Samsung has just launched its latest ultra-compact camcorder, and while it’s likely to be sneered at by the professionals it has something to offer the enthusiastic home user.
As first spotted by SlashGear, the new SMX-C20UN camcorder has a lens which tilts upwards at a 25 degree angle, which the company claims offers a more natural hand position. This allegedly eliminating fatigue and allows the camera to be held steadily without the need for a tripod for elongated periods of time. Although it’s not the first camcorder from the company to use such a technique (we reviewed the HD model: the HMX-R10 in May last year), it remains likely to be a hate-it-or-love-it feature that will continue to divide opinion.
The rest of the camera is nothing we’ve not seen in a compact camcorder before: a 1/6in 680,000-pixel CCD sensor, 10x optical zoom and a 2.6in LCD display which can be rotated through 180 degrees for a bit of self-filming. The camera stores its footage in H.264 MP4 format on SDHC cards and, usefully, has the option in the included software to upload your shots directly to YouTube. In-built image stabilisation is also included for hand-held use.
From that, it’s clear to see the market Samsung is aiming for: the home user who wants to share videos online, and doesn’t mind the standard-definition resolution of the sensor.
The SMX-C20UN is available in the US now for $199.99 (approximately £133), although Samsung has yet to announce plans for a UK launch or expected pricing if it does hit our shores.
