Samsung SCM-51 Hi8 Camcorder

by Samsung

Product Details

Product Manual [925kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 4.2 inches ; 3.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004TRZE
• Item model number: SCM-51
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #60,399 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Despite its low price, the Samsung SCM-51 camcorder has a surprisingly extensive set of features. It has 440x (22x optical) variable-speed digital power zoom, manual focus controls, 0.3 lux minimum visible illumination for excellent low-light sensitivity, and a built-in wide-angle lens, allowing an exceptionally wide view in tight areas (especially useful for indoor recordings). Macro mode allows extreme close-up recordings all the way down to 0.04 inches. A six-mode program auto exposure button adjusts camera settings for optimum results in a variety of situations: sports, portrait, spotlight, sand/snow, high speed shutter, and auto. The camera also has digital special effects, including mosaic, mirror, negative, emboss, cinema, and makeup.

For the highest-quality images, Samsung has employed digital signal processing, time base correction, and a flying erase head. The camera uses standard 8mm cassettes.

The 90-degree multiangle viewfinder rotates from horizontal to fully vertical, allowing low-angle shooting, and a diopter adjustment is provided for eyeglass wearers. When you're filming, a "record review" feature helps with continuity, showing you the last three seconds of the scene you just shot.

The SCM-51 also boasts a built-in preset titler, date/time recording, battery/zoom readouts in viewfinder, and an auto refresh function on the charger that helps maintain the battery in peak condition. It comes with a worldwide AC adapter (100 to 240 volts, 50/60 Hz) and an extended-life lithium-ion battery for three hours of standard recording.

With this camera, you won't get some higher-end features: the viewfinder is monochrome instead of color and there's no flip-out viewscreen. Audio is recorded in hi-fi mono (some camcorders record in stereo), and there's no image stabilization. If these aren't features you're likely to miss, or you're looking for a great starter camera, the SCM-51 is a real bargain.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Suprising (considering the low cost), July 5, 2000

By 

sean (Cobourg, Ontario, Canada.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samsung SCM-51 Hi8 Camcorder (Electronics)

A good friend of mine recently purchased this camera and i was given a chance to try it out. The still digital zoom is a very good feature for filming stuff like fast paced sporting avents. This camera makes a good family camera for making home videos, and if you want to have a little fun with it, you can change the colour, create a mirror image....and so on. Also i forgot to mention the mic picks up good sound so you don't have to be screaming at the top of your lungs to be heard, and when watching your home videos you will be pleasently suprised how your voice sounds normal, and not like you were one of the chipmunks.

All in all i'd say this camera is a sturdy investment that you can have alot of fun with.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Satisfied User in NYC, February 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Samsung SCM-51 Hi8 Camcorder (Electronics)

This is a basic featured, entry-level model that performs quite well. It does all of the tasks you would expect of a camcorder, and the color and sound are fine, unless you are an aspiring filmmaker. It is very simple to use, and will definitely work well for the next 3/4 years until digital camcorders become more affordable.

All I wanted was something to make home movies of my children, and possibly take on trips, and it has served me well in those capacities.

I recommend it to anyone who wants to get a well-made camcorder and doesnt want to spend alot of money. ...

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Low Cost Camcorder, April 3, 2001

By 

M. Biek (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Samsung SCM-51 Hi8 Camcorder (Electronics)

After being disgusted by how expensive digital camcorders are, I thought I'd give this model a try. I really didn't expect much given the price but I was blown away. I found the sound and color to be quite good, the zoom and autofocus excellent, and an excellent list of features and effects. The camera was very easy to use and even easier to hook up to my vcr (with the included cable). I was also impressed at how fast it charged. All in all, an excellent camera, especially considering the cost.