, and mic jacks. The FireWire port is the standard data connection for products with a DV port.
Analog to Digital Pass-Through
With the available inputs and outputs, analog to digital pass-through may be possible, but it is unclear if the Samsung SCD107 supports this feature.
Comparisons
Comparable camcorders in the same price range as the Samsung SCD107 include the Panasonic PV-GS9, the JVC GR-D33, and the Canon ZR80.
JVC GR-D33-- The JVC GR-D33 has a similar 1/6-inch CCD. The JVC offers better image quality with less grain and more accurate color representation. This was true even at 60 lux and 15 lux, although fewer colors were actually visible with the JVC. The Samsung SCD107’s grainy quality may be preferable to total darkness for some, but in good lighting, the JVC GR-D33’s color quality shines in comparison. This less expensive camcorder handles better than the Samsung SCD107.
Panasonic PV-GS9-- The Panasonic PV-GS9, like the Samsung SCD107, had problems with graininess at low light settings. With the Panasonic, this was fairly significant even at 3000 lux. Blacks and whites were slightly more defined, and overall color trueness – especially with the reds – was better with the Panasonic. While both camcorders have 20x zoom, the Samsung SCD107 offers up to 900x digital zoom, which some may consider a mere marketing ploy. Overall, the Panasonic PV-GS9 is easier to manage from a handling perspective.
Canon ZR80-- The Canon ZR80 has a similar 1/6-inch, 680K-pixel CCD. The Canon’s 18x zoom is less powerful overall than the Samsung’s, but Canon’s is easier to operate. Overall, the Canon ZR80 offered superior handling in comparison to the Samsung SCD107. The Canon’s image quality was less grainy than the Samsung SCD107. But, at 3000 lux, color representations for the Canon ZR80’s yellows were less distinct. The blues and reds were stronger with the Canon ZR80.
Sony DCR-TRV19 (Review, Specs, $372)-- Perhaps an unfair comparison, the Sony DCR-TRV19 is priced in the low-$400 range, not significantly higher than the Samsung. The Sony has an impressive CCD, at 1/4 inches and 680K pixels. Overall performance and image quality is bound to be better with this camcorder, since the CCD is more powerful. Handling is much more convenient with this camcorder in comparison to the Samsung SCD107. However, the Sony DCR-TRV19 lacks a memory stick, requiring still photos to be recorded to tape. The Samsung SCD107 offers more flexibility for people who seek a basic, point-and-shoot hybrid camcorder/digital camera. Also, the Sony DCR-TRV19 has only a 10x zoom.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (5.0)
This is the only group that is likely to look beyond the cumbersome manual controls, but they may have handling issues with the Samsung SCD107.
Budget Consumers (3.0)
Considering the mediocre low-light performance and manual control issues on the Samsung SCD107, it is possible to find a better performer for a similar price.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (5.0)
The Samsung SCD107 offers a lot of flexibility for storing still images, and this may interest beginning camcorder users who don’t yet have a digital still camera.
Gadget Freaks (3.0)
Most gadget freaks will long for better manual controls, but with an array of helpful ports the Samsung SCD107 still qualifies as being a “gadget.”
Manual Control Freaks (0.0)
Since the white balance didn’t respond properly in manual mode and access to manual controls requires far too much digging through the menu without the help of a specially designated switch or button, the Samsung SCD107 really doesn’t fit these users’ needs.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists (1.0) The Samsung SCD107 isn’t a serious contender for professionals or hobbyists.
Conclusion
The Samsung SCD107, with its 1/6-inch CCD and 3.5-inch 225K pixel LCD monitor, is a shaky but serviceable option. Point-and-shooters who are new to camcorders will find the menu for the most basic functions to be easy to navigate, since the user interface emulates the menu conventions of standard computer software.
That said, this camcorder is a poor option for those seeking a flexible yet easy-to-follow menu for most manual controls. In all but the most optimal lighting situations, this lack of control combined with poor video performance is a cause for concern. This camcorder is best for those who already plan to use a tripod for most of their videos. It will be frustrating to more serious hobbyists or artists who require more fluid creative control. Also, the Samsung SCD107 performs best in optimal light situations.
This camcorder cannot be recommended for complex shoots to those who are uncomfortable compensating for low-light situations with extra lighting equipment. Camcorder users who have this kind of shoot in mind are likely to turn to a more sophisticated, higher-performing model in any case. Compared to other camcorders at similar price levels, the Samsung SCD107 is way behind the pack.