2010년 3월 30일 화요일
2010년 3월 19일 금요일
Samsung HMX-H106 received a positive evaluation from TED
TED(Quebec Audio & Video) magazine has introduced the world’s first SSD camcorder Samsung HMX-H106, and said that the Samsung HMX-H106 appears to be a good camcorder.
2009년 10월 19일 월요일
2009년 10월 14일 수요일
Let’s remember a day with the K45
Samsung camcorders have started with the pocket type camcorder VM-300 in 2007 with UCC boom, and the shooting type memory camcorder 480p MX10 and HD camcorder HMX10A were also known to us. Particularly, the success of the HMX20 in 2008 is so cool. This model has made Samsung camcorders more popular until 2009, and thanks to this model, following family camcorders could be released. In 2009, Samsung have been releasing a lot of products with a lot of concepts such as an album for children, easy recording, my diary, and family.
Converting SD to Full HD quality.
The SMX-K series is divided into the SMX-K45/K44/K40 by the internal memory. The K45 and K44 have 32 and 16GB SSD memory, while the K40 has no internal memory, but supports SD/SDHC memory. The biggest feature of the K45 series is the up-scaling from 480i to 1080p when watching in HDTV. Today’s model is the SMX-K45 having 32GB of SSD memory.
Optical 52x zoom and Intelli 65x zoom with OIS are remarkable. Intelli-Studio to upload videos on YouTube is included, and interval shot, 120 minutes of battery life, and various additional functions are supported with this charming camcorder.
The SSD memory which was applied for the first time to H series is very good for long time recording, low power consumption, compact, and stability. The most important feature is the up-scaling SD quality images to Full-HD quality images.
Up-scaling Full HD by connecting to HD-TV
Playing a movie in great Full-HD quality
Taking SD quality and playing Full HD. It’s such a great idea. The actual quality is really awesome. Of course, taking Full HD and playing Full HD is the best, but this can make you enjoy more fun with less space.
There are a lot of camcorders to convert 30fps 60i to 60p, but the Samsung K45 series is the first camcorder converting 720×480i to 1080p.
To really enjoy the up-scaled quality, you should have included HDMI cable and HD TV. Connect the camera to a HDTV using the HDMI cable. That’s it. The real quality is totally different from 720×480 in a PC. There’s no horizontal line showing interlace, and the quality is incomparable to normal SD.
The quality is not as high as Full HD by the H106, but there’s more than just watching normal HD camcorder. In a short distance, you might feel some rough details, but from 1-2m distance, it’s really vivid. This up-scaling is not just increasing the size of pixels. It’s Samsung’s own algorithm.
Design based on lens and Fast speed
Normally, SD camcorders, especially supporting high zoom, only have a high zoom function with digital IS and worse quality in tele angle, so the value of high zoom gets worse, because these camcorders should be small at a reasonable price with a high zoom function as a main feature. The K45 has OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and designed based on design, so it’s not an ultra compact type, but still compact and it has 52x zoom and 230g of weight. The 32GB of SSD memory also makes better mobility than HDD.
Intelli 65x zoom
The actual optical zoom is 52x, and together with the Intelli zom, it becomes 65x. It’s an extremely high zoom. Using this on a sunny day not indoors, you can feel this powerful zoom feature much more.
52X zoom (High speed zooming)
3 levels of zooming speed adjustment is good, and the high speed zooming is so fast. When using the maximum tele angle, there’s quality degradation such as some chromatism, but it’s still much better than other high zoom popularized camcorders. It seems it’s because of the comparably high caliber lens.
Mid tele OIS on
OIS is remarkably effective. Not for maximum tele angle, but for medium tele angle, the effect is the best. Getting more telephoto angles, it fixes the shake more smoothly. Thanks to that, you can record the play of famous sport players in a stadium with the 65x zoom.
More than 20 hours of recording with the internal SSD
SSD memory which was firstly applied to the H106 has advantages in compact & light size, low power consumption, low noise, stability in high/low temperature condition, durability, and permanency. The K45 can take up to 20 hours with the 32GB memory. (Standard quality for web 640×480) This is sufficient to record for a few days. The backup speed is also quite fast.
[Recording time]
Simple, neat, and compact design
The K45 is different from other Samsung camcorders. Unlike others which were rounding types, this is dynamic style with more sharp angled edges. It might be the most typical shooting camcorder, but this has Samsung’s own design feeling. When holding a grip, I felt comfortable. The top putting 4 fingers and recording button on the right position make the recording more comfortable.
It comes with 3 colors such as midnight black, galaxy silver, and deep ocean blue. The outer material is slick type with some pearl. I only saw the black actually, but I think other 2 colors have their own dignity.
On the front of the K45, SSD is engraved in intaglio. The sharp edges and protruding zoom dial in a streamline shape looks more powerful than former Samsung models.
On the other side, there’s a leather hand grip which is size adjustable. It’s not a full angle grip convenient for low angle shot, so the grip might be not that good, but due to another recording and zoom button on the LCD, there’s no inconvenience.
Inside the body, Power, IS, LCD compensation, Display, and EasyQ buttons are located. HD output switch is also here. The Easy Q button is for beginners and sets everything by the camera itself according to the conditions. The LCD compensation button is to temporarily compensate LCD to 3 levels when the LCD is dark or difficult to see.
On the top, Zoom dial and Photo shot buttons are located. The Zoom dial can adjust zooming speed to 3 levels. It’s unique that the Photo button is located on the side. The K45 provides just a snap shot function for still images without half shutter. On the top of the lens, a stereo microphone is installed and built-in speaker on the right side of the microphone.
There’s an automatic lens cover on the front of the lens, and the filter part for various converting lenses is 39mm. There’s no separate flash, because this is for movie recording not still images. However, it should have been better if there was a steadily lighting lamp. The F value is F1.4-4.9, and it’s so bright in the wide angle, so it has an advantage in indoor shots.
On the back, there’s a recording button and mode change button. And inside the sliding type cover, HDMI/USB/AV output/DC power slots are located. The location of the recording button is so appropriate.
120 minutes of battery, Dual recharge with USB/AC adaptor
Battery is quite good. It’s 3.7V 4.8Wh. This can record continuous 2 hours, and actually 1.5 hours approximately. Of course, it depends on situations, but the performance of battery is great. It takes 2 hours to recharge with AC adaptor and 4 hours with USB in a PC.
There’s a battery cover on a bottom with a SDHC memory slot up to 32GB. To prevent losing the battery cover, there’s a smooth connection part, and the tripod hold is made of strong metal.
Great image quality with less noise
The image quality gets better than the C10 which was a SD camcorder. The image quality when connecting to a HDTV, but it was also good with the full screen of a 22” LCD monitor. When watching original files before converting, some line were found due to the interlace type.
This support 5 resolutions such as TV Super High (App. 5Mbps) : 720×480 (60i) / TV High(App. 4Mbps) : 720×480 (60i) / TV Standard(App. 3Mbps) : 720×480 (60i) / Web High (App. 4Mbps) : 640×480 (30p) / Web Standard (App. 3Mbps) : 640×480 (30p)
TV Super Fine
4 way button with great controls
The K45 has adopted a 4 way function button with great control not touch. Among 4 ways, Menu is up and Recording is down. On the LCD, there’s a separate Recording button, so when recording with a low angle, high angle, and self shot, it provides better controls. The interface of the LCD is the same as the C10. The interface is so intuitive and fast. Zooming is also possible with Up/Down,
When clicking the 4 way button, SCN, Exposure, Play, and Focus are allocated to the 4 ways, and without internal setting, various mode settings are possible from outside. This supports a lot of iScene modes for beginners such as Auto, Sport, Portrait, Spotlight, Beach, Snow, Fast movement, Food, and Waterfalls.
230K pixels 2.7” Swivel LCD
The K45 has adopted 2.7” 230K pixels of vivid LCD, it has good viewing both indoors and outdoors. It can be rotated to 90 and 270 degree, so low and high angle recording is comfortable, and it’s easy to control the recording and zoom buttons. There’s some noise inside, but the detail is great and vivid.
Convenient thumbnail function
When in the thumbnail mode, 6 video thumbnails are played. Moving a cursor to the thumbnail, the video inside the thumbnail is played. And clicking it, it becomes larger. Edit function is also provided to divide it.
Great AF/AF performance and mobility
It takes some time to turn it on, but it has a quick start function to finish shots in 1 sec from a shot ready mode.
Focusing speed and getting Exposure by the movement of objects are so fast. Macro is also great. High speed and high zoom function are so great, so in mobility this is so cool.
Natural Color balance
The color balance adapted to environment is so good. It has various white balances such as Auto, Sunlight, Cloud, Fluorescent light, Light bulb, and Custom. Saturation is kind of low, but the color detected in Auto is so smooth and gradation is also good.
Up-Scaled 1600×1200 Photo
Still image function is an additional function for the K45. 800×600 basic size and 1600×1200 up-scaled size can be seen by connecting to HDTV. While recording, still shots can be stored and other effects are also applied. However, we can’t expect the level of digital cameras, but this can be used to take snap shots.
Face Recognition, Backlight compensation
The K45 has the Face Recognition function. This function is getting better. With the Face Recognition function, it automatically sets the exposure of portraits and takes a shot with proper exposure when contrast between background and portraits is noticeable.
If the backlight is too strong, it might be better to use the Backlight mode or exposure compensation, not the Face Recognition. However, not in the backlight condition, the Face Recognition function is better.
Fader function - The Fader function can give fading effect to the beginning and end of the video with sound.
Effect functions
Various effects are applied such as Black and White, Sepia, Reversion, Art, Emboss, Mosaic, Mirror, Pastel, Whitish, and Step Printing. Among them, Mirror, Mosaic, and Step Printing are only for web quality. Especially, the Mirror is funny, and the Whitish will be welcomed by women users.
C.Nite in darkness
C.Nite can take a shot in the dark place by adjusting the shutter speed. In a manual mode, the shutter has 1/60 sec of limit speed, so in the dark place, let’s use the C.Nite supporting 1/30 sec of shutter speed. Actually, F1.8 and the capacity of K45 are enough, so C.Nite will not be used much, but sometimes if there’s no light or for sleeping baby, it’s useful.
Interval Recording
The Interval Recording is to take continuous shots for a long time and play them as a video. Interval and time can be set and through the recording button, the video is recorded even after stopping for a while. This function can record some dramatic scenes such as change of scenery, movement of cloud, sunrise and sunset, flower blooming, and so on.
Intelli-Studio in the K45
Connecting the K50 to a PC by USB, the Edit and Video upload software Intelli-Studio is automatically run. Using the Intelli-Studio, edit with various effects and simple converting can be done. Even beginners can use this with easy and intuitive icons, and any manual is not needed. It’s better to install the software in your PC, because it’s faster.
Running the Intelli-Studio
Data are shown on the top and bottom of the Intelli-Studio screen with small thumbnails. Clicking the Play Thumbnail on the body, a video in the thumbnail begins to play. Double clicking it or pushing the Play button, you can see the video in a large window.
Uploading a video on YouTube
Through the Intelli-Studi, you can upload videos on YouTube and Flickr. It’s such a simple and convenient web uploading system. And then, checking the upload.
Let’s remember a day with the K45.
The Full-HD up-scaling is so amazing technology of Samsung. To be honest, I had doubted the quality of SD, but I could see the SD video was better, and the HDTV output was even better. I’m so happy because I could see the great quality of SD videos. Even though there’s some limitation of built-in memory, 32GB SSD can keep data for a week or a month, and SD/SDHC can be regarded as a media for play. In that, it should have been better if there was a better album management system. I’m not satisfied that the remote controller is not included. However, other functions and product itself were great.
For a day life in a family, UCC, or my children, it’s a good camcorder with good quality and performance. The performance with OIS was really great as if it’s like a following model of the H106. The power of 52x zoom and Intelli 65x zoom is also outstanding. It’s so fun to use. If it’s okay for you if the quality is not HD, the K45 is the best and reasonable choice, I think.
2009년 3월 30일 월요일
2009년 2월 26일 목요일
2009년 1월 22일 목요일
CES 2009: Six new Samsung HD camcorders, 64GB internal SSD, YouTube cam [day 2]
Samsung’s new H-Series full-HD camcorders
Samsung’s new H-Series of full-HD digital camcorders (HMX-H100, HMX-H104, HMX-H105, HMX-H106) has been announced. The HMX-H106, Samsung’s new flagship full-HD digital camcorder, is “the world’s first to feature an internal 64GB SSD, which the company is also conveniently announcing here. The company says its 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, approx. 1/8th of the power of a comparable HDD is consumed.
The HMX-H105 and HMX-H104 offer 32GB and 16GB SSDs, respectively, and like the flagship H106, also allow for memory expansion using an SD/SDHC memory card.
The HMX H100 does not feature the SSD and requires an SD/SDHC memory card.
The new camcorders utilize H.264 compression, and 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 (at full-HD resolution and set to fine mode).
All of the camcorders feature a 1/4.5 inch, 2.2 mega-pixel CMOS imaging sensor, a 10x optical zoom, Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan HD lens and Optical Image Stabilization. They also have an HDMI connection, and each unit can capture 4.7 mega-pixel digital still photos.
The H106 will be available in April 2009, and the H105, H104, and H100 will be available in March 2009.
SMX-F34
Samsung has also announced its SMX-F34 YouTube-friendly compact camcorder. It has a battery life of up to three hours, Schneider optics, built-in memory, digital still photo capability, and Samsung’s 42x Intelli-Zoom. It features a memory card slot for SD/SDHC and 16GB of internal flash memory, and thanks to H.264 compression, is able to record up to eight hours of SD video with the 16GB built-in memory.
The SMX-F34 offers a CCD sensor that delivers a resolution of 720×480, and features a Web & Mobile shooting mode for YouTube and the like. The ability to capture digital still photos separates the SMX-F34 from the company’s current SC-MX20, with a dedicated Photo mode to allow the capture of 800×600 resolution images.
The SMX-F34 will be available in four colors: black, silver, red and blue, all trimmed in silver and touting a swivel hand-grip. It will be available spring 2009.
2009년 1월 17일 토요일
2009년 1월 8일 목요일
Samsung HMX-H106 camcorder
Samsung Electronics America 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 Samsung HMX-H106 is Samsung’s new flagship full-HD digital camcorder, 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.Samsung SSD technology
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 Samsung HMX-H105 and Samsung HMX-H104 offer 32GB and 16GB SSDs, respectively, and like the Samsung HMX-H106, also allow consumers to expand memory capacity using an SD/SDHC memory card. The Samsung 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 Samsung HMX-H104, six hours to the 32GB Samsung HMX H105, and an unparalleled 12 hours to the 64GB Samsung HMX-H106.
Samsung HMX-H105 features a Schneider lensThe 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.
Samsung HMX-H104 high definition camcorder
“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.”
Samsung HMX-H100 equipped with a 2.7" LCDAt 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.
Samsung H106 HD camcorder with Time Lapse recording mode
The Samsung 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.
Samsung HMX-H106, HMX-H105, HMX-H104, & HMX-H100 Full HD Camcorders
Samsung is to extend its HD camcorder line-up with four new models, the Samsung H Series HMX-H106, HMX-H105, HMX-H104, and the HMX-H100, all of which sport Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan HD lenses with optical image stabilization , offer full HD video capture and, in terms of Samsung’s new flagship HD camcorder, the HMX-H106, comes with integrated 64GB Solid State Drive.
Official Samsung Press Release:
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.
Samsung are yet to offer pricing details but have confirmed that the flagship H106 camcorder will become available in April whilst the H105, H104 and the H100 camcorders are set to begin shipping as of March
2009년 1월 6일 화요일
Samsung HMX-H106 First Camcorder With 64GB SSD, Looks Like a Thermos
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.
Samsung unveils SSD camcorders for precise imaging and storage
So, are we set for a 64GB SSD camcorder? Yes, Samsung has made it real with its H-series of full HD camcorders. Samsung has released four new models — the HMX-H106, HMX-H105, HMX-H104 and HMX-H100 — for the forthcoming CES, in Las Vegas.
With a solid state drive for memory, these camcorders from Samsung house a Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan HD lens with image stabilization and 10X optical zoom, a 37mm wide angle focal length and a 2.7-inch LCD. The HMX-H106 is the high-end model, which features an internal 64GB SSD at 1920×1080 res, while HMX-H105 in 32GB and HMX-H104 in 16GB also allow SD cards for memory enhancing, like the company’s flagship model itself.
Samsung Packs Camcorder With SSD for Fast Start
Camcorders with hard-disk drives have been available for some years and offer a simpler solution than tape-based systems for people who want to edit video on a PC. The new SSD camcorder has all the same advantages and improves over hard-disk drives in some areas. Most notably the startup time for the SSD model is virtually instant. Users can start recording as soon as the camera is switched on compared with having to wait up to five seconds with the hard-disk drive model.
The SSD models are also lighter, more resilient to vibration and shock and operate more quietly than hard-disk models, Samsung said.
Samsung will offer three SSD-equipped models. The HMX-H106 offers 64GB of recording space and can be expanded using an SD memory card. Two additional models, the HMX-H105 and -H104, offer 32GB and 16GB of space, respectively. A fourth model, the HMX-H100, has no SSD and requires the use of an SD card.
The cameras record in 1920-by-1080 pixel full high-definition using the MPEG4 H.264 format, and the 64GB of recording space on the top-end model works out to 12 hours of recording time, said Samsung.
Pricing for the camcorders wasn't immediately announced. The H105, H104 and H100 will be available in the U.S. from March while the H106 will follow in April. Launch plans for overseas markets also were not announced.
(PC WORLD)