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Samsung SC-HMX20C HD Camcorder

Product summary

Samsung SC-HMX20C HD Camcorder
Manufacturer: Samsung
Part Number: SC-HMX20C

Specifications: Video input type: Camcorder ; Optical sensor type: CMOS ; Optical zoom: 10 x ; See full specs

Reviews from around the WebPowered by alaTest

  • alaTest.com

    Editors' rating: 93

    Summary: alaTest has collected and analyzed 35 reviews of Samsung HMX20C from international magazines and websites. Experts rate this product 72/100 and users 84/100. Comparing these reviews to 92268 other Camcorders reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 93/100 = Excellent.

  • pcworld.com

    Editors' rating: 71

    Summary: The camcorder has the standard array of outputs, including HDMI, component analog, and USB. Samsung bundles the adequate CyberLink DVD Suite software for editing on Windows--and though the SC-MMX20C manual says, "You can not use the HD camcorder with ...

    Read full review

  • smarthouse.com.au

    Summary: A handy camcorder from Samsung that you can take anywhere. Page: 1 2 3 [4]

    Read full review

  • news.com.au

    Editors' rating: 80

    Summary: The Samsung VP-HMX20C might not be perfect, but for $1199 it ticks all the right boxes. Users will be particularly impressed by its Full HD resolution and extensive recording options. Without question, it's one of the best-value choices on the market.

    Read full review

  • pcmag.com

    Editors' rating: 60

    Summary: Samsung's small, sleek SC-HMX20C camcorder is dead simple to operate, but Canon and Sony reign supreme in video image quality.

    Read full review

  • goodgearguide.com.au

    Editors' rating: 80

    Summary: The Samsung VP-HMX20C might not be perfect, but for $1199 it ticks all the right boxes. Users will be particularly impressed by its Full HD resolution and extensive recording options. Without question, it's one of the best 'value choices' on the market.

    Read full review

CNET editors' buying advice

We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Digital Camcorders. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of digital camcorder.

Memory card format

Video cameras using a memory card format are able to achieve an ultracompact design. Because they record highly compressed video, they're best suited for gadget lovers who want to use their footage mainly on Web sites and in e-mail. Digital camcorders that record MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 to memory cards may be picky about the cards you use since those encoding schemes require the ability to write to the card more quickly than most standard cards can handle.

Best for: Trendsetter.

ADVANTAGES
Allows for very compact camcorders
Easy searching and random access to video segments
Selectable image-quality levels, including high-quality variable-bit-rate recording
Both video and still images are recorded on disc (instead of on a cassette and a memory card)

DISADVANTAGES
Relatively short recording times
Video is highly compressed

Supporting manufacturers: Panasonic; Sony.

Read more in the Digital Camcorder Buying Guide

See more Memory cards products

Exposure control

Every digital camcorder has a fully automatic mode that lets you simply point and shoot, but it's best to be able to adjust your exposure setting a little. Special shooting modes for capturing subjects lit by a spotlight or other specific sources can be helpful. For full control over exposure, you'll need a camera that lets you manually set both the aperture and the shutter speed. Advanced camcorders offer zebra stripes, which highlight overexposed areas with a striped pattern so that you can fine-tune exposure. Low-light performance is the Achilles' heel of many digital camcorders. Look for a model with a minimum lux rating of seven or lower. Many camcorders offer special low-light shooting modes, but they don't all work the same way. Some simply slow down the shutter speed so that you get full-color but impressionistic-looking footage. Others use an infrared emitter to capture greenish monochrome video in total darkness.

HD Camcorders info

If format proliferation is the sign of growing pains in a market, camcorders are in adolescent hell. Prices are dropping, making HD camcorders an attractive buy relative to their SD competitors, but inexpensive doesn't necessarily mean easy. Our most recent tally indicates there are no fewer than four possible media types to use, each of which can support multiple encoding formats; the encoding formats, in turn, support various combinations of standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) video formats. Toss in HD's three different available resolutions, and you have an ugly mess to sort through while you shop. And we haven't even begun to see the inevitable models based on HD-DVD or Blu-ray discs.


Read more in the HD camcorders Quick Guide

See more HD camcorders products

LCD and electronic viewfinder info

More pixels usually mean better viewfinder and LCD image quality. Look for a sharp LCD that's easy to see in bright light; adjustable screen brightness helps, too. The larger the LCD, the easier it will be to see (and the more power-hungry it will be); for all but ultracompact camcorders, look for at least 2.5 inches. An EVF that you can tilt with a diopter lever for adjusting focus will give you more shooting flexibility. Almost all EVFs and LCDs on consumer camcorders display color, although some video enthusiasts prefer black-and-white EVFs, which can make it easier to judge exposure. Touch-screen LCDs have begun to appear on a few consumer video cameras, usually for menu navigation and spot focusing. Some users find them convenient, while others prefer not to have to use the LCD to access camcorder controls.

See more LCD products

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Where to buy

Samsung SC-HMX20C HD Camcorder: $469.95 - $987.55
storepricein stock?rating
Amazon.com Marketplace
$987.55 Yes 5.0 star rating
Refurb Depot
$469.95 Yes 3.5 star rating

see prices from 2 stores

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Where to buy Samsung SC-HMX20C HD Camcorder

Price range: $469.95 - $987.55

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