Samsung HMX-H106

Samsung HMX-H106 is a new high definition midrange camcorder with 64GB of solid state memory, unusual design and pretty good performance. It also has two siblings: the Samsung HMX-H104 with 16GB of internal memory and the Samsung HMX-H105 with 32GB SSD.

Samsung HMX-H106 pros:

+ Design allows unusual handling options
+ Good color accuracy
+ Low noise in bright light
+ Plenty of memory for your movies
+ Good auto mode
+ Simple and accurate still mode
+ Simple to use

Samsung HMX-H10 cons:

- Glossy finish attracts fingerprints
- No 25p or 30p frame rates
- Low light noise performance worse than competition
- Larger than most mid-range camcorders

The design:
Samsung HMX-H106 measures 59 x 61 x 129 mm and weighs 396 grams. The front of the camcorder houses the built-in flash below which there is, of course, the lens with 10x optical zoom. The right side houses the rotatable grip which allows for various handling options and the adjustable hand strap. The back of the Samsung HMX-H106 hosts the start/stop record button, mode indicator lamps, shooting mode button and the ports hidden behind a door. The left side houses the 2.7-inch touchscreen LCD and in the LCD chamber plenty of controls, as well as the speaker and power button. On the top you will find the zoom toggle, photo shutter button and a grip very useful for the unusual grips.

Performance:
The Samsung HMX-H106 produces very accurate colors so you needn’t worry about the lack of manual color controls. Also the noise is good in bright light so there is no need for the noise reduction (although it is available). The Samsung HMX-H106 is an HD camcorder so it records FULL HD image but only in the 60i frame rate. The camcorder has almost the best motion performance among the middle range camcorders and the video sharpness is good. In low light the Samsung HMX-H106 does quite a good job producing strong colors, but also some noise. If low light noise is extremely important for you have a look at the Canon Vixia HF S10, or Sony HDR-CX500V. The camcorder can record in 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, and 720 x 480 resolutions and since it does not compress the video files using the AVCHD it is easy to work with larger files. The built-in memory allows you to record almost 500 minutes of films in the best quality. The Samsung HMX-H106 has few manual controls but as it does a great job in auto mode it should not be an issue (at least for beginners).

Still image performance:
Surprisingly the Samsung HMX-H106 camcorder has no dedicated still photo feature and so you can only take photos during video recording. Only two resolutions are available 2880 x 1620 (interpolated) and 1920 x 1080 and the photos look generally good. The images have accurate colors and low noise and only the sharpness may disappoint from time to time.
All in all, the Samsung HMX-H106 is a good camcorder for beginners and amateurs, but because of lack on advanced manual controls not so good for professionals. If you find its price too high you can always have a look at the Samsung HMX-H105, or Samsung HMX-H104 which have similar performance and smaller internal SSD.

Selected Samsung HMX-H106 features and specifications:

• Camera Flash

Built-in flash

• Main Features

Remote Control
Remote control – infrared

• Still Image Format

JPEG

• Digital Video Format

H.264

• White Balance Presets

Fluorescent, cloudy, tungsten light, daylight

• White Balance

Custom, automatic, presets

• Min Shutter Speed

1/12 sec

• Max Shutter Speed

1/10000 sec

• Image Stabilizer

Optical

• Shooting Modes

Digital photo mode

• Digital Zoom

100 x

• Analog Video Format

NTSC

• Min Illumination

3 lux

• Optical Sensor Size

1/4.5″

• Optical Sensor Type

CMOS

• Color Support

Color

• Media Type

Flash card

• Camcorder Sensor Resolution

2.2 Mpix

• Camcorder Interpolated Still Resolution

4.7 Mpix

• Widescreen Video Capture

Yes

• Microphone

Microphone Operation Mode
Stereo

• Microphone Technology

Electret condenser
Type
Microphone – built-in
Microphone Features
Wind noise reduction
Miscellaneous

• Cables Included

A/V cable ¦ USB cable

• Included Accessories

Hand grip

• Product Type

Camcorder – 1080i

• Enclosure Color

Silver

• Lens System

Lens Manufacturer
Schneider-Kreuznach

• Filter Size

37 mm

• Zoom Adjustment

Motorized drive

• Optical Zoom

10 x

• Lens Aperture

F/1.8-2.5

• Focus Adjustment

Automatic, manual

• Focal Length

3.3 mm – 33 mm

• Type

Zoom lens – 3.3 mm – 33 mm – f/1.8-2.5

• Features

Built-in lens shield

Other recently reviewed camcorders:

JVC Everio GZ-HM400, Sony HDR-TG5V, JVC Picsio GC-FM1, JVC Everio GZ-HM200, Sony HDR-CX500V, Canon FS200, Canon Vixia HF S10.