Critique of Duo-Cam Review

The Videomaker, January 2005, Test Bench "Double Your Pleasure." was an easy to read introduction to the Samsung SCD6040 DuoCam. The text of the article supported the Strengths and Weaknesses and to an extent the Summary. The summary refers to "many innovative features." I can come up with two (two lenses and the multi-card reader) but no more.

The "Why Two?" section was useful but could have used more detail regarding the "why" considering that the main point of this equipment is the two lenses. I’m not asking for an engineering article, just a little more detail. Video vs. still imaging always seems to come up when testing normal camcorders; maybe a re-usable sidebar.

The article's comment regarding the LCD is serious and is treated so. I'm glad it's called out in the Weaknesses section. Is there any chance that you got a defective unit?
Ricardo
Videomaker Forums

Ricardo,

Thanks for your comments on the review. In response to your last question, we'd have to say that it is highly unlikely that the camera Samsung sent us was defective. The manufacturers are naturally very cautious about such matters, knowing that whatever camera they send us will be considered identical to the unit that a consumer might buy. Also, it should be noted that dim LCD monitors are fairly common in the low-price consumer camcorder market.

–The Editors

Focus on Youth

I feel that your magazine does not reach the teenage amateur video hobbyist audience as well as it could. As a teenage videographer myself, I love your magazine and I have very serious aspirations of becoming a filmmaker. I have been making my own videos since I was 10 years old, and now I am 17. I have put forth probably $2,000 in the past 3 years for my video passion. As I said, I just don't feel that your magazine reaches my group very well, but that doesn't stop me from reading it. I love it!

Joshua Moore

Internet

Joshua,

Thanks for your comments. We always try to focus our articles on the nuts and bolts of video production, regardless of how old–or young–the videographer may be. We do, however, encourage you and all other young shooters and editors in your video pursuits, and we assure you that we have your interests in mind as we plan the magazine. Also, we'd like to let you know about our video contest, if you haven't heard about it already. Each year, Videomaker gives out a series of prizes to videographers in a range of categories, including our Young Videomaker award, which goes to the best video submitted by a videographer under the age of 20. Keep your eyes out for the next Videomaker tape contest; we'd love to see your work.

— The Editors

More Music for Personal Use

I'd like to say that I'm fed up with the way the music industry has treated independent video producers recently. Advances in computer technology has made it easy to include popular music in our videos, yet it seems like it's never been more difficult to pay for the rights to a popular song for a small-time video production. It seems to me that the small-time producer could represent a big untapped market for BMI, ASCAP and all the other music licensing companies. Lately, I have resorted to hiring musicians to either play a public domain classical tune for my videos, or to come up with some quick improvisational piece that I can cut and paste to my heart's content. This also makes me happier because all of my money goes directly to a local musician, who is often a starving student or struggling artist who could really use the cash.

Ben Miller
Internet

Correction

The December issue's review of QuickTracks for Premiere Pro contained old contact information for the company, which has changed its name and location. The name, formerly Sonic Desktop Software, should have been listed as SmartSound Software, 8550 Balboa Blvd., Ste. 180, Northridge, CA 91325. SmartSound's Web site is www.smartsound.com, and the phone number remains (800) 454-1900. We apologize to SmartSound for any inconvenience that may have occurred.

–The Editors