Here's a surprise. It's been a while since we've seen a strong camcorder from Samsung. Then the SC-HMX20 comes along and all we can say is "wow!" Samsung's second generation HD camcorder, the HMX20 is the replacement for last year's lackluster SC-HMX10 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00). The generational differences are unexpected, and not all obvious ones. For one thing, the new SC-HMX20 is actually larger than its predecessor, but only a little. It retains its ultra-stylish looks, and surprisingly useful swivel grip on the hand strap. Under the hood, however, Samsung staged a tiny revolution. The SC-HMX20 features a huge 1/1.8-inch CMOS sensor, dwarfing the previous generation's chip. The performance boost was simply enormous, particularly in low light, where Samsung has shot to the top of the list. To add to its charms, the SC-HMX20 is incredibly easy to use, making it a good choice for beginners. It may not have all the bells and whistles of its competitors, but this camcorder is definitely worth investigating.The SC-HMX20's f/1.8 10x optical zoom lens has a focal length of 6.3 - 63mm. The record lamp is stationed at the top right of the lens and can be switched off manually. Lastly, the built-in stereo microphone is tucked underneath the lens barrel, facing the ground. This design strays from the typical front or top-mounted microphone configuration found on nearly all camcorders.
The Right Side (5.5)The SC-HMX20 features Samsung's unconventional swivel grip, carried over from the SC-HMX10. The swivel grip allows you to rotate the body of the camcorder upward a full 145 degrees toward the sky, in order to obtain peculiar camera angles while keeping your hand in a horizontal position. The swivel grip aids those who want to hold the SC-HMX20 like a flashlight without having to worry about dropping the camcorder. Let's just say you can obtain some pretty unique shots with this design without having to get on your hands and knees or lie down on the floor.
The SC-HMX20's hand strap has been revamped with a suede construction compared to the SC-HMX10's patent leather strap. The new strap is more comfortable, yet still too thin. We could use another half inch of coverage. Samsung did manage to bulk up the swivel grip's pivot axle. The SC-HMX10's swivel grip had a tendency to bend outward from the body of the camcorder, threatening to warp. This is no longer an issue, unless you're Hulk Hogan.
The Back (5.0)From afar, the SC-HMX20 looks very nearly identical to the SC-HMX10 in back. A closer glance will reveal Samsung's redesign of the Mode button and relocation of the Easy Q button from the rear to the LCD cavity. The Record Start/Stop button has taken on a larger, oval shape, which makes it easier to pull the trigger. The Power switch has been shrunken, most likely to accommodate the new elongated Record Start/Stop button. The DC and Mic jacks are both shrouded by rigid plastic covers that pull out and snap back into place with ease. The covers are anchored by thin plastic strips that will warp if you tug them too hard. As a result, the cover will not snap back into place, which is something we experienced firsthand. Oops...
The biggest design change is the relocation of the battery cavity from the bottom to the back—a smart move that will benefit anyone shooting from a tripod. That said, the enclosed battery design does not allow shooters to upgrade to a larger battery pack, couching this camcorder in an exclusive consumer corner. Furthermore, the battery hatch feels cheap and will likely break in a bad bump. 
The Left Side (5.0)With the 2.7-inch LCD screen closed, the SC-HMX20 is shrouded in mystery. This is glossy goodness at its finest. Samsung's design is fresh off the runway, which is what consumers will gobble up with glee—what club goer or soccer mom doesn't want a hot camcorder? The most notable difference from the SC-HMX10 here is the SC-HMX20's prodigious lens barrel jutting out. However, Samsung nixed the HDMI terminal within the LCD cavity, limiting connectivity to a component / composite-AV / S-video jack and USB terminal. Both ports are housed by a small plastic door that slides upward to open, which is better than being left out in the open. You'll have to rely on the included docking station for an HDMI terminal now, which is yet another item to remember in the camcorder bag.Three buttons and a playback speaker round out the rest of the LCD cavity. The iCHECK, Flash, and EasyQ buttons are located along the right side, leaving a vast plain of unused real estate. So, what's up with giving the HDMI terminal the ax?The LCD panel contains the Q. Menu button, Zoom toggle, and Record Start/Stop button, which are convenient controls to have at your fingertips. Panasonic doesn't include anything on its LCD panels, which limits shooting options. Samsung kept the touch screen alive with the SC-HMX20, giving Sony a bit of an elbow nudge.
The Top (5.0)On top you'll find the retractable flash that pops up when the Photo button is pressed. The flash is located just above the lens and is angled down to provide adequate lighting, as opposed to most camcorders that feature their flash off to the side. A small finger groove is located in the middle, used to catch the pinky and ring fingers while the Zoom toggle and Photo button are located toward the back end. The Zoom toggle is on the small side and shifts quickly, so it will take some practice to hone in on its control.
There's no accessory shoe here. This is unfortunate, as most accessories that you plan on connecting to the mic jack need a place to live. You can buy an C-shaped bracket that screws into the tripod mount for just such a case, but Samsung should have helped you out on this one by including a shoe.
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