Samsung SMX-F44
Samsung SMX-F44
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Samsung SMX-F44
Editor's Review
The Samsung F44 would be an unremarkable standard def camcorder, except that it has a ridiculous 52x optical zoom! The number even extends to 65x with the "intelligent zoom" mode (some optical/digital-zoom combination). It's like a telescope that records video. Make sure you invest in a tripod--the F44 has no image stabilization, so the slightest hand shake will turn your telescopic shots into a fuzzy mess.
Specifications
- Standard-definition video
- H.264 format
- 52x optical/65x "intelligent"/2000x digital zoom
- 2.7-inch LCD monitor
- Mac and PC compatible
- 16GB internal flash memory
- Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Release Date: Mar 22, 2010
Shop for F44 Accessories
Samsung SMX-F44 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
Brendon (03/01/2011)
I am looking for a camera at about $150 for shooting music videos and live performances. Could anyone point my in a good direction?
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by James DeRuvo (03/05/2011)
For that price point, I'd go with the Kodak Zi8. Reason is mostly due to it's external minjack which is ideal for patching in a better quality mic. This means if you know the sound guy, you may be able to connect the camera to the soundboard for the best quality sound.
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Live viewfinders please! (Sandie — 01/31/2011)
I need a live viewfinder! I shoot my husbands RC planes in the air and a LCD screen is impossible to use. I can't follow him when he is competing without a live viewfinder. The camera companies need to stop cheaping out and get at least one or two models with a live viewfinder at a reasonable price. And please, please don't try and tell me your screen is different! The camcorder needs to be a part of your vision to record something flying at 50mph and is only 3' in the air.
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (02/03/2011)
Unfortunately viewfinders have fallen out of favor as camcorders have gotten more compact. What I recommend is visiting hoodman.com and getting an LCD hood. It'll help.
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white balance (audrey — 12/14/2010)
Does this camera have a manual white balance? Or just automatic settings like many others?
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by James DeRuvo (12/16/2010)
Yes, it does.
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Image Stabilization (B. Alan — 11/29/2010)
Looking at the Samsung specs online, they simply state under Image Stablilization, DIS, which I assume is Digital Image Stabilization. Any history with this feature? Thanks.
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Liam McCabe (11/30/2010)
Yes, for Samsung camcorders, DIS refers to digital image stabilization. It helps a bit, but really doesn't come close to correcting hand-shake like optical does.
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samx f44 and the mac (Barry McCormick — 10/29/2010)
how do i - or can i? - get the video from this camera into my macbook?
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (10/30/2010)
This model exports via USB, which is only supported in Intel Mac platforms running Leopard or above. So, if you have an older Mac which uses firewire, you'll have to either get a firewire card or use another computer that supports USB Streaming to get it over. Then import to your MAC with a USB key and into iMovie.
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No image stabilization on SMX-F44 (Michael — 08/24/2010)
@Pete you are mistaken. Specs do not indicate OIS (optical image stabilization)
reply to this comment
Liam McCabe (08/24/2010)
Right. No OIS. There is some kind of electronic stabilization, but not particularly effective.
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Pete (06/30/2010)
The SMX-F44 DOES HAVE image stabilization!
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