Samsung HMX-R10

Compression (7.0)

The Samsung HMX-R10 uses H.264 compression. This is similar to AVCHD (used by most manufacturers), except it doesn't have the branding and it is easier to import the videos directly from the memory card to a computer. Video files are saved with the MP4 extension and they can simply be 'dragged and dropped' from a memory card right onto a computer or media player program. AVCHD files, on the other hand, must be imported using special software before they can be viewed on a computer.

The compression system used by the R10 is very similar to what Sanyo uses on its camcorders. While it is easier to get video clips off of the camcorders and memory cards, the footage often must be rendered when you bring it into a non-linear editing program. This process can take some time (depending on how powerful your computer is), so it is usually just as time consuming as the AVCHD importing process.

The camcorder offers four HD record modes and two standard definition options. The highest quality setting is 1080/50i Super Fine, followed by a 1080/50i Normal setting. Samsung doesn't list the bit rates for these quality settings, but it is likely the Super Fine setting uses a higher bit rate than the Normal one. There's also a 1080/25p mode and a 720/50p setting. The two standard definition option record at 720 x 480 and 640 x 480. The latter setting creates video clips that are very small and are designed for quick upload to the web or mobile devices.

Media (5.0)

The HMX-R10 records to regular SD/SDHC memory cards. The cards have become quite common, so they're easy to find and can be purchased at a relatively low cost. The camcorder does not contain any internal memory, however, so you must remember to buy a SD/SDHC card before you venture out for some shooting. The memory card slot is located on the bottom of the camcorder, in the same compartment that houses the battery pack. The only thing annoying about this placement is that you cannot switch out cards while the camcorder is mounted to a tripod.

The maximum file size for one video clip on the HMX-R10 is 3.8GB. So, if you shoot continuously for roughly 25 - 30 minutes, the camcorder will automatically create a new file. There is no loss of data when the camcorder does this (one file picks up right where the other left off), but you'll have to rejoin these clips in post-production if you want them as one, large file.

The camcorder records to SD or SDHC memory cards.

The table below shows the record time on the R10 when using its different video quality settings:

Editing (9.15)

The Samsung HMX-R10 comes with editing software built right into the camcorder. This program—called Intelli-studio—is only compatible with Windows and it behaves exactly as you might expect a third party Windows application to behave.

For starters, Intelli-studio editing software did not automatically launch on our PC as advertised. It was, in fact, disguised as a CD drive with an incomprehensible name. When we double-clicked on that drive, the software launched and prompted us for an update, which we installed. The update required us to install the software on our computer. This installation—combined with the fact that the software didn't automatically launch—defeats the purpose of having something built into the camcorder. There was no real difference between this process and using a separate CD to install editing software.

The software automatically prompts you to import all your files onto your computer.		The process might take a while, but it's a good idea to keep a backup anyway.

Once you have the software properly installed, it will automatically prompt you to import all your footage onto your PC. Backing up your files onto a computer is always recommended, so we suggest you do just that. Unfortunately, the process can take quite a while and this automated features doesn't allow you to select which files to import. Once imported, files are organized by date. You can also manually import files from your camcorder or any folder on your computer.

Imported videos and photos are organized by date.

The Edit feature offers a surprisingly robust selection of features, including film effects (like scratchy old film or sepia tone), fine-tuning of brightness, contrast, or saturation, eight different transition effects (of variable duration), plus the ability to insert empty images, text, and sounds. You can also trim and splice your videos. Most consumer camcorders offer less with their included software and few are as simple to use as Intelli-studio. If you're working in a Windows environment and looking for an alternative to MovieMaker, Intelli-studio is not a bad option.

Intelli-studio offers a surprising variety of editing options.

For sharing your videos, Intelli-studio has a very bare bones interface that allows you to upload to YouTube, Flickr, or a custom site of your own choosing. You can also share your videos via email. Unfortunately, the options are quite sparse. You can't add tags or adjust privacy settings before you upload. This is a disappointing shortcoming for an otherwise impressive program.

The upload features are, unfortunately, very limited.

Samsung HMX-R10 Comparisons
JVC GZ-X900	Sanyo VPC-HD2000	Canon HF S100