Samsung HMX106SN Solid State Drive High Definition Mini Camcorder

Samsung HMX106SN is a very unique compact HD digital camcorder. Compact, well designed and easy to use, it is a very attractive camcorder for families, video hobbyists and kids who want to make videos.

by Mark Shapiro

November 5, 2009, San Diego, CA

Instead of using a built in hard drive like most full HD digital camcorders, the Samsung HMX106SN uses an internal 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD).  Instead of relying on a mechanical hard drive that needs to spin up and keep moving, a SSD has no moving parts and requires much less power to operate. And as we all know, all hard drives eventually fail. SSDs have a longer lifetime and are more durable than hard drives.

This means that a SSD camcorder like the Samsung HMX 106 is better for “edgier” video shooting situations like riding a bike or a skateboard, jumping out of an airplane or climbing a mountain.  Also, as it requires less power to operate, you can go longer between battery charges. 

Finally, as there are no moving parts, the camcorders are also quieter with less vibration than a camcorder with mechanical components.

Then again, all HD camcorders are pretty darn quiet – especially when compared to old tape based models!  Nowadays, I think the biggest source of camcorder noise and vibration maybe the zoom motor and auto focus motors.

Additionally, according to Samsung, their SSD technology is faster than HDD, including quicker boot-up and read/write speeds that are required for the amount of data that gets recorded in full-HD resolution. When actively reading and writing data, Samsung’s SSD technology consumes approximately 1/8th of the power of a comparable HDD (estimated value with 3GB/second, 2.5 inch HDD, 5400 RPM).

The new HMX-H106 utilizes H.264 compression to squeeze the video down. At full-HD (1920x1080/60i) resolution, in the highest quality “fine” mode, users can record up to 12 hours to the 64GB HMX-H106. That’s pretty darn good. And if that is not enough video storage capacity, you can expand it using an SD/SDHC memory card. By the way, the HMX is not limited to only video and can capture sharp looking 4.7 mega-pixel digital still photos.

The Samsung HMX also features a “Time lapse” mode, capturing a still image every  1, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 30 seconds and then saving it as a video. This is pretty cool.
 
The Samsung HMX-H106 has a 1/4.5”, 2.2 mega-pixel CMOS imaging sensor, a variable 10x optical zoom, high-quality Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan HD lens, and Optical Image Stabilization to help counteract shaky video and blur. (Optical Image Stabilization is superior to Digital)

If you have a HD TV, you can connect the camcorder directly using a HDMI cable (which is not included).  You can also play your videos back using the included component  "red, yellow and white" video and audio cables. If you want to transfer the video to your computer for storage and editing, the included USB cable makes that easy as well. 

So how does it work?

The Samsung comes with a minimal printed manual – essentially a quick start guide. However, there is a full manual on the included CD. The CD also includes the Intelli-Studio software for organizing your video files and doing basic editing including effects, transitions, adding audio and text.  You can also use Intelli-Studio for sharing and uploading your videos.

Samsung does not provide a standalone external battery charger. You need to insert the battery and then hook the camcorder to the power supply. This means you are dedicating your camcorder to be used as a battery charger. The good news is that you could buy extra batteries and have them charged up and ready to go when you are mobile. It will help prevent you from running out of power at a critical moment. I am sure Samsung also sells a standalone battery charger as well.

Once the battery is inserted into the camcorder and charged, all you have to do is to open up the 2.7 inch LCD viewfinder and the camcorder then powers up. The viewfinder touch screen menus and screens to set up the camcorder are very easy to understand which makes the camcorder easy to use. You really do not have to study the operating manual.

The menus provide an easy way to select which resolution you want to shoot at, where you want to record the video to - either the SSD or the flash card, white balance, manual exposure and focus, as well as a choice of pre-set scene functions for shooting in various locations and lighting conditions. One of the more original scene pre-sets is a food setting to make videos of food look more colorful.

I found that the HD video looked sharp, the color was accurate and the camera performed well. However, as this camcorder does not include an input for an external mike, we cannot recommend it for prosumer, business or professional use. The built in mike does record audio adequately but will not suffice in complex audio situations.

However, for a price of just $749, this is a great little camcorder for home and family. It is very easy to use, the video looks fine, and the included video editing software provides a little extra. Plus being able to capture up to 12 hours of high resolution video on the SSD makes this a wonderful camcorder for those who are traveling or are doing action shots. However, I'd strongly recommend getting an extra battery or two. You will drain the camcorder's battery long before you fill it up with video.