Camcorder News

The unique new Samsung HMX-R10

Samsung continues to expand its presence in camcorders with two new models, adding to the four new camcorders announced only two days ago. The HMX-R10 is the fifth high definition model for 2009, well-equipped for still photo shooting with a 1/2.33-inch 9-megapixel CMOS sensor. The SMX-F34, a standard definition camcorder, offers a special YouTube recording mode and software to aid in uploading videos. (View Photo Gallery)

The HMX-R10 differs from the HD camcorders mentioned earlier this week. It features a much larger sensor and a different form factor, with a unique up-turned lens cut at a 25-degree angle from the rest of the body. The sensor allows for native still capture up to 9 megapixels, though the optical zoom is reduced to only 5x. The LCD measures 2.7 inches, and the camcorder includes an HDMI output.

The SMX-F34 is Samsung's attempt to latch on to some of the popularity of YouTube, and certainly not the first manufacturer to do so. JVC, Sony, Creative Labs, Kodak, and others have already released YouTube-friendly camcorders. All of them fall far behind the enormous popularity of the Pure Digital Flip series, however, which has captured an estimated 20% of the camcorder market in since the release of its third generation model, the Flip Mino.

The Samsung SMX-F34

The F34 records in standard definition H.264 video, with a 680,000-pixel CCD. Samsung has also joined the ranks of manufacturers offering an enhanced zoom. Taking advantage of unused or unnecessary portions of the sensor, it allows the zoom to be increased without destroying image quality. The 'Intelli-Zoom,' as Samsung labels it, allows for a power of 42x. The actual optical zoom is 34x. The F34 captures still photos up to 800 x 600. Video is captured to a 16GB internal flash memory or the SD/SDHC card slot.

The Samsung SMX-F34 is available in black, red, silver, or blue, and will ship in Spring 2009. The HMX-R10 will ship later, in Summer 2009.

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