http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/review-samsung-sc-
hmx20c-hd-camcorder-20090422/
Samsung SC-HMX20C HD Camcorder
Samsung’s HMX20C camcorder has been out for almost a year now but for many
consumers that may actually be a good thing. Normally we focus on buying the
newest gear available so it will be usable as long as possible, but for certain
purchases–especially camcorders and cameras–this isn’t necessary. After all, the
HMX20C can handle full HD (1920×1080) video recording, can take 8MP still
images, has a 6.4MP CMOS sensor, and has 8GB of on-board storage along with an
SDHC card reader. So maybe it’s not the yet-to-be-released HMX-H106 or the HMX-
H100, but it’s still more than enough camcorder for most consumers.
The basics:
Signal Type: NTSC
Image Sensor: CMOS, 1/1.8″, 6.4 M
Lens F Value: F1.8 ~ 2.5
Optical Zoom: 10x
Digital Zoom: 100x
Display: touch-sensitive LCD, 2.7″, 230K pixels
Video Recording: H.264
Recording Resolution: HD: 1920 x 1080i (60i / 30p), SD: 720 x 480, super fine / fine /
normal
Still Imaging: JPEG, 3264 x 2448 (8 M interpolation), 2304 x 1728 (4 M), 3 M, 1.5 M,
340 K
Interface PC: USB 2.0
HDMI: Yes
Memory Card: SDHC / MMC+
Flash: built-in
Built-in Memory: 8 GB

Running Time: 1.5 hours
Dimensions: 2.60″ x 2.65″ x 5.47″
Net Weight: 1.01 lb
That’s a lot to take in, but what you should understand is that this is last year’s top-
of-the-line camcorder from Samsung, making it a very solid offering for this year. The
fact that it has been kicking around for about a year means that instead of paying the
MSRP of $850 for it, the HMX20C can be had for closer to $600 if you shop around.
But the bigger issue is that you aren’t even compromising much, as you are still
getting a solid camcorder with 1080p recording, a load of features, two storage
options, an external microphone input (1/8-inch), a built-in lens cover and more. It
does not have a hotshoe or XLR microphone support, but we should keep in mind
that it’s a well-outfitted consumer device, not a professional product.
Something that stands out about the HMX20C is that, despite its power, it is very
easy to use. The combination of self-explanatory buttons and an LCD touch screen
means consumer-friendliness was a priority. Enthusiasts get most of what they are
looking for, but the options are tucked away in menus within the touchscreen, which
means getting to them is rather slow. Even so, you can quickly toggled between
video and camera mode, or your storage medium, or other important choices. The
end result is that you can pick up the camcorder and be shooting in very little time.
This is aided by the built-in lens cover, which is a small extra, but one that goes a
long way.
From the standpoint of design, the HMX20C is a pretty standard horizontal
camcorder. Aside from a grip that can flip 180 degrees for different shooting angles,
few attempts were made to impress the user, though the chromed elements help add
some style. More importantly the memory card and battery are both easy to get to,
there are not too many buttons on the inside area (facing the LCD), and the USB slot
is protected in that same area. The camcorder does not have built-in HDMI like some
newer models, but it can work with Samsung’s dock if you want to playback your HD
video right from the device. The only gripe some people may have with the HMX20C
is the layout of the buttons on the backside–some minor positioning tweaks would
have made the camcorder much more comfortable, especially if you don’t always
shoot from eye-level.

As far size, the Samsung is reasonable, but recent releases like JVC’s HD300 (also
a 1080p cam) are considerably smaller. That noted, the HMX20C is small for the
package and quality that you are getting. This won’t help you fit it in your pocket
though, so make sure to bring a bag or jacket with pockets.
The HMX20C is at its best then you stop all the tinkering and just start shooting. Yes,
the user interface is very good, and the camera is really at home when you are
letting the CMOS sensor do its thing and you are pulling in H.264/MPEG-4 AVC
1920×1080 video. The 8GB of on-board storage will get you 71 minutes of 1080/60i
video (or 1080/30p) though you can augment that with SD or SDHC cards so adding
in another 8GB and switching over to it takes just a few seconds. Daylight/full-light
shooting is very good and the camcorder is not only sharp but the autofocus works
very well (great for something like our video reviews). In less then ideal lighting
conditions the big piece of glass on the front holds up well enough, but don’t expect
to be blown away. Still image shooting can be tough with a horizontal camcorder,
and while this camcorder can take some OK images in full light, this isn’t its best
area. This happens to be the case with most camcorders in this category though, so
this probably won’t come as a major surprise.
Ultimately, the Samsung HMX20C is a very strong consumer camcorder that, at this
point, happens to be a year old. At CES 2009 we first saw the HMX-H106, HMX-
H105 and HMX-H104 SSD-equipped models that will be replacing it, as well as the
HMX-H100 SD/SDHC model. What this means is that the HMX20C isn’t the newest
or best model in Samsung’s lineup, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it is
a solid product that can take some great video. In fact, the price drop that results
from the release of the new camcorders might make this a great time for buyers to

be considering it. It’s still not the best consumer camcorder on the market and it
might still be on the expensive side but if you forget all this and start shooting, the
HMX20C might win you over.