When we last saw the AirStash, it was keeping its mystique about it and refusing to disclose any salient details beyond the fact that it’ll function as a wireless SD/SDHC card reader. Today, the fog of war is lifted with the news that the AirStash is now officially on sale for $99.99, and will come with a battery good for five hours of continuous data streaming. Marketed primarily at iPhone OS devices, it creates a wireless network that allows any WiFi and browser-equipped computer to access the storage cards within it. The UI is built around HTML5 and recharging is done via a USB connection, which also turns the AirStash into a simple SDHC card adapter when plugged in. Check out our hands-on with it from CES over here and look for a full review coming up shortly. We do care so very deeply our portable storage.
There are so many devices on the market today that use SD cards for storage that the format is one of the most common around. You will find SD cards in use in cameras, netbooks, camcorders, and other gadgets. The SDHC format is growing in capacity and performance all the time and Kingston has announced that it is shipping a couple new SDHC cards.
Both of the new cards are Class 10, but promise read performance of 22MB/sec and 18MB/sec write performance, which is higher than Class 10 specs call for. The Class 10 SDHC cards will come in 16GB and 32GB capacities. The cards meet Class 10 specs dictating a minimum 10MB/sec data transfer rate.
Both cards are complaint with SD Association specification version 3.00. The 16GB SDHC card will sell for $129 and the 32GB SDHC card will sell for $245. Both of these cards will be great for HD video cameras with the performance and capacity they offer.
While some camps are pumping out larger microSDHC cards, Kingston‘s done the world a favor by working on speed instead. The result is this Class 10 16GB microSDHC card — possibly the world’s fastest of its kind (at a minimum data transfer rate of 10MB/s). Who would need this, you ask? Well, there’s the speed freak in your own self that you’re trying to suppress, for starters, and don’t forget all those snazzy phones that can do 1080p video recording. As with most nice things in life, this blistering card will cost you a fair bit — $138 for the card sans adapters. Oh, go on, it’s totally worth your liver.
JVC have outed their latest camcorder, with the new Everio GZ-HM340 expected to arrive later in January for $499.95. Packing both 16GB of onboard storage and an SD/SDHC card slot, the HM340 has a 20x optical zoom, 1/5.8-inch 1.37-megapixel CMOS sensor and a new image stabilizing system.
There’s also a time lapse recording mode – with options ranging from every second to every 80 seconds – together with auto-record, which only begins shooting when movement is detected. In addition there’s face detection and a connected preview system – Face Flow Thumbnail – which splits clip timelines up by the individuals featuring in each.
Recordings begun on one media type can be seamlessly continued onto the other, and JVC throw in a copy of their easy-upload app for Windows which promises to make sharing clips on YouTube more straightforward.
Press Release:
JVC ADDS A NEW HIGH DEFINITION MEMORY CAMERA TO EVERIO LINE
New GZ-HM340 features 16GB of internal memory.
WAYNE, NJ, February 2, 2010 – JVC has added a new high definition camera to its recently-announced 2010 Everio line, giving the series three HD models priced under $500. The new Everio GZ-HM340 features 16GB of internal flash memory plus an SD/SDHC card slot.
The GZ-HM340 includes all of the new features and improvements found throughout the 2010 Everio line, including advancements in low light capabilities and image stabilization, while convenience is enhanced with a new auto recording feature and time lapse recording.
For a steadier picture, JVC this year introduced Advanced Image Stabilizer (A.I.S) that ensures steady images even while walking, and is especially effective when shooting bright scenes from full wide to 5x zoom. Available on all models, Advanced Image Stabilizer uses a wide-angle image sampling area that is four times larger than that of conventional systems. A.I.S delivers powerful compensation for camera shake.
Time-Lapse recording is a sophisticated but easy-to-use feature for time-lapse shooting in one- to 80-second intervals, enabling hours-long segments to be reduced to seconds, such as the continuous recording of changing sky patterns spanning an entire day.
Auto record, a new feature, automatically initiates recording when a person or other moving subject enters the picture and the luminance changes, a great convenience for home surveillance, monitoring a baby, recording wildlife, taking group shots (instead of using a self-timer) and more.
Digital files created with the new Everio cameras can be easily shared in a variety of popular formats with the enhanced Everio MediaBrowser software for Windows®, which now provides automatic conversion of HD and SD videos for immediate sharing on YouTube™, including both down-conversion and up-conversion. Files can also be directly exported to iTunes® and synced with an iPod® or iPhone®, or burned to DVD, all with just a few mouse clicks using the Everio MediaBrowser application.
Like all 2010 HD Everio cameras, the new GZ-HM340 features a KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS, currently one of the world’s smallest and slimmest HD lenses. In the GZ-HM340 it offers a 20x optical zoom.
Everio high-definition models automatically switch between two internal media for continuous, uninterrupted recordings. Users can shoot seamless, drop-out-free recordings using dual SD cards or flash memory. HD-model enhancements also include Face Flow Thumbnail, which displays thumbnails from a particular section of a video by automatically selecting and zooming into human faces.
The 2010 Everio series features an all new, slim design that’s fashionable, easy to carry and comfortable to hold. Portability has been further enhanced with a redesigned grip belt that now works in two handy ways, as a conventional handle-style grip when both ends are snapped in place or as a strap when one end of the belt is released.
The new Everio GZ-HM340 is available later this month for $499.95.
Features:
16GB Internal Flash Memory and SD/SDHC card slot
1/5.8″ 1.37 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
20x Optical Zoom (KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS
Advanced Image Stabilizer
Time-Lapse REC & Auto REC
One Touch Upload to YouTube™* (HD Compatible)
Seamless Recording over two media
Face Detection & Face Flow Thumbnail
Laser Touch Operation
2-Way Grip Belt
Everio MediaBrowser
Color: Black
About JVC U.S.A.
JVC U.S.A., headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, is a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Victor Company of Japan Ltd. JVC distributes a complete line of video and audio equipment for the consumer and professional markets. For further product information, visit JVC’s Web site at http://www.jvc.com or call 1-800-526-5308.
Samsung have outed four new camcorder ranges at CES 2010, and they run the gamut from entry-level point-and-shoot to Full HD. The top-spec models drop into Samsung’s S-series, in this case the 10-megapixel CMOS S10, S15 and S16, each with 1080/60i capabilities and 15x optical zooms. Storage ranges from SD/SDHC on the S10 through 32GB SSD on the S15 to 64GB SSD on the S16.
One step down and you get to the H-series, namely the Samsung H200, H203, H204 and H205, which start with naught but an SD/SDHC slot and then move up through 8GB, 16GB and 32GB of SSD respectively. They also get a 20x optical zoom, 2.7-inch touchscreen control, 1080 Full HD recording and 4.7-megapixel stills, along with an integrated HDMI connector for easy hook-up.
Next comes the Samsung F-series, the F40, F43 and F44, with SD/SDHC, 8GB or 16GB respectively, 52x optical zoom and face-detection. Unfortunately you won’t be recording Full HD with these, as they’re limited to 720 x 480 video and paltry 1.9-megapixel stills. Similarly disappointing are Samsung’s new 25-degree active-angle lens camcorders, the SMX-C20, SMX-C24 and HMX-M20, which take 2-megapixel stills and record the same 720 x 480 standard-definition footage. All have a 2.7-inch LCD and SD/SDHC slot, but the C24 also gets 16GB of flash memory.
All but the S-series will arrive by the end of Q1 2010; the S-series will drop in Spring 2010. No word on prices as yet.
Press Release:
SAMSUNG ADDS WI-FI CONNECTIVITY TO S-SERIES CAMCORDERS
New S-Series Camcorders are the World’s First to Offer Built-In Wi-Fi and DLNA Connectivity
Las Vegas, NV (January 6, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award?winning innovator in consumer electronics, today introduced its new S-Series of full?HD digital camcorders, the world’s first to include built-in Wi-Fi and DLNA connectivity. Comprising three new models, the HMX-S10, HMX-S15 and HMX-S16, the new S?Series are also the highest?performing full-HD camcorders in Samsung’s history. All three new camcorders incorporate Samsung’s proprietary new Victoria Engine processor and a cutting-edge 1/2.3?inch BSI (Back Side Illumination) CMOS imaging sensor which combine to yield outstanding image quality and low-light performance. The HMX-S10, HMX-S15 and HMX-S16 will be on display during the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show, January 7-10, 2010, in the Samsung booth #11026 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“The ability to effortlessly share memories and content with others is becoming more important for consumers,” said Mr. SangRyong Kim, Senior Vice President of Camcorder Team, Samsung Electronics. “Now, for the very first time consumers can record and immediately share content with others without having to worry about fumbling for wires or cables with Samsung’s new S-Series camcorders. From the point of capture to display, the S-Series camcorders take the video recording experience to a whole new level.”
Wi-Fi & DLNA Connectivity
The new Samsung HMX-S15 and HMX-S16 are the world’s first to offer both built-in Wi?Fi and DLNA connectivity. The HMX-S15 and HMX-S16 feature Samsung AllShare, which allows consumers to easily access, manage and share content including their full-HD videos across other DLNA certified devices. With the integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, consumers can now forego having to connect any cables to enjoy their HD video or digital still images in amazing clarity on their HDTV or computer. Consumers can also take advantage of built-in HDMI connectivity to view their content on devices that may not be DLNA certified simply by connecting to the source via an HDMI cable.
Powerful Schneider Optics and 3.5-inch Touch-Screen LCDs
Samsung’s S-Series incorporate world renowned Schneider optics. Each S-Series camcorder boasts a powerful Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan-HD lens with Samsung’s 18x Intelli?Zoom. 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 camcorders’ 15x optical zooms without sacrificing image quality. The S-Series’ Kreuznach Varioplan-HD lenses are also paired with Optical Stabilization to help reduce image blur and shaky video, which can be especially helpful when using the camcorders’ full optical zooms. The Samsung S?Series camcorders also enhance the user experience with large 3.5-inch wide touch-screen LCDs which house a 3D graphic user interface (GUI). The ultra-bright, swiveling, WVGA LCDs and GUI not only offer fascinating visual effects but grant users uncomplicated, intuitive and easy access to all of the camcorders’ advanced functions.
Innovative New Video Processor and CMOS Sensor
Samsung’s full-HD S-Series camcorders are highlighted by a revolutionary new BSI CMOS imaging sensor designed to absorb more light than other conventional sensors and deliver unprecedented low-light performance. The new BSI CMOS sensor is further enhanced by Samsung’s proprietary new Victoria Engine video processor designed specifically to optimize performance of HD camcorders. Samsung’s new Victoria Engine video processor offers a 3D noise reduction filter that efficiently suppresses noise while preserving details and edges resulting in crisp video and still image quality. The Victoria Engine also expands the range of color expression and improves video quality with the help of other video processing modules such as contrast, white tone and color tone enhancement. Amazingly, despite all of its advanced features, the Victoria Engine draws a minimal amount of power thanks to 45 nano chip fabrication technology, drastically extending the camcorders’ battery life to more than two hours.
Samsung’s SSD Technology
Samsung’s S-Series camcorders utilize internal Solid State Drives (SSD), which offer a substantial advantage over Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in digital camcorders. First introduced in Samsung’s full-HD H-Series camcorders, SSD technology provides consumers with better performance and greater durability than other forms of internal memory. In comparison to HDD, Samsung’s SSD technology is more lightweight and compact, operates silently with very low heat emission, and features no moving parts, which significantly reduces overall power consumption and enhances reliability. The absence of moving parts makes SSD technology more durable and resistant to shock and vibrations, which pose a considerable threat to the performance of HDD?based digital camcorders. Additionally, Samsung’s SSD technology is faster than HDD, including quicker boot-up and read/write speeds which is required for the amount of data recorded in full?HD resolution. Samsung’s HMX-S16 offers an internal 64GB SSD while the HMX?S15 offers an internal 32GB SSD. Both camcorders also allow consumers to expand memory capacity using an SD/SDHC memory card. The HMX?S10 does not feature internal SSD memory and requires the use of a SD/SDHC memory card.
Unique Features
The S-Series camcorders offer a variety of unique features such as a flash to help capture 10 mega-pixel digital still images, storyboard printing and the ability to shoot in super?slow motion with speeds of 300 fps at a resolution of 368×208 and 600 fps at a resolution of 192×112. The S?Series camcorders also are equipped with high-definition time lapse recording, which gives consumers the ability to truly experiment with their creativity. When shooting in the time lapse recording mode, the camcorder will record a single image at an interval pre-selected by the user, either one, three, five, 10, 15, or 30 seconds, and will save each image as one single movie file.
Press Release:
SAMSUNG ALLOWS USERS TO CAPTURE DIVERSE IMAGES WITH NEW ULTRA?ZOOM CAMCORDERS
New SMX-F40, SMX-F43, and SMX-F44 Offer Extended Battery Life and 65x Intelli-Zoom
Las Vegas, NV (January 6, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award?winning innovator in consumer electronics, today extended its popular F-Series of compact digital camcorders with the addition of three new ultra-zoom, YouTube™ compatible models, the SMX-F40, SMX-F43, and SMX-F44. Building on the success of the company’s highly?popular SMX?F34 camcorder, the next-generation F-Series offers users additional features and functionality, including extended battery life and Samsung’s 65x Intelli?Zoom. With the new Samsung SMX-F40, SMX-F43 and SMX-F44, consumers will be able to go the distance and never miss a moment of the action. The SMX-F40, SMX-F43 and SMX-F44 will be on display during the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show, January 7-10, 2010, in the Samsung booth #11026 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“In designing the new models in the F-Series of camcorders, we started by taking everything that was great about their predecessors and making it even better,” said Mr. SangRyong Kim, Senior Vice President of Camcorder Team, Samsung Electronics. “We then went on to add a host of new features and functionalities that make the camcorders even more intuitive and easy to use. The F-Series can truly be used by anyone, anywhere and at any time.”
Capture Every Moment of the Action
Preserving every special memory is easy, thanks to the extended battery life and built-in memory of the SMX-F43 and SMX-F44. The camcorders provide users with over four hours and 10 minutes of battery life on a single charge. When combined with the use of H.264 compression, consumers can store up to six hours and 20 minutes of video per every 16GB of internal memory.
Impressive Video Quality
Showcasing further innovation, Samsung’s three new F-Series camcorders offer an incredible 65x Intelli-Zoom lens (52x optical zoom), which allows users to bring distant images into focus and zoom closer to the action from further away. Samsung’s Intelli-Zoom is significantly more reliable than a standard digital zoom, allowing users to go beyond the camcorders’ 52x optical zooms without sacrificing image quality. The F-Series camcorders also provide enhanced image quality, thanks to their high-performance 1/6″ CCD sensors. These over-sized sensors set the SMX-F40, SMX-F43, and SMX-F44 apart from other camcorders in their class and enable users to enjoy higher-quality video.
Smart Features for Shooting, Editing, and Sharing
The SMX-F40, SMX-F43 and SMX-F44 come equipped with Samsung’s play-edit-sharing program called intelli?studio 2.0. The on-board intelli-studio software provides unprecedented freedom and flexibility, allowing users to view, edit and upload content to the web from any PC anywhere in the world. Connecting to a computer via the supplied USB cable not only enables users to edit and play a video without having to install supporting software, but also automatically charges the camcorder as well. The built-in intelli-studio software also helps simplify the way users upload and share their footage using today’s popular video sharing and social networking web sites.
Users can be confident that their videos won’t be washed out, too dark or out of focus with the help of the F-Series camcorders’ Smart Auto feature. Smart Auto analyzes key elements of a scene’s composition such as color, brightness, motion and subject and then automatically selects the appropriate scene mode which will produce the best results possible. The SMX-F40, SMX-F43 and SMX-F44 offer eight different scene modes including night, white, indoor, macro, landscape, portrait, night portrait, and auto. Samsung’s three new F-Series camcorders also come equipped with face detection which automatically recognizes up to five faces and adjusts settings to ensure that each is properly within focus.
Samsung also enhances the video recording experience for end-users thanks to unique features such as time lapse recording and animated thumbnails. Time lapse recording allows users to program the camcorder to record at a pre-set interval of one image every one, three, five, 10, 15 or 30 seconds. Time lapse recording is especially useful for condensing extremely long events, such as rolling clouds on a sunny day, into a short, easy?to-view video.
Samsung’s animated thumbnail feature simplifies the way users search for video clips on the SMX-F40, SMX-F43 and SMX-F44. 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 allowing them to quickly preview each clip without having to view the entire shot.
The F-Series camcorders also feature a dedicated Photo mode which allows consumers to use the camcorder as a digital camera, snapping 1.9 mega-pixel still images with 1600×1200 resolution.
Press Release:
SAMSUNG INTRODUCES FOUR NEW H-SERIES FULL-HD CAMCORDERS
New H-Series Camcorders Deliver Advanced Features and Competitive Pricing
Las Vegas, NV (January 6, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award?winning innovator in consumer electronics, today introduced four new full-HD digital camcorders, the HMX-H200, HMX-203, HMX-H204 and HMX-H205. Each of these new camcorders boasts an impressive list of advanced features, offering unparalleled value to consumers looking to experience high-quality, full-HD video recording at a competitive price. The HMX-H200, HMX-203, HMX-H204 and HMX-H205 will be on display during the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show, January 7-10, 2010, in the Samsung booth #11026 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“Consumers want the ability to capture family events – birthday parties, football games, graduations, and more – with the utmost detail and clarity, but full-HD video recording has come at a price premium in the past,” said Mr. SangRyong Kim, Senior Vice President of Camcorder Team, Samsung Electronics. “Samsung’s H-Series camcorders give consumers the ability to capture life in full-HD with a wealth of functionality, features, and performance, all at an affordable price.”
All four new H-Series camcorders feature Samsung’s revolutionary new BSI CMOS imaging sensor. Designed to absorb more light than other conventional sensors and deliver unprecedented low-light performance, the BSI CMOS sensor sets new standards for performance and image quality, particularly among entry-level camcorders.
Solid State Drives
Samsung’s new H-Series camcorders offer high-performance internal memory that utilizes Samsung’s Solid State Drives (SSD), which offer a substantial advantage over the use of Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in a digital camcorder. SSD technology provides consumers with higher performing and more durable internal memory. In comparison to HDD, Samsung’s SSD technology is more lightweight and compact, operates silently with very low heat emission, and features no moving parts, which significantly reduces overall power consumption and enhances reliability. The lower power consumption of the H-Series’ SSD technology translates into an impressive battery life of approximately two hours.
No moving parts also make SSD technology more durable and resistant to shock and vibrations, which pose a considerable threat to the performance of HDD based digital camcorders. Additionally, Samsung’s SSD technology is faster than HDD, including quicker boot?up and read/write speeds which are required for the amount of data recorded in full-HD resolution. The internal SSD configurations available on Samsung’s new H-Series full-HD camcorders include a 32GB SSD in the HMX-H205, a 16GB SSD in the HMX-H204, and an 8GB SSD in the HMX-H203. Each camcorder’s memory capacity can also be expanded using an SD/SDHC memory card. The HMX?H200 does not feature internal SSD memory and requires the use of a SD/SDHC memory card.
Powerful Optics and Touch-Screen LCD
Samsung’s new H-Series full-HD camcorders feature an impressive 37mm wide?angle lens, which offers consumers a versatile 20x optical zoom. Unlike other camcorders offering a typical angle of view of 40~50mm, the H-Series’ 37mm wide-angle Samsung lens allows users to fit more of their desired scene into the frame, making the camcorder ideal for recording large groups of family or friends, breathtaking landscapes or even capturing all the action at sporting events.
The H-Series’ lenses are further enhanced with Optical Image Stabilization to help reduce image blur and shaky video, which can be especially helpful when using the camcorders’ full optical zooms. Samsung’s Smart Optical Image Stabilization is superior to image stabilizing technologies found in other camcorders, as it reduces shake and blur across a wider portion of the image frame and produces higher quality images as a result. A 2.7-inch wide, swiveling, touch-screen LCD boasts a 230K-pixel resolution and adds to the user experience by giving consumers uncomplicated and easy access to all of the camcorders’ various controls and settings.
Unique Features
The new HMX-H205, HMX-H204, HMX-H203 and HMX-H200 are also loaded with a range of unique features such as the ability to capture high-quality 4.7 mega-pixel digital still images, Smart Auto mode, which automatically selects the appropriate scene mode which will produce the best results possible for the user’s shooting scenario, as well as time lapse recording, an innovative setting which will give end-users the ability to take their creativity to a whole new level. When using the camcorders’ time lapse mode, consumers can program the new H-Series camcorders to record a single image at intervals of one, three or five seconds, and then save each image as one single movie file (720p resolution).
Press Release:
SAMSUNG ANNOUNCES THREE NEW STYLISH, ERGONOMIC CAMCORDERS
New SMX-C20, SMX-C24 and HMX-M20 Allow Consumers to Shoot and Share in Style
Las Vegas, NV (January 6, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award?winning innovator in consumer electronics, today announced three new stylish, ergonomically-designed compact digital camcorders which come fully equipped with an array of useful features. The SMX-C20, SMX-C24 and HMX-M20 all feature the same built-in 25?degree Active Angle Lens that was the hallmark design feature of their predecessors — the SMX-C10 and HMX-R10. Samsung’s innovative Active Angle Lens allows consumers to hold the camera more naturally, and has earned Samsung design awards and accolades from all over the world since first appearing in the SMX-C10 and HMX-R10 last year. The SMX-C20, SMX-C24 and HMX?M20 will be on display during the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show, January 7-10, 2010, in the Samsung booth #11026 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“The SMX-C20, SMX-C24, and HMX-M20 are ideal for a wide-range of consumers, said Mr. SangRyong Kim, Senior Vice President of Camcorder Team, Samsung Electronics. “These camcorders appeal to consumers’ demand for simplicity and features in a camcorder that allow them to get great results with minimal effort. Additionally, with Samsung’s Active Angle Lens as well as head-turning ToC design, consumers are able to look good and enjoy an added level of comfort while recording video.”
Record in Style and Comfort
The new SMX-C20, SMX-C24 and HMX-M20 add a level of style and beauty to shooting home videos. Both SMX models offer Samsung’s signature ToC design, which features a hint of color that is naturally blended into the deep black body of the camcorders to create an attractive crystalline appearance. To make shooting home videos more comfortable, all three of the new models boast Samsung’s Active Angle Lens design. Unlike traditional camcorders that force users to hold their arm up at a 90-degree angle while recording video, the Active Angle Lens design, exclusive to Samsung, allows users to hold the camcorder in a more relaxed and natural position due to the fact that the lens is angled downward by 25?degrees. This more natural recording position reduces the overall stress on the wrist and elbow and also removes the LCD screen from the user’s line of sight, enabling them to always keep an eye on their subject while recording.
Record High-Quality Video & Digital Still Images
Whether it’s documenting an unforgettable vacation or simply capturing the day?to?day antics of family and friends, Samsung’s new SMX-C20, SMX?C24 and HMX-M20 give you access to the highest-quality video and still images. The SMX-C20 and SMX-C24 offer remarkable standard definition video recording at a resolution of 720×480. In addition, both camcorders offer the ability to quickly and easily capture still images at a resolution of two mega?pixels.
For those who want even higher-resolution or wish to enjoy the best possible results for viewing their content on their HDTV, the HMX-M20 offers full-HD, 1080/60p video recording. The HMX-M20 also utilizes Samsung’s Back Side Illumination (BSI) CMOS imaging sensor, which was created specifically to absorb more light than other conventional sensors and delivers unprecedented low-light performance. The HMX-M20 also boasts an 8x optical zoom / 12x intelli?zoom and the ability to capture still images in stunning 12 mega-pixel resolution, further setting it apart from other camcorders in terms of image quality, versatility and ease of use.
All three camcorders utilize H.264 compression, which allows you to record longer than camcorders using the typical MPEG2 format. The new Samsung SMX-C20 and SMX?C24 also come with impressive 10x optical zooms and all three models are paired with Hyper Image Stabilization. Ideal for recording events from a great distance, the camcorders’ impressive optical zooms allow you to get in close to the action no matter how far away you may be. Access to such a powerful optical zoom can come in handy for any number of scenarios, ranging from recording your child’s soccer game from the sidelines to the sights and sounds of a trip to the city. Additionally, Samsung’s Hyper Image Stabilization gives you the ability to capture clear and stable video as it counteracts the negative effects of a shaky hand while recording, which can lead to blurry footage.
Samsung also provides different memory options for recording footage with the new SMX-C20, SMX?C24 and HMX-M20. With the SMX-C24, users can take advantage of 16GB of built-in flash memory. Users can also expand the camcorder’s memory capacity using the SD/SDHC memory card slot. The SMX-C20 and HMX-M20 do not feature internal memory and require the use of SD/SDHC media cards.
Smart Features for Editing and Sharing
The SMX-C20, SMX-C24 and HMX-M20 come equipped with Samsung’s play-edit-sharing program called intelli?studio. The built-in intelli-studio software gives users the ability to connect the camcorder to any computer via USB and edit and play their video without having to install supporting software. The built-in intelli-studio software also helps simplify the way users upload and share their footage using today’s popular video?sharing Web sites. For added convenience, a one-touch “upload” button, available directly on the camcorders, provides a direct connection to YouTube™, taking the hassle and confusion out of uploading footage. In addition, the SMX?C20, SMX-C24, and HMX-M20 also provide options for basic on-camera editing, including the ability to merge and split video files. This can be done directly on the camcorders using their 230K-pixel, swiveling 2.7-inch wide LCD screens.
Samsung also enhances the video recording experience for end-users thanks to several unique features, including time lapse recording, animated thumbnails and a versatile charging system. Time lapse recording allows users to program the camcorder to record at a pre-set interval of one image every one, three, five, 10, 15 or 30 seconds. Time lapse recording is especially useful for condensing extremely long events, such as rolling clouds on a sunny day, into a short, easy?to-view video.
Samsung’s animated thumbnail feature simplifies the way users search for video clips on the SMX-C20, SMX-C24, and HMX-M20. 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 allowing them to quickly preview each clip without having to view the entire shot. The camcorders 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.
It seems somewhat perverse – or at least flippant – to want to buy an SDHC card simply because it looks so swanky, but Samsung’s new consumer memory card range is cutting quite the dash with its champagne finish. Still, once the 8GB SDHC is slotted into whatever gadget you’ve bought it for you can’t see the aesthetics, so happily Samsung have given it some other strengths too. For a start, the company reckons you’ll never lose data from them.
That’s because they’re water-proof, shock-proof and magnet-proof, which means you could drop them into sea water filled with high-powered magnets attached to 1.6 ton weights and not have to worry about data loss. In fact Samsung reckon they’ll last ten years, which is longer than a lot of marriages. No word on how much the cards cost, but they’ll drop in Europe first before availability spreads.
Press Release:
Samsung memory card features for consumers include:
Water-proof* – Innovative Epoxy Moulding Compound technology helps withstand over 24 hours in sea water.
Shock-proof – Survives high pressure, including the crush of a 1.6-ton automobile.
Magnet-proof – Resists over 13 times the magnetic force of home theater speakers.
Fast & superb data recovery – Free proprietary software assists with up to 3 times faster recovery.
Up to 10 years’ data retention – Capable of storing priceless data for longer without a refresh.
*Not applicable for Samsung Compact Flash Cards.
Samsung Now Offers Consumer Memory Cards
Global leader in memory components links up with Kondor to launch its first branded memory cards – storage designed to ensure that data is safe from everyday hazards
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world leader in advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced the general availability of its premium Samsung memory cards for sale to the UK market. The global leader in memory components also announced a partnership with Kondor for the distribution of the premium memory cards to consumers in the UK market. While the local distribution partner will focus on the channel, Samsung is driving the strategy behind consumer marketing, communication and brand management.
“The creation of new premium memory cards under the Samsung brand are a perfect fit for our existing portfolio of consumer products,” commented Rob Haycock Managing Director at Kondor “We believe that the partnership will be a great success for us and our clients”.
“The market for memory cards continues to grow in leaps and bounds as consumers push for added storage in smart phones and other mobile devices,” said Stefanie Summerfield – Head of Business Development, Samsung Semiconductor.
“Our well-established leadership in the digital memory card space provides an ideal footing from which to launch premium memory cards that can match rapidly evolving, high-end premium devices such as smart phones and high-performance digital still cameras,” Stefanie explained. “Our cards also provide consumers with more of the outstanding reliability that they have come to expect from Samsung semiconductor products.”
Today’s consumer electronics market is fast evolving to include more and more multifunctional, content-oriented applications and devices. Samsung already has a strong branded presence in these consumer markets, a presence that will provide a lot of synergy for the new card products.
The NAND flash-memory retail market is estimated to already have reached $12 billion in revenues annually worldwide. As a result of continued dramatic growth in the mobile phone market, digital memory card demand is projected to more than double between 2008 and 2011. According to iSuppli, by 2011 more than 61 percent of mobile phones will include a card slot for additional flash card storage, compared to 51 percent of mobile phones with card slots in 2008.
In previous years, Samsung manufactured “white-label” digital memory cards for a variety of leading electronics companies and memory card companies. The company’s new line, aimed at the discerning consumer, is designed to ensure that valuable data is not lost, Samsung memory cards are shock-resistant, water-resistant and protected from damage caused by magnetic interference.
In addition, Samsung memory cards feature a modern brushed silver metallic design or a natural beige epoxy compound casing, and full compatibility with devices that have memory card slots. Most of the premium Plus memory cards can read data at 17MB/s (megabytes per second), though the CF cards provide read speeds of up to 45MB/s.
Samsung’s new premium “Plus” memory cards, which comply with the Secure Digital class 6 ratings for performance, are available in SD, microSD and Compact Flash (CF) formats with densities of 4-gigabytes (GBs) and 8GBs, with a 16GB density for an SD Plus card.
The new Samsung memory cards are currently available in France, Germany and UK, with other select countries likely to follow at a later date.
It seems somewhat perverse – or at least flippant – to want to buy an SDHC card simply because it looks so swanky, but 