Samsung HMX-U20 Ultra-Compact Full-HD Camcorder (Blue)

I have the HMX-10, and it was great, but this is so much better.

It has a replaceable battery which isn't clearly mentioned So you can keep a backup charged.

It has a normal composite video for quick views, but also has mini-HDMI so it plays back in 1080i on your monitor or big screen.

Low light is a bit grainy but better than the '10 and usable. "Smart" seems to add noise but helps the image.

Zoom works very well. The overall locations of things seems better. It is a bit larger than the '10, but not bad.

It still has the weird charge connector (If you use the USB you can't use the camera). TimeLapse and some other things want you to keep it connected.

But for the price, it does everything, and might be the only that does time-lapse.

This device was perfect in every way. I had high hopes. Until I played back the video and heard a constant clicking sound that was impossible to ignore. For a memory based device, it is curious that there would be a mechanical noise on the audio track. It is a shame as the device is beautifully designed, easy to operate and captures nice quality images. Contacted Samsung and they would not say anything other than to return it for servicing. Very disappointing. I decided to go for a hybrid device instead and ordered a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7. It's fantastic and takes good HD video as well as beautiful stills.

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I bought this camera about two weeks before my high school graduation and a two week trip to Orlando, Florida. After using this camera throughout my entire prom, graduation, project graduation, and trip to florida I uploaded the videos to my computer. The Camera was VERY VERY easy to use and the vides were very clear. However, I noticed that the sound would stop whenever I would use the zoom. I called samsung and they told me that this is a part of the camera and they advise to stop recording, zoom, then continue recording a new video. That is absolutely ridiculous and I will never be buying another samsung product. I am already working on trading this camera in. DON"T WASTE YOUR TIME.

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Unfortunately the clicking problem other people have posted is continuing. It clicks on playback, loudly. It also doesn't consistently record audio so it is either no sound or clicking. Returning and not going to get another. But the design was nice and the size and weight were perfect for what I was looking for.

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The camera itself works great and haven't had any major problems with it, but I have only had it for a few days, so time will tell.

I just wanted to mention that the camera listed as "blue" looks purple (almost a dark pink) under soft household lamps, but in the sun it looks blue with a hint of violet. I thought I was sent the wrong color when I unboxed it in the house and it looked very purple, but noticed when I took it near a window, it looked blue, kind of strange. Not a big deal for me, but just wanted to make potential buyers aware.

One complaint I have about it is you have to look at the LCD screen dead on to see the colors clearly and since the camera has a bit of an arc to it, when you naturally hold it upright, the screen is pointed down from your eyes and it appears grayed out, like when you look at an LCD or Plasma at too great of a viewing angle. So basically the viewing angle is very poor in this camera's LCD.

You can't find many cameras this size and price with optical zoom though.