New Full-HD, SSD cams from Samsung

Samsung is pitching up four new full-HD camcorders to compete in a marketplace that’s already bustling with solid-state camcorders that record full-specification high definition video and stills to solid-state media.

Samsung’s newly-announced H-Series camcorders are claimed to offer high-performance internal memory that utilises Samsung’s Solid State Drives (SSD) in addition to providing SDHC memory card slots. In much the same way that we’re seeing the introduction of SSDs in notebook and even laptop computers, such technology is seen by some as offering a significant way forward in providing large volumes of solid-state storage for camcorders.

Entry model: Samsung HMX-H200 Full-HD SSD Camcorder

SSD offering advantages over Hard Disc Drives

It’s widely known that SSDs offer a substantial advantage over the use of Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in a digital camcorder. SSD technology has the potential to provide consumers with higher-performing and more durable internal memory. In comparison to HDD, Samsung claims its SSD technology tobe more lightweight and compact, operating silently with very low heat emission, and featuring no moving parts. This, we’re confidently assured, significantly reduces overall power consumption and enhances reliability. The lower power consumption of the H-Series’ SSD technology translates into a battery life of approximately two hours.

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 – even with their anti-shock “G-Sensor” technology. 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. The internal SSD configurations available on Samsung’s new H-Series full-HD camcorders include a 32GB SSD in the HMX-H205, a 16GB SSD in the HMX-H204, and an 8GB SSD in the HMX-H203. Each camcorder’s memory capacity can also be expanded using an SD/SDHC memory card. The HMX H200 does not feature internal SSD memory and requires the use of a SD/SDHC memory card.

Powerful Optics and Touch-Screen LCD

Samsung’s new H-Series full-HD camcorders feature an impressive lens, which offers consumers a versatile 20x optical zoom and 37mm wide-angle. Unlike other camcorders offering a typical angle of view of 40-50mm, the H-Series’ 37mm wide-angle Samsung 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.

Controls and Ports on the Samsung HMX-H200

The H-Series’ lens is further enhanced with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) to help reduce image blur and shaky video, which can be especially helpful when using the camcorder’s full optical zoom. Samsung’s Smart Optical Image Stabilisation is claimed by its maker to be superior to image stabilising technologies found in other camcorders, as it reduces shake and blur across a wider portion of the image frame and produces higher quality images as a result. A 2.7-inch wide, swivelling, touch-screen LCD boasts a 230K-pixel resolution which is designed to give consumers easy access to all of the camcorders’ various controls and settings.

Smart Auto, Time-Lapse and more

The new Samsung HMX-H205, HMX-H204, HMX-H203 and HMX-H200 are also loaded with a range of unique features such as the ability to capture high-quality 4.7 mega-pixel digital still images, Smart Auto mode, which automatically selects the appropriate scene mode which will produce the best results possible for the user’s shooting scenario, as well as Time Lapse recording, an innovative setting which will give end-users the ability to take their creativity to a whole new level. When using the camcorders’ Time Lapse mode, consumers can programme the new H-Series camcorders to record a single image at intervals of 1, 3, or 5 seconds, and then save each image as one single movie file (720p resolution).

Availability and UK Pricing

We have so far received no indication as to likely prices or availability in the UK, although there’s little doubt that the models will be available to buy from Easter onwards. We’ll bring you more info when we get it from Samsung.

Words: Colin Barrett, based upon information supplied by Samsung UK. Images courtesy Samsung UK.