Samsung SC-HMX10
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November 24, 2007 03:48
Terrible
0.5/5
Well, Samsung, which usually has superior electronics that function as smooth and well as they look, has fallen victim to the software lobby which has screwed the pooch on this camcorder. Here's what I'm talking about...
It is a total snap to set up, learn to use, and use this sleek, cool-looking, and small camcorder. It is equally as easy to transfer videos to your PC, which is a huge downfall of every other camcorder. With the SC-HMX10C (which was featured on Oprah as one of her top 10 favorite things this holiday season), it is literally as easy as hooking up a USB port and "cut and paste" the videos to your desired folder. The videos can be recorded in a range of clarity from HD, all the way down to standard definition economy. The videos are all recorded in .MP4 format. Here's the kicker, and where Samsung screwed up and sold out...
The videos are recorded with a certain codec, which is essentially a formatting code programmed into the video file that allows the video to be viewed only by certain video players. In this case, the only software that can view the Samsung SC-HMX10's videos is the cheap, annoyingly poor quality Cyberlink DVD Suite software that comes with the camcorder. And for $763 that you'll pay for the camcorder (that's what I paid with taxes), they don't even give you the "real" version...you have to upgrade to (read: pay for) that version. And it just so happens that the version that comes with the camcorder will only play the audio...not the video. And it will only even do THAT by right clicking on the video file and choosing "Open With" and the included software. I guess Samsung got lobbied by Cyberlink to codec the videos so you had to use their software to view it and Samsung caved. It even states right in the user's manual, "Use the provided software to play back the movie images in theh PC. The movie images recorded on your HD camcorder may not be played back in other software" (p. 92). It's akin to creating an otherwise SWEET camcorder and coding the video so that only RealPlayer (PC World's #2 worst tech product of all time) could play it. My older Olympus camera records videos in .MP4 format and Quicktime always plays those videos with no problem at all. But with Samsung's specially coded .MP4s both Quicktime and even iTunes lock up and/or crash if I try to view the videos with those. The only way I can watch the videos is by converting them to an .avi using a free program called Super by eRightSoft...an easy, but annoying process. And the videos are then highly pixelated and not even close to HD or even standard definition video quality.
(NOTE: I have not yet tried to play videos directly from my camcorder to my TV, nor have I tried burning the videos I copied to my PC to a DVD and watching them)
So now I have a cool, sleek, $763 camcorder that will cost me over $100 in "repackaging fees" if I return it that is absolutely worthless because I can't watch the videos it takes that are easily transferable to my PC.
It makes you wonder why companies like Samsung that have an otherwise totally superior product would cave in and make its playback versatility so exclusive that it is (at least in my case) unusable.
I did call Samsung customer support and hardly waited at all to talk with a "Level 1" support tech (meaning, they basically have a FAQ that they're familiar with to answer most customer support issues) that spoke pretty good english. Unfortunately, since this camcorder is so new, she had no resources to draw from so I had to be transferred to a "Level 2" support tech (someone with a more detailed, working knowledge of a group of items). Unfortunately, they're only open from 9am-9pm on weekdays (it's Saturday as I write this).
A word to Samsung QA and every other company out there that has anything to do with video files: There are only two media players worth a darn - Windows Media Player and Quicktime. If your videos aren't 100% compatible with either or both, then they're a waste...
...just like the Samsung SC-HMX10C unfortunately. I gave it the worst rating (1) because I can't watch the videos it's supposed to be taking. As I stated in the one-line summary above, having a camcorder in which you cannot view the videos is rather self-defeating.
Any other questions, you can contact me at headbanger51 at yahoo dot com. I hope someone from Samsung does contact me, because the issue of having videos specially coded so that only ONE player (the cheap, poorly programmed, and non-fully capable version) can view said videos is an issue of biblical proportions in its annoyance.
If I were running things at Samsung QA, I'd at least post a downloadable codec on their website to install into Quicktime to make the videos viewable.
I hope this was helpful.Updated
In my review (which should be above or adjacent to this one) I stated that the included software with the SC-HMX10C is only partially functional and that you have pay for the fully functional version if you want it is inaccurate. There are buttons to "upgrade," however, this appears to just be a function of adding software updates.
Nevertheless, I still cannot play any of the videos I have downloaded to my PC with the included software, or any other. So I stand by my original rating of 1 since the camcorder is, essentially, useless.Updated
Well, here is update #2, making this post #3 on the Samsung SC-HMX10. After being frustrated out of my skull at what an absolutely fantastic, easy to use, user-friendly camcorder that won't let you view the videos you take after you've downloaded them to your PC, I've made a breakthrough. The software that comes with the Samsung SC-HMX10 (actually the SC-HMX10C as labeled on the box) is the CyberLink DVD Suite, which is three programs bundled as one: Power Director, Power Producer, and Power DVD. When you download the movies from the camcorder to your computer, which is a snap by the way, you can't watch the movies simply by clicking on their icons. Frustratingly enough, you cannot just open CyberLink DVD Suite and watch it either, because there is no internal media player option to view the file...only options to create, edit, or watch DVDs. However, if you open Power Director (which is very similar to Windows Movie Maker that comes standard with Windows) and import your movies, you can watch them using a "Preview with media player" function. Sound a little annoying or procedurally intensive just to watch a movie? Yes it is. But at least I can watch my movies (and maximize them to full screen). So I will upgrade this camcorder from a 1 to a 3; a 3 because I can actually watch my movies, and so far they're pretty crisp if not requiring a bit more light than I'd prefer, but still only a 3 since I have to go through the aforementioned hassle just to watch my movies.
As a sidenote, the software included does appear to be fully functional, but regarding my previous update, you do have to pay to upgrade to "the real thing." Not good.
It could be that the movies were never meant to be watched "raw" but rather edited first. If that is the case, I still stand by my disappointing 3 because it should NOT be this difficult just to watch the movies I'm recording with an otherwise second-to-none camcorder. This happens to be the big, fatal flaw, Samsung. I hope you're listening.Updated
Probably my last update for awhile, but I spoke at length with a customer support rep regarding my problem. Samsung tech support was very friendly. However, even the best and brightest I could talk to could not figure out why the videos will not play on my computer. They tried sending me codecs via email, and after they were installed, the video would not play. We tried everything and in the end, I requested that Samsung accept a refund. That's where it stands now. I hope to hear back from them soon. But as I told them, I go to Iraq this week, so I doubt it will be resolved before I go. You'd think Samsung would have really worked this issue fully before launching the SC-HMX10, however, I feel that it was released early to make the holiday rush.
If you've read all of this so far, I commend you!
I hope this has helped. -
December 10, 2007 05:49
4.5/5
Excellent camera in many ways. First thing first,I see complaints about the videos not playing. This is not the case first time I plugged in the camcoder my PC saw the camcorder as a drive it was as easy as drag and drop to my desktop were they all played with WMP without problems. One step further is that they played on my 360 while streaming them from my PC just fine also.
This was the only thing that worried me about spending 760$ and it all works fine. The only complaint if any is the low light recording. The camcorder records fine but picks up a snow, however the images are still HD when zoomed in. During the day I have taken many videos and have been extremely pleased they look amazing on my 56" HDTV. Ease of use is incredible, turn on open LCD and hit record. It stops and starts very fast so you won't miss a thing. LCD menus are great not cheap looking. I have only used HDMI, XBOX360, PC to view so with component I do not know what the quality is like. The stabilization is excellent as well. Camera has 8GB internal memory and uses SD,MMC,MMCplus,SDHC as an add on. Battery charges very fast and removes quickly to swap out. I have yet to find a spare BATT for sale and that goes for accessories as well not much yet. I have been very happy with this camcorder and would recommend it. -
December 5, 2007 06:58
Mediocre
1.0/5
This camera is not ready for production yet. It may work with additional software but the DVD suite that it comes with does not work. I returned it. 10 days of wrestling with it was enough... -
November 11, 2008 12:06
3.5/5
I like the camera. If i could do it all over again i would buy it. for the price you can't beat it. I didn't see any other hd camera in the $300 range. so you get what you pay for, i am sure i could have gotten a more expensive camera, but i am sure that it would have had some problems that would have made me very angry cuz i spent so much on it. Once you find a converter then i have no problem with the footage. i just need to buy a better light for indoor videos. i recomment anyvideo converter. it is free and it solved a ton of headaches for me. cuz i don't like editing on my mac. i prefer my pc. Buy it -
September 16, 2008 07:03
3.5/5
Outstanding, entry-level HD camera for the money. Other cameras cost double the price in many cases. -
September 6, 2008 04:08
4.0/5
I love it. The videos played through the HDMI on the HD flat panel look great. -
August 15, 2008 11:35
4.0/5
For what it's worth, it's a pretty decent camcorder. Yes, it's not great at taking still shots, but that is not what camcorders are for. If you want stills, capture the video footage or better yet, use a real camera.
I found this camcorder to be very easy to use; you can have it up and running without even having to read the manual. The 'Easy' mode lets beginners (like my father) to use the camcorder without much adjustment/fuss.
It's very light and compact, so you can take it whereever you go.
On the other hand, the I would have liked the lens cap to open automatically when you turn the camcorder on in video mode; you have to open it manually instead. The photo mode is not great, but camcorders are for taking movies, not stills like I mentioned before.
After recording movies, unlike some of the reviewers, it was very easy for me to transfer the files to the computer and play it. Just connected the camcorder via USB 2.0 (love the standard connector!) and dragged the file onto my hard drive. To play the files, I used the bundled software and it looked great in HD.
Even though it's not 1080i, 720p looks just as good on my LCD.
Overall, I think this is well worth the money at its good price point and I'm looking forward to use it on my future trips! -
August 4, 2008 03:53
3.5/5
(Note: I'm not a PRO, and it's my first camcorder so i couldn't compare to other models really long enough to notice all the differences)
There's many things to say about this cam. First, Samsung haven't done its job properly about the software. I understand that they didn't made it themselves, but they should still have provided the proper software to be able to view their videos! CYBERLINK DVD IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. It skip many frames, it play video 20X slower than realtime! *** IT IS UNACCEPTABLE ***
This beeing said, i've been to find FREE alternative to play my videos on the net. (take a look at COLE2K Codec Advanced 7.1 on WWW DOT DOWNLOAD DOT COM web site. Download and install it, and you will be able to play your videos in Windows Media Player without any lag, and any frame skipped!).
About the bad exposure, i agree with CNET. I've got better result by setting the Exposure manually. In automatic, sometime my picture appear too dark.
About the auto focus, again i agree with CNET. When it's set to AUTO, the camcorder will change the focus one way and notice that it's getting blurred, than go back in the other way until it get blurred too, then finally come at the right position. So AutoFocus could be faster. There's no latch to adjust the focus manually, and you have to go thru LCD menus options to find the FOCUS, and adjust it manually... it take time. So i prefer let it stay at AUTO.
But when you get really close to the subject (or zoom a lot), you may have some difficulties with AUTO focus... so it's up to you.
I'm not familiar with camcorder again, but i've noticed a little problem with videos when the camcorder DIS (Digital Image Stabilizer) is enabled. I see some distortion at the top of my videos when the DIS is enabled and i shake a little bit. I can't say if Mecanical image stabilizer do a better job... probably?
I thought i would dislike the touch screen, but actually it's not so bad. Oh and the LCD is 230K! That's twice the quality of other camcorder i've seen with the same price.
Digital Zoom can't be used when DIS is enabled. Honnestly, i don't care. I don't use the Digital Zoom because your video quality get so bad when you use this kind of feature.
Optical Zoom only 10x.
I've bought this cam at 400$CAN. I've seen the SONY DVD710 model, JVC Everio and Canon FS100. So far, the HMX10A gave me the best result. If i had to choose another cam about the same price, i would have choosen the FS100 but keep in mind that you have to pay for SDHC because no memory included. The HMX10A come with 4GB built-in.
Bottom line... if you want to get a picture of 1280x720 / 60 frames per seconds, you have to buy this model otherwise you need to pay 1000$CAN (I've checked every models... believe me, often after 480p, you get to 1080i or p, and it's more than 1000$CAN) (at this price, you get 10X only too!)
HMX10A is way better than all SD (740x480 approx) camcorder i've seen.Updated
I consider that technical support is very important when you buy something. I never had to talk to Samsung until now, and just got their answer: "Wipe out your whole PC and then Cyberlink and tell us if it work"... Damn! What kind of technical support is that?
Plus, they don't even keep a tracking of your cases! Each time you have to reply, you just get another person, and they never give you a case number or anything like that.
I gave them a 7/10... and i lower that to 5/10. -
June 5, 2008 04:41
3.5/5
I purchased this camera off a reputable online store for less than $450. At that price, my expectations were fairly limited. I have not been disappointed! The image at 720p (which is all my TV does anyways) is more than adequate for my home use needs (videos of my daughter, vacation, special events, etc.) I find the controls fast enough for my use and actually like the touch screen. Its responsive and user friendly.
I do not like the fact that it doesn't include a mechanical optical stabilization system, but at this price point, it wasn't a deal breaker. The electronic image stabilization works well, but does cause a kind of surreal effect when your tracking something in low light (such as a person moving). This is mentioned in the manual, so it wasn't a surprise. The effect is just a little lag in movement and some very slight ghosting of the image (almost like a double exposure for a second).
I really like the included cradle/dock that comes with the camera. It allows charging of the battery as well as transfer to PC. I have not had to move any video yet, because the 8 Gig internal storage takes about an hour to fill up.
All in all, I am very happy with the camera. With Flash prices coming down, I can envision the day when I will just buy several flash cards, store the video on a large external hard drive and transfer the video back to a flash card when I want to watch it. For the tech oriented, its also not too difficult to stream the video if you have a media center extender device or similar, and you can burn the files to DVD and play them on an XBOX 360 or Playstation 3. The video codec used by Samsung is being supported by more and more products these days, so the complaints of some of the previous posters should be mitigated soon. -
May 8, 2008 12:33
3.5/5
Well, It's good try for HD camcorder(flash-memory type). It'll be more safe than HDD's in shock.The best thing is easy interface to use and Easy Q menu can help possibly to use it in easy.It also can be expanded capability volume by supporting SDHC/MMC+ slot.Plus, it's video q'ty is not bad.
Unexpectly, It's still-camera is not good Q'ty. It's really weird that sometimes there is background noise when it recording view.
Overall, It's still some flaw in features, but I think HMX10 is not bad in it's price.
