With Three New Camcorders Samsung Enters Flip Territory: HMX-U10, SMX-K40, and SMX-K45

The new Samsung HMX-U10, with unique, angled head Click here for the full photo gallery.

Samsung announced three new camcorders this morning, including the HMX-U10 ($199 MSRP), an ultracompact budget model in the style of the Pure Digital Flip series. This marks a not-unexpected entry into the category, despite being crowded with competition from Sony, Kodak, Creative, RCA, and of course, Pure Digital. The HMX-U10 may be able to find a foothold by being the only one in this group to offer full 1920 x 1080 HD video. Samsung also announced two standard definition camcorders, the SMX-K40 ($329 MSRP) and the SMX-K45 ($499 MSRP), flash memory models with a huge 52x optical zoom.

The HMX-U10 also tries to separate itself from the pack with a unique, angled head, curving seven degrees back, presumably to allow for a more natural grip. This is not Samsung's first attempt at using creative design. The HMX-R10, announced in January of this year, featured an unusual look that captured attention. Similar time went into crafting the TL320 digital still camera, replete with retro-looking analog gauges along the top.

The HMX-U10 is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor. The press release indicates that it's capable of 10-megapixel stills, but it is unclear if this is its gross pixel count or if those are interpolated stills. Full 1920 x 1080 recording is yet another feature to differentiate it. Most camcorders in the ultracompact budget market are limited to 1280 x 720. The Sony Webbie CM1 and PM1 record in 1440 x 1080, then stretch for playback. The U10's video is compressed in the H.264 format.

A big question, and perhaps the key to its success, remains unanswered so far: what does the interface look like? The most crucial element to the Pure Digital Flip's popularity has been its hard-nose approach to simplicity. Any feature deemed unnecessary has been stripped away, leaving a bare bones camcorder that almost anyone can operate. Traditional camcorder and camera manufacturers – Sony, Kodak, and others – have all tried to lure customers with additional features, while Pure Digital steadfastly avoids "feature-creep." Samsung's intentions remain to be seen.

We do know that the U10 includes One-Touch upload to YouTube, an almost de facto feature on camcorders since early this year. The camcorder's batteries can be charged with either USB or AC power, adding a small level of convenience. It offers a 2.0-inch LCD and no optical zoom.

The Samsung SMX-K40 records to card only	The step-up SMX-K45 has 32GB of solid state memory

The two standard definition models, are more traditionally shaped. Though more expensive than the high definition HMX-U10, they do offer some intriguing features of their own. The SMX-K40, recording to SD/SDHC cards only, and the SMX-K45, with 32GB built-in solid state memory, both have a 52x optical zoom, enhanced to 65x when using Samsung's Intelli-Zoom. Both camcorders also offer upconverted playback through HDMI, allowing for the 720 x 480 recordings to play back at near-HD quality. These camcorders also allow for battery charging through USB. They feature optical image stabilization, a 2.7-inch LCD, and time lapse recording.

The Samsung HMX-U10 retails for $199 and is available in September 2009. The SMX-K40 and SMX-K45 retail for $329 and $499, respectively, and will hit stores one month earlier in August.

View our full photo gallery of the new Samsung HMX-U10, SMX-K45, and SMX-K40.