Samsung SCD103 MiniDV Digital Camcorder

by Samsung

Product Details

Product Manual [4.33mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 3.4 x 5.9 inches ; 1.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001DRRUM
• Item model number: SC-D103
• Average Customer Review: 2.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,917 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 28, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The next generation of Samsung digital video has arrived with the SCD103. This MiniDV camcorder has all the right features that will please the avid camcorder fan, and is simple enough for the novice. Its sleek and compact design allows it to go anywhere you go without taking up much space.

18x optical and 900x digital zoom, is perfect for recording crystal clear, high quality video from great distances. Its 680,000 CCD captures stunning, true-to-life color without compromising the size of the camcorder, and the 2.5 inch color LCD lets you see exactly what you are shooting without peering into a small viewfinder.

Features for this camera include, a standard video light to use when the amount of light is low, Power Nite Pix for shooting in low-light situations when a light source is unavailable, Digital Image Stabilization to combat shakey situations, and an expansion Memory Stick slot.

The MPEG4 and JPEG formats allow for easy downloading into your PC. This is done quickly using either the IEEE1394 firewire port or the USB port. The Samsung SCD103 is a great companion to anyone interested in recording digital video with ease.

The MiniDV Format
MiniDV, the most common type of digital camcorder, records video using the standard DV-format. It's the preferred format for broadcast-quality video, and it is also highly regarded for its high audio and still image quality. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. Tapes come in lengths of 60 and 80 minutes at standard speed (SP), with use of lower speed mode (SP) increasing time to 90 and 120 minutes while reducing resolution.

Product Description

Easy to operate, provides a top quality digital video image that is virtually unaffected by hand movements during recording. This sharp image is reflected in its convenient 2.5' TFT LCD monitor which rotates for multi-angle shooting, self-recording and playback.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lotsa bang for the buck, March 29, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Samsung SCD103 MiniDV Digital Camcorder (Electronics)

For this price, you can't go wrong, especially if you're really into video editing using your computer. Just make sure you've got firewire access, and you should be set. Still pictures aren't very good however (I think the digital picture resolution is 680,000 pixels max) but if you just save a still frame onto the memory stick while playing back video, the resolution isn't a problem. Overall, this is a perfect camera for the beginner (incredibly easy menus) or someone on a tight budget.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good pictures for the price, September 27, 2004

By 

Christy (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samsung SCD103 MiniDV Digital Camcorder (Electronics)

At the start of our vacation this year our camcorder was stolen! We picked up this Samsung at a local Costco one day before arriving at Yellowstone National Park for a once in a lifetime trip.

My husband took movies all day and we did not have to recharge the battery (although we are getting a backup). The pictures were great! Although, we did see them on 3 different screens and each one the quality of the movies were different. On the large (60") screen they did look grainy but on a 32" they looked great. And we were glad that we had purchased it.

The only reason that I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that I have not been able to hook it up to my computer via the USB cable and am online to order the other one. If all goes well I will readjust the stars!

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The best cost/benefit camcorder, June 1, 2004

By 

The Magician "gustyk" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samsung SCD103 MiniDV Digital Camcorder (Electronics)

I had a very low budget and a newborn... (you do the math!)
I did my research and finally, I got it.
The features I love:

- Can be used as webcam! I don't understand why they don't promote this feature. In fact, I went to Best Buy to see it and they had no idea about this capability.
- Very light.
- Resolution... it's ok. It's just for family memories... not to broadcast the SuperBowl in HD!!!
- Built-in light.
- Memory stick.
- Night PIX
- Good audio! Nice mic. Really.
- A/V connectors in several flavors.

Things I don't like too much but I can live with:
- Very low resolution in snapshots.
- Included battery lasts... nothing.
- The cover of the A/V connectors is very weak. Any bad movement... and It's broken.