Benchmark: Samsung SCL850 Hi8 Camcorder (page 2)

The flip-out view screen makes for easy viewing while recording, and provides a great way to view what you just recorded. Though the three-inch view screen is small and its low-resolution LCD impairs the image quality, it serves as a quick and easy way to view your footage (and hear the audio with the built-in speaker).

There's an S-video out jack and an A/V out jack that make it easy to edit to a VCR or view footage on a television. Unfortunately, there are no A/V or S-video in jacks, so you can't record or edit from your VCR back to your camcorder. This is an inconvenient limitation if your only means of editing is from camcorder to VCR and back.

The Samsung SCL850 is a solid camcorder with all of the basic automatic features that make it attractive for beginners as well as a couple of advanced features that could entice the more experienced videographers. It has a few weak spots, but its rugged build and high quality picture make it a decent choice for the point-and-shooter who wants some room to grow.

-DC

Format: Hi8
Lens: 22:1 optical, variable-speed (4.5-22 sec., 4 steps) power zoom; 440:1 digital, f=4.0-88mm, 46mm filter diameter
Image Sensor: 1/4-inch CCD, 470,000 pixels
Viewfinder: 3-inch color LCD viewscreen, monochrome viewfinder
Focus: Auto, manual
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/10,000
Exposure: 6 auto exposure modes (Auto, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand/Snow and High Speed Shutter)
White Balance: Auto
Digital Effects: 6 modes (Mosaic, Mirror, Negative, Emboss, Cinema, Makeup)
Audio: Stereo
Inputs: External microphone
Outputs: A/V jack (stereo audio, composite video), S-video
Edit Interface: None
Other Features: Backlight compensation, preset titles, electronic image stabilization, built-in speaker with volume control
Dimensions: 4 + (height) x 4 1/8 (width) x 8 + (depth) inches
Weight: (sans tape and battery) 2.1 pounds

Video Performance (Approx.)
Horizontal Resolution (camera): 390
Horizontal Resolution (playback): 350

Performance Times
Pause to Record: 1/3 second
Power-up to Record: 2 + seconds
Fast-forward/Rewind (60 min. tape): 3 minutes, 10 seconds

Strengths

• Mike jack
• High quality picture
• Flip-out screen

Weaknesses

• Low-resolution LCD screen
• No A/V inputs
• No headphone jack

Summary
A nice (though flawed) entry-level camcorder that provides a crisp, clear picture and room for growth.

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