Samsung SC-HMX20 Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Aug 3, 2008 8:50 PM

 
Intro Performance
Format
 Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity Other Features
Conclusion & Comparisons Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Compression (5.0)
The Samsung SC-HMX20 compresses video in the H.264 (MPEG-4.AVC) main profile format. This is similar but not identical to the AVCHD codec favored by Panasonic, Sony, Canon, and JVC—everyone else, in other words. AVCHD uses H.264 (MPEG-4.AVC), but adds other features that may or may not benefit the consumer. In the worst case, we see Sony offering its Vegas editing software, which is compatible only with Sony-brand AVCHD camcorders.

Unfortunately, none of your run-of-the-mill media player programs (QuickTime, Windows Media Player, Real Player, and WinAmp) can read this footage without delving into the frustrating world of plug-ins. To do anything, you'll have to rely on the included software.

 
  The Samsung SC-HMX20 records to either SD/SDHC cards or 8GB of internal memory.
   

The quality settings on the SC-HMX20 are a little complex, as they depend on the shooting mode. The 1080/30p mode only has one quality setting, which appears to be the highest quality available. In 1080/60i mode, you can choose SuperFine, Fine, and Normal. All the same options apply in 480/60p mode, though of course with the reduced resolution you get more recording time per gigabyte.

For a complete list of recording times, see the chart in the next section.

Media (8.0)
The Samsung SC-HMX20 records to either 8GB of internal memory or SD/SDHC cards (not included).  Many, but not all, competing models have some built-in memory, including the Canon HF10, Panasonic HDC-HS100, and Sony HDR-SR11 / HDR-SR12. The Panasonic HDC-SD100, Canon HF100, and Sony HDR-CX12 do not have any included memory.

Below is a table of approximate record times for the internal memory and SD/SDHC cards of various sizes.

  Super Fine
1080/60i or 30p		 Fine
1080/60i or 30p		 Normal
1080/60i or 30p		 Super Fine
480/60p		 Fine
480/60p		 Normal
480/60p
1GB card 8 min 12 min  15 min 14 min 17 min 29 min
2GB card 17 min 24 min 30 min 28 min 34 min 59 min
4GB card 35 min 48 min 61 min 56 min 69 min 119 min
8GB card / internal memory 71 min 96 min 122 min 112 min 139 min 239 min
16GB card 142 min 192 min 244 min 224 min 278 min 478 min

Editing (5.0)
As mentioned in the Compression section above, the particular flavor of H.264 files outputted by the Samsung SC-HMX20 are not easily read by most media player software you already own. Even QuickTime, which is steeped in H.264-compatibility, could not read the 1080/60i files, though it could read the 1080/30P files, strangely enough.

It's fortunate, therefore, that the camcorder ships with the CyberLink DVD Suite, a decent set of editing software (PC-only, sorry Mac owners). The software has enough options to accommodate absolute beginners in backing up to a DVD, as well as very basic home movie production. For anything more powerful, you'll want to look in to Adobe Premiere Elements or Ulead products.



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