Samsung unwraps swiveling pocket camcorder, Wi-Fi camera
updated 11:55 am EDT, Wed July 28, 2010
Samsung E10 and ST80 cameras reach US
Samsung late this morning launched a pair of rare pocketable cameras as part of the long run-up to the Photokina show in September. Leading the group, the HMX-E10 is one of the few pocket camcorders to have a swiveling lens. Movie makers can pivot the lens through a 270-degree arc independent from the body; the change simplifies video self-portraits and other off-angle shots.
Inside, the camera is at the upper end of features with a 1080p-capable CMOS sensor and a partial touchscreen interface. Videos are shared either from the native microSDHC card storage or through HDMI out. Like most pocket cameras, a USB connector is built-in for uploading the H.264 video directly to a Mac or PC.
E10 shipments start in September, when black and ivory white editions will cost $200.
The ST80 is a more conventionally-bodied camera but incorporates Wi-Fi for basic sharing. It can e-mail photos and videos directly from the camera as well as post them to services like Facebook, Picasa or YouTube. On a local network, DLNA support can put camera images on a PS3, computer or anything else that recognizes DLNA.
As a camera, it shoots at 14.2 megapixels with a 3X lens. The interface is guided by a full three-inch touchscreen, although it drops down to 720p for video recording. Samsung ships the ST80 at the same time as the E10, but the mostly more advanced feature set puts its price at a higher $250.
ST80
