Samsung SCD5000 DuoCam

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.

A single device that can shoot good video as well as stills is the Holy Grail of consumer imaging.

Since no sensor or 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.

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. We suspect Samsung will need a couple of SCD5000 generations to get the mix right. Maybe by then, two sensor or 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.