Ok. Ding, ding, ding. "SCX-210L" vs. "Cheap Security Camera from Asia Laden With Wires and Batteries" - Round 2 begins! The 1st Round , the SCX-105L, had some issues from my perspective. I'm somewhat optimistic on round 2 as some have been qouted saying the SCX-205L "has been completely overhauled." I have not had the oppurtunity to touch the SC-X210L or see the video quality output of the new SC-X205L unit. The details floating around elude to some good fixes. It appears the external helmet cam, now draws power from the SC-X210L - this is good. Also, a supposed %25 improvment in video quality - not sure if that's enough! I hope they fixed the easy stuff like staying in external camera mode, controlling power up of the external camera from the SC-X205L, pulling a standard NTSC image from the external camera, and other simple usability items! Also, a switch from MemStick to SD - cool. There's also a rumour of a version with a wireless external camera - interesting! Hey Samsung, how about a pre-release version for a review? I promise to be honest! -chad

Full press release from Samsung:

SAMSUNG'S NEXT GENERATION SPORTS CAMCORDERS PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF HANDS-FREE VIDEO RECORDING
CES Innovations Award Winning SC-X210L Sports Camcorder OffersIncreased Storage and Longer Battery Life for 21st Century AdventurersLas Vegas, NV - January 5, 2006 - Global innovator, Samsung Electronics builds on the success of its SportsCamcorder line with two next-generation models, the SC-X205L and the CES Innovations Award winning SCX210L.The new models offer enhanced movie quality and memory (up to 2GB), a 25% improvement in recording time, a30% improvement in battery life, and an enhanced 10x Optical Zoom. Both new Sports Camcorders also feature Samsung's signature hands-free lens that allows on-the-go consumers to capture their adventures on video.Samsung's Sports Camcorders will be on display during CES 2006 at the Samsung booth, #11033 in the CentralHall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 5th - 8th.

"Samsung created a new camcorder category in 2005 with the original Sports Camcorder. This product remains asthe only product of its kind on the market today," said Aaron Novak, Marketing Manager for Camcorders, SamsungElectronics America. "This year's models add longer battery life, expanded storage capacity and enhanced moviequality to an award-winning design providing consumers with a quality picture and the flexibility that fits their activelifestyle."

The award-winning SC-X210L Sports Camcorder offers 1GB of built-in flash memory and a longer-life batteryto maximize usability time. Made specifically with the outdoor traveler and extreme sports devotee in mind, theunit is compact, rugged and fits easily into pockets or other gear. The unique auxiliary lens module offers handsfreeshooting for extreme outdoor activities and comes with an armband for easy attachment. The MPEG4 ASPcompression format provides increased quality movie clip capture, and Samsung's electronic image stabilizer helpsminimize blur. A 680K CCD and 10x optical/100x digital zoom allow consumers to capture their athletic feats insuperb clarity. Users can set up a shot with the 2.0" LCD and grab additional footage or stills with an SD or MMCmemory card. As a versatile multi-function device for the active consumer, the SC-X210L doubles as an MP3 player,voice recorder and data storage device. The unit also includes a carrying case and web cam module,

The SC-X205L features Samsung's unique hands-free additional lens, a 2.0" LCD and a high-capacity batteryfor additional extreme shooting time. The unit has 512 MB of built-in memory with an SD/MMC memory slot foradditional storage capacity. A 680K CCD and 10x optical/100x digital zoom offer superior video capture quality andthe built-in electronic image stabilizer helps keep the video sharp and in focus.The SC-X210L will be available in February 2006 at $599.99 MAP. The SC-X205L will be available in February 2006at $499.99 MAP.