Samsung HMX-W200 Waterproof HD Recording with 2.4-inch LCD Screen (Red)

I purchased this video camera after an exhaustive time trying to video tape my exercise class. I tried using a Flip and it never caught the full 50 minute class; it always cut off at 42 minutes. I tried using my regular camera that has video capability but quickly learned that there are hard coded recording limits of 29 min 59 seconds. So, out of shear frustration, I broke down and purchased this video camera and I could not be more pleased. After charging it on my laptop, I was able to quickly set it up as the screens are very user friendly as well as all of the functionality of the camera; it's simply super easy to use!I did have to run to the store to grab a micro sd card, as I overlooked that when I purchased it but the card was only $7.99 for 4GB which is all the recording time I needed. I did record my ENTIRE class this morning and reviewed the footage and the quality of the video is perfect for my needs as well as the audio. It picked up my instruction as well as the music without any interference.Simply put, I could not be more pleased with the purchased!!

First, and foremost, this small pocket camera takes micro SD, secondly, it is NOT WATERPROOF so don't set yourself up by getting this and then ruin the camera. Thirdly, Sony TX7 is a far superior camera (not waterproof) but there are some Sony TX cameras that are waterproof.Sony's size is even smaller than this camera, which is pretty small, but QUALITY is the very best.Overall, the W200 is solidly built and offers good recording, playback and options. Its shortcomings are in it being waterproof. This is not designed to have regular underwater recordings. The major complaint is playback (built in speaker) and barely audible. The playback to TV or computer has that same poor sounding audio greatly improved, so its only the built-in sound having issue. The camera has a small LCD screen, offers no built in light for low light recordings like the Panasonic TA2. The Panasonic TA2 offers a larger screen for playback, louder (built-in) speaker. The Panasonic built in spot light (for low light subjects) is excellent. The Samsung has clumsy buttons, not commands when pressed. Panasonic touch screen also needs solid pressing to command but is better than the rubber buttons of Samsung. Both pocket cameras are well worth purchase but not paying the suggested retail price. Panasonic offers voice (non video or still) recordings, which are nice when dictating. The Samsung offers pause from live recording and stills from live recordings with one touch. Both plug into your laptop or desktop and recharge fairly quick. Samsung's Bright Screen for outdoor,improving subjects vs. glare. But this shortens the battery life. Panasonic has dual microphones located on top of the unit, whereas, Samsung has a tiny mono microphone that responds well to sounds. Both units have good playback sound (not built in sound of either unit) The Panasonic zoom is by touch screen and not impressive, Samsung has cursor T and W (tele and wide) button..with more noticeable zooming but clarity and distortion begins with either camera. Side by side, the Panasonic offers a larger LCD 3inch screen with directional viewing (wide or 4:3). the Panasonic accepts SD cards whereas the Samsung uses micro SD cards. Samsung slightly comes in better with overall picture and brightness and viewing (when outside). Neither camera should be used under water... causing a quick return to the manufacturer. Which is the better of the two? Its a toss up. Both were good overall. Depending on differences noted above, they both are decent pocket HD Cams.

I just got the HMX-200W red Samsung video camera. I have only taken a few videos so I am still evaluating the image quality. It looked fine so far in outdoor lighting.I wanted to comment this camera works fine with MacBook and OSX 10.7.3 Lion and iMovie 11. Yes the image editing software provided with the camera does not run on a Mac but most Mac users will want to run iMovie or Final Cut Pro. Before purchasing I was worried about comments saying this camera would not work with Mac computers.I removed the microSD card and inserted into a USB adapter I have. When I plugged in the USB adapter iPhoto opened automatically (in case there were still images). I opened iMovie and on its own it opened the Import from Camera dialog box (manually you can click on the silhouette camcorder icon in the center left of the iMovie panes). The sanDisk micro SD was recognized and the clip showed up in a preview pane. I selected the clip and Imported All (there is a toggle switch for automatically combining all clips into one or manually picking the clips to import - mine was set to automatic).When I clicked on Import All the program asked me what resolution I wanted; Large at 960 x 540 or Full. It warned me that full might result in uneven playback on my computer (implying it takes a powerful processor to work at 1280 x 720). I read online working on the 960 x 540 mode would save considerable disk space and not be noticed. The import of a 3 minute clip took about 3 to 4 minutes.I exported this file to several formats to check on how long it took, size, and output format:3:20 minute test movie:Raw from camera; MP4 format, 211.8 MBExportedMobile (480 x 272), 2 min to export, 23.3 MB, m4vMedium (640 x 320), 4 min, 40.7 MB , m4vLarge (960 x 540), 7 min, 98.2 MB, m4vHD (1280 x 720), 8 min, 259 MB, .movQuicktime Export33 min, 37.9 MB,MP4H.2641280x720 HDoptimized for CD/DVDframe rated currentKey every 150 framesData rate 1372 kbit/secMade a longer 34 min movie at a child's graduation. Many short clips that I edited into the movie, took some time to convert to the iMovie native format. Now using the camera anti-shake feature and feel that is required when walking or standing (not using a tripod). Shot indoor footage on a lit stage and the video quality was great even with zoom at half maximum. Outdoor colors good as well, full zoom does not look grainy on well lit subject. Images in the shade were good as well as long as there was no brightly lit object in the background (I think the manual talks about how to solve this problem inherent to any auto light adjusting camera). I took stills as well, this camera is better than my older Cannon digital. Microphone was okay but as expected wind noise was picked up, I did not pick up camera noises or zoom noises. Overall very satisfied with the camera. I also made this movie into an MP4 using quicktime (385 mb) which took a long time to render (4 hours) but the best quality and smallest size. A mobile export from iMovie was larger and much lower resolution (but took less time to render).

We purchased this camera for an upcoming trip to Hawaii and wanted to be able to video the great reefs as we snorkeled. On the second use the camera died and we missed some amazing photos/video opportunities. The door mechanism apparently leaked and shorted the camera. Had to purchase another camera for the rest of our vacation. Very dissappointing!