Samsung's New Angle on Camcorders: R10, C10, and C14 Models

Samsung has a new angle on the old camcorder formula: a 25-degree angle that points the lens slightly upward instead of straight ahead. Read on to see why they think it's a superior design.

Samsung's Angled-Lens Camcorders

Samsung HMX-R10

from $399.99

Samsung C10

Samsung C14

Samsung has found a way to perk up the rather traditional camcorder design that everyone's familiar with. Their new, angled lenses (called the "Active Angle Lens") are just unusual enough to draw the attention, but not so substantially different that they appear comical or dissuade consumers from giving them a chance.

Three new camcorder models, the HMX-R10, SMX-C10, and SMX-C14, will feature this unique configuration, which, while worth commenting upon, should not overshadow the camcorder's true specifications.

Form, Function, and Style

The Samsung HMX-R10, available now, records high-definition video in full 1080p resolution to removable Secure Digital (SD/SDHC) memory cards. By using such small and lightweight recording media, and avoiding the need for hardware like internal disk drives, the HMX-R10 manages to itself be very small and lightweight. It also features a 5x optical zoom lens and large, articulated 2.7-inch LCD display.

The SMX-C10 and C14 follow close behind the HMX-R10, looking quite similar. Though they both have the angled lens, they distinguish themselves from the R10 with their flashy, red-tinted exterior, which recalls the red "Touch of Color" gloss found on Samsung HDTVs. It makes sense for Samsung to visually link their successful, popular high-definition televisions with their new, high-definition camcorders. It reassures consumers that these are part of a continuum of HD devices and should work well with one another.

The C10 and C14 dial down the resolution to a satisfactory 720p, and push the optical zoom out to 10x, which is fairly standard on camcorders of this type. The C10 uses SD/SDHC memory cards, like the R10, but the C14 throws in 16GB of internal flash memory, which can hold up to six hours of high-definition video.

The HMX-R10 has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $499; prices for the C10 and C14 have not yet been announced, but should be available soon, as they are expected to be released in June of 2009. Taking into account the differences in resolution and storage media, one might expect the C10 to cost around $399, and the C14 to cost around $599, though that is merely speculation.

Why The Angle?

The "Active Angle Lens" tilts the camcorder's eye up 25 degrees, and is intended to prove a more comfortable, ergonomic shooting experience. With traditional camcorders, the forward-facing lens forces users to hold the camera up, twisting their wrists at right angles to keep the lens level. The Active Angle Lens allows users to keep their wrists straight, pointing the body of the camera downward, while still capturing images that are in front of the shooter.

It may take a little getting used to, but it's a smart move on Samsung's part to not only add a little flair and novelty to their design, but to create a more pleasing user experience for their consumers.