Entered CNET Catalog: 04/12/2005
SKU: 0036725301054
Manufacturer: Samsung
Manufacturer description
Samsung's SC-X105L MPEG4 Sports Camcorder offers the ability to capture those thrilling moments. Whether you're snow boarding or skiing you can capture the moment with the remote lens. 10x Optical Zoom/100x Digital Zoom provides incredible zooming ability. Variable speed control is activated by automatic sensing of the amount of pressure applied to the zoom tab. Record an MPEG-4 digital video clip, which has high picture quality and takes up little memory space. Video can be stored directly to your Memory Stick or transferred to your PC via USB. 680K Movie Optimized CCD delivers high-resolution video images with superior color resolution and detail. It surpasses the conventional camcorder with digital quality and its high performance PC interface. Camera body is pocket-size and offers a non-slip surface. The included external remote lens offers wide-angle capabilities, is weather-resistant, and allows for hands-free shooting. Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) minimizes unwanted picture shaking caused by hand movement during recording. Photo Mode Function allows for easy picture taking (800 x 600 resolution) and the ability to save still pictures into Memory Stick or Memory Stick PRO. 512MB Built-in Memory allows you to take photos and MPEG4 movies more conveniently. Combining built-in memory and Memory Stick PRO allows you to store your still images, MPEG4 movies, and important documents and files allowing you to review them anytime, anywhere.Product summary
The good: Extremely compact design; novel external camera attachment; 512MB of onboard memory; long-lasting battery.
The bad: Overlong start-up time; subpar video quality in nearly every respect.
The bottom line: The Samsung SC-X105L has a fetching design and some novel features, but it suffers from subpar video quality.
Average user rating: from 13 users
2.5 stars
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 07/20/2005
The SC-X105L weighs only 5.2 ounces with its snug-fitting battery and a Memory Stick Pro. It's actually smaller than you'd think, to the point that the camcorder's included external camera attachment is almost as large as the camcorder itself.
Those prone to dropping expensive electronics will appreciate the SC-X105L's rubberized black-and-blue body, which gives the camcorder a solid, no-slip feel. What's more, the combination of small size and a good grip makes this device well suited to long shoots; since it's physically equivalent to holding one of those battery-powered minifans in front of your face, your subject will likely tire of being filmed long before you're ready to put the camera down.
This is the minimalist camcorder's entire set of controls.
Partially owing to the SC-X105L's smallish feature set, the camcorder's controls are quite simple and easily mastered after a couple of minutes. A spring-loaded switch turns the camera on and off, and switching from video to any other mode is as simple as repeatedly sliding the switch back to the On position. The zoom controls also serve as up and down buttons when you're within a menu and are located (along with the Enter and Back buttons) within easy reach of your thumb at the top of the camcorder. The menu system is well designed and simple to navigate, though you'll have to hunt through a couple of levels before you find the setting for enabling the external camera. The Samsung SC-X105L's feature set is largely external to the camera; the SC-X105L lacks many of the typical bells and whistles, but it has several unique capabilities and included accessories that enable you to shoot video in situations where having a larger, more conventional MiniDV camcorder would be impractical. Bad news first: you can't tweak the exposure controls when recording, so you're at the mercy of the camcorder's sometimes dicey autoexposure system. The SC-X105L also lacks a wide-screen mode, and its still images max out at a camera phone-like resolution of 800x600.
Now, on to the good stuff: The 10X optical zoom lens is digitally stabilized, and in practice, it allows you to shoot quite steadily and take some pretty long shots as long as you have adequate lighting. The rudimentary MP3 player is not strictly necessary on a camcorder, but it's a nice bonus if you have a high-capacity Memory Stick Pro card and want to take advantage of the SC-X105L's generous 512MB of internal memory. The SC-X105L's trump card, or at least the feature that none of its competitors can claim, is the weatherproof external camera included in the box. Because the SC-X105L is so small and fits so easily inside a pocket, you can use the head- or shoulder-mountable external video-capture feature to record any number of hands-free activities. I don't know that my testing of this feature really lived up to its take-no-prisoners billing, since I mostly used it to tape my brother making funny faces and myself catching footballs. But for skydivers, fly fishermen, and helmet-cam enthusiasts of all stripes, this external lens is perfect for freeing up your hands so that you can play air guitar at 30,000 feet or in a river or whatnot. One caveat: You can't zoom in when using the external eye, so you'll have to settle for a fixed-focus view. In general, the Samsung SC-X105L performed adequately, though in some areas it showed plenty of room for improvement. For example, starting up the camcorder requires an 8-second wait before recording, so this isn't necessarily the best choice for capturing the spontaneous malapropisms of a precocious toddler. On the plus side, the SC-X105L's autofocus worked well, speedily acquiring a subject even at maximum 10X zoom, although the focus tended to waver a bit under low-light conditions. Manual focus was functional, in the sense that toggling it up and down would eventually yield a proper focal length; unfortunately, because the SC-X105L lacks a visual guide to help you while adjusting the focus manually, the sweet spot can often be found only after a frustrating process of trial and error.
The SC-X105L more than makes up for its lack of an optical viewfinder with a bright, crisp 2-inch LCD screen that swivels out from the side of the camera and articulates a full 360 degrees. Camera shake is rarely an issue, as the SC-X105L's image-stabilization (IS) system works swimmingly--we suppose that's a must, given Samsung's promises of extreme performance. In fact, we turned off image stabilization only when we wanted a deliberately shaky effect, like in all those skateboard videos. Even with IS enabled, the SC-X105L's battery lasted an impressive amount of time. The onboard microphone sounded a little weak; in our test videos, voices and ambient music had a tinny quality, so audiophiles may want to steer clear. Here's where it all comes crashing down. The Samsung SC-X105L's video quality is, simply put, substandard. Even in direct sunlight, the camcorder takes muddy, artifact-ridden movies that are difficult to enjoy on a computer and almost painful to watch on a full-screen television. The color of the videos approaches decent if you set the white balance correctly, but there's so much smudging in these clips that truly accurate color is outside the realm of possibility. Colored noise becomes a ubiquitous presence in low light, often to the point of making everything look a uniform, staticky gray.
Low-light shots are OK when seen scaled down (top), but when viewing at actual size, you can see how bad the noise is.
We shot all of our test videos at maximum resolution (720x480, 30fps) and at maximum quality, a setting that dramatically increased the size of our video clips without appreciably improving their quality. That's unfortunate since this camcorder does a lot of things right, but when all's said and done, the Samsung SC-X105L's subpar picture quality will likely disappoint those interested in sharing their videos or editing them down into creative projects.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 User Rating:
2.0 stars
out of 13 user reviews
A good party camera
Pros: Sleek design
Cons: not enough memory, poor image quality
Review: I purchased this camera when it came out. It is a fun camera to use at a party for quick little footage when you dont care about the quality of the recording. its nice to be able to throw it in your pocket just as you would your cell phone or mp3 player. the memory is not enough for videos, you are forced to buy the memory sticks for any decent length videos and the battery life is not very good, you need to buy the extended life battery which is a silver color and twice as thick. all in all there are much better cameras on the market and the customer support with samsung is absolutely horrible.
User Rating:
0.5 stars
out of 13 user reviews
Samsung Failure
Pros: Feeling cool about new purchase
Cons: Feeling like an idiot because you were scammed.
Review: This "camcorder/camera/MP3 Player/super cool Xtreme rad gizmo" is Samsung's slipshod attempt to capture a market. The video is remarkably poor along with an auto-focus that overshoots focus randomly. The still photo was put in as an after thought. The only screen worth looking at the photos with is the 2" LCD on the unit. The MP3 player automatically alphabatizes your song list, so...worthless. DON'T BUY THIS SCAMCORDER!
User Rating:
1.5 stars
out of 13 user reviews
Really Bad in Still Pictures
Pros: Small and cute, and camcorder is okay
Cons: Worst still pictures and not worth buying it
Review: I bought this camera one month before, and found it really bad in still pictures. And its so costly that I can buy sexy 6-8MPx camera.
User Rating:
1.0 stars
out of 13 user reviews
Small and cool look, limited function.
Pros: External cam, tapeless design
Cons: Battery capacity and recording time.
Review: The video this camera takes is just about sub OK. Pay HEED: It has difficult menus, short battery life and don't worry about just having 12 min of video with the built-in 512M memory, if you use the LCD display you won't have much more battery life anyway...oh yea, you can use a memorystick to add more, but it won't help because the battery will die anyway. Unreliable as well, the exteranl cam takes AAA batteries of its own. If the auto off ******* dosen't get you one of the other flaws will. Trust me, don't get this one. Oh wait... BUY MINE! CHEEP!
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 13 user reviews
I can't complain
Pros: Small size, publishes directly to my computer, solid state
Cons: poor low light abilities, still pictures are mediocre at best, battery life is average
Review: This is not the best performing camcorder on the market. But, if you don't use something, it is for the most part useles. Consider for a moment that you have a small child - a baby in normal parlance - you have so much to carry with you, the addition of a 0.75-1.25 kg camcorder is not particularly welcome. Enter the small Samsung - I never hesitate to carry it with me and pull it out to record when something interesting happens. Another great feature is I can email the eager grandparents overseas almost immediately.
User Rating:
3.5 stars
out of 13 user reviews
Great camera for impromptu moments
Pros: extremely compact design
Cons: video quality
Review: I bought this camera about 4 months ago as a second camera. I knew that the video quality wouldn't be comparable to my miniDV camcorder and wasn't sure how usable the video would be to edit in iMovie. However, I noticed that due to it's extremely small size (about the size of a pack of cigarettes) I've been carrying it around with me everywhere versus lugging my camcorder around. I'm capturing a lot of impromptu moments I'd never have before. It fits nicely in the front pocket of my jeans and I've been getting a lot of great shots of my kid to send to his eager grand parents. Also, because the camera captures in mpeg format, each shot is saved as a seperate file, which has made editing in iMovie a snap.
Basically, this is a great second camera to take with you everywhere if you don't get hung up on the video quality.
Basically, this is a great second camera to take with you everywhere if you don't get hung up on the video quality.
User Rating:
2.5 stars
out of 13 user reviews
Decent as secondary camera but expensive
Pros: Size, weight, external camera
Cons: video quality, short videos
Review: This is a great little camcorder to use as a secondary camcorder. If you've got an older mini-DV camcorder, keep it as your primary camcorder.
The small size and the carry case is great to just carry around on your belt and whip it out for a quick video. But the video quality itself is only suited for tiny clips you can distribute over the web. For high quality videos, get something else.
The external camera is its best feature. The head or arm strap are really cool. I also made an improvised mount for my car using and L-bracket, magnets, felt pad and a 1/4" bolt. I got many angles I was never able to do with any other camcorder. This is possible because the external camera also has the standard 1/4" screw hole underneath. And because of the light weight of the external camera my magnet mount worked without slipping at speeds up to 140 km/h.
The external camera alo worked with my old Sony digital-8 camcorder which has an A/V in/out port. The downside is that the external camera will shutdown after about 5 minutes if it isn't hooked up to the samsung camera.
I really want to return this camera but I want to keep the external camera and head/arm bands. I'd have to find a way to hack the external camera and remove the auto-power off feature though.
I hate the camcorder but I love the external camera. So I'm sitting on the fence trying to decide if I should return it or not. If it were $300 less I wouldn't hesitate to keep it (as a secondary camcorder).
The small size and the carry case is great to just carry around on your belt and whip it out for a quick video. But the video quality itself is only suited for tiny clips you can distribute over the web. For high quality videos, get something else.
The external camera is its best feature. The head or arm strap are really cool. I also made an improvised mount for my car using and L-bracket, magnets, felt pad and a 1/4" bolt. I got many angles I was never able to do with any other camcorder. This is possible because the external camera also has the standard 1/4" screw hole underneath. And because of the light weight of the external camera my magnet mount worked without slipping at speeds up to 140 km/h.
The external camera alo worked with my old Sony digital-8 camcorder which has an A/V in/out port. The downside is that the external camera will shutdown after about 5 minutes if it isn't hooked up to the samsung camera.
I really want to return this camera but I want to keep the external camera and head/arm bands. I'd have to find a way to hack the external camera and remove the auto-power off feature though.
I hate the camcorder but I love the external camera. So I'm sitting on the fence trying to decide if I should return it or not. If it were $300 less I wouldn't hesitate to keep it (as a secondary camcorder).
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 13 user reviews
great for sports lovers
Pros: take it anywhere
Cons: limited feature
Review: little expensive with all add-ons but does the job
User Rating:
3.0 stars
out of 13 user reviews
Great small camera with problems
Pros: Small size and easy to use features
Cons: only highest resolution useful
Review: The camcorder is excellent in that I could easily put in my front pocket and quickly whip it out and take video. I purchased 3 1GB memory sticks. I tested on all three resoultions, and only the highest resolution gave a quality of video slightly lower than my tape-camcorder. At this resolution one gets 30 minutes of high res video per 1GB memory stick. All of this I can accept.
I then purchased an expensive program from Pinnacle, Studio 9.3 to record the video from the memory sticks to burn a DVD. I have worked on this now for 90 hours and still am not able to burn a DVD for more than 7 minutes before the software hangs up. Both Samsung customer support and Pinnacle customer support have been totally useless. I am definitely undecided about the value of this camera.
I then purchased an expensive program from Pinnacle, Studio 9.3 to record the video from the memory sticks to burn a DVD. I have worked on this now for 90 hours and still am not able to burn a DVD for more than 7 minutes before the software hangs up. Both Samsung customer support and Pinnacle customer support have been totally useless. I am definitely undecided about the value of this camera.
User Rating:
0.5 stars
out of 13 user reviews
Awesome Idea; Unusable Execution
Pros: Small size, rugged exterior, general product concept
Cons: Unplayable video; Crashes; Mpeg4; poor ergonomics.
Review: I bought this camera intending to attach it to my model airplane and fly it around, making an arial view of my neighborhood. This camera's poor performance grounded that idea before I ever left the house.
The most important feature of any video camera is playback of the resulting video. For my purposes, I never intended to playback the video by hooking up wires to my TV. I simply wanted to review the video on my computer. To facilitate this, I bought a memory stick and a card-reader. However if you record video onto the removable memory, the last video you record is not playable on the computer. So be sure to leave some room at the end of the card, because you will have to record another separate video, one to throw-away, so that the videos you want will play back.
Oh and another thing about filling up the removable memory... Don't ever do it. The camera can't seem to deal with this possibility and it will lock up. Forcing you to find some other way to make it responsive again.
As for Mpeg4... This format is a real boondoggle. Codec support and software interoperability with Mpeg4 seem to remain un-addressed.
I was totally looking forward to this camera and what I could do with it. I was sadly disappointed with its showstopper problems.
The most important feature of any video camera is playback of the resulting video. For my purposes, I never intended to playback the video by hooking up wires to my TV. I simply wanted to review the video on my computer. To facilitate this, I bought a memory stick and a card-reader. However if you record video onto the removable memory, the last video you record is not playable on the computer. So be sure to leave some room at the end of the card, because you will have to record another separate video, one to throw-away, so that the videos you want will play back.
Oh and another thing about filling up the removable memory... Don't ever do it. The camera can't seem to deal with this possibility and it will lock up. Forcing you to find some other way to make it responsive again.
As for Mpeg4... This format is a real boondoggle. Codec support and software interoperability with Mpeg4 seem to remain un-addressed.
I was totally looking forward to this camera and what I could do with it. I was sadly disappointed with its showstopper problems.
User Rating:
1.5 stars
out of 13 user reviews
Mediocre Camcorder
Pros: Small size, all-digital recording
Cons: Poor picture quality
Review: I just purchased this camcorder today, and will be returning it tonight.
While the video quality is simply "OK", it's not great. Even on the highest quality (Superfine) mode it's pretty bad. If this camcorder cost $199 I'd be OK with the quality, but for $599 I expected better.
Taking video of static objects isn't too bad, but any panning imparts a terrible strobing effect - even with the image stabilization turned on. Also, image stabilization isn't available with the external lens. All in all, the video quality is very poor.
My 5 year old Sony Mini-DV camcorder takes much, much better video than this camcorder does. Only if the remote lens and durability of no moving parts really appeals to you would this camera make sense now. Perhaps a next-generation device will be better, but I cannot recommend this camcorder based on the poor video quality.
While the video quality is simply "OK", it's not great. Even on the highest quality (Superfine) mode it's pretty bad. If this camcorder cost $199 I'd be OK with the quality, but for $599 I expected better.
Taking video of static objects isn't too bad, but any panning imparts a terrible strobing effect - even with the image stabilization turned on. Also, image stabilization isn't available with the external lens. All in all, the video quality is very poor.
My 5 year old Sony Mini-DV camcorder takes much, much better video than this camcorder does. Only if the remote lens and durability of no moving parts really appeals to you would this camera make sense now. Perhaps a next-generation device will be better, but I cannot recommend this camcorder based on the poor video quality.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 13 user reviews
Slick, Compact, Easy to Use
Pros: Design, Size, Weight, Price, Features, Expandable Memory
Cons: Battery Life, Limited Internal Memory
Review: I purchased this camera recently and have been thrilled. The small size and sharp design of the camera definitely turns heads. I don't plan to test its "weather resistant" claim, but the rubberized texture of the camera's skin makes it easy to grip.
The internal memory is limited (10 min. worth of recording at best quality), but this is easily resolved by purchasing a high capacity memory stick. With prices today, a 1GB card is pretty affordable.
The menu interface is very user-friendly. I barely had to open the manual before I was using every function like a pro. The lack of a viewfinder and reliance on the LCD screen definitely puts a strain on battery life. Supposedly, there is a high capacity battery on the market, but I can't find it anywhere.
The video quality is outstanding but the photo (stills) quality is fair. Remember, it is also a fully functional MP3 player which I haven't tried yet, but it seems cool.
The internal memory is limited (10 min. worth of recording at best quality), but this is easily resolved by purchasing a high capacity memory stick. With prices today, a 1GB card is pretty affordable.
The menu interface is very user-friendly. I barely had to open the manual before I was using every function like a pro. The lack of a viewfinder and reliance on the LCD screen definitely puts a strain on battery life. Supposedly, there is a high capacity battery on the market, but I can't find it anywhere.
The video quality is outstanding but the photo (stills) quality is fair. Remember, it is also a fully functional MP3 player which I haven't tried yet, but it seems cool.
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 13 user reviews
Very sexy CAM
Pros: MPEG4!; easy to operate; sufficient internal memory; very compact; great provision of cases, straps and cables;
Cons: limited standard battery power, expected some zoom with the external CAM, USB connection requires cradle, still working on live cam capabilities..
Review: For the cost of the item we may be able to buy a still camera with more bells and whistles, but with limited video. Hopefully, we'll see future development of this affordable sports CAM with better lux/ low light capabilities, improved capabilities for file transfer, and maybe integration of other peripherals.
I have a few concerns about heat from the battery... CMOS external cam wires could easily be broken while loading batteries. Instructions warn us from use in cold or hot temps.
I've only had this for 1 day, but I'm lookinng for more. This should be a great tool for the average psycho stunt person. ...curious about its durability...
I have a few concerns about heat from the battery... CMOS external cam wires could easily be broken while loading batteries. Instructions warn us from use in cold or hot temps.
I've only had this for 1 day, but I'm lookinng for more. This should be a great tool for the average psycho stunt person. ...curious about its durability...
