Samsung's HMX-H106 camcorder's claim to fame is that it's the first camcorder with a built-in 64GB SSD. But its smoother-than-usual lines make it look like a Thermos I could pour thirst-quenching fruit punch in.
It, along with its 32GB and 16GB brothers, the H105 and H104, respectively, have a 10x zoom lens with optical stabilization and storage expansion via SDHC card slot. They all shoot with H.264 compression, giving you 12 hours of "full HD" footage on the 64GB H106, and six on the H105, and so on. No word on pricing, but you can buy the H106 in April.
SAMSUNG EXTENDS FULL-HD CAMCORDER FAMILY
WITH INTRODUCTION OF NEW H-SERIES
New HMX-H106 is the World’s First Camcorder to Feature a 64GB Internal SSD
LAS VEGAS, N.V., January 5, 2009 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today extended its family of full-HD digital camcorders with four new models - the HMX-H106, HMX-H105, HMX-H104, and HMX-H100. Samsung’s new H-Series offer users high-performance, full-HD video, a renowned Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan HD lens with Optical Image Stabilization, and industry leading design; however, most notable is the use of internal Solid State Drives to provide onboard memory.
The HMX-H106, Samsung’s new flagship full-HD digital camcorder, is the world’s first to feature an internal 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD)*. Samsung’s renowned SSD technology offers a substantial advantage over the use of Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in a digital camcorder, providing consumers with higher performing and more durable internal memory. In comparison to HDD, Samsung’s SSD technology is more lightweight and compact, operates silently with very low heat emission, and features no moving parts, which significantly reduces overall power consumption and enhances reliability. No moving parts also make SSD technology more durable and resistant to shock and vibrations, which pose a considerable threat to the performance of HDD based digital camcorders. Additionally, Samsung’s SSD technology is faster than HDD, including quicker boot-up and read/write speeds which is required for the amount of data recorded in full-HD resolution. When actively reading and writing data, Samsung’s SSD technology consumes approximately 1/8th of the power of a comparable HDD**.
The HMX-H105 and HMX-H104 offer 32GB and 16GB SSDs, respectively, and like the HMX-H106, also allow consumers to expand memory capacity using an SD/SDHC memory card. The HMX-H100 does not feature an internal SSD and requires the use of a SD/SDHC memory card.
The new H-Series full-HD digital camcorders also utilize H.264 compression, which significantly increases recording time. At full-HD resolution and when set to fine mode, users can record up to three hours directly to the 16GB HMX-H104, six hours to the 32GB HMX-H105, and an unparalleled 12 hours to the 64GB HMX-H106.
Producing a high-quality image starts at the lens, which is highly regarded as one of the most important components of a camcorder. Precision optics are paramount in helping produce inspiring video and Samsung’s H-Series camcorders underscore this assessment by incorporating world renowned Schneider optics. The camcorders’ Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan HD lens features a 10x optical zoom and is paired with Samsung’s new Optical Image Stabilizer to help reduce the blur found in footage as a result of vibrations and hand shake.
The Schneider lens also features a 37mm wide-angle focal length. Unlike other camcorders offering a typical angle of view of 40~50mm, the H-Series’ 37mm wide-angle Schneider lens allows users to fit more of their desired scene into the frame, making the camcorder ideal for recording large groups of family or friends, breathtaking landscapes or even capturing all the action at sporting events.
The trusted Schneider lens also helps capture remarkably clear and sharp video with accurate color reproduction. The H-Series’ direct HDMI connections allow consumers to effortlessly enjoy their full-HD content on their HDTV without the need for proprietary docking cradles. Consumers can also utilize the camcorders to take more than just stunning high-definition video, as each offers a built-in strobe flash and the ability to capture 4.7 mega-pixel digital still photos.
“This new series of high-definition digital camcorders clearly speaks to Samsung’s commitment to providing today’s consumers with the most advanced and highest-performing digital imaging technology,” said Tony Sorice, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Digital Imaging at Samsung Electronics America. “Our ability to leverage the synergies that exist across our various businesses in the design and manufacture of digital camcorders and cameras, allows us to better meet customer demands and bring higher-performing digital imaging solutions to market faster and more efficiently.”
At the heart of Samsung’s new H-Series of full-HD digital camcorders is a high-performance CMOS imaging sensor. Measuring 1/4.5 inches, the CMOS sensor boasts 2.2 mega-pixels and yields impressive light sensitivity helping enhance the overall imaging experience for the end-user. The camcorders also offer a large 2.7 inch touch-screen LCD, which serves as the gateway to the camcorders’ comprehensive suite of features. The swiveling LCD also gives users access to key camcorder controls, including record and zoom. When utilized in conjunction with Samsung’s proprietary swivel grip, the additional placement of controls on the LCD screens allow users to effortlessly control the camcorder at low or high angles.
The camcorders also feature a HD Time Lapse recording mode that will give consumers the ability to experiment with their creativity. When shooting in the Time Lapse recording mode, the camcorder will record a single image at an interval pre-selected by the user, either 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 30 seconds, and will save each image as one single movie file.
This is the new Samsung WB500. Before an official review, I’d like to introduce it with a simple introduction. Because it’s a sample package for test, it might be different from an official one. I’ve got things unsatisfied with the NV100HD and NV9, and those were improved with the WB500. Let’s take a look at the simple package.
Since the box was really small, I think it only has a body, but when opening it, there were basic parts safely. WB500, battery, charge cable, adaptor, another part, and instruction manual. They were all packed, but I repacked them, so it’s a little different from the original package.
When looking at the WB500 without knowing the specification, I liked its neat and thick appearance. No matter how the portability is the advantage of a compact digital camera, there are lots of cameras which don’t care of the grip, so I was worried when opening it. But the suitable thickness and better grip were very good.
In the black bag, there were instruction manual and warranty for the WB500. One battery was included. The capacity of the battery is 1050mAh, and it’s enough to take pictures outside. AV cable is included, so users can easily watch videos and picture on TV and other big monitors.
Like other Samsung digital cameras, AC adaptor and USB cable are separate, so when charging, you connect them and use. The Adaptor and USB cable can be usefully used. The screen is charging by connecting USB cable to portable battery pack. When taking a trip, or picture outside, you can charge it with the battery pack, so compared to other big adaptors, it’s very useful.
The appearance and performance of the WB500 will be discussed on the official review. Generally, it gives high end feeling with good grip and combination of black and silver. Metal body and big lens at the front are impressive. Personally, I like thick and better grip products like the WB500 rather than the slim body of the NV100HD and NV9, so I want to give higher score to the WB500 for the appearance.Various functions of the WB500 such as optical 10x zoom, video recording function as good as the NV100HD, etc. will be covered on the official review later.
The TL100 offers a new addition to Samsung's in-camera features: a Smart Auto mode, which automatically selects a scene mode or camera settings based on the shooting environment. The TL100, which also has a 3X optical zoom, MPEG-4 video capability, digital image stabilization, and a 2.7-inch-diagonal LCD, will be available in the spring, but pricing information has not yet been released.
Samsung HMX-H105 features a Schneider lens
Samsung HMX-H100 equipped with a 2.7" LCD
