Samsung SC-HMX10 Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Feb 11, 2008 10:00 PM

 
Intro Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity
 Other Features
Comparisons / Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings
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Audio (6.0)
Although audio options are slim, the SC-HMX10 includes a Mic jack mounted to the back of the camcorder. There is no accessory shoe to hold a boom in place, so you would have to have someone hold it or invest in the magic of duct tape—though it would be a pity to gum up the SC-HMX10’s gloriously glossy visage. The built-in stereo microphone is mounted to the front of the camcorder, which is a choice placement. Of course, there is a Wind Cut feature, but don’t expect professional results. There are no other audio options on the SC-HMX10.

Playback (6.75)
In order to play back clips on the SC-HMX10, simply press the Playback button located in the bottom left corner of the LCD screen, or shift into Playback mode by pressing the Mode button. In Playback mode, a series of up to six icons appears in a tabbed menu. Each icon represents a clip that, when pressed, begins playing that clip within the entirety of the LCD screen. Playback controls are accessed by tapping anywhere on the playback screen. A series of buttons appears: Volume, Previous Clip, Next Clip, Rewind, Play/Pause, and Fast Forward.

 

The playback screen in thumbnail view

  

The playback screen when viewing a clip

The Playback menu is accessed by pressing the Menu button in the bottom right corner of the LCD screen. The Playback menu consists of the following options:

Video Playback Menu
Image Control Play Option, Delete, Protect, Copy, Move, Edit, Continuous Capture
Settings Date/Time Set, Date/Time, File No., LCD Control, Storage Info, Format, Beep Sound, Shutter Sound, Auto Power Off, LED Light, Rec Lamp, Remote, USB Connect, TV Type, Component Out, Default Set, Language, Demo, Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC), Product ID
Record Media Memory, Card

 

 

Connectivity (7.0)
Samsung has done an admirable job concealing the ports on the SC-HMX10, but accessibility is another story. The DC input and Mic Jack are located in the back of the camcorder, housed by inconspicuous covers made of flashy plastic. It’s difficult to slide a nail under the thin gap allotted for prying off the cover. In addition, mounting a Mic jack to the back of a camcorder is not the best idea because the cable will interfere with operation.

The DC power and the mic jack

The HDMI, Component/AV/S-Video, and USB

The top-loading card slot and battery slots

The rest of the ports are located within the LCD cavity, residing behind a wafer-like plastic shield that swings out along the bottom. Here, the HDMI, Component/AV, and USB terminals line the base of the LCD cavity. If you plan on shooting with a tripod and hooking up the SC-HMX10 for a live view or for export purposes, it will be a bit tight.

The SC-HMX10 also ships with a cradle/docking station that features DC in, USB, and AV out terminals. The SC-HMX10 even sits in the cradle on a bizarre and awkward 45-degree angle. Big props to Samsung, however, for placing the same ports from the cradle on the camcorder itself, freeing you from having to cart the thing around wherever you go.

     

 

 

 

 

 



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