Samsung enters mini HD camcorders market

Samsung Electronics America Inc. entered the mini HD camcorders market by introducing a new range of camcorders that make recording and viewing video in HD easy. Led upon the idea of a tiny, cheap fixed-focus HD camcorder, Samsung packed a better sensor into their SMX-U10 while keeping the mid-ranged price. Although they lack of advanced camera features, such as image stabilization, their price will attract many consumers.

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 YouTube. The SMX-K40 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-C14 and SMX-C10.

“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 Reid Sullivan, senior vice president of Audio/Video and Digital Imaging Marketing at Samsung Electronics America. “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.”

The new HMX-U10 and K-Series follow in the footsteps of the newly introduced SMX-C14 and SMX-C10 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. There is no need to worry about being near your home computer in order to edit or share your 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 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.