Samsung HMX-W200

*Est. $145

Reviewed

December 2011

Best pocket HD camcorder

Pros

Waterproof, shockproof and dustproof
Beats other pocket cams in low light

Cons

Mixed reviews for video quality
Not as durable as it could be
No built-in memory
Short USB plug is hard to use

Where to Buy

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With impressive video quality in most tests, the Samsung HMX-W200 edges out other pocket camcorders -- although it does have some drawbacks. Like most of the latest mini-camcorders, the W200 can shoot in full 1080p high definition, snap still photos, and has an HDMI port (you have to supply your own cable) so you can hook it directly up to your HDTV. It has a flip-out USB arm, so you don't have to tote around a separate cable, but reviewers say the recessed arm doesn't stick out far enough, making it hard to plug in. The W200 records to microSD/SDHC cards -- there's no built-in memory. Video quality gives the Samsung the edge in most tests. Experts say it's more sensitive in low light and sharper in bright light than other pocket camcorders', with more accurate colors, although it can't match the excellent video quality of a full-size camcorder like the Canon Vixia HF M40 (*Est. $475).

The W200 claims to be rugged, like the Kodak Playsport Zx5 (*Est. $165) and several other pocket cams, but experts and owners say it's far from indestructible. It's rated as waterproof to 10 feet, dustproof, and able to withstand a drop of 6.5 feet. However, the camera freezes after suffering a 5-foot drop in PCMag.com's test, and Samsung warns users not to take this "dustproof" camcorder near sand. One owner at Amazon.com complains that the camcorder leaked underwater after suffering a drop, although others report no problems.

CamcorderInfo.com and CNET both have a lot of experience testing pocket video cameras, so their evaluations of the Samsung HMX-W200 carry a lot of weight. Engadget.com's test is particularly extensive, spanning several weeks in Hawaii. PCMag.com also tests the W200's video quality and ruggedness. ConsumerReports.org and TrustedReviews.com test the camcorder's performance, but not ruggedness. Owners post their impressions of this camcorder at Amazon.com.

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Where To Buy

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

(41 reviews)
Buy new: $159.99 $103.12 47 Used from $51.98

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Our Sources

1. CamcorderInfo.com

The Samsung HMX-W200's bright-light footage looks "sharper than any other budget camcorder we tested in the past year," Jeremy Stamas says. Despite some design flubs, the W200 "wildly exceeded our expectations" and is the highest-rated pocket camcorder here.

Review: Samsung HMX-W200, Jeremy Stamas, Oct. 31, 2011

2. CNET

With very good video quality for its class, the Samsung HMX-W200 makes it onto CNET's list of the best pocket camcorders, but Joshua Goldman finds some drawbacks. Notably, he finds it annoying that Samsung says its so-called dustproof, rugged camcorder shouldn't be used near sand.

Review: Samsung W200 Rugged Camcorder (Red), Joshua Goldman, Aug. 5, 2011

3. Engadget.com

Darren Murph spends a few weeks testing the rugged Samsung HMX-W200 in Hawaii. Unfortunately, after a two-foot fall, water starts to leak in around the LCD screen. But even though it's not as rugged as it should be, Murph says it's cheap enough and good enough to be a good pocket camcorder choice.

Review: Samsung W200 Waterproof/Rugged 1080p Camcorder Review, Darren Murph, Aug. 18, 2011

4. TrustedReviews.com

The Samsung HMX-W200 shoots the best low-light footage in its price range, tester James Morris says, making it particularly well-suited for underwater video and a Recommended camcorder here.

Review: Samsung W200 Review, James Morris, Oct. 19, 2011

5. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

Jim Fisher isn't particularly impressed with the Samsung HMX-W200. He faults it for "poor video quality, questionable ergonomics, and some reliability issues" and recommends the Sony Bloggie Touch instead.

Review: Samsung HMX-W200, Jim Fisher, Sept. 2, 2011

6. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Editors here test 16 pocket camcorders, including the Samsung HMX-W200. They rate each camcorder on its video and audio quality, ease of use and more before picking the best buys.

Review: Pocket Camcorder Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

7. Amazon.com

With more than 15 owner reviews posted, the Samsung HMX-W200 averages 3.5 out of 5 stars. Most reviewers like that it's rugged and easy to use. One owner complains that the camera broke, probably because the waterproofing didn't work, although others say they haven't had any problems with the waterproofing.

Review: Samsung HMX-W200 Waterproof HD Recording with 2.4-inch LCD Screen (Titanium Gray), Contributors to Amazon.com

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