Samsung SC-HMX20 Camcorder Review

Conclusion
The Samsung SC-HMX20 is a great camcorder, hands down, easy-peasy. If you had your eye on it but wanted to read a review first, then read the review and buy it. It's not the perfect camcorder for everyone, but it's perfect for some.

Let's get some of the bad things out of the way first. The SC-HMX20 only has basic manual controls. It can't compete with Panasonic for raw control, or with JVC, Canon, and Sony on advanced handling. (Read below for some head-to-head comparisons.) Also, the Samsung has a lackluster auto focus in anything less than perfect light. Next, the camcorder's rotund design offers very little flat surface area on the bottom. This means that HMX20 is prone to tipping over if you sit it down. Finally, the electronic image stabilization (EIS) is not very good at all. The next generation Samsung HD camcorder is sorely in need of an optical image stabilization (OIS) in order to compete for the prosumer and enthusiast's dollars. 

So those are the bad things. If you can't live with them, we urge you to check out the Canon HF10 or Panasonic HDC-SD100. A review of the Sony HDR-CX12 is coming soon.

Now for the good news. The Samsung SC-HMX20 is a dynamite performer for its price range. The huge, high resolution CMOS sensor was competitive (but not quite as good) as the Canon HF10 and Sony HDR-SR12 in bright light. In low light, the camcorder was a damn miracle worker—especially considering how far it came since the previous generation.

Then there's the sleek style. We put the SC-HMX20 side-by-side with competitors for a number of people, and every one of them preferred the look of the Samsung. We hate to say it, Canon and Sony, but you guys didn't even come close. Considering the sleekness of the SC-HMX20, and its low-light prowess, this could be the perfect night life camcorder for club-hopping socialites.

So there you have it. After years of sitting on the wings waiting for a chance, Samsung has taken center stage. With a just a few improvements next year, it could be a strong contender for camcorder of the year.

Comparisons

	Samsung SC-HMX10 The SC-HMX10 is the previous generation to the SC-HMX20. From the outside, you wouldn't notice much difference in the two versions. Strangely, the new HMX20 is larger than the HMX10. Aside from that, the look is nearly identical. There was an improvement in the hand strap, which was cheap and uncomfortable last year. However, that gain was offset by the loss of the onboard HDMI port. The new generation moved the HDMI to the docking station, which is one more thing you have to carry around. The big differences are under the hood. There is a huge increase in video quality over last year, due in large part to the new, jumbo sized CMOS sensor (1/1.8-inches versus 1/4.5-inches). Every element of performance—resolution, low light sensitivity, etc.—is remarkably better. For a modest increase in body size, you get a huge increase in video performance.
	Canon HF10 The Canon HF10 is a very, very good camcorder. We're shocked, therefore, that Samsung is giving it a genuine run for its money in the high definition flash camcorder category. In an informal sampling, most people we showed both camcorders to preferred the look of the Samsung. If you think looks don't go a long way in personal electronics, you are sorely mistaken. Also, they found the Samsung interface easier to use. Not only are touch screens user friendly, but the overall menu layout is more comprehensible. Canon demands that users either come to the table with technical familiarity, or that they spend time with the manual before shooting. On the flip side, the Canon HF10 (and sister model HF100) have produced the best overall video performance of any consumer camcorder. On an HDTV, there's no question that it's better than the Samsung SC-HMX20. However, the margin is not huge. There's also the manual controls to consider—the Canon HF10 is far superior. We're not opposed to recommending the Samsung for style-conscious beginners. But if you want the best performer, or if you want something that you can grow with as you learn the basics of camcorder operation, the Canon HF10 is winner.
	Sony HDR-CX12 The HDR-CX12 is the freshly-released flash memory camcorder from Sony, replacing the HDR-CX7. Again, Samsung won in the style department. The ease of use factor is almost a draw. Certainly, the menu layout on the Samsung is simpler, but it's hard to criticize Sony on simplicity. The ubiquitous Sony "Easy button" makes point-and-shoot operation a breeze. We haven't tested the HDR-CX12 yet, but we're expecting it to produce the same results as the HDR-SR12. The SR12 made for some beautiful video—very close to the Canon HF10 performance, but slightly reduced low light performance and resolution. Sony also takes a loss on the fact that there's no internal memory. The HDR-CX12 relies entirely on MemoryStick Duo cards, while the Samsung SC-HMX20 has 8GB of internal memory plus card recording. Frankly, this head-to-head is a tie. Samsung managed to beat Sony at the ease of use game and offer good video quality. We're anticipating that Sony will compete only on performance, and the Cam Control dial gives it an extra advantage in handling.
	Panasonic HDC-SD100 The HDC-SD100 is the latest generation flash memory camcorder from Panasonic, placed above but not (yet) replacing the HDC-SD9. We reviewed the HDC-HS100, which is identical to the SD100 in all respects but recording media. The SD100 records solely to SD/SDHC memory cards. The Samsung SC-HMX20 tops that with 8GB of internal memory and card recording. Panasonic is virtually unbeatable for the manual control aficionado, and Samsung falls far short in that regard. Panasonic also made a huge leap forward in ease of use with a revamped and helpful menu system that explains every feature. But the Samsung interface hardly seems to need explanation, if only for the fact that a lot of the Panasonic's controls are absent here. The Panasonic could not compete on low light performance, unfortunately, due to Samsung's massive sensor size. In bright light, the Panasonic SD100 is sharp, but the Samsung can match it. This is a really tough call for us. The Panasonic is far and away the choice for anyone who cares about manual controls, handling, or high-quality production. Its multi-function ring control is awesome and blows every other interface out of the water. But the Samsung's video quality is excellent and it's easier to use. We think the masses will go for the Samsung, while the enthusiasts will pursue Panasonic.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
This is a good choice for point-and-shooters due to its simple menu design and idiot-proof "Easy Q" shooting mode.

Budget Consumers
The $849 price tag is on the upper end for budget shoppers, but it won't break the bank if you can find a good deal online.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The still photo quality and resolution is impressive for a camcorder. While not a full replacement for a dedicated still camera, it could substitute in a pinch.

Gadget Freaks
Gadget freaks will enjoy the slow motion feature, but not much beyond that.

Manual Control Freaks
The Samsung SC-HMX20 certainly does not abound in manual controls, but the basics are there. Anything from Panasonic, JVC, or Canon would top it.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
The video quality, especially the low light, is outstanding. However, the stabilization system is lacking and there's no accessory shoe—though you do get a mic jack. If you're in this category, we recommend looking at the Panasonic HDC-SD100 or Canon HF10.