Showing posts with label Engadget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Engadget. Show all posts

Friday, April 22, 2011

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Samsung's WiFi-enabled SH100 shoots in 14.2MP, uses your Android as a viewfinder

Engadget posted a review of Samsung SH100 Wi-Fi camera.
Here is the link:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/samsungs-wifi-enabled-sh100-shoots-in-14-2mp-uses-your-smartph/



WiFi cameras are hardly anything new, but there are a few features on this Samsung SH100 that caught our attention. For one, this 14.2 megapixel imager lets you use your Android smartphone -- Galaxy S is specifically mentioned here -- a "real time" remote viewfinder and trigger over WiFi! Additionally, users will also benefit from the camera's DLNA and wireless PC sync capabilities. While this sounds all awesome, we'll have to wait until March before our wallets take a $199.99 damage. Full spec sheet after the break.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Sony NEX-VG10 HD camcorder preview

Following is a review of Sony NEX VG10 camcorder from Engadget.


Well, that was quick. Right after yesterday's surprising announcement, Sony flew its yet-to-be-released NEX-VG10 camcorder into London just in time for today's showcase event. Naturally, we had to get our hands on this shiny baby, and boy we were impressed. In case you missed the news, this snazzy device is the world's first consumer HandyCam with interchangeable lens, meaning you can share E-mount lenses with your young NEX DSLRs, or take advantage of the abundant A-mount lenses with the help of an adapter (which will cost you extra, mind you). Likewise, there are also hot and cold shoe mounts on the mic shaft to cater your current camera accessories. Read on for our thoughts on the rest of the camcorder -- we've put together a little sample clip for you at the end as well.

Here is the link to continue: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/sony-nex-vg10-hd-camcorder-preview/

Monday, October 25, 2010

Monday, May 25, 2009

Engadget Labs: The best point-and-shoot camera for under $400

The Engadget posted the test result using various digital cameras. Samsung SL820 is one of the cameras that took the MOST LIKED categories.



The wide and zoom tests both subject on a wild apple tree in blossom, starting with the wide end to show just how much a given cam can take in. Here again the Z915 impressed, with the Canon 1100 IS doing well also. The SL820 and the TS1 show off their 28mm equivalent zooms, capturing more of the greenery than the other cams. On the unimpressive end the Kodak M380 disappointed with its dull, washed-out pictures. The rest of the contenders came somewhere in between, many offering some very interesting interpretations of green.



Very, very different interpretations of the color of this bit of ajuga, a little purple plant that resulted in some big differences. As you can see in the gallery each camera seemed to have its own ideas about what shade of violet was appropriate, but it was the Samsung SL820 that came closest to reality, taking a very sharp image with accurate color representation. Kodak's Z915 also did quite good, but was a bit too purply. The other cameras all missed the color too, with the Nikon S220 being particularly artificial looking.


All the cameras offer some sort of portrait mode, enabling them to lock into person's faces to ensure they always stay in focus. This made taking the picture itself particularly easy, and the results are generally good -- as you'd expect given the frequency of this kind of photo. The Nikon S220 was a bit soft, as was the Canon 1100 IS, while the Kodak Z915, Samsung SL820, and Casio FC100 all taking particularly good shots -- though it's worth noting that the other two shots from the FC100 looked quite different from this one.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Review: Samsung intros drop-dead gorgeous SMX-C14 and SMX-C10 camcorders


Engadget announced Samsung's new C10 and C14 digital camcorder.


We knew Samsung had a good thing going with the
HMX-R10, and sure enough, that styling has rubbed off heavily on the company's newest pair. The SMX-C14 and SMX-C10 are both "ergonomic" camcorders which boast the company's Touch of Color finish and the practically iconic Active Angle Lens. Specs wise, we're told that they include a 10x optical zoomer, Hyper Image Stabilization (oxymoron much?) and a 230,000-dot, swiveling 2.7-inch wide LCD screen. Strangely (and inexcusably, really), Sammy failed to mention what resolution these capture at, so we could be looking at two 4K RED competitors or VGA shooters that can't even outdo those uninspiring offerings from DXG. At any rate, we're told that the C14 comes with 16GB of internal flash along with an SD / SDHC expansion slot, while the C10 gets by with just a slot. Finally, both units include one-touch YouTube uploads and just under three hours of life on a single charge; they'll splash down this July for undisclosed amounts.


For more information, please click:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/samsung-intros-drop-dead-gorgeous-smx-c14-and-smx-c10-camcorders/


Thursday, April 23, 2009

Article: Samsung taking all that complexity out of pointing and shooting with the 12.2 megapixel TL100

Engadget announced Samsung TL100 digital camera as follows.



Yes, we know just how hard it can be to take pictures with your standard compact digital camera, what with the whole shutter button and all. Thank goodness for Samsung, who will take ease of use to a "new level" this spring with the TL100 slim camera, capable of automatically detecting whether you're taking a picture of a mountain or a person and toggling the appropriate mode accordingly. It can even go ahead and just take the durned picture for you in certain modes, able to tell when everyone has their eyes open or is beaming a sufficiently big enough smile. It will also take 800 x 592 videos at 20fps, and manages to pack a 2.7-inch TFT LCD into a body that Samsung says is just 16mm thick -- if you don't count the protrusion from the 3X lens. Since that lens is decidedly non-removable, we think we will.

For more information, please click:

Monday, April 13, 2009

Video: Samsung NX outfitted with massive lens, teased on rotating platform

Engadget posted a video clip for Samsung NX digital camera as below.




Eager to get a few more dirty details on the heretofore elusive Samsung NX Series camera? Sorry, bub. Now that we've destroyed your wildest dreams, ruined your Friday and infuriated you beyond description, we will point out that Sammy has a new teaser video of the camera for all to view, and it's looking mighty special. The curvaceous cam is seen behind glass on an endlessly rotating platform, complete with a fairly large lens, a fairly large rear LCD monitor and... not much else. There's no audio to speak of (or hear, for that matter), but it's still a mesmerizing watch. Peek after the break if you're sitting squarely in the "yes Jim, tell me more!" camp.

For more information, please click:

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Review: Engadget-Samsung HZ15W and TL320



Engaget posted a review for the Samsung HZ15W and TL320 digital camera as below.


We're not exactly enthused at all the granularity makes up Samsung's wide assortment of digital compacts, but it's not like they're the only offenders in the industry. In the high end they've got the HZ15W and TL320 -- we've seen the TL320 and is marvelous analog dials in the wild before, but the HZ15W is a new one on us. Overall the camera is a bit bulky for this segment, and we'd have a hard time sticking it into a pants or jacket pocket without discomfort. That said, the camera is flush with functionality like HDMI out, 720p video recording and a wide view lens. The second look at the TL320 reminded us how completely in love we are its analog dials, though unfortunately the pre-production model we were looking at was having trouble with its OLED screen. The rest of the line, including the SL820, SL620 and SL202, was hanging out for the photo op, but there wasn't much that stood out.
Gallery:
Samsung HZ15W and hands-on, with friends



Monday, February 16, 2009

Samsung's HZ10W arrives early with ultra-wide 24mm lens



Ooops. Samsung's 10.2 megapixel HZ10W camera has leaked onto the Internets a bit early. The wide-angle lens goes extra-wide with its 24mm (not 28mm) Schneider with 10x optical zoom stabilized with both optical and digital anti-shake tech.


It also captures 720p video at 30fps in H.264 format to SDHC cards if that's your thing. In addition to a presumably useful array of automatic face detection, Smile Shot (shoots a photo when the subject smiles) and Blink Detection (triggers 3x shots if a blink is detected), the camera also features manual control over shutter speed, focus, aperture, and ISO settings. Happy, pappy?

For more information, please click



Thursday, January 15, 2009

Review: Engadget - Samsung NV24HD Digital Camera


Engadget reviewed Samsung NV24HD camera as below.


At first glance, there were definitely some things we liked about Samsung's 10.2 megapixel
NV24HD: the UI's touch-sensitive buttons (as opposed to a crowded touchscreen), the 2.5-inch AMOLED display looks great (even in direct sunlight) and the camera shoots generous 720p, 30fps video. Now the folks at PC Magazine have had a chance to give the thing a more in-depth going over, and for the most part they seem to think the camera isn't half bad.

They say the $349 point-and-shoot works well enough in perfect conditions (outdoors on a sunny day), but cite "weak indoor shots," heavier than average barrel distortion on the telephoto lens, and a bit of pincushion distortion on the wide angle lens as reasons you might want to give this camera a pass. If you're still interested, you can expect the usual features: face detection, image stabilization and scene settings, and an optional cradle ($79.99) offers and HDMI connection to your HDTV (plus a tiny remote). Interested? Sure you are! Hit the read link for the complete review and sexy, sexy slideshow.

For more information, please click:

Thursday, January 8, 2009

CES2009: Samsung HMX-H106, Z10W, P3, HT-BD8200: Engadget

The Engadget.com posted Samsung's new model information held in CES 2009.




Rounding up all the non-HDTV, non-P4600 devices showcased at Samsung's CES 2009 event, we managed to get a closer look at the HMX-H106 camcorder, HZ10W camera, P3 PMP, and HT-BD8200 soundbar, none of which were really in the mood to play. That didn't stop us from snapping some glamor shots, which you can peep in the gallery below.

For more information, click http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/samsung-hmx-h106-hz10w-p3-pmp-and-ht-bd8200-soundbar-on-displa/

Monday, June 23, 2008

Engadget.com: Samsung SC-HMX20C HD camcorder review

Samsung SC-HMX20C HD camcorder review
by
Darren Murph, posted Jun 17th 2008 at 11:05AM
Shortly after spending some quality time with the
world's most diminutive HD camcorder, we were able to corral another remarkably small competitor -- one that shoots 1080p. Samsung's SC-HMX20C wasn't built to fit into the average back pocket, but its array of features more than made up for the size. After a week of wrapping our palm around this critter and capturing clips from everything ranging from America's pastime to a leisurely walk in the 'hood, we're ready to disclose our thoughts on the matter. Interested? Catch the full review after the jump.
Design
Samsung's SC-HMX20C is small. Real small when you consider the resolution at which this thing captures at. The unit can fit within one's palm, and while it is a bit heavy, toting it around in a cargo pocket wouldn't be entirely out of the realm of possibility. The device itself felt extremely solid, the flip-out LCD was sturdy, and overall, we were very impressed with how it fit in our hands when shooting. It should be noted that the SDHC / MMC+ card slot is tucked behind the same door as the battery, but it's not like you have to remove the battery to access the card slot. Additionally, the video outputs are hidden behind a small door which is concealed behind the flip-out LCD. Not a problem for us -- just letting the quirks be known.
User Interface
Touchscreen LCD monitors can always be hit or miss, particularly on handheld camcorders. We're pleased to say that the flip-out touch panel on this unit was undoubtedly useful and well implemented. The screen did have a thing for maintaining fingerprints, but it never became more than a minor annoyance. It recognized haphazard touches and only misread our true intentions once or twice during an entire week. Our only real dig here was the slight pause between menu switches; momentary lag was introduced when traversing between a deep menu item and one closer to the top, but it never proved to be anything more than a slight irritation.
The menu system itself was exceptionally well-crafted. A "Quick Menu" button pulled up the six most popular selections (Storage Medium, Resolution, White Balance, Focus, Exposure and Shutter), and at no time did we feel the screen was too cluttered with options. The in-depth menus were yet again well thought out and easy to navigate, making on-the-fly tweaks relatively easy to achieve. Switching between Movie Mode, Photo Mode and Playback Mode was even simpler, as Samsung provided a dedicated button just beside the Photo Capture button solely for swapping between that trio.
We also appreciated the twin record and zoom buttons; users can zoom in / out and stop / start recording by hitting the thumb buttons on the unit itself or by selecting them on the flip-out display. Again, a minor -- albeit thoughtful -- touch. Overall, the SC-HMX20C was designed for the average joe / jane to pick up and fire up without ever having to tear into the user's manual. Sure enough, the only time we ever referenced said pamphlet was just to make sure we didn't miss anything while surfing around the UI ourselves. Granted, this also speaks volumes about its intended audience. Yeah, it does 1080/30p and 1080/60i (along with 480/60p and an SD-only SlowMotion mode), but this camcorder isn't made for professionals. That being said, folks obsessed with archiving every single family outing in stunning HD will find plenty to love.
Video performance
Okay, so the UI is remarkable, but how's about the actual performance? First off, we were quite amazed to find that the 8GB of internal storage space could hold around 71 minutes of 1080/30p or 1080/60i in Super Fine mode. Knock those resolutions down a bit (but c'mon, who is going to do that?), and you can fetch upwards of 2 hours without even slapping your own SDHC card in there. A fully charged battery showed about 90 minutes of life, and even with heavy LCD use, it proved quite accurate.
Capturing video was a cinch, and we really appreciated how the camcorder kept track of files internally. Upon connecting it to a Windows XP-based machine, it simply mounted as a drive and enabled us to pull the MPEG-4 clips over to our PC's hard drive. Simple as that. Be forewarned though -- playing back said clips via QuickTime requires a pretty potent computer. Otherwise, Full HD clips will skip and stutter as your rig attempts to churn through.
Overall, we'd have to say we're pretty pleased with the unit's ability to log clips. Yeah, we wish that totally novel SlowMotion mode was available in HD, and we wish the low light performance was a touch better (as with every other camcorder out there), but we really can't find too much to kvetch about. While shooting in broad daylight, we were satisfied with results when keeping in mind that the target audience is novice / amateur users. Clips were free from excessive grain, the audio capture was sufficient and playback on both a computer and an HDTV was up to par. The 10x zoom was decidedly smooth and snappy, as well.
While shooting in low light, the expected grain monster reared its ugly head, but such is the case with all small, handheld camcorders to be frank. In other words, we wouldn't recommend this unit for those who find themselves using it primarily at night or in dimly lit scenarios, but those who wander outside every now and then during the day (imagine that!) will probably be pleased with what it can do. One other note on the SlowMotion: it's a sweet feature, and it sure adds some wow-factor, but the inability for it to function in HD is a real bummer for us.
Photo performance
Alright, we get that you aren't seeking out a camcorder for its still shot abilities, but hey, Sammy included it, so we tested it. Put simply, the image capture mode isn't half bad, and it's actually passable in daylight. Don't get it twisted, however -- we'd still strongly recommend carrying your trusty P&S / DSLR around and using that when possible, but if you're trying to do everything yourself and just can't find time to fish out that shooter, the SC-HMX20C should suffice. Of course, we're comparing its results to other camcorder results that we've seen in the past, and from that, we came away reasonably happy with what it could do.
Wrap-up
Let us restate: the SC-HMX20C isn't meant to be looked at seriously by pros. The $849.99 (or so) price tag is proof of that. For individuals seeking a small, easy to carry camcorder that will capture family vacations, impromptu get-togethers and your kid's school play, we can certainly say this one's worth the price of admission. If you're looking for expert features and an XLR jack for connecting your boom mic, you won't find that here. But the bundled CyberLink DVD Suite for HD (which includes PowerDVD 7.3, PowerProducer 4.2 and PowerDirector 6.0 for HD) was very much appreciated.
For what it is (and for what it costs), Sammy's latest HD camcorder excels. After a week with it, we simply couldn't find enough niggles to tell you to look elsewhere if you're already close to pulling the trigger. Do we wish the LCD backlight was a wee bit brighter? Sure. Do we wish the low-light performance was a smidgen better? Of course. But at the end of the day, is the SC-HMX20C a solid buy for the price? We think so. Take a peek at the (completely unedited) clips below to get a very loose feel for what this unit can do.