Samsung Exhibits New Ultracompact Camcorders at CES

Samsung unveiled two new ultracompact camcorders for 2011 at CES today: the HMX-P300 and the HMX-P100. Samsung describes these new camcorders as follow-up models to the company's HMX-E10 ultracompact camcorder that was released last year. The new models both feature Full HD recording, digital image stabilization, and 1/3.2-inch CMOS sensors.

At $199, the HMX-P300 is the more expensive model of the two camcorders. Its higher cost does get you many exciting features, however, including a 3x optical zoom lens, and a 3-inch touchscreen LCD. The HMX-P300 is stuck with just a 1x optical zoom and a standard 2.7-inch LCD that lacks touchscreen capability. Since the sensors and processing on the two models are the same, both camcorders should have similar performance, although the HMX-P300 does have the advantage of a better lens (with its 3x optical zoom). The HMX-P300 also has a different battery pack than the HMX-P100. Both camcorders are roughly the same size, but the HMX-P100 is a bit thinner.

You can record 1920 x 1080 Full HD video with the HMX-P300 and HMX-P100 (with a 30p frame rate), or you can shoot 720p video at frame rates of 60p or 30p. Neither camcorder offers standard definition recording. Both models have built-in USB arms for charging the camcorders or connecting them to a computer. Both camcorders also have HDMI outputs, but only the HMX-P300 has a Composite video output as well.

In a strange move, Samsung decided to include Micro SD/SDHC card slots on the HMX-P300 and HMX-P100 rather than regular SD/SDHC memory card interfaces. Micro SD cards are harder to find and often more expensive than regular SD cards, so we're somewhat confused as to why Samsung made this decision. Also strange is the fact that neither camcorder features any internal memory.

Samsung will start selling the HMX-P300 in March for $199. The camcorder will be available in the following colors: titan black, silver, white, and pink.

The HMX-P100 will hit the stores in February and sell for $149. It will be available in black (not titan black), silver, blue, and pink.

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