Samsung VP-HMX20

Hello, I'm Rich Trenholm of CNET UK, and this is the Samsung VP-HMX20. It's a hybrid camcorder, which means it can record to removable SD and SDHC memory cards and has onboard memory. That's 8GB of flash memory built-in, which tends to hold less than hard disk drives, but is better suited to being out and about because it has no moving parts and so won't get damaged if the camcorder takes a knock. Video is recorded at 1080p high definition resolution, and saved in H.264 format. You also get a 10x optical zoom, going up to 100x digital, and digital image stabilisation. One fun option is the 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 speed slow motion, while a CMOS sensor gives impressive 6-megapixel stills. The controls couldn't be simpler: at the back here's the power and record buttons. This mode button switches between video, still capture and playback, with a handy LED showing you which you're currently using. Above that is the stills button, and the zoom rocker. Those controls are duplicated here on the flip-out screen bezel for you lefties, along with a quick menu button that calls up common shooting options. The rest of the controls are here in the screen well: including a button that allows you to check the status of the battery and memory card without even having to turn the camcorder on. Now that isn't many buttons for an HD camcorder. Instead, you control the HMX20 with this 2.7-inch touchscreen. We're not sure why it's 4:3 instead of 16:9, but we do like a good touchscreen, and this one is clear and responsive. You can use onscreen sliders to make adjustments, for example to exposure. We'd like to be able to actually drag our fingers up and down rather than tap on these arrows, but they're still pretty precise. Build quality is great: the camcorder feels really sturdy and is quite heavy too. Connections are well-protected behind an assortment of hatches and even a flip open boot for the battery. But once again, the number of sockets on the body is minimised, this time by adding component, USB and mains connections to this dock, along with a rare full-sized HDMI socket. We like Samsung's trademark swivel grip, which allows you to smoothly move the camcorder to different angles, freeing up your shooting technique. Other features include a pop-up flash and microphone socket, as well as a built-in stereo microphone and wind filter. There's no accessory shoe, but then this simple yet flexible camcorder is all about high definition for the common man. I'm Rich Trenholm of CNET UK, and this is the Samsung VP-HMX20.