No matter how many megapixels are loaded inside, a MiniDV digital camcorder
makes a lousy digital camera. As a rule, these combination devices are bulky,
have poor lenses, bad ergonomics, and lack many of the digital still niceties
found in most digital cameras. The multi-function Samsung DuoCam is the
exception.
The DuoCam does the one thing right that makes all the difference: it takes the best digital still pictures of any camcorder. Not only do you get a standard 680K-pixel digital camcorder, but a nearly fully featured 4.13-megapixel digital camera.
The form-factor is reminiscent of the first digital cameras, but the wide-bodied DuoCam is bigger because it offers separate lens systems for the digital camera and camcorder functions, both cleverly housed in a single swivel assembly. The camcorder lens is situated at one end of the assembly. Flip the lens body, and you’ll find the camera lens. A release button on the top of the base section, easily reachable with the middle finger while your hand is in the hand strap, facilitates the flip.
The swivel concept worked a lot better than we anticipated. Small icons toward the front of the assembly indicate which lens is up, and the swivel theoretically allows greater flexibility in framing shots for both moving and still images.
The design demands of the rotating lens body make the DuoCam bulky and sometimes unwieldy. But the power/function/record button, the zoom lens toggle, and the photo shutter release all are within easy thumb and/or index finger reach.
Performance for both the camcorder and the digital camera is above average. There are four JPEG resolution modes, with a whopping 2272 x 1704 Super Fine setting, twice the best resolution of the highest end camcorder/camera combinations. A pop-up flash produces digital stills of astonishing clarity and color, even in complete darkness. The camcorder function provides night shot, a three-step slow shutter, and manual focus options.
The DuoCam suffers from some shortcomings. The device’s 2-inch LCD is too small and doesn’t look so good in bright ambient light. The camcorder lens is equipped with an 800X digital zoom, an extravagance that masks the minimal 10X optical zoom. The digital camera’s Schneider lens is protected by a built-in automatic lens cover, but the camcorder lens remains bare naked; a lens cap isn’t even included because the lens wouldn’t swivel properly back into the DuoCam’s body. You’ll have to remember to flip the lens assembly around to the protected digital still side to prevent any scratches.
You off-load still images to a PC using the included 16MB Memory Stick, which can store only a dozen high-resolution images; the FireWire and USB 1.1 jacks can be used only to transfer video. Since the high-resolution still camera drains the battery faster, Samsung provides both standard 1-hour and 1.6-hour extended lithium ion batteries.
As is the case with most camcorders, the list price for the DuoCam is meaningless. Expect the DuoCam to sell for $200 less, making it a far better buy for those who want a combination camcorder/camera that doesn’t skimp on resolution.
-- Stewart Wolpin
Samsung DuoCam SCD-5000
Rating: 4 stars (out of five)
Price: $1,399
http:www.samsungusa.com
Pros
• 4MP still resolution
• Cool swivel design
• Pop-up flash
Cons
• Bulky
• Small LCD
• No support for USB 2.0
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