Samsung SMX-F34 Flash Memory Camcorder w/16GB Memory & 42x Intelli-Zoom (Black)

Samsung SMX-F34 Flash Memory Camcorder w/16GB Memory & 42x Intelli-Zoom (Black)
by Samsung

Samsung SMX-F34 Flash Memory Camcorder w/16GB Memory & 42x Intelli-Zoom (Black)
List Price: $329.99
Our Price: $188.13
You Save: $141.86 (43%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $172.99 (click here)
Category: Digital Camera
See more digital camera details and other models


or

Digital product summary information

Manufacturer: Samsung
Model: SMX-F34BN/XAA
Color: Black
Product features:
  • Record SD video to SD/SDHC cards and 16 GB of internal flash memory
  • Enhance 34x optical zoom up to 42x with Samsung's new Intelli-zoom
  • Web & Mobile shooting mode for easy online video sharing
  • Capture 800x600 digital still photos
  • Swivel hand grip for comfortable low-angle shooting
Accessories:

Digital camera reviews of Samsung SMX-F34 Flash Memory Camcorder w/16GB Memory & 42x Intelli-Zoom (Black)

Digital camera Review: Good Tech Specs on paper, Reality Bites!
Summary: 1 Stars

Well, perhaps you have read all the nice reviews about this camcorder. So had I. That is why there was no hesitation that this model was going to be my choice.

However, reality played a nice trick. First thing out of the box, the smell of the plastic strap, that you use to hold the camcorder, is unbearable. Left in a room, it fills it up with foul chemical odor. With time, it will wear off. Perhaps.

Then, the second shocker, was a spelling mistake on the box itself - hassel-free vs. hassle-free. Well, a good knock-off? From Amazon? I don't want to believe it.

The battery was charged very fast - 2 hours.

The next day, an excellent, sunny New England Saturday, I went out to test it. The operation is very easy and the learning curve is small. The camcorder feels a bit big in my hand, there is a bit of tension while zooming - I feel I am going to drop it.

The screen is so-so quality. I can only compare to my Sony p92 camera and Canon Digital Rebel.

If you zoom more than 10X or so, the shake is unbearable. There is no stabilization. If you use tri-pod, you should be fine.

Then, in the afternoon, I downloaded the files. The pictures are unusable - huge file size, unclear, fuzzy, smeared faces. Horrid.

Then, I saw the video quality. This samsung uses new compression, and you can record around 600 mins or so at fine quality. There are HUGE jaggies in the videos, at the moment the camera moves, or your hand shakes. I had not seen such problem with sample videos on YouTube. I am using excellent IBM laptop with the latest video drivers, latest vido software - in short, you cannot get any better than this. So I tried to convert the videos - m4p format if I recall, to .avi or mpg. Then, there is obvious improvement. But size is twice or trice and it takes time.

The the unthinkable happened. The camera failed me, when I needed it most. It seems, I had accidentally left it on, while testing before a very important day. 10 dollar calculators have authomatic power off after 10 mins, but not my samsung. So, the next day, I power the camcorder on and the battery is dead. It was a betrayal of the most vicious kind. So, samsung would still have to earn my trust - for now, they remain gimmicky brand. (I know full well, that the Samsung brand has gained on Sony)

Verdict - use on your own risk.

Summary of Samsung SMX-F34 Flash Memory Camcorder w/16GB Memory & 42x Intelli-Zoom (Black)

The new SMX-F34 is Samsung's next generation YouTube-compatible compact digital camcorder. Building on the SC-MX20 camcorder, the SMX-F34 offers additional features and functionality, including built-in memory, digital still photo capability, and Samsung's 42x Intelli-Zoom. Significantly more reliable than a standard digital zoom which negatively affects the quality of the image, Intelli-Zoom allows you to go beyond the camcorder's 34x optical zoom without sacrificing image quality. The SMX-F34 features a memory card slot for SD/SDHC and also offers 16GB of internal flash memory. Samsung is the first digital imaging company to apply H.264 compression to standard definition video, which considerably extends record times. Thanks to H.264 compression, users can record up to eight hours of standard definition video directly to the camcorder's internal flash memory without having to rely on a memory card. Samsung's new image processor also reduces power consumption, which translates to longer battery life. On a single charge, you can record up to three hours of uninterrupted video--ideal for when you wish to shoot for extended periods of time. Featuring a high-performance 680K pixel CCD sensor, the SMX-F34 delivers a resolution of 720x480 and also incorporates Samsung's new image processor which drastically enhances the overall image. Samsung's new image processor yields higher-quality video, 3-D Noise Reduction, Face Detection for up to five subjects, a brighter 2.7 inch LCD display, as well as H.264 compression.

Camcorders

Cameras and Photo
Most talked about in New Gadgets,Books And Other Things I Have Recently Purchased
500 Piece Emerald Dreams Holo-Glow Puzzle Image500 Piece Emerald Dreams Holo-Glow Puzzle
Ceaco; Ceaco; Release date: 2006-06-12; Toy
Best price: $7.89
Price in other shops: $9.99
In the Arms of Morpheus: The Tragic History of Laudanum, Morphine, And Patent Medicines ImageIn the Arms of Morpheus: The Tragic History of Laudanum, Morphine, And Patent Medicines
by Barbara Hodgson
Diane Pub Co; Published: 2001-12-30; Paperback; Book
Price in other shops: $15.00
Sansonic FT-300A Digital To Analog TV Converter Box ImageSansonic FT-300A Digital To Analog TV Converter Box
Sansonic; CE
Price in other shops: $59.99
Memorex 50-pack Slim CD/DVD Jewel Cases (5mm) Clear ImageMemorex 50-pack Slim CD/ DVD Jewel Cases (5mm) Clear
Memorex; CE
Best price: $11.21
Price in other shops: $19.99
Star Trek - Electronic Tricorder ImageStar Trek - Electronic Tricorder
MPA; Star Trek; Release date: 2009-04-19; Toy
Best price: $10.53
Price in other shops: $19.99
Star Trek - USS Enterprise Iconic Vehicle ImageStar Trek - USS Enterprise Iconic Vehicle
MPA; Star Trek; Release date: 2009-04-19; Toy
Best price: $13.92
Price in other shops: $34.99
You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story ImageYou Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story
by Richard Schickel, George Perry
Running Press; Published: 2008-09-08; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $24.99
Price in other shops: $50.00
SanDisk Cruzer Micro 8 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive SDCZ6-8192-A11 ImageSanDisk Cruzer Micro 8 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive SDCZ6-8192-A11
SanDisk; Windows; CE
Best price: $12.65
Price in other shops: $44.99
Samsung SMX-F34 Flash Memory Camcorder w/16GB Memory & 42x Intelli-Zoom (Black) ImageSamsung SMX-F34 Flash Memory Camcorder w/ 16GB Memory & 42x Intelli-Zoom (Black)
Samsung; Digital Camera
Best price: $229.00
Price in other shops: $329.99
Ps C4250 All In One Inkjet Printer, 300 Ppm Black, 23 Ppm Color, 1.5" Display, (HEWCC211A) Category: Inkjet Printers ImagePs C4250 All In One Inkjet Printer, 300 Ppm Black, 23 Ppm Color, 1.5" Display, (HEWCC211A) Category: Inkjet Printers
Hewlett Packard; Hewlett-Packard; Hewlett Packard; Office Product; Office Product
Best price: $129.99
Price in other shops: $156.60
Similar digital cameras
Transcend 16 GB SDHC Class 6 Flash Memory Card with Card Reader TS16GSDHC6-S5W ImageTranscend 16 GB SDHC Class 6 Flash Memory Card with Card Reader TS16GSDHC6-S5W
TRANSCEND; CE
Best price: $46.75
Price in other shops: $61.99
.42x HD Super Wide Angle Panoramic Macro Fisheye Lens For The Samsung SC-MX10, MX20, HMX20C, HMX10, SMX-F34 Flash Memory Camcorders Image.42x HD Super Wide Angle Panoramic Macro Fisheye Lens For The Samsung SC-MX10, MX20, HMX20C, HMX10, SMX-F34 Flash Memory Camcorders
DB ROTH; Digital Camera
Best price: $27.99
Samsung Camcorder Carrying Case - Analog / Digital ImageSamsung Camcorder Carrying Case - Analog / Digital
Samsung; CE
Best price: $8.99
Tamrac 3394 Aero 94 Camcorder/Camera Bag  (Black/Gray) ImageTamrac 3394 Aero 94 Camcorder/ Camera Bag (Black/ Gray)
Tamrac; Digital Camera
Best price: $19.95
Price in other shops: $24.95
Hi-Capacity Equivalent of SAMSUNG SMX-F34 Battery ImageHi-Capacity Equivalent of SAMSUNG SMX-F34 Battery
Hi-Capacity; CE
Best price: $18.95
Transcend 8 GB SDHC Class 6 Flash Memory Card TS8GSDHC6 ImageTranscend 8 GB SDHC Class 6 Flash Memory Card TS8GSDHC6
TRANSCEND; CE
Best price: $15.29
Price in other shops: $39.99
Tamrac 3365 Aero 65 Video/Photo Bag (Black) ImageTamrac 3365 Aero 65 Video/ Photo Bag (Black)
Tamrac; Digital Camera
Best price: $22.50
Lenmar LISGBP85 Lithium Ion Replacement Battery for Samsung IA-BP85ST ImageLenmar LISGBP85 Lithium Ion Replacement Battery for Samsung IA-BP85ST
Lenmar Battery Solutions; Digital Camera
Price in other shops: $47.95
Tamrac 3392 Aero 92 Compact Camcorder/Camera Bag (Brown/Tan) ImageTamrac 3392 Aero 92 Compact Camcorder/ Camera Bag (Brown/ Tan)
Tamrac; Digital Camera
Best price: $15.95
Price in other shops: $19.95
Case Logic QPB-22 Compact Camera/Camcorder Case (Black/Gray) ImageCase Logic QPB-22 Compact Camera/ Camcorder Case (Black/ Gray)
CASE LOGIC; Digital Camera
Best price: $11.49
Price in other shops: $14.99
Film and digital cameras at ApexCamera.com