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DV with a difference
By Sean Carruthers, posted 11/10/2003 11:42:15 AM

For years now, digital video cameras have been capable of capturing still images using the CCD they employed for shooting video. Though convenient, the resulting pictures weren't great as the CCD sensors used to record digital video were under 1 megapixel (MP).

Some DV cameras claimed to capture stills at more than 1 MP, but they usually up-sampled, which meant a compromised image. Following are two new DV cameras that up the ante on still image capture.

Samsung SCD5000 DuoCam
http://www.samsung/.ca
Estimated price: $2,000

Samsung's SCD5000 DuoCam puts a new spin on the digital/still issue -- literally. Instead of using the same sensor for both features, it has a lens assembly that spins through 180 degrees. Pointed one way, it's a standard DV camera with a 10X optical zoom. Spun the other way, it's a 4.13 MP still camera with 3X optical zoom. The lens assemblies and sensors are discreet, so you don't have to compromise on either feature. The lens assembly can be angled up or down from the camera body in either mode. It has buttons on three sides of the lens: those along the top control the active lens; and a series along the side controlsthe still camera component. The battery attaches to the rotating lens module, which looks awkward but works just fine. The main camera body holds the DV tape, has a Memory Stick slot (it comes with 16 MB card) for stills, and a 2-inch LCD that flips up and spins through 180 degrees. The camera fits neatly in the right hand, with the main controls within easy reach of the thumb. A bit heavy and awkward compared to new ultra-compact DV cameras, but it's forgivable given the functionality.

The still images are quite good, though not as good as to shots taken with a standalone 4 MP camera. The built-in flash is inside the lens assembly and pops up as necessary, but there is a delay of up to a second. Once it's up, though, reaction time improves for subsequent shots.

Minor problems aside, the DuoCam combines the best of both worlds. It's pricey, but not out of range with comparable high-end consumer DV cameras. Throw in 4.13 MP digital still capabilities and it's not a bad deal.

Canon Optura Xi
http://www.canon/.ca
Estimated price: $2,399

Canon's new Optura models get around the digital/still compromise by using the entirety of their 2 MP CCD sensor for still photography. The Optura Xi model has an 11X optical zoom and a 3.5-inch LCD. You can also capture images in 16:9 format for playback on a widescreen TV. Video can be saved to DV tape or SD memory cards, simply by flicking a switch on top of the camera. It comes with an 8 MB card, so plan to invest in a higher capacity card if you plan to save video or more than a few photos to this media. Another issue is the LCD, which will burn through batteries more quickly. Plan to invest in extra batteries for an extended trip or use the eyepiece when possible. That said, it's a very nice little camera with a lot of functionality and a joy to use.