Sanyo VPC-C5 MPEG-4 Camcorder with 5MP Digital Still Camera & 5x Optical Zoom

by Sanyo

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 7 x 6.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009S9XIS
• Item model number: VPC-C5
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,304 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 1, 2005

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description Make movies anywhere with this tiny, tapeless digital camera. In fact, this multifunction video camera/digital still camera is so small and lightweight, others might mistake it for a cell phone. But don't be fooled by its diminutive design; the VPC-C5 sports a five-megapixel image sensor and can capture more than 15 minutes of DVD-quality MPEG-4 video on the included 128MB memory card.

The VPC-C5 is designed to fit into and be operated by one hand.

Digital Still Camera
The VPC-C5's 1/2.5 inch, 5.26-megapixel CCD sensor can capture images with enough photo-quality detail to create prints as large as 13-by-17-inches. What's more, the camera features real-time pixel interpolation that can simulate the level of detail rendered by 10-megapixel cameras--images that look sharp when printed at 18-by-24 inches.

The camera features a built-in 5x optical zoom lens. Since even the smallest movements and vibrations are magnified in telephoto photography, the camera's built-in image stabilization will help you get sharp, clear photos even when your subject is far away. The camera's optical zoom is complemented with a 12x digital zoom.

Seven scene-select modes will help you optimize your camera for common shooting conditions: auto, sports, portrait, landscape, night view, fireworks, and lamp. The camera even has a Super Macro mode, which will allow you to focus and frame on tiny subjects, such as a flower or sea shell, that are only one centimeter away from the front of the camera lens. The camera also boasts a 3-mode flash (Auto/Forced/Off with slow synchro possible in Night View mode) and a selectable two-second/10-second self-timer.

MPEG-4 video compression allows the VPC-C5 to capture and store more video than other video formats.

Digital Video Camera
The VPC-C5 captures full-frame MPEG-4 compressed digital video. Unlike most digital cameras that take short, small, silent video clips, this machine captures movies at a smooth 30 frames-per-second--the same frame rate standard as broadcast television. Also, it records high-quality stereo audio with built-in wind roar reduction, so clips taken at the slopes or the beach are less likely to have their audio muffled by sudden gusts. The VPC-C5 even lets you snap digital stills while you're filming video.

The VPC-C5 built-in image stabilization minimizes the subtle hand movements and vibrations that make for blurry shots during telephoto shooting.

The camera's large two-inch trans-reflective LCD monitor makes viewing your stills and clips easy, even in direct sunlight. Best of all, the screen is mounted on a pivoting hinge: It swings out and pivots for easy viewing during even high- and low-angle shots, can pivot all the way around for self-portrait framing, and folds together for screen-protecting storage when not in use. The camera supports digital output in the form of USB 2.0 and S-Video analog output.

Easy to Use
Tiny cameras--especially those packed with a lot of features--can be difficult to figure out. Fisher has gotten around this problem by creating an on-board talking navigation guide that explains the camera's features and settings in plain English audio. It comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and it supports the camera-to-printer functionality of PictBridge. The camera even comes with a dedicated docking station to make image uploads and battery recharging a one-touch procedure.

What's in the Box
VPC-C5 multifunction digital camera, Sanyo Software Pack 7.2 CD-ROM, docking station, cable adaptor, USB interface cable, S-AV interface cable, SD memory card, lithium-ion battery, AC adaptor charger (100 - 240 V) and power cord, soft case, neckstrap, lens cap, remote controller, quick guide.

Product Description

Imagine carrying your camcorder in your pocket? Sanyo VPC-C5 makes it possible. It manages to do so without compromising image quality one bit. It even enhances it. There are two fundamental reasons: 1) All images (still and video) are captured on a tiny SD SecureDigital Memory-Card. No tapes are used or required. 2) It has a 5.2 megapixel CCD to deliver excellent image resolution. The VPC-C5 captures full-frame MPEG-4 compressed digital video. Unlike most digital cameras that take short, small, silent video clips, the VPC-C5 captures movies at a smooth 30 frames-per-second -- the same frame rate standard as broadcast television. Enjoy recording high-quality stereo audio with built-in wind roar reduction for indoor and outdoor use. Easy to use, hold, and carry, the Sanyo VPC-C5 really is among the best camcorders to take with you virtually anywhere. Capture still and video images simultaneously Built-in image stabilization Aound Mode with Wind roar reduction Built-in 3-mode electronic-flash High quality stereo recording (AAC-LC) 5X optical zoom lens / 12X digital zoom Seven scene select modes (auto, sports, portrait, landscape, night view, fireworks, lamp) 15 adjustable manual focus settings Super macro shooting (down to a distance of 1cm) Self timer (2 seconds/10 seconds) 2.0 trans-reflective LCD screen for easier viewing in direct sunlight Rechargeable lithium ion battery Talking navigation guide Webcam function PictBridge compatible for printing images directly to a PictBridge compatible printer - without a computer USB 2.0 & S-Video output - Data transfer capable to PC or Macintosh computer or to a TV device 128MB SD SecureDigital card included - We suggest buying an optional 256MB or 512MB SD Card for more practical use Unit Dimensions - 2.7 x 4.3 x 0.9

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good gadget, probably best in market, July 14, 2005

By 

Hansong Huang "pine" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sanyo VPC-C5 MPEG-4 Camcorder with 5MP Digital Still Camera & 5x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I bought this camcorder off ebay before it is on sale in the states. really good gadget and worthy the money IMHO. you would be supprised of its size. and won't touch a mini-dv once you have got used to its size. it offers probably the most functionalities available now from any manufactures. Samsung's new one offers (not available in states yet again) higher resoultion for video but only 2M for still. The panasonic sv-av100 is totally a waste of money compared with this. I don't feel 720x resoution and 640x res. makes any difference at all.

very easy to operate, one hand operation totally. hinges are made from metal and doesn't seem to be fragile. the ability to take picture WHILE recording is cool. it does not need any high speed sd card. records about 1 hour with 1 gb card. quality is fine for me, at least not worse than entry level mini-dv i have used, and similar to MPEG2 movies recorded by other digital cameras. you can download from internet a small program (free) to change the recorded movie to .avi format so that playable directly in media player without any post-processing. still picture quality is as good as other consumer cameras that i have used. battery lasts less than 1 hour (but almost) for continuous shooting from fresh charge. but replacement DB-L20 is very cheap on ebay < $10 including shipping. it does stand by itself on flat surface if the lcd screen is folded down. also it powers on as you open the lcd.

low light shooting still a problem (not for still since it has ISO100-400 and flash). barely usable on street light. but the firework recorded in july 4th was ok under its fireworks mode. Don't feel the image stabilization useful at all. but probly should not expect much from a digital one since I am used to canons' optical ones. it does get reasonable hot after a while

bottom line, it finally allows me abandon consumer level digital camera/camcorder and move to DSLR knowing that I will have a small good quality gadget with me all the time to take care of everyday shooting.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Looks cool, but try it out first., August 11, 2005

By 

Jeannette S. "jnettes" (Sunnyvale, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sanyo VPC-C5 MPEG-4 Camcorder with 5MP Digital Still Camera & 5x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I wasn't expecting a lot out of this camera when I first got it. But when I opened up the box, and saw all the things it comes with I was so excited to use it! I used the quick-start guide to charging the battery, but it said that you had to have the camera on the docking station. Read the instruction manual for charging the battery, and it is less complicated.

The first thing I noticed was the LCD screen is large and the images are clear!! You can even flip it over and take a picture or video of yourself! There is no viewfinder, so you have to rely on the LCD for everything, so I'm sure this takes up a lot of battery power. Also, since it's new on the market, you have to explain to someone how to use it if you want them to take a picture of you. One of the reviewers here said that it turns on when you open the LCD, but that's only on standby mode, so it doesn't power off when you close the LCD. Speaking of power, the battery life is not great, but it charges up quickly!

Although this is operable with one hand (using your thumb mostly), the buttons are close together, and it's not really intuitive at first. There are 3 buttons on the back for shooting still, zooming, and shooting video -- in that order, left to right. So if you are used to the still camera having a button at the top, it can be annoying. But once you get used to it, it's fine. Also, the menu button is tiny and to go through the menu you use a little joystick-type of button to scroll. So if you have large fingers, try it out at the store first to make sure you can get used to it.

I love the feature of taking a still picture while recording, but note that the video pauses while the still picture is being taken (which is only 1-2 seconds). I also noticed that you can hear the camera sounds when taking video, such as when zooming in, or switching modes, etc. but I haven't viewed the video on a laptop or tv to actually tell whether those sounds are disruptive. Another feature I've used is the macro. I took a picture of an ID card that had some fine print on the back, and everything came out legible!

The camera also "talks"... it tells you when you are in record mode or playback mode, but it's really hard to understand because the volume is VERY low. You can mute the beeps and voice, and increase or decrease the volume.

There are numerous other features that I haven't used, mostly for taking still shots, but one thing I noticed is that you have to use the menu to access the features. For example, if you want to delete a picture, change the flash setting or use the self-timer, you have to scroll through the menu. There are 3 menus, and it can be frustrating in the beginning trying to find what you want to do. You risk missing that perfect shot if you're not familiar with the menu! But once you learn where things are, this camera is fun to use!

Oh, and be prepared for all the "oohs" and "aahs" that your friends will say when they see you wielding this cool-looking device!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is exactly what i had dreamed !, December 27, 2005

By 

Heavenly Bird (San francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sanyo VPC-C5 MPEG-4 Camcorder with 5MP Digital Still Camera & 5x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

i perform dance. since i don't have my official photographer/videotographer, i have to carry both my still camera and a video camera in addition to costume and more, locally and internationally. it had been pain in my neck. however, this device is sooo light and sharp ! my problem is gone. thanx God ! excellent quality as a still camera & a camcorder as well. if you read the instruction book well before use, you can mute the operation sound. Perfect !