Samsung launches quick-starting MPEG-4 camera
updated 05:05 pm EDT, Thu June 7, 2007
Samsung VM-X300
Samsung on Thursday expanded its video cameras with the VM-X300. Billed as a sports camcorder, the one-hand camera uses fast flash-based SD card storage to both resist shocks and accelerate the startup time for spur-of-the-moment shots. Moving from a shutdown camera to full recording takes only three seconds, Samsung estimates. Videos are captured at a DVD-sized 720x480 widescreen resolution in MPEG-4 format and save space compared to DV. The rewritable nature of SD also enables a secondary MP3 playback feature.
The semi-ruggedized camera relies on a 2-inch swiveling LCD for previews and takes steps to ensure stable shots: the 10X optical zoom lens is suppported by an electronic image stabilizer that compensates for accidental camera movement.
Samsung for now will release the X300 in Korea, where it should sell for a relatively low-cost $322. Releases in other areas are expected, but are only likely to follow in coming months. [via Akihabara]
