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Samsung SCM-51 Hi8 Camcorder

Samsung SCM-51 Hi8 Camcorder

List Price: $299.99
Your Price:
Product Info Reviews

Features:
  • 440x variable-speed digital power zoom
  • Black-and-white viewfinder
  • Hi-fi mono sound
  • Low-light illumination
  • Built-in wide-angle lens


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.

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