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Get a 1080p camcorder bundle for $59.99

The Samsung HMX-U10 is a refurb, but it comes with both a 4GB SD card and a carrying case. It's not as feature-packed as some models, but it's only 60 bucks!

Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
Rick Broida
2 min read
The Samsung HMX-U10 records 1080p video and comes with a 4GB memory card and carrying case.
The Samsung HMX-U10 records 1080p video and comes with a 4GB memory card and carrying case. Geeks.com

It was barely a week ago that I wrote up the Creative Vado HD pocket camcorder, which shoots 720p video. Now, for the same price, you can score a model that delivers 1080p.

Geeks.com has the Samsung HMX-U10 pocket camcorder for $59.99 shipped. That's after applying coupon code woot at checkout. You also get a 4GB SD card and a carrying case.

The snazzy red HMX-U10 records 1,920-by-1,080 video at 30 frames per second. It sports a 2-inch LCD, built-in microphone and speaker, and onboard video-editing software.

In short, it compares favorably with the Creative and Flip pocket cams, at least on paper. What the HMX-U10 lacks is a built-in USB connector, an HDMI output (it does have a composite/component connector), and any kind of image-stabilization technology.

This last is something to think about. Although CNET hasn't reviewed the HMX-U10, many of the user reviews I've read suggest that you need to hold this camcorder rock-steady to get good video. You also need abundant lighting--shooting indoors can produce murky images (which is true of many camcorders).

The product specs mention compatibility only with Windows machines, but because the HMX-U10 records in the MPEG-4 format, videos should play fine on a Mac. Do keep in mind, however, that playing 1080p video requires a decent amount of horsepower. If you have an older, slower system, playback might look jerky.

Given how quickly the aforementioned Vado sold out, there's a good chance the HMX-U10 will as well. I wouldn't classify this as a top-of-the-line pocket camcorder (its specs notwithstanding), but it is one of the best deals I've ever seen on a 1080p model.

Update: I originally noted that this model was new, but it's actually refurbished, with a 90-day warranty. My apologies for the error.