5 comments about Samsung SCD107 MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom.

1. I bought this camera about six months ago (June 04) for $429.00 and have used it extensively both outdoors and indoors.
   I looked at many cameras in the $450 price range with similar features. The one thing that stood out on this camera was the 3.5" LCD display. It was so much easier to frame a scene with this than with the 2.5" display on competing models that I decided to buy the Samsung.
   I found it easy and comfortable to use; the electronic stablisation works very well; the battery life is fine for recording a single 60min tape. Playing back recordings on the LCD screen is a pleasure. The image looks great and the sound is clearly audible on the builtin speaker. I was initially very happy with my purchase.
   Imagine my disappointment then, when I got home and played back the recording on my TV - it was no better than my old analog Canon ES50. At first, I was sure I had hooked it up incorrectly. But alas no: I was correctly using the s-video connection.
   Not willing to lose faith, I then hooked it up to my PC using a 4-to-6 pin firewire cable (purchased separately). Well, the picure looked fine in a small window but soon as I went full screen it was pretty grainy and pixalated. It's not even VGA quality.
   My number one reason for buying a DV camera was to get a sharper picture than with my analog camcorder. I'm afraid I made the wrong choice and, despite some nice features, I cannot recommend this camera because of the disappointing picture quality. Incidentally, I notice that the specifications page in the manual says nothing about lines of resolution and the size of the CCD (according to camcorderinfo.com it is 1/6").



2. if you went onto [...] and looked this camcorder up it says that it is one of the worst camcorders ever, well i am never looking on that website again because it is all lies. i got this cam for christmas and i really like it, i think it is one of the best camcorders that u can buy, it has cool features, nice zoom, a 3.5 lcd screen (really good), it is a small camcorder, and it has night pix (night vision). many other reviews complain about the color not turning out, well, you can adjust the color so it matches, duh!, you may be thinking "oh this is just a kids review, dont listen to it" but trust me i have been getting information on this camcorder for a year and know what im talking about. if you are planning on getting a good camcorder for a good price, try this one.



3. I'm not sure how people are giving this camera 4 and 5 star reviews but I was sadly disappointed with it.
   
   The only reasons I'm giving it the two stars are: 1. The screen size and 2. The price.
   
   I own a Samsung TV and DVD player and have found them both to be excellent values for the money so I decided to ignore the negative reviews that I had seen and pick it up anyway.
   
   The picture looks great on the LCD screen assuming that you're at a good angle to view it but as soon as you put it on a tv or pc you will see the lack of image quality. The manual was poorly written especially in regard to transferring video via the Firewire/IEEE 1394 connection. The software it came with doesn't suppport the Firewire though it doesn't mention this at all in the camera manual. Also the camera's driver isn't verified for Windows XP. When I hooked it up via the USB the camera was dropped from the device list after about a minute due to driver.
   
   After much hassle I returned it to the retailer that I bought it from who was nice enough to waive their 15% restock fee specific to camcorders and similar items so that I may purchase a Sony DCR-HC30 which I am much happier with. The store mananger explained to me that they had complaints from at least 5 other people with the same problem.
   
   Some other things to note:
   The SC-D107 has one of the biggest screens out there but also one of the smallest viewing angles.
   It has one of the largest optical zooms for the price, which isn't much good if the recording quality is low.
   Lastly, it has one of the largest digital zooms out there(900x), again useless because anything past about 100x is so grainy that you can't tell what you're looking at (you'll note that Sony doesn't make a camera with greater than 120x digital.)
   
   Try to avoid this one if you can afford something better.



4. The Samsung SCD107 offers average-to-good video quality in a flexible, feature-laden package. If you are looking at camcorders south of $400, read on. Good engineering and rational design tradeoffs make this more than the sum of what came out of the parts bin.
   
   PICTURE QUALITY
   You can find better video quality (especially by paying a couple of hundred dollars more), but most people will find the picture satisfactory. If your research thus far has taken you deeply into the world of pixels, scan lines, VGA vs. XGA, and CCD numbers, this won't get on your short list on picture quality alone. That said, the camera works particularly well in low-light situations, and there is a "NITE PIX" feature for very low-light applications.
   
   The "Digital Image Stabilizer" feature doesn't do much - if you have shaky hands, you should try a tripod (usually not a bad idea anyway). There is no manual focus, though you probably won't miss this because the auto-focus works so well. The 20X zoom is plenty, and the 900X digital zoom is overkill - the limiting factor is resolution, so don't expect to see footprints on the moon.
   
   SCREEN
   The first thing comparison shoppers notice is that the 3.5-inch color TFT LCD screen is bigger than most in this price range. This helps you frame a shot, gauge picture quality, and review just-taken film, all advantages over tiny screens. It is bright, clear, and rotates through 270 degrees (not 210 as stated in the supplemental info above). The color LCD viewfinder reproduces on-screen info and is a useful way to conserve battery power in the field.
   
   EASE OF USE
   Using the camera for the first time is fairly straightforward, even for the non-technical. The most commonly used controls are top-mounted (zoom, camera shutter control, NITE PIX feature on/off, slow shutter), where you would expect them. Other controls are located thumb-side or flush behind the LCD screen.
   
   Getting more than the basics from the camera requires a steeper learning curve, as you must navigate through acronym-rich menus and sub-menus. Even if you pride yourself on NEVER reading instruction manuals, a word to the wise: Pick up the manual. Open it. Read it. If you don't, you will miss some non-obvious functions and features you're paying for. This may seem worse than, say, stopping to ask for directions while driving, but tough it out.
   
   BATTERY
   The lithium ion battery pack included gives you 90 minutes of continuous recording time with the fold-out LCD screen, or 120 minutes using the viewfinder. It takes two hours to charge. You might want a second one of these, or even the upgrade battery (SB-LS220), which goes 190 minutes with screen, 250 minutes with viewfinder, and takes 3 and a half hours to charge. A red LED on the camera blinks to let you know how charging is progressing (e.g. one blink/second means less than 50% charged; three blinks/second = 75%-90% charged), which is a nice touch.
   
   RECORDING MEDIA
   There are two ways to record moving pictures: Onto Mini DV tapes (60 or 90 minutes on a DVM60), or onto a memory card (SD/MMC or Memory Stick/Memory Stick PRO). Using the memory card in this way has huge limitations; you are better off just using the tapes and saving the memory card for still pictures.
   
   STILL PICTURES
   You can use the SCD107 in still camera mode for casual snapshots, but it is not a replacement for a multi-megapixel digital camera. The 512MB SD ("Secure Digital") card I bought separately holds 2,997 stills in "super fine" mode and a truly absurd 9,000 in low-rez "normal" mode. Stick with super fine.
   
   AUDIO RECORDING
   Audio recording quality is excellent through the built-in top-mounted stereo condenser microphone. Many built-in microphones pick up mechanical noise from the tape mechanism, but I didn't notice any, even in quiet settings. Use the money you might spend on an accessory microphone and get a tripod or a memory card instead.
   
   MISC
   The remote control is useful, but much more directional than a typical TV remote. It won't work unless you aim it right at the camera - maybe it just likes to be seen in your group photos.
   
   CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
   If you need the sharpest picture available, you should probably spend $200 more. There are necessarily tradeoffs at this price range. However, if you just want a well-rounded, feature-filled camera that is a pleasure to use, by all means consider the SCD107.



5. There was a great review written up above that listed everything you really need to know (the first one that had a series of titles and then review). But I belive they gave too many stars and was too positive about this cam.
   
   This is not a very user-friendly camcorder. The MANUAL MUST be read over and over. It has so many steps to just do one action that by the time you have re-read the manual and adjusted the camcorder the shot is over with. Quality of pics and such was very poor once sent to the computer. The large screen wasn't much good in lighted scenes. I was forced to use the small lense to see what I was recording.
   
   I do not recommend this camcorder unless you are not picky about quality and have a photographic memory to remember how to work the camcorder.

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5 comments about Sony DCRTRV70 MiniDV 2MP Camcorder with 2.5"LCD, Memory Stick, and Networking Capability.

1. I have had this Camera for over a year now and found it to be reliable and its pictures of high quality. The Steady shot is rock solid and only jitters when you attempt >20 Zoom. The 120 zoom is grainy so I hardly use it. The memory stick for mpeg and still photos is very handy. The 2 megapixel resolution on the still photos is sufficient for computer display and small photo prints. It makes it convenient not to have to carry a second digital photo camera. I have not tried the Firewire link yet but the USB for memory stick operations works well.

   Overall I am happy with the camera and recommend it for purchase.




2. I did a lot of research before purchasing this camera a year ago. But I've used it A LOT since then and figured I would write a review.

   I did comparison tests with this camera vs. Sony's other lower end camcorders. The color and resolution on this one if FAR superior and worth the extra money. I also compared it to the Canon GL2, a 3-CCD camera. The 3-CCD camera was far better in low light and color, but comes with a much heaftier price tag.

   The good things about this camera have been mentioned by others. And while it may not fit in your palm exactly, it is really not very big. It looks good, and all the features are easy to find. Overall good design.

   There are three things about this camcorder I don't like, but here's what I recommend to solve them:

   The lens always looks like you can't zoom out enough. I'm sure there's a technical term for this, but even when you're zoomed out all the way it looks like your subject is too close. As soon as I realized this, I purchased a Sony wide angle lens, which made all the difference. Especially if you're indoors, you want to take in as much of the environment as possible. It does add size to the camera, and means you can't use the flash for still pictures without removing it. But it gives the camera a nice professional look and feel.

   The second problem with this camera I've read about with other Sony camcorders: the "whirring" noise of the motor as it is taping. When I first got the camera I didn't notice it, but as time went on the whirr got worse. Also, there's a "hiss" that you get with any camcorder. I solved this by getting a Sony external microphone to attach to the "boot". ECM-MS5908C. It's a stereo microphone, and it's far enough from the motor that you hardly hear it, and also drowns out the hiss. I also got a shotgun mic, but that isn't stereo, so I wouldn't recommend it unless shooting subjects far away.

   The other issue is unsolvable, and that's the "slider" zoom in. Instead of moving front to back with two fingers to zoom in, you slide left to right with one finger. It's hard to use, and over-sensitive. I do not understand why Sony sticks with that technology on their consumer models, but not with their 3-CCD professional models.

   Overall, a great camera. I do not use the still camera function very often, so I can't comment on that. I use Final Cut Express for the Macintosh to edit, and everything works smoothly with this camera. (Also, if you plan to do any editting, you get a HIGH recommendation from me for Apple computers. Each Apple computer comes with iMovie, a free program that is SO EASY to use to edit video.)

   You're obviously reading this because you want to know if this camera is right for you. Here's what I say: if you want better picture quality than other home videos you've seen, and are willing to pay for it, this camera is ideal. I highly recommend the wide angle lens and external stereo microphone, which help you make better videos but also add size to the machine. If you want to spend more to get an amazing, broadcast-quality picture, there's a big leap in cost for a 3-CCD camera. But the Sony DCRTRV70 is right in the middle, and is really a good choice.




3. Spend a lot, get a lot more. Although it was a tough choice to spend the money when I purchased my TRV70, I have no regrets. My camera is DA BEST!. After I figured out the Still Picture recording is best taken when not recording video simultaneously, I never looked back. There are so many features to mention but I don't use. The key things to consider:
   - Bigger lens, means better image
   - Good size CCD is a treasure; otherwise 3 CCD is next option
   - Manual focus override; in photography, this is VERY important
   - Backlight control; it's a great override in low light conditions like opening up your camera aperature
   - Manual disable of on-board flash; continue taking pictures when flash is not allowed
   - Touch screen LCD is sweet, don't listen to button fanatics
   - Steady Shot works.... when camera is light, more chances of jarring movements, so here its really important.
   - Memory stick convenience ... buy larger capacity, more over time.
   - Battery Status; Info-lithium means no guessing game. By several small batteries, charge them, and carry them a-l-a Rambo.
   - Don't install Imagemixer software. Instead, use Sony's Screenblast Movie Studio 3.0. You'll be happier.
   - Don't skimp on footage. Take lots of footage. It's easier to edit, than to say... I don't have enough!

   It's unfortunate, Sony is discontinuing the product in 2004. It's a great product! I'm ready to buy a second one so I can get the same footage from another vantage point. Silly, two people using different cameras. :-)




4. This is my fourth camcorder, and first digital camcorder. I bought it to record my child's soccer games to make a DVD to send to college coaches. It recorded steady sharp video in all lighting conditions, including heavy overcast, light fog, and night games under stadium lights. I also bought the remote controll tripod, which makes it much easier to start/stop recording and adjust the zoom (the remote control zoom buttons have the correct sensitivity, as opposed to the camera zoom control as noted in a review below). The only problem I had that caused the loss of a few minutes of video was that the camcorder started displaying "Cleaning Tape". I packed the tape (fast forward to the end and rewound) and recorded over the bad section. I now pack the tape again whenever I insert a new one in the camcorder



5. I searched and searched for the best quality camcorder for the best price. If you find a good deal on it, this is it. Great quality, easy to use, great manual controls, as well as an easy to use touch screen (I was unsure about the touch screen for a while until I bought it, and it's really not too bad if you don't mind having to deal with using the stylus instead of just pushing a button). It is bigger than the newer camcorders, but that can be a good thing - more stability, less shaking. One thing about it that I searched for but rarely found in other camcorders is that you can input from a tv or vcr (with the proper outputs) to record tv and old vhs onto dv tape, then you can use a firewire (or usb) to put it onto your computer and burn it onto dvd. It is kind of a hassle to do, and it takes forever if you use the highest quality on your computer, but it's worth it to preserve your old tapes. So here's all the good things this camera has:
   
   intelligent shoe
   manual focus ring
   manual exposure (touch screen)
   widescreen recording
   12 and 16 bit sound recording (sounds great, but may need an external mic for more professional audio)
   AV in (one mini input, need to find a cord like that)
   mic in (mini)
   headphones out(mini)
   touch sensitive zoom (great for slow zooming)
   lots of settings for different lighting
   backlight control
   nighttime shooting (green, but great distance and detail)
   cool effects
   great quality video

5 comments about Canon Elura 60 MiniDV Camcorder w/14x Optical Zoom.

1. Add me to the list of customers who have been burned by Canon camcorders...and for me this is the second time around and with a completely different camera.
   I owned an expensive Elura 2MC and liked the camera a lot - until it began eating tapes. I took care of this camcorder, live in a dry climate (i.e., have no condensation issues), and used the camera as intended so was surprised and angry that it failed. Unfortunately the tape-eating problem surfaced just before a trip so instead of having the camera serviced I shelved the Elura 2MC and bought a new Elura 60 - a downgrade at something less than half the cost of the Elura 2MC. My reason, though, for sticking with Canon was I was a fan of Canon optics and I assumed the failure was either a random event or a problem isolated to the Elura 2MC.
   Needless to say I nearly blew a gasket last night when my Elura 60 refused to accept tapes (I tried several). The problem, thankfully, does not appear to be the same I had with the Elura 2MC but the camera is not functional and in my view it is completely unacceptable that expensive camcorders from a top tier company like Canon should have these failures. I will likely send this one in for the dreaded repair but I intend to buy a new Sony and donate the Canon when I get it back.
   I gave Canon the benefit of the doubt but will not go back to the well a third time.



2. Had this camera for 3 years. It has always had problems, and the thing just keeps getting worse. Had numerous problems including the 'eject tape' warning, no tape detected, viewfinder has gone out, buttons stop working, photo camera doesn't work, zoom malfunctions and randomly starts zooming in or out, and now something is seriously wrong with the digital chip, as I can't play back the tapes.
   All these problems with 1 camera. Wow. What a piece of junk. Seriously, avoid this camera at all costs.



3. Our Elura 60 also has the "Remove the Cassette" problem that other reviewers have posted. Search for this error code and you'll find thousands of pages of frusterated Canon owners and no fix to be found.



4. I have owned it for 3 years and 4 months. Within the first two months, we had to return it for service because it didn't have any picture. I was told the whole lense assembly needed to be replaced. Now it has an eject tape error and the tape won't eject. It makes grinding noises. It has been well cared for. People who give it good reviews haven't owned it very long



5. Buyer Beware! Do not buy this or any Canon item! The remove the cassette error is for real! If you search the internet under "canon remove the cassette" you will find many, many people with the same complaint! Do not buy this camera! The backing by Canon is atrocious. They will do nothing, but offer to fix at your expense. Mine was fixed and ended up doing the same thing again, as well as the mind of its own zooming issues. You will read all these same things on many reviews/ratings postings around the web. Lemon product and Canon does nothing about it. I will not buy another Canon product and you should not either! I don't care how good their next one is. They didn't back this camcorder or do anything about the NUMEROUS complaints by people!

5 comments about Samsung SCD103 MiniDV Digital Camcorder.

1. Just like "wiseconsumers" experience, we had our camcorder for about 3 months when "PROTECTION!" started flashing across the screen. The first thing I did was check the cassette to be sure that the protection switch wasn't flipped and it was not. Then I checked every option under "menu" to see if there was some setting. Still thinking it was just human error, I started to check the manual and the web for anything I could find. Well, I found that I wasn't the only one who had a mysterious case of the "PROTECTIONS!" I haven't called samsung yet, it's too late tonight but after reading "wiseconsumers" post, I'm ready for a dogfight. At least he didn't have to pay for his . . . .



2. This is an awful camcorder. While under warranty the camcorder was repaired. The warranty had ended and I am having nothing but problems again.
   
   
3. My camera also quit working just outside of the warranty period. I am not able to play back ANYTHING other than a blue screen with the date via USB, component cables, nor the lcd screen.
   
   I use this thing a couple of times every few months, and then, only for a few minutes. I am disappointed. While the cost of these items have dropped over the years, it makes it cost prohibitive to repair. I would rather spend another $100 and get a new camcorder. It won't be a Samsung, I can tell you that.



4. The buttons are in weird places, the controls are hard to get to, the control to turn the camera on is hard for anyone with nails to use, the look through lens always shows white no matter how you try to get it to work so you always need to use the digital viewfinder, the tape recording is grainy, the camera refuses to let you use the anti-shake feature even when you're in camera mode, you can't use anything related to Memory Stick Duo or Pro EVEN IF you can find and get an adapter (which limits you to the original "Memory Stick" 256MB cards ~ 30 min. if you can find them because they are pretty much obsolete), the memory stick formatting feature doesn't work, the software doesn't work with the tape in the camera when you try to access it from a computer, common video editing software will not detect the tape inside of the camera, sound is hard to pick up because the microphone is on the top of the camera, the USB streaming feature results in jumpy/grainy video that is not recognized by sites like myspace or utube, and it loses battery life quickly.
   
   My advice: Buy something else that you can actually hook up to a computer. Who honestly uses tapes if they want to make home movies to burn to a CD or DVD? WAY more frustration and money than it is worth.



5. I am extremely displeased with the life of this product. I shot about 20 hours of footage with it and it no longer works. Don't buy this camcorder.

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