Review: Samsung SC-MX20C Digital Camcorder

Samsung SC-MX20 Camcorder Review

Samsung released a standard DVD quality digital camcorder, SC-MX20C. The resolution supported by the SC-MX20C camcorder is 720x480 with 60i. The design of SC-MX20C is pretty much similar to SC-HMX20C which is a Samsung’s high-end full HD camcorder supporting the 1920x1080 resolution. SC-MX20C looked heavy but actually was much lighter than its appearance. SC-MX20C should be a quite competitive product in its design, functionality and the price.

First of all, let’s find out what are included in the package.

Package


The package includes the SC-MX20C camcorder, docking station, pouch, power adapter, USB cable, audio/video cables, CD and instruction manual.


Appearance

Just like full HD camcorder SC-HMX20C, SC-MX20C has only a few buttons and the design looks so simple. It looks like a can of Coke, a cylinder shaped body.


MX20C is on the docking station.


The front side is full of 34x optical zoom lens and 1200x digital zoom which has a focal length of 2.3mm ~ 78.2mm and a 30mm filter diameter. As you can see, the built-in stereo microphones reside on the front.


The right side is composed of a leather hand strap which rotates 180 degrees downward from the main body. This swivel angle is enough to move the body to capture views.


The back side has the mode button that changes modes: camcorder, and playback. A record stop/start button is located slightly on the right side with the power switch located underneath.
When opening the cover on the back, there are three ports: audio/video connection, USB, and DC-in. The docking station has the same ports as well. You can either charge directly through the DC-in port or by using the docking station.


Along the bottom curve, there is a cover in which the removable battery and a SDHC/MMC+ memory card can be inserted.


The left side is the main part. When you open the LCD cover, you can see the 2.7” LCD with 16:9 wide. The LCD panel is composed of the record start/stop button. 4 way button with zoom in/out, and the menu button. The LCD cover also rotates 180 degrees upward and 90 degrees downward. On the main body side, you can also find the built-in speaker, an additional i.Check and brightness buttons.

The top side consists of the zoon in/out jog. The zoom in/out jog feels so soft when operating it. This would be one of the pros of this product.


The SC-MX20C package also includes a docking station where you can place the camcorder on it and which provides additional USB, charging, and Audio/Video component connections.


Performace

Optimized for High Quality Video

Samsung mentioned that Samsung focused on high video quality. Samsung developed a new platform called the 3D noise reduction technology for smooth video. Due to this, I think the recorded video quality seems to be clear and shows natural colors as possible.


Longer Recording Times with Samsung’s H.264 Technology


SC-HMX20C comes with 8GB of built-in memory. You can also use an external SDHC or MMCplus card for additional memory. I think 8GB of the built-in memory is enough. SC-MX20C’s H.264 enhances video quality and recording times significantly. In the “fine” mode, SC-MX20C camcorder can record up to 4 hours of footage using the built-in 8GB memory. In the “Super fine” mode, the recording time is a little over 3hours for 8GB memory. Since SC-MX20C with H.264 takes more than doubles the compression ratio, it takes less time to send video files via e-mail or upload them onto the Internet.


YouTube and iPod Friendly
The SC-MX20C features a unique shooting mode that allows users to select a resolution and format that is ideal for uploading videos to an iPod or YouTube. Unlike other camcorders, users can easily import the video to iTunes and play it on iPod or other personal media players supporting H.264 without having to transcode the files. By selecting the “Web&Mobile” mode, the camcorder’s resolution is automatically adjusted and optimized for use on iPod or YouTube.


Interval Recording


By selecting the “Interval REC” mode from the menu, I could take full advantage of the Interval Recording function for frame captures. This records over an extend period of time. I could see the effects of long term recording condensed into a shorter time frame. The following video clip shows a snail moving in a fishbowl. I took an interval recording with 1 frame per second. It is 12 second video clip recorded from a 6 minute long period.

Interval Recording - Snail Movement

Anti-Shake Image Stabilizer


Unstable hands can cause camcorder footage to be shaky and blurred. By setting “Anti-Shake” mode, I could realize the precision image stabilizing and could get clean and steady footage.


Face Detection Auto Focus


Unlike other conventional camcorders, SC-MX20C provides an advanced Face Detection Auto Focus function that targets the faces in the scene. Even the face is not in the center of the screen, faces appear naturally. The Face Detection allowed me to capture clearer and higher quality video clips.

Longer Battery Life

SC-MX20C has a battery of 850mAh capacity. I could use the camcorder about 3 hours. This should be a long battery life and enough for take the camcorder for a day.


Wind Cut


Once the “Wind Cut” mode is set, I could realize the recorded sound as if the wind sound was removed. However, the overall volume seemed to be lower when the “Wind Cut” mode was set.


Specifications

Following is the product specification in general.

System
Signal Type: NTSC
Video Format: H.264
Audio Format: AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)
Image Sensor: 1/6” CCD
Lens: Schneider Kreuznach
F Number: F.1.6~4.3
Focal Length: f=2.3 ~ 78.2mm
Zoom: 34x Optical Zoom, 1200x Digital Zoom
Storage Media: 8GB built-in Flash Memory, SDHC/MMC+
Dimension: 125 x 60 x 60.5
Weight: 270gram

LCD Monitor
LCD Size/Pixels: 2.7”, 112K pixels
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Wide

Video Recording Spec
Recording Format: H.264
Recording Resolution: 720 x 480 / 60i
Recording Quality: Super Fine (190min.) /Fine (240min.) /Normal (310min.)
/ Web & Mobile (460min.)
Audio Format: AAC
Number of Channel: 2 Channels (Stereo)
Speaker: Yes (built-in)
Microphone: Yes (built-in)


Interface
USB: USB2.0
IEEE1394: No
AV: Out Only

Battery
Capacity: 7.4V / 850mAh
Battery Time: 180min.


Pros:
Easy to use and carry
Good design
Touch screen LCD (2.7” large LCD)
Ultimately quick start up
Good video quality of 720 x 480 resolution: DVD quality
8GB of built-in memory and 3 hours of battery life
34x video/camera optical zoom
Interval Recording

Cons:
Does not support a still image capture.


Conclusion
Since SC-MX20C is a middle-end camcorder, I did not expect full HD quality like Samsung’s SC-HMX20C model. But the video quality of SC-MX20 is quite satisfied. It is easy to use and operate, and interval recording was quite interesting for me as well. 8GB of the built-in memory was enough to take video for a day with the provided battery. I do not think you would need additional external SDHC card. In general, I think that SC-MX20C would be one of the best middle-end camcorders in the world so far.