Samsung HMX-H104 HD SSD Flash Memory Camcorder with 16 GB Memory and 10x Optical Zoom
by Samsung
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Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: SamsungModel: HMX-H104BN/XAA
Product features:
- 1920 x 1080 Full HD recording; superior image quality appears clear on your HDTV
- Built-in 16 GB Solid State Drive (SSD) plus SDHC card slot
- 37mm wide-angle lens; Optical Image Stabilizer
- 4.7-megapixel digital still photo capability
- High resolution, touch-panel LCD
- Pinnacle Studio HD V14 [OLD VERSION]
- Sony Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum Pro Pack [OLD VERSION]
- AmazonBasics 3RCA Component Video Cable (6 Feet)
- Adobe Premiere Elements 9 [Old Version]
- Roxio Creator 2010 [OLD VERSION]
Digital camera reviews of Samsung HMX-H104 HD SSD Flash Memory Camcorder with 16 GB Memory and 10x Optical Zoom
Digital camera Review: Almost "perfect" camcorder fun
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
Every year, Samsung realeases a new consumer-grade camcorder which seems to better the previous years in some small ways. I'm still under the impression that Samsung has this shelf of 2009, 2010, 2011 etc camcorders ready to go NOW, but they insist on releasing them with incremental upgrades every year to keep the consumer wanting more... but I digress. :-)
This year we have Samsung's very first SSD camcorder. In fact, Samsung claim this to be the world's first SSD camcorder. I received the HMX-104 with 16GB Solid State Drive, but the camcorder is also available as the HMX-105 (32GB) and HMX-106 (64GB). I'd suggest the 64GB only if you have huge trips planned without access to a computer, but definite access to more batteries, as you're going to go through more than a few charges to fill 64GB, that's for sure. Samsung touts this SSD camcorder as being more resilient to shaking and drops than a 1.8" hard drive. When not in use and for general purpose, this is true. However, Samsung amusingly has a montage of shots when you're shaking the camcorder, on their website:
http://www.samsung.com/ca/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=cameracamcorder&type=camcorders&subtype=highdefinition&model_cd=HMX-H106SN/XAC
Now, I don't know about you, but I'm guessing that either the SSD or traditional HDD camcorders would produce pretty unusable video when shaking the camcorder like crazy! But it's good marketing, I'll give it to Samsung...
Now I'll cut straight to the point. I really, really like this camcorder. The heft and feel of it is excellent. I would complain and say that I find the "Record" button a little tough to get to (have to hook my thumb some), but that's because I have bigger than average hands, and find this true of any small camcorder.
I really like being able to open the screen out, and have the camcorder turn on. So many other brands don't do this, which really makes no sense. If you're opening out the screen, you probably want the unit to turn on. This I appreciate.
Another feature I REALLY like - actually my favorite feature, - is the Optimal Image Stabilizer (O.I.S). This makes a huge difference. Normally, when zoomed in all the way, all movements of your hand are magnified, resulting in very shakey footage. I find the image stabilizer to really help with this, and the difference is staggering just turning it on and off while zoomed in. You can see the difference easily.
The video produced from this camera is excellent. I had some difficulty getting full 1080p video into iMovie 09, but with a bit of tinkering, it works. Low-light video is "acceptable," though as expected - not pro grade. Still a fair amount of grain.
The time lapse feature is pretty great, allowing you to leave the camera, and have it "automagically" shoot still photos at intervals, to create a video at the end of it. The result is very fun. Try it on a sunrise/sunet on a tripod!
A few things I don't like:
1.) No separate battery charger. This means charging in the camera with Samsungs proprietary charger. Don't lose it!
2.) The HDMI port on the camera is mini-HDMI. These are less common than full HDMI cables (though of course not rare). Just something to bear in mind.
3.) 37mm at its widest is not super wide. It'd be nice if the camcorder could go a little wider, especially for indoor parties when stepping back is not an option..
4.) Battery life could be better, especially since Samsung touts this camcorder as saving battery due to the use of SSD. I'm not seeing it.
Overall, a really enjoyable camera. A few niggles in the battery/charger department don't detract from a very enjoyable camcorder experience. With the built-in 16GB, 32GB or 64GB SSD and the ability to plug in an SD/SDHC card, you have plenty of storage capability in a small package!
4/5
More Samsung HMX-H104 HD SSD Flash Memory Camcorder with 16 GB Memory and 10x Optical Zoom reviews:
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Summary of Samsung HMX-H104 HD SSD Flash Memory Camcorder with 16 GB Memory and 10x Optical Zoom
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