Samsung's taking its sleek smartphone stylings and applying them to its debut entry into minicamcorder territory. Looking a bit like the Memoir, but with the lens section angled slightly upward for (presumably) more comfortable operation, the HMX-U10 combines an eye-catching design with some--but not all--of the features necessary to succeed in the competitive direct-to-Web camcorder market.
It certainly takes the lead by offering 1920x1080 30fps video; the Flip UltraHD, Creative Vado and Kodak Zi6 all do only 1280x720 720p. And while the CMOS sensor is relatively large compared to the Flip and Kodak--1/2.3 inch vs. 1/4.5--it also crams in boatloads more pixels to be able to claim 10-megapixel still photos.
Like its compatriots, the U10 will allow for USB battery charging--however the USB cable isn't built in--and ship with in-camcorder software for editing and direct-to-YouTube uploading. The U10 does offer an SD card slot, a useful feature which the Flip lacks, but has a smaller 2-inch LCD. Like its cohorts, the U10 has a fixed focal-length lens. But it's a pretty slow one, f3 compared to Flip's f2.4 and Kodak's f2.8, which, especially in conjunction with the high-resolution sensor, doesn't bode well for low-light video quality.
With dimensions of 2.2 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches it's slightly wider than the Vado but smaller than the rest. That doesn't seem to include the lens, which pokes out from the body a bit. It's one of the lightest at 3.4 ounces, though.
So what's missing? A catchier name, for one. It'd also be nice if it comes in more colors than just silver. When it ships in September, in silver, red, greet and black, Samsung will be asking $199.99 for it, putting it at the pricey end of the spectrum.
On Sale Now: $179.99
View the latest prices for Samsung HMX-U10 (purple)
On this week's installment of the Digital City, we discuss faster Internet access coming to several major cities, where to find a Nintendo Wii, and how to safely buy (or sell) a U.S. Senate seat.
Listen now: Download today's podcast
We've discovered a way to take a bunch of gadgets that belong in the trash and turn them into energy for everyone! Listen and find out how. (well, other than the fact that we're simply that awesome.)
Listen now: Download today's podcast
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EPISODE 114 |
Plasma plants to vaporize trash and create new energy
Chick-fil-A stuffing a space station in every kid’s meal
Get into the festive spirit with Christmas Jewel USB drive
Update: Vivienne Tam HP Digital Clutch
Tool Time
BeoSound 5 controls your digital home theater in grand, futuristic style
It’s about time
Naf Naf Sunrise Effect alarm clock - a less SAD way to wakeup
PRETTY
Samsung Cleo cell phone sashays into Canada
Pink Watch
Guitars for Girls -Guitar Hero and Rock Band
Gender Gap
The Chair for Man
VOICE MAIL
Peter from Frampton
I had to share this with people who would appreciate how this could be a necessary ‘food accessory’ for some, but to others, it is just wrong.
Leia E.
Apple Valley, MN
Hey Gadgettes,
Why, why, why? Well, actually, for cancer research. But at least it’s the real thing and not Swarovski crystals. Note the convenience of being able to remove the diamonds to stick in all the jewelry you have that doesn’t already have diamonds.
Also, the blog it came from has the potential to be a great source for you all. Love the show!
-Rabbi the Linguist
P.S.: Why the hate on LARPers but the love of Utilikilt owners? The two groups overlap quite a bit. If you’re gonna dis on LARPers, at least limit it to the ones who can’t distinguish the game from reality. Some of us just enjoy some escapism and creative use of our imagination from time to time, but we understand that, when the game is over, it’s over. (It’s also a good way to socialize - is this a good time to mention that I’ve never been in a LARP that wasn’t at least 40% female?) Our characters may be us (a first-time LARPer often ends up playing herself) but we are not our characters. Those who don’t understand that are likely to be marginalized in a serious game.
I will, though, give you mad props for liking Utilikilts. They’re quite comfortable and the ladies seem to love them. (Gotta love geek
girlfriends!) Keep on rockin’ that podcast.
From Dr. Jason
Lita Ford parties like it’s 1989
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