Our rating:
Samsung SMX-F34 review
For a standard definition camcorder, the Samsung SMX-F34 is rather large and clunky. It's body doesn't feel that sturdy and its buttons—particularly its navigation d-pad—aren't well constructed. Still, the camcorder is roughly $20 cheaper than the Canon FS200. We feel, however, that the Canon is a far superior product and is definitely worth the slightly higher cost.
In most of our performance testing the Samsung SMX-F34 scored near the bottom, although it did have decent numbers in our video sharpness test. We noticed some serious issues with the F34 in our motion test, with the camcorder producing a lot of artifacting, pixelation, and interference in our test footage. This is likely due to the low bitrate the Samsung uses to record video (5Mbps compared to 9Mbps on the Canon FS200).
One of the benefits of the Samsung SMX-F34 is the fact that it records video using the MPEG-4 codec and its files can simply be 'dragged and dropped' from a memory card onto a computer. There is no need for using a special software to import and convert the files into a viewable format. The Samsung also has a unique, rotating hand strap on its right side that provides you with a few different ways of holding the camcorder. We like the rotating hand strap idea, but we feel the system is better implemented and more comfortable on other models from Samsung, like the SC-HMX20 and the HMX-H106.
The Canon FS200 is the better choice between these two camcorders for a variety of reasons. It has better performance, stronger design, and it is more compact. There's really no reason to go with the Samsung here unless you're tempted by its MPEG-4 recording and unique hand strap design.
Dimensions (WHD): 2.4 x 2.4 x 4.9 inches
Weight (with battery and media): 11.2 ounces
Storage capacity, type: 16GB; flash
Resolution, sensor size, type: 680K pixels (460K effective), 1/6-inch CCD
LCD size, resolution: 2.7-inch LCD, 112K dots
Lens (zoom, aperture, focal length): 34x, f1.6-4.3, 2.3-96.6mm
Minimum illumination: 3 lux
File format (video, audio): H.264 (.MP4) /AAC (stereo)
Resolution (video/photo): 720x480/ 800x600
Recording time at highest quality: 380 minutes
Image stabilization type: Electronic
Battery type, rated life: Lithium ion rechargeable, 180 minutes (continuous)
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