Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1 Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the Xacti HD1

The SANYO Xacti HD1 is the world's first high-definition compact digital media camera offering advanced, next-generation video performance. The palm-sized HD1 records both 720p high-definition video and 5.1-megapixel digital still images to a standard Secure Digital flash memory card. This compact media camera features a brilliant 2.2-inch OLED color display and a powerful 10x optical zoom lens with image stabilization. Like all the Xacti media cameras the HD1 can record high definition video and simultaneously capture still images with a simple press of the shutter button.

The HD1 employs an ultra-clear 2.2-inch SANYO-developed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display with 210,000 total pixels for exceptional viewability. The display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees on axis for taking great video or still images in otherwise difficult locations. Trademark features of OLED displays are wider viewing angles, brighter picture without need for a backlight, greater contrast with richer colors, faster response speed for smooth playback of rapid movements and lower power consumption than LCD displays. When not in use, the display folds back into the side of the camera to protect the screen.

No camera is better than its lens and the HD1 features a powerful 10x optical zoom lens with a 38-380mm focal range (35mm equivalent) that keeps you close to the action. The all-glass lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 from wide to telephoto focal lengths. The HD1 incorporates a digital image stabilizer that compensates for distracting up-and-down or side-to-side camera movement, keeping your subject steady and easy to follow. It accurately distinguishes between unintentional camera shake and deliberate camera movement. This handy feature operates in both wide-angle and telephoto modes, giving every shot a solid, professional-looking feel.

The HD1 is designed for super fast start-up and shooting - the tapeless design eliminates the need to queue up a tape deck allowing you to begin shooting in as little as 1.7 seconds! When the HD1 is powered on, closing the color display puts the camera in standby mode - simply open the display and it automatically powers up and can begin immediately recording in as little as 1.7 seconds.

The HD1 can record over 21 minutes of 720p HD video on a 1GB SD card or over 42 minutes on a 2GB card and is compatible with the newer 4GB size cards for even longer recording. You can record in Standard Definition mode (640 x 480 pixels at 30fps progressive) for up to two hours on a 2GB SD card. It's easy to switch between high-definition and standard-definition recording modes by simply pressing the "HD/Norm" button on the side of the camera.

SANYO's proprietary high-definition imaging engine enables advanced image processing functions such as real-time MPEG-4 compression, noise reduction and high-definition processing. Recording in the global multimedia standard MPEG-4 delivers exceptional video clarity and detail in an unbelievably portable configuration. What's more, because MPEG-4 is exceptionally efficient in the way it records digital information, higher quality videos and stills can be saved in smaller files.

One of the more frustrating aspects of working with any digital media camera is juggling all the wires and connections necessary when you want to use it with external components for viewing or to download files. The HD1 streamlines the whole process with a docking station that provides an instant connection to a TV or PC. A wireless remote control further enhances both the playback and recording functions. The camera battery is automatically charged whenever it's placed in the docking station.

Connect the HD1 to a VCR or DVD Recorder to make back-up copies of recorded content. Still images and video clips are played back continuously and in chronological order. The HD1 offers convenient connection to your Windows or Mac PC. Simply "drag-and-drop" video clips and still images to the hard disk for emailing, editing or archiving. Still images can be printed directly to any PictBridge compatible printer without the need of a computer.

Xacti HD1 Features:

• Compact, thin (1.4 inches) and durable metal alloy body
• 5.1-megapixel CCD imager with 10.2-megapixel interpolated mode
• 10× optical zoom lens with 38-380mm 35mm equivalent coverage
• Digital image stabilizer for shake-free movies
• 16:9 widescreen format (HD-SHQ / HD-HQ modes)
• True 720p HDTV (1280x720) MPEG-4 movies @ 30fps with stereo audio
• 640x480 MPEG-4 movies @ 60fps or 30fps with stereo audio
• Capture hi-resolution 5MP still images during movie recording
• Automatic macro focus switching, Super Macro as close as 1cm
• Wide viewing angle 2.2" color OLED monitor, swivels 285°
• Advanced TTL 5-point autofocus system with manual focus option
• Program Auto, Aperture priority, Shutter-speed priority, Manual and 6 Scene modes
• 3-shot Sequential and 3-frame AE Bracketing modes
• Voice recorder function: 33+ hours recording time with 2GB SD card
• Evaluative metering on focus point, Center-weighted and Spot options
• White Balance: Automatic, 5 presets or Custom
• Talking Navigation Guide is helpful for first-time users
• Color filters: Cosmetic, B&W, Sepia
• ISO speeds: 50-400 still image, 200-1600 in movie mode
• Built-in stereo microphones and speaker
• Popup flash with red-eye correction mode
• HD Component, S-Video and Composite video outputs
• Secure Digital memory card storage
• Multifunction Docking Station and wireless remote control
• High-capacity rechargeable Li-ion battery
• Padded carrying case included
• Exif Print, Print Image Matching III and PictBridge Compatible
• USB 2.0 high speed plug-n-play connectivity for PC and Mac

The SANYO Xacti HD1 comes with the docking station, AC adapter, high capacity Li-ion battery, AV cable with S-Video, Component AV cable, USB cable, cable adapter, remote control, soft case, hand strap, lens cap and Sanyo Software Pack 7.4 with Ulead Photo Explorer 8.5 Basic, Ulead DVD MovieFactory 4.0 SE, Motion Director SE 1.1, Quicktime 7.0 (Mac/Win).

The HD1 will be available in late March 2006 at an MSRP of US $799.99.

Video:
[HD-SHQ] 1280 x 720 (30fps, 9Mbps)
[HD-HQ] 1280 x 720 (30fps, 6 Mbps)
[TV-HR] 640 x 480 (60fps, 6 Mbps)
[TV-SHQ] 640 x 480 (30fps, 3Mbps)
[TV-HQ] 640 x 480 (30fps, 2 Mbps)
[Web-HQ] 320 x 240 (15fps)

Speaker: Built-in mono (L/R mixed output)

Humidity: 30 to 90% (operating, no condensation)
10 to 90% (storage, no condensation)