Transition of Form and Method, ‘HMX-H106’

Here is a review about Samsung H106 digital camcorder.

HMX-H106 series have equipped SSD (Solid-State Drive) for the first time in the world. It supports 1920×1080i Full HD based on 1/4.5 inch CMOS sensor. In addition, it has 180° rotating full angle grip and easy-to-use built-in software Intelli-studio. It is a home camcorder with various high-quality features. The models released in Korea are H106 (64GB), H105 (32GB), and H104 (16GB). It will have different capacities.

Full HD Camcorder H106 series

Last January, Samsung introduced a new H106 series at ‘2009 CES’ in Las Vegas. H-series, HMX-H106 in the front, is a compact camcorder with Full HD. H106, which is introduced now, has two noticeable features. It has up-and-coming SSD (Solid State Drive) memory and 180° rotating full angle grip. And its full angle grip is very unique, creating a sensation. The difference among H106, H105, and H104 is their different capacity- as big as 64GB, 32GB, and 16GB.  Other than that, the specifications are same; Full HD recording, 10x optical Schneider zoom lens, optical image stabilization, interval recording, etc. In this review, let’s find out about how H106 series is differentiating itself from other competing products.

※ This review is based upon HMX-H106 model, and samples and photos on this review are taken with H104. In addition, all the video samples are resized to smaller size, so its actual resolution is different from them.

Normally, the resolution is divided into HD(High Definition)와 and SD(Standard Definition). If you take a closer look, under 800×600 is SD, from 960×720 to 2048×1080 is HD. Out of HD, over 1080 in vertical is Full HD. HMX-H106 series supports 16:9 Full HD recording. What’s important is that you can take in 1920×1080 resolution which fills 16:9 wide screen. It is different from HD camcorder that takes in 4:3 ratio 1440×1080 resolution, and enlarges it to 16:9 screen. Full HD quality has a recording type which is accurate enough not to show any distortion.

1/4.5 inch CMOS sensor

HMX-H106 has 2,200,000-pixel 1/4.5 inch CMOS sensor. The sensor is not that big. So I cannot say that it is relatively a strong aspect since the size of sensor can decide the photosensitivity. What’s noticeable in HMX-H106 sensor is not its size but its kind. It’s not a traditional CCD sensor. CMOS sensor shows low energy consumption and efficient charging. Besides, you can take a shot in direct face of light like sunlight or street light. Smear, appearing of lines, and Blooming around the light source rarely show up.

Interlace type of natural movement

Camcorder video is recorded in two scanning ways. One is Interlace and the other is Progressive type. Basically, it supports both of them. 1080/60i type for Full HD divides 20 frames/sec into odd and even fields. And through the interlace way, the output comes on one screen. Fields image in 60n frames are shown successively. It is similar to two toothed wheels  engage with each other and turn rapidly. While interlace type supports Full HD, HMX-H106 series’ progressive type is limited to HD quality. 720/60p shows 24-frame type of movies, and shows 24 frames continuously like film. These two scanning ways end up showing different results. Normally, interlace type is good for natural movement, and progressive type shows good image quality.

H.264 video Codec with high compression

Image quality of digital camera images is decided by its pixels or the capacity of a sensor. Likewise, pixels and sensor are important for videos in camcorder. But, more important factor for videos is Codec since it can change grade of image quality. HMX-H106 supports MPEG4 type H.264 video Codec. H.264 has excellent video format and data compressibility to compress and store high-volume HD quality video clips. Thanks to that, they can keep clear image and stored in small volume. High capacity SSD, HDD, and small capacity memory card of H106 series will be utilized well in digital media.

Meeting of video and photos, Dual recording,

Not only Full HD quality video, you can also take 4,700,000-pixel still images. Plus, it supports Dual recording; if you press a photo button during video recording, it takes a picture. However, the image by Dual recording is in 2,000,000 pixels. Its resolution is as low as cell phone cameras. The photos can be taken unlimitedly until the memory gets full.

Still shot is available in 4,700,000 pixels.        It has a wind sound removal function.

Stereo recording and wind sound removal

HMX-H106 series supports 2-channel stereo recording. But it’s a little disappointing that it doesn’t adopt 5.1 channel Dolby surround. However, compared to other models in same level, it has something unique. It has a detachable stereo mike. There’s one on the left of the lens, and another on the right. So there’re two mikes. Actually, we don’t know about the recording mechanism. But it looks different on the outside form one-mike-type. Compared to the same stereo recording type, it seems that its sound collecting range is different, rather than the quality of the sound. There’s a ‘wind sound removal’ function that blocks the noise around. So you can concentrate on recording even in the noise. It is some kind of sound filtering, and it will be useful when you do an interview.

New storage medium in camcorder

HMX-H106 series is SSD (Solid State Drive) memory type camcorder as the world’s first. (*except H100 model) Samsung invented the new SSD memory in 2006 for the first time in the world. H106, H105, and H104 have 64GB, 32GB, and 16GB each. The reason SSD memory is worth to pay attention in the camcorder market is its capacity superior to HDD type. Above all, it’s 7 times smaller than HDD, 12 times lighter, with high capacity. It’s great for compact size devices. Besides, it’s not a physical type like HDD so results in low energy consumption, noise, and heat. Not only that, its high stability and durability help to prevent data loss. The biggest strength of all is high speed in writing and reading data. Compared to HDD type camcorder, its booting speed is a lot faster. It is better than HDD in every aspect except its price.

HMX-H106 has 64GB SSD of Samsung’s

SSD (Soild State Drive)

Unlike HDD which records information in physical way, it uses a semiconductor to store information. SSD is usually based on DRAM and Flash Memory. Flash memory-based SSD needs no separate power device and is not volatile. Therefore, even when the power suddenly goes off, the data don’t get lost. Thanks to its stable performance and high portability, it’s used in lots of compact digital devices like mobiles, MP3 players, and notebooks. Presently, memory semiconductor makers like Samsung Electronics, Hynix, Toshiba, and Intel are extending their SSD market.

Built-in software Intelli-Studio

HMX-H106 comes with built-in software, Intelli-Studio. So you don’t need to install software to transfer the files to a computer. When you connect USB, Intelli-Studio gets automatically activated, so you can easily edit or share the video clips and photos. When you go into editing mode, you can conveniently use ‘video effect, detailed adjustment, conversion effect, half-screen insertion, text insertion, and sound insertion.’ Especially, video effect offers 8 types of effects: ‘old film, sepia, enlargement, reduction, splendor, noise, slow, and fast effect.’ Its color tone is different from special effects. Also, using conversion effect, text insertion, and sound insertion, you can apply interesting effects applicable to Power Point. Video conversion can be selected by clicking the right button on a mouse. It kindly offers conversion standard for iPod users. But you don’t need to connect the camcorder with USB all the time only because of its built-in software. When you run the program, you can install Intelli-Studio on the computer by pressing the menu on the top. It won’t trouble you much because the installation is done fast.

HMX-H106 is a digital camcorder with Samsung’s new basis. Especially, its SSD memory, which outdoes HDD, will make it a ‘killer application’ in world market. In this respect, it definitely differentiates itself from other competing models. Besides, it has lots of advanced features that appeal to consumers: Full HD supporting interlace type of natural movement, H.264 video Codec with high compressibility, and built-in Intelli-Studio which is easy to operate even for beginners. Plus, it has 10x optical Schneider lens, optical image stabilization, its exclusive interval recording function, wind sound removal, etc. If you’re interested in camcorders, it is hard to pass. Until last year, Samsung’s SSD market share was almost 80%, and it is expected to be extended to camcorder market.

Samsung had introduced capsule-type HMX-R10 in CES 2009 and attracted lots of attention. Its unique design with ‘25º titled lens’ left strong impression to users. This time it’s introducing HMX-H106 series with ‘full angle grip,’ which is a new type. According to shooting angle, you can use wrist more freely. I guess it’ll appeal a lot in a way that the new grip will enable easier movement of viewing angle.

Style, susceptive motif

First impression of HMX-H106 can be defined as ‘soft rock.’ Overall, its dark color looks strong, but it harmonizes with smooth rounding. It seems quite fascinating with its smooth but intense appearance. It is finished with plastics in order to reduce weight. It is 63 X 60.9 X128.6mm and 352g. And its SSD (Solid State Drive) contributed in reducing its volume and weight. It has good portability, fitting right into a hand. Its lustrous and lusterless parts are mixed well in two-toned color, and its point like dots looks pretty chic. I think it appeals to susceptive feeling more than visual aspect. The form of H-SERIES look like traditional handy-cam, but it has Samsung’s cyber image.

F1.8 and 37mm Schneider lens

10x optical zoom, Schneider lens

As lens is important for cameras, it is for camcorders, too. So what kind of lens it uses can decide the preference for the camera. HMX-H106 is equipped with Samsung’s proud Schneider lens. It has long lens barrel with alloyed aluminum, and the lens is placed deep inside. It looks somewhat different from former styles that have lens on the front. There’s silver line as a point around the lens barrel, and stereo mike and flash on the side and top. What’s unique is it’s unevenly carved inside the lens barrel. It normally appears in lens hood of DSLR, and it prevents flare and diffused reflection. It is the first time that I see that in a camcorder. It has 37mm, F1.8 lens, which is quite wide and bright.

Left : Unevenly carved to restrain diffused reflection

Right : Built-in flash in Photo mode

You can see duo-back chair everywhere, at work or at home. The reason it got popular is its ergonomic design. Since it divides the power to support your back evenly, it helps to keep the stable posture. HMX-H106 series also gives stability to you wrist by ergonomic method. The keyword is ‘Full angle grip,’ a new type introduced for the first time. It didn’t adopt traditional fixed grip and had come up with creative way to help change angle easily. It is basically same in eye level and high angle shooting. However, when you change to waist level or low angle shooting, ‘Full angle grip’ works quite efficiently. It is 180º rotating grip. So you can stay in low angle for along time. Not only that, inside the leather hand strap is finished with suede material in order to reduce its friction against the skin. Along with useful ‘Full angle grip,’ you’ll have quite nice experience.

2.7 inch wide touch screen

It uses the hottest item of these days, touch screen type LCD. It has 230,000-pixel, 2.7 inch wide LCD, satisfying both clarity and size. Since it guarantees viewing angle in all directions, it is easy to check results. Especially, it is easy to check the screen outdoors. Thanks to 16:9 screen, room for menu interface arrangement is quite spacious, increasing the LCD touch recognition rate. There’s glossy lines on the border of LCD panel, so it doesn’t look too simple. And there’re Q.MENU, zoom button, and recording button on the left side of the panel.

Fast ready for shooting, Quick-on system

HMX-H106 series have Quick-on system that gets instantly ready for shooting when LCD gets opened. It takes about one second to get ready, which is very fast. Besides, even when you close the LCD during recording, it keeps shooting. So when the LCD gets closed by accident, you don’t need to worry. And LCD panel can be adjusted freely. The biggest strength of is you can rotate the angle in any direction you want, up-down/ right-left. On the basis of vertical axis, it moves 90º from left to right, and of horizontal axis, 270º from up to down. If you completely turn the screen and stick it to side, LCD also rotates 180º. It is called Free-View style which is made to guarantee stable shooting posture in any location. The hinge between LCD panel and camcorder is quite solid. So I like it that it can be securely fixed.

Interface on the backside

Hidden terminal on the back

Memory card / Battery holder

Interface, Direct in Soft

The backside with zoom lever, photo button, and mode button on is a bit protruding from the body. The reason is that it considers that location of thumb, index, and middle finger which are involved mostly in operation. When you put your hand in the grip, the three fingers naturally reach the buttons. It offers perfect interface without a bit of awkwardness. If you move your thumb a tiny bit, you’ll reach mode button, and recording button is right next that. Since the buttons are pretty big, size of your hand won’t get in the way. Right below the mode button, there’re HDMI, USB, DC, and AV terminal. Since they’re perfectly hidden, it doesn’t hurt the design. Also, HMX-H106 offers mini HDMI cable. It will make HDTV users so happy. There’s memory card and battery holder at the bottom. Since the battery isn’t exposed outside, it’s pretty safe. If you open the LCD panel, there’re power, shooting info, EASY.Q, flash, and OIS button. Overall, its interface is composed very efficiently.

Polished design with good functions

Samsung camcorders seem to seek two different types of design. If R10’s capsule type design was sensational, HMX-H106 is combination of traditional and futuristic styles. Especially, its simple but cool ‘Full angle grip’ seems to be the completion of ergonomic design. HMX-H106’s leather hand strap looks fashionable and is comfortable at the same time. And they aren’t all. Detailed decoration makes Schneider lens look better, and its color match is harmonious. Anyone who sees this will say ‘This is cool.’ It seems that Samsung’s design, which used to stay in safe range, has taken one step ahead.

● All the product images are taken by H104 model. H106 / H105 / H104 have same functions (only different in SSD capacity) and a little difference in design and color.

Various functions offer diverse experience like buffet. But, real gourmets don’t go to buffet. They find places which us famous for one food. It is to feel the depth of taste, not a variety. Compared to competing models, HMX-H106 doesn’t offer more various functions. However, its fundamental specification and capacity never fall behind. Especially, its interval recording and wind sound removal feature are exclusive at Samsung.

Excellent close-up, 10x optical zoom

Schneider lens in HMX-H106 is 37-370mm in 35mm film equivalent with 10x optical zoom. It is ideal to close-up far-away subject. It has 100x digital zoom mode, but is not as useful because its resolution drops considerably. Zoom can be controlled with lever on the top of camcorder and LCD panel lever. Since both of them are lever type, it allows natural operation. If you use the zoom lever on the top, it’ll take about 1.6 seconds from widest angle to maximum zoom, which is very fast. Panel zoom lever takes about 6.5 seconds, and it works well for stable close-up shot. Zoom function also can be activated in interval shooting. But you’d better not use it in interval shototing.

Optical Image Stabilization, OIS

When you use zoom, you must use IS function. But, IS functions defer according to its type. That’s why people classify optical, digital, electronic, or dual type. In camcorders, dual type is not yet used. So for now, optical image stabilization is the best option. And HMX-H106 series have OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer). The tremble through lens is fixed by moving the lens unit to the opposite side. It’s not creating image like digital type does but uses physical method. Since it solves the problem fundamentally, it is more stable than digital type.

Backlight editing that brightens the darkness

HMX-H106 doesn’t have Face detection function, but it has backlight editing feature. It can be set through the menu on LCD. Backlight editing is used in backlight or in similar circumstances. As you see from the samples, its capability is quite good. But it brightens the whole screen, so it is different from DR (Dynamic Range) feature which optimizes the exposure difference between dark and bright area. It may brighten the main subject but lose some of the details of background.

Special effect in unique style

It may not offer various but unique special effects. There’re four types- black-and-white, sepia, reversal, and art. Instead of R10’s blur effect, art effect is added. Art effect simplifies the whole screen, giving it some illustrated effect. You’d better not use it with reversal effect for portrait shots. If the colors are distinct or there’s absolute difference between exposures, it can be used interestingly.

Read more: http://www.samsungimaging.net/transition-of-form-and-method-hmx-h106/#ixzz0aJsn5pT6