Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1 5.1MP MPEG-4 High Definition Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

by Sanyo

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 1.4 x 4.8 inches ; 7.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000E0E6YC
• Item model number: VPC-HD1
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,866 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 3, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description The Sanyo VPC-HD1 Xacti Digital Media Camera with 10x Optical Zoom is a high-definition compact digital media device that combines the functionality of a digital camera and a digital camcorder. Different than a standard digital camera that shoots short video clips, the VPC-HD1 offers advanced, next-generation video performance and high-quality stills in one small, lightweight camera.

This powerful little device is designed to record both 720-pixel high-definition video and snap 5.1-megapixel digital still images, all of which are handily stored to a standard SD flash memory card. The high-precision LSI (large-scale integration) for image processing is the real "muscle" behind the Xacti HD1's ability to record high-definition video. This powerful "high-definition engine" processes a massive number of calculations in a short period of time and enables the HD1's high-definition 720-pixel processing, real-time MPEG-4 compression, and noise reduction.

The HD1 features a top-of-the-line screen with an incredibly clear 2.2-inch, Sanyo-developed Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display with 210,000 total pixels. The display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees on an axis that allows you to take great video or still images from otherwise-difficult-to-view positions. The OLED display technology features an expanded viewing angle and up to 5,000 times faster response speed when compared with conventional display technologies. What this means to the user is a smooth playback of even the most rapid movements. And when not in use, the screen tucks securely back into the side of the camera for a pocket-sized portability and convenience.

Leading the HD1's charge towards crisp digital video and stills is the prominently displayed, highly efficient 10x optical zoom lens. The lens features 12 elements designed in nine groups with a built-in neutral density filter, and a maximum aperture of f3.5 in both wide and telephoto angles. This construction allows for clear images in even low-light situations. Combine the optical zoom with a 10x digital zoom capability, and the HD1 is capable of an amazing 100x total zoom.

As with all of Sanyo's previous digital media cameras, the HD1 can record still images in addition to video. A newly developed CCD captures beautiful 5.1-megapixel still images which are stored directly onto any standard SD memory card. The camera also features rapid continuous still shooting, red eye reduction, and an anti-shake digital image stabilizer. While conventional digital camcorders can often snap stills, they are usually low quality. And while conventional digital cameras can record short video, they are frequently grainy with a slow response speed. The Xacti HD1 can do it all, recording both 5.1-megapixel still images and high-definition (1280 x 720-pixel) digital video on the same unit. You can even snap a still image while recording digital video with the simple press of the shutter button.

The HD1 can record over 21 minutes of 720-pixel HD video on a single 1 GB SD card, or over 42 minutes on a 2 GB card. Alternately, the camera allows you to record in Standard Definition (640 x 480-pixels at 30 frames per second progressive) for up to two hours on a 2 GB SD card. If you're looking to shoot home videos of the kids carving pumpkins or a dance recital, you can easily store hours of video footage using the standard definition setting. If high quality is your goal, then change the settings and get crystal clear high definition video. Switching between recording modes is a breeze; you simply press the "HD/Norm" button located on the display side of the camera body. Last, but not least, the Xacti HD1 is ergonomically designed with a comfortable, one-handed grip and convenient, thumb-operated controls that make it exceptionally easy to use whenever opportunity strikes.

Xacti VPC-HD1 Highlights

1280 x 720 progressive HD video scanning Thanks to highly efficient MPEG-4 technology, the HD1 is able to create high-definition videos at 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 frames per second with far higher quality when compared to conventional video cameras. These are richly detailed images that will display beautifully on any big screen TV. Choose from six different video resolution modes (and six different resolution levels for your still photos!), depending on how your images will be used.

Advanced MPEG-4 technology The HD1 features SANYO's proprietary high-definition engine to execute a vast number of calculations in a short period of time. This high-definition engine enables the Xacti HD1's 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.

The 9Mbs frame rate smoothes out fast-moving images

Super-fast 9Mbs frame rate The SANYO HD1 high-definition digital media camera features an accelerated frame rate in the HD mode that is more than four times faster than earlier digital cameras. Transmitting data at 9 megabits per seconds ensures that camera and subject motion are smooth and natural, without the image lag or distortion that might occur in slower-responding systems.

2.2-inch OLED screen The Sanyo HD1 features a SANYO 2.2 inch flip-out advanced organic light emitting diode (OLED) display that offers a brighter picture, greater contrast with a much wider range of color than conventional LCD screens. OLED technology, which draws less power, requires no backlight to function and is ideal to reproduce high-definition images. It's simply brilliant!

5.36-megapixel CCD image sensor Inside the HD1 high-definition digital media camera is an advanced 5.36-megapixel (total) CCD image sensor to capture high-definition videos (at a very smooth and natural 30 fps!), with full-range stereo sound. Using a 2GB SD memory card (optional) the HD1 can record over 42 minutes of high-definition video, up to two hours of standard-definition video or up to 1190 five-megapixel digital still images.

Capture still and high-definition movie images simultaneously The Xacti HD1 enables simultaneous shooting of 5.1-megapixel still images and HD (1280 x 720-pixel) movie clips, with a simple press of the shutter button during the shooting of a movie clip. Users will never need to miss another precious photo opportunity. (Depending on the mode used to take still images, simultaneous video clip shooting may be interrupted. While shooting video clips, using the digital image stabilizer may change the angle of view for still images.)

High-quality digital stereo recording The Xacti HD1's 48 kHz, 16-bit, 2-channel sound for AAC-LC (MPEG-4 Audio) provides a sense of reality to match the realism of those impressive high-definition movies. And not only is it able to reduce noise caused by wind during shooting, the Xacti HD1 also features a dedicated terminal to which an external microphone can be attached.

Built-in image stabilization High-definition can't hide shaky or erratic camera shaking. That's why SANYO's HD1 comes with a sophisticated image stabilizer. Using a proprietary SANYO algorithm, the HD1 automatically 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.

Sleek, ergonomic design On or off, the HD1 is a true work of art. Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, all video and still functions can be easily accessed with the thumb of the hand used to hold the camera. Aside from making everything much simpler and easier to use, this 'one thumb' interface lets you more fully enjoy-and be a part of-each precious moment you record.

Highly-efficient 10x optical zoom The HD1 digital media camera features a highly efficient 10x optical zoom with a bright maximum aperture of f/3.5. Consisting of nine groups and twelve total lenses with a built-in neutral density filter, the HD1's lens provides a fantastic field-of-view with a 38-380 mm range (35 mm equivalent). Combined with the 10x digital zoom, the HD1 provides up to 100x zooming capability.

Convenient docking station 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. SANYO's HD1 streamlines the whole process with an innovative docking station that provides an instant USB/AV (component, composite or S-video) connection to a TV or PC. The HD1 even recharges its internal battery when nested in the docking station.

Super-fast start up The Xacti HD1 high-definition media camera is designed for super fast start-up and shooting. With the tapeless design, the HD1 eliminates the need to queue up a tape deck allowing the HD1 to begin shooting in as little as 1.7 seconds! When the HD1 is powered on, closing the LCD display puts the HD1 in standby mode. Simply open the display and the HD1 automatically powers up and can begin immediately recording in as little as 1.7 seconds.

Versatile Manual Mode enables advanced-control shooting The following settings can be manually adjusted according to the shooting situation: Manual focus adjustment (22 settings); aperture adjustment (5 stops); exposure compensation (1.8 EV, 0.3 EV steps); shutter speed (16 settings); ND filter On/Off; and image-quality adjustment (for sharpness and color saturation).

Easy connection to TV, VCR, DVD recorder or computer The Xacti HD1 enables easy playback of recorded high-definition images directly on a TV screen. Connect the HD1 to a VCR or DVD Recorder to back-up copies of recorded content. Still images and video clips on the Xacti HD1 are played back continuously and in chronological order. Along with MPEG-4 digital recording, the Xacti HD1 offers convenient connection to a PC. With simple drag-and-drop operation, it's easy to save recorded video clips and still images onto a computer's hard disk for emailing, editing or archiving. The HD1 also comes with a remote controller to operate the camera at a distance during playback.

Product Description

CL) U) SANYO VPC-HD1 HI-DEF CAMCORDR

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

91 of 97 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW is the best way to describe this camera!!!!, March 3, 2006

By 

Penn C. (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1 5.1MP MPEG-4 High Definition Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I've owned several video cameras in my time. Including one other from Sanyo. They were, of course, all standard definition.

I've only had four days of playing with this, but I can say that the quality of the videos and stills are excellent. I had seen some sample videos posted from this camera, but they mostly violated general rules of good photos/video. They were shooting towards the sun; they were using bad lighting, etc. The results I'm getting from this are awesome with simple common sense logic of shooting with the sun behind me and getting close and tight on the subject (usually my kid).

Mathematically, there is 3 times the number of pixels in a 720p video versus standard definitions 640x480 resolution. Definition is defined as a combination of the resolution and contrast in the image. So if you shoot in 720p mode and have reasonably good lighting to create contrast, you get AMAZING results. I have also shot indoors in lower than stellar lighting and get very good results.

As far as functionality, the camera fits brilliantly in the palm of my hand and is easily controlled with just my thumb. Two buttons allow me to decide if I want to shoot video or still images (stills are 5.1 MP). The middle toggle controls the zoom. If you want to change whether you are shooting HD or SD, simply press one button and you get visual and audio confirmation of which mode you are in. The pop-up flash is sufficiently bright enough for still images (however, unfortunately is not a constant light for video - works only as a flash for stills).

I've often wondered if the video of my son's first years, shot in standard definition, will be considered as poor of quality as the 8mm film that was shot of me when I was a kid. Think about it, it will always be 4:3 square ratio creating those big black bands on the left and right when played on today's widescreen HD TVs. If you have a newborn now, I'd shoot in the format of the TV's today (720p 16:9 widescreen).

The camera comes with more than you will probably need or use. It has a remote control (great for video playback). It has component connections to connect directly to HDTV sets. It has a USB cable, S/AV cable, semi-hard case, strap, and a few other things. No SD card though, but those have gotten so inexpensive anyway.

Also, it only weighs 1/2 a pound. Compare that to the video camera I used to toss in the diaper bag or my wife's purse that weighed 5 pounds.

You'll need at least a 1GB card to shoot high-definition. I'm using a 2GB card. Their are 4GB cards out there, but wait until the brand names release 4GB. Most of the 4GB out there today were on the market 6 months prior to the FAT32 standard (required to go above 2GB) was ratified. Therefore, I'm not about to trust that they will work. 2GB is also plenty of time for the moment.

I highly recommend using the Xacti HD1. I'm having a blast with it. And I can't describe the faces people make when you tell them that this awesome looking camera is shooting "High Def"!!!

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great concept, above average execution!, May 18, 2006

By 

Layer 1-7 "Tony" (Saratoga, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1 5.1MP MPEG-4 High Definition Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Imagine a camera you can ALWAYS carry in your pocket with the following features:
- HD 30fps 720p
- SD 60fps!! (yeah, you heard it... 60 fps for fast action slo mo)
- record to SD (no more hideous tape!!)
- great still performance
- excellent controls
- decent lens
- less than $1000

Well, the Sanyo HD1 hits on all factors. The quality is simply amazing folks. It is FAR FAR better on HD and SD than my Canon miniDV. There simply is no comparison in the detail. I find uncompressed miniDV picture noisy, grainy and blurry in comparison.

The still quality is also quite decent, on par with my Sony DSC's.

What are the downsides?
- image stabilization degrades the movie image, and thus I keep it turned off. This is the single biggest nit with this unit. However, I will HAPPILY trade shakiness in the image for the vast improvement in movie detail. You can remedy the shakiness with a mono/tripod, but you can't remedy movie detail if it's not there to begin with!
- still image camera processor isn't as intelligent as the best still camera. So as you hit low light or very bright conditions, the pics may suffer in comparison with a true dedicated DSC solution. However, the quality is very good and for a casual carryound camera, IMO, quite adequate.

Conclusion: the best camera you can buy is the camera you have with you. I own a Canon EOS Rebel XT. I never have it with me when I need it. I would buy a true high-end HD cam, but also I would never have that bulky monster with me when I need it.

The HD1 can stay in your pocket every day of your vacation or weekend, in your briefcase or computer case 24x7, and it is always there, ready to go. Now mix in high quality HD. And the lack of performance in the image stabilization is totally offset by the advantage that you are now equipped to sieze on the photo or movie op any time it may come up.

Most important after the HD movie capture feature is the recording to SD card. This is absolutely a requirement going forward. Having messed around with miniDV tapes, rewinding, forwarding, breaking up movies into clips (something Windows MovieMaker 2 can NOT do by itself) is such a time consuming PAIN. SD based camcorders will automatically record all movie clips as individual files on the SD card, making viewing and editing a painless pleasure, especially when coming from the miniDV world.

One last thing: you can't take out the SD card and plug it into a PC directly. The SD card is not formatted for Windows. You can read the SD just like any hard disk, but to do so, you have to plug in the camera (with the SD card in the camera) into your USB port on the PC, and then tell the camera to act as a card reader... then you will see a drive on My Computers and you can suck off all the video and pics using any Windows utility whatsoever.

Sanyo, congratulations on taking a risk and making it pay off. I love this product.

We can certainly look forward to much advances in this area, with low power MPEG4 encoding chips arriving that will encode up to 20Mbps or more and with much better image stabilization. The HD1 encodes at around 9Mbps. I confirmed this by examining the playback stream in Windows. So if you want to wait another year or two, you will be well rewarded for your patience with great advances in the category of hand held micro HD camcorders. Great time to be a photo/video buff.

edit: one other suggestion. There websites you can visit for more info on the best settings for your HD1. Unlike other reviewers here, I have had fantastic results on indoor video. Some of these sites feature video example downloads so you can see for yourself the quality and the extent of the image stabilization problem. I myself don't feel the need to have a tripod, though I will put on a quick attach monopod mount for the times when I want that extra improvement in image stability.

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It Really Depends What You're Looking For, April 10, 2006

By 

Aaron P. Thomas - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1 5.1MP MPEG-4 High Definition Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

The main reason I purchased this camera is because I was looking for a good "all in one" camera/camcorder solution. I chose the Sanyo because it's affordable (compared to any other HD camcorder), I wanted to shoot in High-Def Widescreen, and the still camera offered a decent amount of mega pixels (5) as well as a nice optical zoom (10x).

Size - I travel all the time so the camera's small size is a huge bonus for me. It's small enough to put in a pocket, though it feels a little fragile, so you might have second thoughts about putting an $800 camera unprotected in your pockets or purse.

Cost - My old digital camera was 3.1 mega pixels and had a 5x optical zoom; my old camcorder was analog, so it was a pain to transfer video. I wanted to replace both and this was by far the most "bang for the buck" I could find.

Video Quality - If you're outside and it's nice and bright, the picture looks really nice - though you'll see quite a bit of compression artifacts when watching your video on a large display. If it's dark, you're going to have to work hard to get good results. Even after tweaking the settings to adjust for low light, I could best describe the results as "slightly disappointing." Footage shot in the dark is very grainy and doesn't look HD at all. I read the reviews where people said that the camera performed poorly in low light, but I assumed that these people were shooting in dark rooms with the only light being a lamp 15 feet away. That's not the case. When people say it doesn't do well in low light, they mean "It doesn't do well anywhere indoors that's light less than your standard office building." The auto focus is pretty slow, especially in low light, where it often doesn't work at all. Oh yeah, you can shoot Standard Def video with this as well, but if you're looking to do that, there's no point in this camera - you can find much better standard def cameras for much cheaper. There is an image stabilization option, but even with it on, the video was pretty shaky. You can use a tri-pod of course, but if you got the camera due to its small size, you're probably not interested in lugging around more equipment.

Recording Length and Battery Life - With a 2Gig memory card you only get 28 minutes of HD HQ shooting, which is 9MB per second. A second HD option gives you over 40 minutes, but it's only 6MB per second. The 9MD footage looks pretty compressed as it is, so you're probably not going to want to mess with anything less. The batter lasts about an hour - perhaps a little longer.

Sound - The camera uses two small microphones located on the back of the OLED display to record in stereo, and the results are solid, if unspectacular. I haven't noticed the zoom motor noise in my recordings, but I honestly wasn't looking for it. There's a handy wind-noise reduction option that works pretty well.

Display - The OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display looks great, and even manages to remain usable in the bright sun. This is a good thing since there's no other viewfinder.

Still Pictures - I haven't really taken a whole lot of still pictures, but I've been pretty happy with the results. The camera claims to take 10megapixels stills, but they are basically upconverted from 5MP. There is a flash on the camera that can only be used for stills - it doesn't work as a constant light source when filming. The best thing about the stills is that you can shoot them while filming, which is something I never thought about before I bought the camera, but it's a nice feature.

Editing - The software that comes with the camera is pretty bare-bones, so you're going to want to invest in a better (more expensive) solution. I am using Vegas Movie Studio 6, which supports HD editing. If you have any interest in sharing your videos, you'll need to use a program like this to get your videos down to a reasonable size.

Other Random Thoughts:
- The manual is lousy and does a poor job of explaining features.
- The on screen menu navigation is difficult.
- You can't see your changes to video settings in real time on the preview display; you have to record something to see what you did.
- In addition to the camera, you get a nice case, a docking station, some video cables, and a remote control.
- A 2GB stick is the smallest you're going to want to get. Even a 2 gig card isn't big enough, but I've heard enough people say the 4GB cards currently on the market aren't reliable enough to purchase, that I'd recommend waiting until the new crop of 4GB cards is released and affordable.
- Transferring video to your PC is done via a USB cable that plugs into the dock, or into an adapter which then plugs into the camera. The little adapter is tiny and there's a 90% chance of me losing it in the next 6 months. Why couldn't the USB and power cable plug right into the bottom of the camera?

Final Thoughts:
I've got mixed feelings on the Sanyo Xacti CPC-HD1. On one hand, it's an affordable solution for someone that only wants to carry one camera around with them. On the other hand, the picture quality is pretty disappointing, particularly the low light performance. I'm experiencing a little bit of "buyer's remorse" but I find comfort in knowing that even with its many flaws, it's probably the best I can do for $800 ($900 if you include the price of a memory card).

If you're looking to see the camera in action, this page has some stills and short video clips you can check out:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/hd1_samples.html