Samsung SCD5000 DuoCam
Samsung SCD5000 DuoCam
Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
Samsung just started shipping its $1,400 SCD5000 DuoCam, which combines a 680,000-pixel MiniDV camcorder with a 4.1-megapixel still camera. You'd think a camera and a camcorder would go together like chocolate and peanut butter, but based on our initial observations, we doubt the SCD5000 will be the next taste sensation.
Upside: A single device that can shoot good video as well as stills is the Holy Grail of consumer imaging. Since no sensor/optical system available is optimal for both tasks, Samsung didn't try to fake it, instead housing two separate systems in a rotating module. The company gets points for imagination.
Downside: Like mating a poodle with a rottweiler, this solution is awkward on several levels. Who's it for? The camcorder is low-budget, while the camera would normally be targeted at a higher-end buyer. And the large, clunky unit is both bigger and more expensive than two separate devices.
Outlook: We suspect Samsung will need a couple of SCD5000 generations to get the mix right. Maybe by then, two sensor/optical systems will be unnecessary. Or now that Samsung has floated the idea, perhaps another company will simply come up with a more-compact design or bring down the price.
Upside: A single device that can shoot good video as well as stills is the Holy Grail of consumer imaging. Since no sensor/optical system available is optimal for both tasks, Samsung didn't try to fake it, instead housing two separate systems in a rotating module. The company gets points for imagination.
Downside: Like mating a poodle with a rottweiler, this solution is awkward on several levels. Who's it for? The camcorder is low-budget, while the camera would normally be targeted at a higher-end buyer. And the large, clunky unit is both bigger and more expensive than two separate devices.
Outlook: We suspect Samsung will need a couple of SCD5000 generations to get the mix right. Maybe by then, two sensor/optical systems will be unnecessary. Or now that Samsung has floated the idea, perhaps another company will simply come up with a more-compact design or bring down the price.