Samsung's 'world's first' camcorder not exactly a breakthrough
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(Credit:
Samsung)
Samsung is always good for at least one "world's first" product at CES, but I have to say this one is a bit of a "meh" for me. Instead of sticking with simple flash memory for its new line of H series full HD camcorders, the company stuck solid-state drives in them. The HMX-H106, HMX-H105, and HMX-H104 feature 64GB, 32GB, and 16GB SSDs, respectively. (A fourth model, the HMX-H100, gets the features of the other models, but relies on SDHC cards for storage. The SSD models have SDHC slots for memory card storage, too.)
The benefits of an SSD are low heat emission, faster start-up times, no moving parts, and in turn, better battery life. At least in comparison with a typical hard-disk drive model. The larger sizes are nice as well--especially for HD--but the 3 hours of recording time possible with 16GB of storage is plenty.
As for their other specifications, the H-series models seem well equipped with a 10x optical zoom, 2.2-megapixel sensor, 1/4.5-inch CMOS, 2.7-inch touch-screen LCD, and Samsung's new Optical Image Stabilizer.
The H106 will be available in April 2009. The H105, H104, and H100 will be available in March 2009. No pricing has been announced.
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Josh Goldman is a senior editor for CNET Reviews, covering digital cameras, camcorders, and related bits and pieces, along with writing the occasional laptop or software review. He doesn't have a podcast, newsletter, or CNET TV show, but you can follow him on Twitter if that's something you do. E-mail Josh.
It really help to reduce hassle during shooting and carring out.
Small handy size, FullHDcam, HDMI connection with HDTV, not necessary install program, low weight, anti-shock, no vibration, quick power-on.
I think SSD based camcorders would replace HDD cams soon.