On the left side next to the camera lens is a navigation wheel for use with scrolling between menus, focusing, and adjusting the volume, and beside it is the focus button MF/AF.  Also on this side is the 2.5 in LCD screen that can be opened by pushing a button right beside it.  Unlike other LCD screens, the SCD 6040’s can be rotated180 degrees up such that one lock it back again with the screen facing out and 90 degrees down.

Once the LCD screen is opened, a cover under it reveals ports for the USB, cable jacks, and power cord.  This little hidden ports are easy to miss if the manuals isn’t checked the first time it’s going to be used, which was what happened to me.  I wanted to charge the battery first before initially using the camera and hard as I looked carefully going over the entire unit, I couldn’t find the port for the power cord.  So before losing my patience I referred to the manual.  That’s what I get for being overly confident.  But the ports do get in the way of the LCD when cables are plugged in.

Just above the ports with the LCD screen open are a series of buttons for video playback and viewing still pictures.  Near the top above the screen are a set of buttons marked Easy Q for default settings, Display, and Menu, and a 5-way navigation button with different functions.

On the rear is the battery and viewfinder that can be pulled out.  When pulled out, there’s a dial on top to manually adjust the focus of the image being recorded or photographed.

The right side of the unit contains most of the controls.  Beside the battery where the thumb rests is the Start/Stop button for videorecording and next to it is the power switch dial that controls the camera’s functions. Above this switch is the shutter button and next to it is the zoom lever.  Though the camera snugly fits into the palm of my hand, my fingers are a bit short to reach these buttons that I had to stretch them a bit. 

Farther right is a special button to adjust shutter speed and another one for taking night shots.  Just below the buttons is a strip of metal that covers the memory slot.  One thing good about this unit is that it accepts a variety of memory cards.  Then there’s another covered port on the right side for mic input apart from the built-in mic.  This feature is very helpful for dubbing videorecordings minus the noise in the environment.

On top of the unit is the built-in flash, which I think is another handy feature.  Next to the flash is a pair of built-in microphones which I mentioned earlier and unless one would speak over it while recording, I’d say the mic’s location is a bit off.   And just above the viewfinder is the camera mode dial.

If you’re wondering where the cassette cartridge is, well, surprisingly it’s at the bottom.  I find it strange that a cartridge is loaded from under the unit when I’m used to loading from the top.  This particular function makes it difficult to change cartridges fast because it’s not really convenient.

The SCD 6040 may not be as handy as a digital camera but it sure beats having two gadgets around your neck for covering those all important occasions.  And with the number of controls and separate functions, I’d be a hypocrite if I’d say I wasn’t overwhelmed by it the first time I used it.  I could just imagine the time I’ll be putting into it just to get used to the different functions that certified techies will certainly be kept busy will all those controls, dials, and menus.

My advice to first-time buyers: Read the manual.  And if you’re a parent with growing children, I’d say this is a wise buy to chronicle the growing up years because there’s no reason to miss them.