Samsung SC-HMX10 8GB Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (SDHC compatible)

I bought the Samsung SC-HMX-10 a year ago for filming the family during those special occasions.





Since that time, here's what I've learned as an owner of that camera:








PROS:





Size and look - The camera is small and looks sleek. It has a side-strap that is good for medium and small hands.





720p - This is a pro and a con. The pro is that it's not standard def. The con is it's not 1080p. The smaller 720p makes it easier to work with in the computer in terms of file size.





Touchscreen - I like the touchscreen and it seems intuitive and well made. It's seems big in relation to the rest of the camera.





HDMI Out - This can be hooked directly to your HDTV via an HDMI port.





Quality - The video quality looks great in most lighting. Low light situations invite video grain.





Memory - This camera has 8GB of internal memory and an expansion slot for more. I love the fact I can pull the card out and put into my computer. Too easy.








CONS:





Lens Add-Ons - The lens threads seem cheap but not any more than most cameras. I put a UV filter and a wide-angle adapter on the front and started getting vignetting on the corners. It appears that it can only handle one filter/adapter at a time.





AVCHD - AVCHD is a form of MP4 compression that isn't widely supported... still. Adobe CS3 does not natively support it. This has been a sticking point on a lot of other user reviews.





Playback Without the Camera - Your playback choices consist of directly connecting to your TV, play on your computer or burn to a Blu-Ray disc which then necessitates a Blu-Ray Player and Burner. I don't have a Blu-Ray player just yet let alone a Blu-Ray burner. I can watch on my computer no problem, but the average Joe probably wants to be able to watch these videos from a burned disc. Consider that a hidden cost of owning HD cameras.





Computer Horsepower - Again, sort of another hidden cost is the fact that HD video requires more horsepower out of your computer when editing and playback. Older computers will playback the video choppy.





On-Board Light - The on-board light is weak. It won't impress you.








A note about price and other things





I've seen this camera go for $400-$999. I have no idea why there is such elasticity to the pricing of this camera. Do yourself a favor and shop around if you really want this camera. The stills are decent quality but I don't feel they are good enough for anything other than Facebook. Extra batteries are in short supply. I've had trouble finding anyone who stocks them.








Final Thoughts





Given the chance to go back in time, I would have waited awhile to buy an HD camera. HD requires supporting equipment like Blu-Ray devices and newer computers. The camera is nice and if you can get it cheap enough, it is a great entry-level HD camera.





Full Review Posted at: [...]Samsung SC-HMX10 8GB Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (SDHC compatible)