Samsung SC-MX20 Camcorder Talks to YouTube

Samsung's new SC-MX20 camcorder is designed to appeal to the YouTube generation with a 34x optical zoom and YouTube optimized movie formats.

Samsung is making an appeal to the YouTube generation, announcing its new SC-MX20 compact digital camcorder. A followup to the company’s SC-MX10, the camcorder is distinctly aimed at the online video market with a resolution of 720 by 480 pixels; however, the camcorder also packs a number of other features—and a price tag—that should make it appealing to aspiring cinematographers, both online and off.

“The SC-MX20 is a camcorder that offers a host of advanced features at an impressive price point,” said Samsung Electronics America sales and marketing VP Tony Sorice, in a statement. “Sharing many of the same advanced features as our higher-end digital camcorders, including the head-turning design of the SC-HMX20C, the SC-MX20 is sure to stand out from the crowd of ‘me-too’ camcorders.”

The SC-MX20 features optical image stabilization, face detection technology, and a Schneider lens with a whopping 32× optical zoom, The recorder also features advanced noise reduction technology and stores images to SD/SDHC media for each offloading. Views can compose their shots in a 2.7-inch LCD viewfinder, and the camera features Samsung’s iCheck and iScene modes that (respectively) let users easily monitor battery life and switch between 10 automatic scene modes.

Of course, the SC-MX20 also features a unique shooting mode that’s optimized for YouTube uploads: 640 by 480 in H.264/AAC/MP4 format.

The SC-MX20 will be available this August in four colors (black, red, white, and blue) for a suggested retail price of $279.99.