Samsung SCD303 Compact MiniDV Digital Camcorder

by Samsung

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 3.8 x 4.4 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001ELYO6
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,202 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 SCD303. 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 ultra-compact design allows it to go anywhere you go without taking up much space.

20x optical and 800x 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 Digital Image Stabilization to combat shakey situations and an expansion Memory stick slot. The EZ-Dial navigator lets you browse through your menu commands efficiently and the play back zoom allows you to close up on video that you just shot.

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 SCD303 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

SAMSUNG SCD303 may be the only camera that you need for trips around town, around the country -- around the world! Lightweight and compact, it shoots excellent digital-quality video (on MiniDV tape) and still pictures (stored on optional Memory Stick cards). 0 Lux Light Sensitivity Power Nite Pix allows video to be shot in virtual darkness Video and Still images may be transferred to a computer for editing, enhancement, or Internet email by using either a USB or i.LINK ( FireWire ) port Integrated microphone Color OnScreen Display Easy-Q Easy Navigator System for simple use Digital Image Stabilizer Uses MiniDV tape MPEG4 Video clip capability Includes rechargeable battery, AC adapter/charger, A/V connect cables

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pros and Cons of the Samsung sc-d303, April 29, 2004

By 

Sam (Sunnyvale, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samsung SCD303 Compact MiniDV Digital Camcorder (Electronics)

I was looking for a decent review of this camera but could not find one anywhere online. As soon as it was available for sale, I ordered and crossed my fingers. It arrived today and I've been testing it out to the max so here it is for those who want a timely review.

Keep in mind that I'm the type of person who only looks at poor reviews to see why I shouldn't buy a camera...because a lot of things can be either great or acceptable but all it takes is one flaw to make a purchase a remorseful one.

Cons:

-No Memory Stick included! I assumed one was included but in the instructions booklet it says "Optional accessories". I had to run out and buy one for $40.

-No remote Control! Again the booklet says included...bbut only for the 305/307.

-Mpeg4 only allows for 20 second clips.

-The record button is very poorly placed. It is a thin standing rectangle too close to the battery so you need a tiny finger to reach it. It is very hard to press.

-No Tally light. Not even one you can turn off.

-20x Zoom is slow. It takes a while to go from one end to the other.

Pros:

-Battery life is really good. I've been recording, rewinding through several tapes, playing all night and the battery indicator is still at 95% .

-Power Nite Pix is way cool. I feel like I'm in the Army in Paris.

-Most intuitive menu I've ever used.

Here is the MPEG4 review:

There are 2 modes, 320x240 and 160x120. You have a 20 second limit per clip and the final size is 1800 Kb in either mode. I was hoping a smaller file size with the smaller resolution but no...they just give you more frames per second. The larger resolution has only about 10 frames per second and so it is choppy. It's good for emailing back home.

I used their Samsung streaming software to record old footage from mini-dv to mpeg4 on my computer. The setup was simple and here it is always 320x240 and you can record clips as long as you want (hard disk space limited)

Overall I strongly recommend this camera. It is very small...full of features...and way cheap.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Cheap. Indoors grainy. Outdoors good., August 13, 2004

By 

R. Sritharan (Houston,TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Samsung SCD303 Compact MiniDV Digital Camcorder (Electronics)

Cons:
* Indoor quality quite grainy compared to Sony
* LCD not so good, though playback on TV looks good.
* Memorystick images take lot of space, and snaps just ok.
* Not so much of MiniDV quality compared to my previous Digital8.

Pros:
* Cheapest and best for its price.
* Quite worth it for home videos.
* Its so light, and battery has a good life.
* Fits within a pocket to carry with ease, no pain in the neck.

Overall:
* As I broke my Digital8(sony trv-340) which was real good but weighed a lot, we decided to get this & a digital-camera separate. That fits the budget compared to buying a sony/panasonic miniDV with same set of features/quality.

* I love it for how light it is compared to ther brands too.

* I hate it for indoor shooting, but, will live with it by adding more lighting.

* I bought it through amazon at vanns.com for $335. Their service & being on time was quite good.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Where's the light?!?, July 23, 2004

By 

jumpin joe (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samsung SCD303 Compact MiniDV Digital Camcorder (Electronics)

Ok, i said to myself no light on the camera....so I'll just go out and buy one. This is my 1st camcorder purchase ever so of course i didnt realize that in order to attach a light to this puppy it needs an accessory shoe. Light is this little cam's best friend , because in low light situations...u might as well be filming behind a screen door.....because that is what the grainy imprint over all of my indoor footage looks like....well go out and buy 1 for yourself........enjoy!!!!!