Samsung’s rolling out some new camcorders today: The full HD Flip-like HMX-U10 and the SMX-K40 and SMX-K45 cameras that record at 720×480 resolution and then upscale the footage for playback on an HDTV using an HDMI cable.
The HMX-U10 is a 1920×1080 high-definition pocket camcorder with a two-inch LCD, USB 2.0 connector, and direct-to-YouTube uploading. It features a seven-degree angled grip which is supposed to be make the camera more ergonomically comfortable to hold for extended periods of time and there’s built-in video editing software that can be used to chop up footage without installing anything when the camera’s connected to a computer.
It’ll be available in September with an MSRP of $199.
The SMX-K40 and SMX-K45 are more traditionally-styled flash memory (SD) camcorders that shoot in 720×480 resolution and then can upscale the footage to “near full HD playback” via an HDMI cable.
The cameras each feature a 52x optical zoom, Schneider-KREUZNACH lens, YouTube uploading, and optical image stabilization.
The SMX-K40 will cost $329.99 and will be available next month. The SMX-K45 will cost $499.99, also available next month. The SMX-K45’s extra features include time-lapse recording and 32GB of built-in memory.
Full press release:
Samsung announces new camcorders that put HD video recording and viewing in the palm of your hand
Seoul (Korea Newswire) July 14, 2009 06:15 PM — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today introduced new camcorders that make recording and viewing video in HD easy. The HMX-U10 is an ultra compact camcorder that records in full-HD and takes 10 mega-pixel still photos. It also allows users to easily share content online with its one-touch “upload” button to YouTubeTM. The SMX-K40, SMX-44 and SMX-K45 record video in standard definition but then upscale the footage to near full-HD when viewing through an HDMI output (cable sold separately). These new models join Samsung’s second-half camcorder lineup for 2009, which includes the recently introduced SMX-C10 and SMX-C14.
“We want to make it easy for everyone, from the young family of four to the tech-savvy professional, to record and view HD footage,” said Sang Ryong Kim, senior vice president of Camcorder Team at Samsung Electronics. “The addition of the HMX-U10 and the K-Series adds strength to an already impressive lineup of Samsung camcorders and offers a digital video recording solution for every consumer segment.”
HMX-U10
The HMX-U10 is the ideal solution for the consumer looking for ultimate portability and ease?of?use in an full HD camcorder. The HMX-U10 offers full-HD video recording with 1920×1080 resolution. The HMX-U10’s 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor also gives consumers the ability to capture impressive 10 mega-pixel digital still images, all which can be reviewed on the camcorder’s clear, two-inch LCD screen. At 56mm x 103mm x 15.5mm, and weighing just 95g including the battery, the HMX-U10 is ultra-compact with an ergonomic design that breaks free of the traditional look and feel of pocket-sized camcorders. Its sleek frame is accentuated by a wave-design that angles the body of the camcorder at seven degrees, allowing users to grip the camcorder more comfortably, reducing any related stress on the wrist or arm. This same ergonomic design philosophy is also found in the HMX-R10 and SMX-C10 camcorders, which feature Samsung’s unique Active Angle Lens.
K-Series: SMX-K40, SMX-K44 and SMX-K45
Advanced Upscaling Technology for Full HD Video Quality
With the new K-Series, consumers can enjoy near full-HD quality video for the price of a standard definition camcorder. The SMX-K40, SMX-K44 and SMX-K45 record exceptional standard definition video at a resolution of 720×480, and then can be played back on an HDTV in near full-HD quality thanks to advanced upscaling technology and HDMI connectivity. With a built-in HDMI output on the camcorder and HDMI cable (sold separately), consumers connect the camcorder directly to their HDTV for near full-HD playback.
Powerful 65x Intelli-Zoom
The SMX-K40, SMX-K44 and SMX-K45 also offer one of Samsung’s most powerful zoom lenses. Consumers have a 65x Intelli-Zoom at their fingertips which drastically enhances their ability to capture any moment they see no matter how far away they may be. Significantly more reliable than a standard digital zoom which negatively affects the quality of the image, Samsung’s new Intelli-Zoom allows users to go beyond the camcorder’s 52x optical zoom. The K-Series also features Samsung’s advanced Optical Image Stabilizer, ensuring that video will be shake-free, whether zoomed out or using the camcorder at it’s full 65x Intelli-Zoom. Furthermore, the camcorder’s world?class Schneider?KREUZNACH lens delivers the quality and performance needed to help capture the most impressive video possible.
Built-in 32GB SSD for over 20 Hours Recording
The SMX-K45 offers an internal 32GB Solid State Drive (SSD), providing up to 20 hours and 40 minutes of recording time depending on the recording mode. Samsung’s renowned SSD technology offers a substantial advantage over the use of Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in a digital camcorder. SSD is more energy efficient, produces very low heat emission, and is faster and more durable than HDD because there are no moving parts. The SMX-K44 offers an internal 16GB SSD and SMX-K40 does not have internal storage and requires the use the of a SD/SDHC card.
Unique Features
The new HMX-U10 and K-Series follow in the footsteps of the newly introduced SMX-C10 and SMX-C14 and boast several unique features which differentiate them from the competition and make video recording even more enjoyable for consumers. Such features include Samsung’s built-in intelli-studio software, animated thumbnails, and a versatile charging system.
No longer do consumers need to worry about being near their home computer in order to edit or share their video. The HMX-U10 and the K-Series all feature Samsung’s play-edit-sharing program called intelli?studio. The camcorders’ built-in intelli-studio program allows consumers to turn any computer into a mobile studio, giving them the ability to edit and play their video without having to install supporting software. Sharing is also simplified using intelli-studio as the program takes the hassle out of uploading content to popular video?sharing Web sites. For example, a one-touch “upload” button, available directly on the HMX-U10, provides a direct connection to YouTube™, further reducing the number of steps needed to upload footage. In addition, the camcorders also allow basic on-camera editing, including the ability to split video files.
Samsung’s animated thumbnail feature simplifies the way users search for video clips. Each video clip saved on the camcorder is represented by a small thumbnail on the LCD screen. When scrolling through one’s videos, each thumbnail will provide a short playback of the video file when highlighted by the user. The HMX-U10, and SMX-K40, SMX-K44 and SMX-K45 also feature a versatile charging system. Users can either recharge the battery by connecting the camcorder to the supplied AC adapter or via USB while the camcorder is connected to a computer.
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