34X optical zoom Samsung MX20 SD-definition camcorder to launch next month (in Japan)

It might seem weird to come out with a standard-definition (SD) camcorder, but this one is no ordinary camcorder: while most have a 10X optical zoom, Samsung has managed to put a 34X optical zoom in the MX20 (we mentioned this camcorder when Samsung showed its new Camcorder platform). We have not seen what it can do in the real world, but this is impressive on paper. If you are mainly creating web videos, trading HD resolution for optical zoom might not be so bad, although one has to wonder why Samsung could not integrate both – let me guess: cost.

Highlights

• SD card storage (up to 32GB)
• 3 hrs of battery life
• Face recognition
• Youtube and iPod friendly presets
• Launches in September in Japan