It is quite the understatement to state that personal video cameras have come a long way since their first incarnation, back when one required a minivan to haul the thing around – all just to take moving pictures of kids refusing to go to swimming lessons, or babies failingly attempting to walk. Later, when Sony released its Handy Cam in 1985 – which was about the size of a six-pack – the public was amazed that the thing barely required two hands to do its job. Over the years, we've seen camcorders get more powerful, more feature packed and in a smaller package. But, this summer, with the introduction of the Samsung HMX-R10, a minivan is no longer required. The HMX-R10 – a high quality, HD video recorder, as well as a nine mega-pixel digital camera – is not necessarily more comfortable because of its weight or size but rather – and here’s the shocker – because of its lens placement. In a very Jetson-esque move, Samsung engineers have placed the lens at a 25 degree angle, letting users keep the capsule-shaped digital camcorder steadily afloat with a grip so delicate even a toddler could do the camerawork. Personally, I would buy the camera based solely on its futuristic, zebrano imprinted, brushed metal veneer. Nonetheless, a new generation of comfortably lazy filmmakers this camera is sure to bring. Hitting shelves this summer, the HMX-R10 camcorder can record full HD video as well as 9-megapixel photos, has a 5X optical zoom and a swiveling 2.7-inch touch-screen LCD. - E.H.
