Samsung SC-MX20

  

Canon FS100
The FS100 (MSRP $290.00) is Canon's standard definition, card-only camcorder. We reviewed the Canon FS11, which is identical to the FS100 on paper, except for the inclusion of some internal flash memory. The Canon does prove to have superior video performance, but the difference isn't overwhelming. If you just want an easy-to-use camcorder for throwing your videos up on YouTube, you might prefer the stylish and intuitive Samsung.

  

Panasonic SDR-S7
Panasonic's version of the standard definition memory card camcorder is the SDR-S7 (MSRP $299.95). On the comparable HDD/memory card hybrid from Panasonic—the SDR-H200—the low light performance was nothing to write home about, but the automatic controls and the overall video performance far outstripped the Samsung. It's not quite as easy to use, but it's still pretty straightforward. If you're willing to spend the extra $70 or so for the Panasonic, you'll probably be glad you did.

  

Pure Digital Flip Mino
Let's face it—the Flip Mino has gathered plenty of excitement and interest for good reason. It's incredibly compact, trendy, and couldn't be easier to use. (And now you can color and design your Flip just about any way you want it.) If you opt for the Flip over the MX20, be prepared for a noteable downgrade in image quality and loss of all manual controls, including optical zoom. This is a decision you can only make for yourself.

Conclusion
Our greatest disappointment in bringing the Samsung SC-MX20 to our labs is certainly the video performance. Considering how much of an improvement Samsung had made in just one generation of their high definition line, we had hoped to see some of that work pay off here. Unfortunately, The MX20 has poor color and plenty of noise and compression artifacting—certainly more than the competition. And it's not much of a champ in low light either.

But in the YouTube line of business, video performance isn't everything. If you plan to upload most of your footage to the web, you're not likely to see much of a difference between the SC-MX20 and comparable models from Canon or JVC. What you will notice is how easy the Samsung is to use: from shooting in auto mode to tweaking the manual controls, navigating the menus, and uploading to YouTube. Plus, this is a slick camcorder to look at, comes in a few different colors, and has a clever pivot grip to make for some unique shooting angles.

If you're looking for the best performer in the standard definition, flash memory class of camcorders, the Samsung SC-MX20 is not for you. But some people want an easy, intuitive video experience with more power and control than the micro-camcorders like the Pure Digital Flip Mino. If that's you, take a look at this 'Shoot and Share' camcorder... Samsung may have hit the nail on the head.

Comparisons

Who It’s For

Point-and-Shooters
The MX20 is one of the most intuitive, accessible camcorders for navigating the menus and making simple manual adjustments. If you own a PC, the easy upload to YouTube is an added bonus. Point-and-shooters rejoice!

Budget Consumers
Samsung has consistently offered competitive products for just a bit less money than the competition. What you'll sacrifice here is a bit of video performance, but the MX20 is a great deal overall.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
Go somewhere else. The MX20 doesn't even have a still photo mode or a capture button.

Gadget Freaks
The rotating swivel grip is, let's face it, a very cool toy. Gadgeteers will love the cool new angles and grips they can achieve. Plus, we have to admit that the interval recording (for Samsung's version of time lapse photography) is a cool feature.

Manual Control Freaks
If you're a manual control freak shopping in the standard definition line, you're going to find slim pickings anyway. The Samsung offers plenty of basic manual controls that are all easy to access, but manual control enthusiasts will probably frown at the directional pad as the only means of making fine adjustments.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
The mediocre video performance from the MX20 will scare away most serious hobbyists. Add that to the limitations on manual controls and lack of microphone input and this simply won't be making it on the professional holiday wish lists.