Samsung makes point-and-shoot a snap with P Series camcorders

[CES 2011] Samsung wants to make life easy in the entry level world of camcorders with a couple more additions – the HMX-P300 and HMX-P100. Both of them will offer full HD recording capability, while fitting in nicely into your pocket without breaking the bank in the process. The HMX-P300 and HMX-P100 clearly draws inspiration from the older Samsung HMX-E10 model, albeit cramming in the latest technology this time around for its market class. Among the key developments are a 5-megapixel BSI (Back Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor that works great in low-light recording situations, the aforementioned HD movie recording capability, pre-installed software to help you use it the moment it is plugged into a computer, 3x Optical Zoom and Pivot Recording Mode, and the ability to shoot stills with the P300 doing 8-megapixel shots while the P100 does 5-megapixels. A One Touch Sharing feature lets you transfer all saved images and videos when connected to a computer thanks to its integrated USB arm, with a microSD memory card slot included for expansion purposes. The P300 will be out in March for $199, while the P100 is released a month earlier with $50 off the P300′s price. Pretty cookie cutter specifications that won’t surprise anyone, while fitting in nicely into the mold of casual camcorders that have made the jump into the world of High Definition.