Samsung Hi8 Camcorder, Model SCL810 | Features and Test Footage

[@ThriftyAV]

ThriftyAV has reviewed many camcorders and cameras. The full playlist is HERE: kzbin.info/aero/PL_6HOAybADu4X0Ou-gNr5r2TEpjUwRsj_

[@tone6493]

What kind of cable do I need to transport my footage to a newer Mac book. Please help me

[@gamer127160]

for such an older model the audio is of really good quality

[@Joscraft_05]

Very probably the audio is mono.

[@brzdogz]

I have the same camera, bought it in 2003 when it was released. Used it to film family vacations and trips from 2003 until 2008. I'm planning to convert the tapes to digital format soon.

[@paelin2004]

did u do it

[@bader9205]

me too!

[@thejawshop-AdventureRecording]

Is there an easy way to convert the tapes to digital? I have the same camera and a MacBook. Thanks!

[@brzdogz]

@@thejawshop-AdventureRecording there are some usb devices that convert the video. Basically you hook it up on you camera and on your pc. You play the video on your camera and the device captures it and converts into a digital format. Search for analog video to digital converter and you'll easily find it.

[@soletouch2010]

Can you advise of a lead from this camera to a PC with proper connection to transfer the videos, Thank you

[@alessandrap0]

my dad used these cameras since my brother was born and probably even before that, it was a different camera since my brother was born in 1997 but i am obsessed with these type of cameras and my dad had two, the older one and this one and he let me keep this one just recently and i’m so excited about it. i love watching my videos from when i was a baby 14 years ago and everything i did:)

[@ThriftyAV]

Back then, documenting family moments was more of a ritual than just pulling out your phone. And those older moments preserved on tape feel less "disposable" than what can be recorded on a cell phone. I would recommend backing up your footage to a DVD or video file for preservation purposes. Thank you for your comment.

[@jseden]

This was my first camcorder back when I was 14 or so. I’ve still got it sitting on a shelf. Been meaning to get a power cord for it

[@joshuabrown3654]

I just bought one of these on eBay to transfer some old Hi8 tapes to digital. And THEN I watched this review. Because I do things backwards :D Thankfully this presentation has made me confident in my purchase. Thanks!

[@dermond]

This is the camera of my childhood. Literally, my parents record my first years with this. We still have it, but I've never used it

[@sofiansabil6159]

Thank you so much for this video, i just found my family’s old camcorder and you helped me figure out this beautiful camera

[@Elmantukas]

Lovely video! Ive recently rediscovered this camera in the loft, with all my kiddo casset masterpieces from 11 years ago and damn this is an awesome camera. This one was also used for filming our family when i was 6ish, there is definitely something about these cameras that bring you back in time.

[@ThriftyAV]

As fun as they are, I would suggest transferring your family memories to a modern disc or file format so they aren't lost, as working tape based camcorders are getting harder and harder to find.

[@Elmantukas]

@@ThriftyAV oh indeed! Already have done that, found some tapes from mid 90s and sadly everything in them was lost! As if nothing was ever recorded.

[@highendcheaptech9705]

I remember when when tourists carried these everywhere. I would go to a Cubs game and a full 25% of folks had one of these. These days everyone is carrying a smartphone.The audio on that camera sounds great!

[@ThriftyAV]

Palmcorders were an important link in the evolution from shoulder-mount camcorders to modern smart phones. Devices like this deserved to be recognized for their contribution to portability.

[@ZohaibAlam]

OMG! I remember my family owning this camera for at least 10 years. My parents recorded all the childhood memories on this machine and ngl, I am kinda attached to this camera. Don't know what happened to ours though!

[@ThriftyAV]

What's most important is the family memories that the camera recorded. I hope you still have those preserved in a format where you can re-watch them.

[@seasonstudios]

Ah... the thrift store finds! Although the picture quality and/or clarity isn't quite up to today's standards, don't you just love those older cameras? They are usable collector's items of the enjoyable kind. Thanks Thrifty AV.

[@thisistheglasshouse]

I found one of these under the stairs that my dad bought when I was born in early 2003. Very fun to play around with and great for promotional videos if you're going for a certain aesthetic. I do wish the battery held longer though.

[@ThriftyAV]

There are replacement batteries still available, so a fresh one may provide longer life, or at least a backup.

[@thisistheglasshouse]

@@ThriftyAV Do you know of any websites I should check out?

[@SeoNs]

@@ThriftyAV can you answer him?

[@sleahp5761]

Can u take pictures on it

[@thisistheglasshouse]

@@sleahp5761 No, not really how 8mm works unforch

[@GEFMFost]

That audio is surprisingly really good.

[@Mr.Goodkat]

I have a Hi8 Samsung SCL700 and one tape cuts off about an hour in and it says "R.EMG/Eject" and another tape won't even play it says "L.EMG/Eject" other tapes play fine, so I am assuming it's a tape issue not camcorder, how can I fix this?

[@VinylPotato]

Those effects are pretty trippy

[@ThriftyAV]

I will eventually review my Sony Digital 8. It has even more effects. I'll make sure to go into detail on them for an "extra trippy" vid.

[@jose_crowley]

My mom has that videocamarea. It's very old, but really good!😎

[@enzoperruccio]

I'm picking up a SCW80 tomorrow. Seller says it works, and despite being a little dirty and the battery not lasting very long I think it'll be a nice purchase especially for the price ($25). I already have a mint condition Sony CCD-TRV608 which I use for family videos and stuff, but I wanted another working camera just to be safe. Mostly plan to use this new camera as a playback unit, so I don't have to wear down the Sony (yes I'm very conservative about it, cause these cameras aren't very common here in the third world). Anyway, wish me luck!

[@ThriftyAV]

It's good to have a working backup, as old tape based camcorders tend to be trouble prone. I would suggest using this camera to transfer all your taped footage to a modern file format as these aging camcorders are getting harder to find in working condition! And YES! Good Luck!

[@thejawshop-AdventureRecording]

Curious if you know the basics for the conversion process into my mac. I basically just want the tapes to be files on my computer. Thanks, great video.

[@trufficos]

My aunt has that camera she got it for her birthday a LONG Time Ago!

[@kevinsvideodump]

The spotlight mode prevents someone who is illuminated by a spotlight on a theatre stage from getting washed out due to the high contrast between their face and the background. And FYI this camcorder still has the protective clear film on the "Digital Signal Processing" badge.

[@ThriftyAV]

Thank you for the info on the spotlight feature... Awe shucks, missed opportunity. Peeling protective film is a KZbin tradition!

[@TheForfattare]

I used to play with one of them back in 2004/5. The charger broke and left it abandoned in a drawer for years until it stopped working.

[@omarioneen]

I need to buy one where can I get one of these? to be honest I love the whole 90s era obsessed once I get one of these beauties I’ll use it everyday

[@ThriftyAV]

I found mine at a thrift store, and feel lucky that it actually works! A lot of old camcorders fail, as they have a lot of moving parts that can break. You may find a used one on Ebay, or you could ask around at some electronic repair shops.

[@MicahMatrix]

Who has the link to this cameras charger ? I found it with a fresh tape that hasn’t been opened but no charger or whatever .

[@Jared_Westervelt]

Yes I think I need help with this too

[@benjaminciezahurtado8062]

amazing video, thank you!

[@ThriftyAV]

Glad you liked it!

[@RavenLittle]

That is such a good find!

[@ThriftyAV]

The camera bag was easily worth what I paid for this camcorder.

[@thevvsphantom]

Hey! I just got this same video camera and everything seems to work fine but the screen won’t turn on or anything when I press the power button? Do I need to have the film inserted inside for it to turn on?

[@lordquakeroats2485]

3:51 I dont think ill use portrait mode in this particular camcorder...

[@JacobNascar]

I just bought this camera, head cleaner mini DV and the wrong size cassette tape. Honestly, if the cleaner I have is the right thing, I have no idea how to properly put it in. The manual doesn't help and I don't see anything on the internet about the cleaning process of this camera. I could use some help.

[@Mediawatcher2023]

Yes i had exact camera

[@Sexpistolz]

Just got one for $40 had to trust him dat it works but he looked like he just wanted to sell it but does any 8mm film work????

[@WinnieFinesse]

Amazing you made this video! Should the charging light stay red when charging? I bought new batteries and don't know if it's charging or should change when it's done hmmm

[@JorgeGarcia-vb9lf]

I need to buy this camcorder because mine was broken and I have a bunch of super 8mm tapes from our family and so far we can’t see this tapes,do you sell this types of camera?

[@Choii.i]

How can i watch the videos that have been recorded? I put on the tape but didn't know how to watch!

[@fletzyproductions1190]

planning to buy this!

[@ThriftyAV]

I always warn folks who talk about purchasing vintage camcorders that old tape based units are complicated with a lot of moving parts and electronic components that do not age well. Every time I purchase gear like this, I consider it a gamble. As much as I love reviewing and playing with vintage A/V gear, my day-to-day workflow is done on modern, reliable digital gear that records to SD cards.

[@05tria]

I have had mine since 2003 and it has my graduation and so many other great memories on tape but only one problem I can’t get it to turn on I have been trying for years and found this video looking for help ! Any suggestions?

[@deveryanderson6688]

In 2003 someone stole a tape of my daughter's high school play and graduation. I still have the camcorder, but I wonder if someone played the tape in another machine and eventually gave it away. I am so curious. Is the focus of a blonde teenager in Utah?

[@aprilianiro1732]

My camera won't eject the tape is there a way to manually eject it

[@idnrk]

How would you zoom in with this camera? I can’t find out.

[@techieyondan6543]

Do you know if this will play video8 tapes?

[@fluffysmokyy4270]

my mom have a samsung VP-M50 Hi8 camcorder but last year it become a mechanical fault with the error code C.EMG and ejecting the cassette now we cant play the memorial tapes anymore and these Hi8 cassette players are extremly expensive going up to 1.7k euro my mom is really sad and we cant find someone who can fix this issue in germany

[@ryanmaguire8229]

Hi I just got this camcorder. Everything is working fine but when I record a video there’s no sound. Any ideas what the problem is thank you.

[@amorturko0202]

Just bought this camcorder to resell and has two tapes with family trip videos to Florida and to the Niagara fall. If anyone has taken this trips when young I have your family trip tapes and willing to send to you

[@BottomBasher]

So if the SCL810 came out in 2003, when did the SCL700 come out? 2000 or 2001. What are the differences between the 700 and 810?

[@TravisGDecker]

Nice! Thank you for your work! I just got one of these guys, and it has power because it will eject/open the tape slot, but I have no other functionality. I'm not sure if it's an issue with the camera or something I missed. Any input would be appreciated!

[@TravisGDecker]

It was me, issue resolved.

[@keithriley5015]

I found mine in storage still had a tape I charged it up ejected the tape now when I put the tape in push the door closed but it immediately ejects the tape. Any help 🙏 please

[@glorialastra5775]

what are the specs of the charger cable? i bought a charger with 6 interchangeable points to get the correct size and the second smallest is too big and the smallest one too small. ive been borrowed one of these so i can digitalize family videos that are on hi8 cassettes, as old as 1996 ish, only thing is theres no charger for the camera nor the battery :(

[@GreatMewtwo]

My adventures in videography started with a camera just like this 19 years ago.

[@jo-annfat-bricks2471]

Fun Fact: The Sony Magic 8 was forwards compatible with Hi8 and Digital 8mm Tapes.

[@jo-annfat-bricks2471]

A Great Tip! but Leave a tape of something weird in the camcorder, maybe it will become viral lost media on TicToc.

[@sonymaster4769]

I have this product. Connect to TV with about, and the screen will be distorted. Can you tell me the cause? I used the av cable to connect to the TV. TV is digital TV. The screen is shaking and distorted.

[@nicknguyenn]

Just got this same camera from an old box from my grandpa. How did you convert to digital?

[@DHaidawoman]

Just dug out my old cam. Nearly the same thing it's an SCL901. What kind of output do I need to connect to the tv??

[@tituslafrombois1164]

I like to upload the contents of those weird neglected tapes when I can.

[@lukastojanovski2581]

Where can I find a battery for this camera?

[@niggabear]

My grandma just gave me one of these things and a bunch of film

[@stainsstains6367]

what does it mean when something is cross casette

[@diyshow888]

Hi , there is Digital Signal Processor in the sticker , is it a Digital 8mm ? or traditional Hi8 ? thanks in advance

[@ThriftyAV]

This camera features digital processing, but the tape format is analog Hi8.

[@masarti5492]

Hii I have the exact same camera, i have the same problem with the battery by chance do you know what type of new battery i need for it?

[@HifsaHifsa-v4s]

Anyone know where I can purchase the cassettes for this?

[@EvaMage]

Would you be able to tell me how to pass this onto pc please? I’m desperate😫

[@Dr_Yunk]

Use av cables to and from the computer

[@valeriafarias5016]

hello, i have the scl902. anytime i put a tape in to watch it back, the compartment doesn’t go fully down and it ejects the tape. when it’s empty it goes down just fine. on the screen it shows “eject” and “c emg”. any idea how to fix it?

[@alyxarchived]

does it have night vision??

[@shaquanriley9373]

I can’t seem to find the ac charger for this exact camera any suggestions? I did find a battery charger on Amazon but not the ac charger

[@Berlindaverne]

Found mine on Amazon

[@dasit7646]

I really need a video showing how to wach the videos !!

[@lazaronunezmonreal7413]

Any idea how to fix the battery or replace it? I own one and only problem is the battery

[@ThriftyAV]

You should be able to find a replacement battery at several retailers including Amazon & Ebay. The stock battery is Model No. SB-L110. Other batteries with higher capacities will also fit this camera.

[@NoNameNeeded10]

Can we playback video in that handcam screen?

[@v3nom0us_v1per]

Hello! Great video! I recently got this exact camera at a pawn shop yesterday. I fooled around with it for a bit and now the screen and viewfinder are not turning on. Not sure if it’s in DEW mode or not because I’m not getting anything on the screen or viewfinder. Just wondering if there’s anyway I can fix it, because the pawn shop does not accept returns. Thanks for reading!

[@v3nom0us_v1per]

Purvas Talbert I found the two arrows on the bottom, and it won’t open. I do see screws on the same panel that the arrows are on. Should I unscrew them? Thank you for responding!

[@lola-ts1sp]

did you ever figure this out? im having the exact same problem! camera is working, on, lens cap off, and the viewfinder and and screen are black

[@orizzyc]

Hey ThiftyAv Do you know how I would charge the camera

[@Sexpistolz]

They popular now

[@omniiomega]

How do I get AV to output using 3.5 jack?

[@jasonscott2048]

Hi I bought one of these possibly the 1st issued one as it doesn't have a side viewing window, it powers up ok and I can watch some stuff on a tape that I recorded years ago..but when I put it on to start recording stuff it says rec then I'll press the red button and standby comes on to pause..but there's nothing but a blank screen ...it's recording but you can't see nothing through the lens...have I done something in the settings as apart from that everything else is fine ...any suggestions??

[@robert7357]

what batteries are compatible with this camera? I have no idea how to find them

[@alibongcales6826]

Hi guys the i need a help to my camera i can't see nothing it says protection and black i don't why please help me

[@hwntwww]

What about bypassing the tape and recording onto a solid state device or a video recorder? If it has hdmi out, of course

[@ThriftyAV]

This device has S-Video and composite video outputs, no HDMI as it pre-dates this technology. The appeal of retro camcorders is related to nostalgia or preservation of older footage. There are better options for solid state recording. Last year I picked up a used Panasonic 1080i/720p camcorder for $60 that outperforms this old Samsung Hi8 in image quality.

[@Aluryne]

I have this exact camera how do I convert the tapes to digital I don’t have the 3 colored RCA plugins instead I have a A/V out plug-in how do I convert the tapes to digital

[@ThriftyAV]

The A/V out is a 3.5mm jack. You will need a 3.5mm to RCA adapter. Alternately, you can use the S-Video output for video (but you will still need the 3.5 to RCA adapter for audio). To record, you need some sort of A/V capture device, whether it be a DVD recorder, an EZ cap style USB capture device, or a stand-alone capture device.

[@srdiazz]

hi, i was hoping you could help me i got the scl901 model, but the battery literally just lasts 3 minutes. do you know if i can use other batteries that are also 7.4 V even if they don't fit because of the size? they have the same form but different sizes, i guess i can adapt them, but i don't know if its safe for the circuits

[@ThriftyAV]

Samsung used the same battery design on MANY camcorders, so look for an aftermarket battery that fits. As far as "size", there are different capacities with the same contacts/connection that will work. You can find them on Amazon, Ebay, and other online retailers. I have purchased the Kastar brand of aftermarket batteries with success.

[@karinamuniz1006]

Could you do a video on how you digitized the footage I just bought this camera!

[@ThriftyAV]

On my "to do" list is a general video about transferring footage from camcorders, covering the different types of outputs, aspect ratios, audio, etc. I will be sure to include this model in the video. As far as this camera, you will need a TRRS A/V cable to plug into the A/V output just above the 3 position toggle ring. Alternately, you can use the S-Video output just below the menu ring (video only). If you use S-Video, you will still need to A/V cable for audio. I plugged the outputs from this camera into a DVD recorder, then ripped the DVDs.

[@sneakymouse1411]

I have this camera it came with everything including the tripod, but it will only show the video without any sound. I think the speakers might be broken. I can’t even get it to connect to my TV or PC with either the s output or the AV output. Anyone know what I need to fix it? I bought it to transfer my moms old cassettes to DVD for her birthday this weekend but it doesn’t work.

[@GIOJOartist]

hey, I want an hi8 videocamera to record some footage for an music video. is there a thing i need to know about before i buy such a camera like the best output or some to put it on my computer? thanks in advance!

[@foreignpasquale9782]

Did you buy it and how is it?

[@zaavn]

Please help! I need to know how can I open and see the camera's entire circuit. I think the 3.5mm to component's flex is separated from the conection, this doesn't make me watch the image at the television. It's almost the same with the _S-video_ cable, but with this one I can watch the image just for seconds. If someones know what is happening to my camera, I would thank him so much :(

[@l3gnahxc303]

hello I would like to ask a question ... this type of hi8 cameras ... plays tapes recorded on sony v8 format cameras ... since there are few series of cameras that are hi8 that read V8 formats

[@ThriftyAV]

This unit defaults to Hi8 mode when a Hi8 tape is inserted, but this unit will record and play back Video8 when a regular 8mm tape is inserted.

[@soldierviejo8224]

Anyone know the DC Cable number? The tiny port/aperture is so small I don't have the power cord/charging cable or charger. Any advice on this is appreciated, thanks in advance.

[@Imgexvideotool]

Any sugestion to get a battery for the camera ?

[@ThriftyAV]

Kaster makes a replacement for the SB-L110A that came with this camcorder. You might also be about to find a larger capacity generic that will fit.

[@luccatraslosheros6866]

how would you compare this type of hi8 camcorder to one of those small DVD camcorders in terms of video and sound quality?

[@ThriftyAV]

The DVD camcorder is better than Hi8. However, modern camcorders that record on SD cards are higher quality and more reliable than any vintage camcorder format.

[@matthew2261]

Hey, when playing back tapes, how do i get rid of the battery logo, play button, hi8 sign, and time in the tape? is their a way to do this in the camera or do i need a seprate tape reader?

[@matthew2261]

Also how do i get the audio digitally since s video doesent contain audio?

[@ThriftyAV]

use the L and R from a normal A/V cable for the audio.

[@brandon.scherr]

Nice Video! I just got one from a Goodwill auction, and the thing is flashing a "r-emg" error, which I Read means a mechanical issue. The camera function seems to work, but unfortunately the tape door won't open. Any ideas on a fix? I figured buying a device like this from a Goodwill auction was a gamble anyway!

[@ThriftyAV]

The channel 12voltvids has many videos showing repair of vintage consumer electronics, but I don't know if he has ever torn down a Samsung Hi8 or not.

[@michaelsolomon6233]

Hi Thrifty AV! Super important question: may you please link what charger you used to power the camcorder directly? I just found our old one of this exact model and I'm trying to get it running again.

[@ThriftyAV]

No link, but here is what to search for: Samsung Adapter Model Number AA-E7A Input: AC100 - 240V, 50/60Hz 20W. Output: 8.4V, 1.5A

[@michaelsolomon6233]

@@ThriftyAV THANK YOU

[@jeski8070]

i have a question i have exact same camera but i was wondering if you record over footage or delete footage you’ve recorded?

[@ThriftyAV]

I have enough tapes that I keep my footage. However, I also transfer it over to a file format, so if I ever needed to re-use a tape, I could.

[@renvicious]

what camcorder models do u suggest that looks like this but is easier to transfer?

[@magnavision]

Hello, Has anyone tried to play a cassette recorded in PAL B and copy it to another VCR or PC in PAL? My question is to know if the video output is NTSC 443 MHZ. I mean if the cassette is PAL the output is pure PAL or NTSC. Thanks in advance

[@KEEPlT1K]

Hello, i hope you can answer my question, but i had the samsung scl540, have the batteries and the vhs to dvd converter to have my videos on my laptop. Does the 810 have the same input/outputs as the 540? If so, I really want the 810. I cannot find the 540 anywhere in god condition

[@ThriftyAV]

I have never owned or used the SCL540. I would suggest downloading the manuals for each unit to compare features.

[@muhammedb7232]

Nice video, i just bought it from someone.. but I'm facing an issue display video on my TV, I bought AV/out cable since the original doesn't came with it , i also got S video cable output from the cam and regular Video/audio input to the TV ... But all that and the video isn't displaying in the TV, i also got AV/HDMI adapter and tried it,, also didn't display on the TV .. not sure how to solve this I need help

[@montanarose65]

Same problem here

[@samcat8127]

What’s the lithium ion battery? Is it a 7.4v?

[@ThriftyAV]

Yes 7.4V Li-ion. The stock battery is Model No. SB-L110 with 1100mAh capacity. Other batteries with higher capacities will also fit this camera.

[@jobber3488]

Does anyone know if you can change the tape speed? Like make a 2 hour tape a 4 hour tape? LP (long play) or SP (short play) settings? I can’t find it in the settings or the manual, just hoping I’m missing something and it’s possible…

[@RecycleRepubHub]

i found the manual if you need it

[@isaacmejia5997]

I have this camera!! BUT i’m wondering how to transfer the footage onto my laptop 😢 Let me know how you did it!!

[@ThriftyAV]

I used the S-Video output, and audio from the A/V output. I plugged these into a DVD recorder, then ripped the DVD. If you do not have a DVD recorder, USB capture devices are affordable on Amazon. You will still need the A/V cable with a mini-plug for the camera side, and RCA for the capture device side.

[@isaacmejia5997]

ThriftyAV Okay awesome so what EXACTLY would you recommend me getting to transfer the footage onto my macbook. Without the Dvd thing

[@rjs2077]

Isaac Mejia have you figured it out?

[@ThriftyAV]

@@isaacmejia5997 I'm Windows, not Mac. The DIGITNOW device says it's compatible with Mac, and it has S-Video, so that's a plus. I would suggest reading the reviews and see if you can find anything written by Mac owners before taking the plunge, however.

[@isaacmejia5997]

ThriftyAV well the thing is i ordered the digitnow device and it does have the s-video but it’s the wrong one, it was to be the one to plug into it and it isn’t, it’s the same as it is on the camera so it doesn’t plug in.

[@iLoveCrossplay]

Hi! Can the camcorder play regular video 8 tapes or only Hi8?

[@ThriftyAV]

Yes. It will automatically select Video8 mode playback when a regular 8mm tape is loaded.

[@iLoveCrossplay]

@@ThriftyAV Thank you! :)

[@isabelcast7]

I hope you can help me. I have one the same camcorder but the cable to watch my videos on the tv broke where can i get it?? Please

[@ThriftyAV]

Sorry for the late reply. You can findan A/V adapter at Amazon, Ebay, Best Buy, maybe even Walmart.

[@isabelcast7]

@@ThriftyAV thank you for your response i bought it already at amazon. I haven't try it yet but it looks the same as the other cable.

[@PLWhisky]

I have a quick question - would sony NP-F330/NP-F550 batteries fit in this samsung? thanks in advance!

[@ThriftyAV]

No

[@PLWhisky]

@@ThriftyAV aight, thank you very much!

[@LincolnBotero]

how do you use the pathfinder on this camera?

[@organicboxstore]

We have this kind of camera and its still work but i have to plug the charger because the battery drains fast. But overall its still good.. We love watching the videos way back 2011. My family & I can't stop laughing tho. Im just sad because the tape where our most embarrassing but very memorable moments broke earlier.. Im so afraid to fix the tape myself..