The SC-HMX20 is packaged inside a black box decorated with many pictures of the digital camcorder, one of which is an actual size representation. Apart from the half dozen pictures, there is no information about the camcorder itself. One line tells us that it records in 1920×1080 Full HD but the details end at that.

The package includes a felt carrying pouch, a ten page manual in several languages, two driver/software discs, core filters (three), a USB cable, HD cables and standard audio and video cables, a remote control, docking station, battery and charger.

The docking station is a great addition for an HD camcorder. It not only provides quick charging and video downloading, but provides HDMI and AV outputs to your TV.

Pulling the camcorder out of the box the entire surface area is used for one thing or another. Looking at the bottom of the camcorder we can see the cradle connection and tripod mount. We can also see the cover for the DC power plug and hidden in black is the cover for the external microphone. Closer to the lens we have the two internal microphones to pick up all the sound during recording. The two speakers are offset from the center by about 15 degrees. On the right side of the camcorder we have the handle and a thin strip for tightening onto your hand. Much like previous Samsung camcorders, the handle can rotate. The SC-HMX20C is limited to 135 degrees while the SC-MX20 which offers 180 degree rotation. In the photo below we can see it rotated only a few degrees and then to the maximum.

On the back of the camcorder, we have the cover for the memory and battery compartment. To the right of the battery compartment we have the record button indicated by the universal red dot, the power button and a small LED indicating that the camcorder is charging. Just below the charge LED is the external microphone connection I referred to earlier. Above the battery and memory compartment we have the “mode” button to switch between video recording, taking pictures and previewing your work. Continuing along the top we have a small indentation along the body for you to rest your fingers.

On the last side we have the screen which can be rotated 360 degrees for your viewing pleasure.

The inside of the screen comes with a separate zoom and record button. There’s also a key (QMenu) to load up the menu. On the inside portion of the body we have additional USB and video connections, the speaker, EASY Q, flash and iCheck. EASY Q basically sets the camcorder on Auto mode. The camcorder processor will select which modes to use. EASY Q will also automatically turn on the Anti-Shake option. The flash button toggles between auto, red-eye, fill, slow sync or off and only works when operating in the Photo mode. The iCheck switches between full or minimal on-screen display information. When enabled, you can see the recording time, total recording time available, battery life, recording settings and have quick links to preview and settings.

Turning our attention to the front, the HD Lens takes up most of the area. The lens offers a focal range of 6.3 to 63mm and an aperature range of F1.8 to 2.5 with a 49mm lens diameter. There is 10x optical zoom and 100x digital.

All things considered, the camcorder is not that big. I found with my index finger on the zoom key and thumb on the battery and storage memory compartment and the unit felt pretty comfortable and stable in my hand. With the handle rotated 90 degrees my thumb rested on the zoom key and with my index finger extended across the body, I was able to point the camera around without creating a shaky image.

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