Samsung 4.1 Megapixel Still Mini-DV Camcorder-DuoCam

Samsung SCD6040 - Best of Both Worlds (September 27, 2004)

Reviewed By: Monique L. - Garden City, MI

Let me begin by saying that this is my first camcorder purchase ever please keep that in mind!. Further, this review is a bit long so you can skip to the bottom to read about my thoughts on the actual camcorder if you wish.

Compared to the rest of my friends, I am pretty behind the times with this purchase. I was looking at three different cameras. One was in the Canon Optura line and the other was a Panasonic. My major sticking point was the digital still capabilites of them all. Everyone I talked to seemed to say, 'Just buy a separate camera for the stills, that's what I did.' I must have heard at least 8 different versions of that statement. That answer was just not good enough for me. I didn't understand why it seemed so difficult to have a two in one camera that actually performed!. The Samsung Duocam as it is often called in write-ups and advertisements seemed to have the dual function that I wanted but was an elusive product. It was hard to find reviews on it that didn't come from a retailer or Samsung themselves. The fact that it advertised 4.13 mega stills was hard to overlook, but even the retail sites sometimes seemed to not have much info on the mini dv camcorder portion of the product. I researched read dragged my feet for a few months and was never able to find out much more on it. I also could not find the camcorder in any store to 'play' with. I finally got to a point where I didn't think I could wait much longer to make a purchase. I did a fresh 'search' to compare the three cameras again. This time, while I was focusing on the Samsung, I found Vanns.com. I simply could not believe the price for the Samsung camera. The Panasonic had been out of this world price-wise. The Canon had been removed from consideration because it did not have firewire capabilities. So, my thought was, 'let me look at some prices for the Samsung again to see if I can honestly consider it.' When I saw the price that Vanns was offering I knew that I would be spending a significant amount of time reading reviews on them. Their overall score was quite good. Many of their reviews were very positive. Of course there was some negative reviews - I don't think it would have been believeable otherwise. That sort of thing does happen and I am sorry for those folks, but I can't concur. My experience with Vanns was incredible. I ordered on a Sunday and made a dumb mistake by the way..., they emailed me Monday to verify my order as well as point out said dumb mistake. I called customer service and talked with Mark. He was very helpful and managed to correct my problem er...dumb mistake. I received emails in a timely fashion throughout the whole purchase experience. I was informed that my shipment would arrive Monday yep, that's 8 days since the Sunday that I ordered it - dumb mistake and all and it actually arrived early on Friday this is unheard of!! The 'thank you for your order' email was the kicker. Not only did I receive great service, they were really nice about it too! This last email even offered me help with my product if I needed it. The nutshell part of it is this I now feel like I don't have to do all that 'researching' online for my next purchase. I am going to go straight to vanns.com.

Now, the camcorder This thing is INCREDIBLE! I have read where some folks don't like cameras that have too many steps or whatever between functions camcorder to stills etc.. I say, if you want it done right, you have to deal with what has to be done to switch from function to function. Having said that, it really isn't that bad. All the features of a mini dv camcorder that you are looking for are there. I was able to start filming almost immediately. I haven't played with most of the fun stuff yet, but what I have used so far is wonderful. Very easy to hook up to show on the big screen so that everyone can watch what has been filmed. I have also used the night shot function and I like that as well. You go from seeing nothing complete darkness to seeing everything! Perhaps I am easy to please, but this function is terrific. Now, since the big attraction is the still pics, I should say something about that. What you have here is an actual digital still camera built on to the same unit as a mini dv camcorder. I have taked a few stills and have actually been able to download them to my pc software is included with your purchase. Once everything was set up, it was as easy as moving jpegs from the camera to my pc like from a floppy to a harddrive and vice versa. Then came the moment of truth. What did they look like? I opened the first picture jaw dropped. I opened the second picture tried to deal with the jaw. The third was just as crisp and clear as the first. I did it! I found a camcorder that was dual function, while executing very well in both areas. I am so thrilled that I won't have to carry two cameras with me which is what my friends where trying to talk me into. I highly recommend this camera especially if you order it from Vanns! - great price!. I have had no issue with it as yet. For a novice, I am filming and snapping stills like a pro. I am pleased with my decision to go with the Samsung SCD6040 over the Canon and Panasonic. This cam does everything I wanted and more at a lower price than the others. Check for yourself. I saved up a ton by going with Vanns. If you are looking for a dual function camcorder, I highly recommend that you check this one out!