Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1010 MPEG4 High Definition Camcorder Review
Sanyo Xacti is a high definition camcorder with 10x optical zoom. One of its most exciting aspects is its vertical design and small size. Designed to fit in a jacket pocket, it is very portable. It renders good results for a camcorder of its size. It weighs around 9.9 ounces (with the battery and SD card). It has a pistol-like-grip, designed for simple, one-hand operation with the thumb. This makes it comfortable to hold the camcorder for long periods.
One of its exceptional features is its video quality. On the front of the camcorder is a big lens that is of superior quality. It has a 1/2.5 CMOS sensor, effective pixel count of 3560k, and a highest video resolution of 1920×1080, making it one of the better-equipped camcorders than most of the other camcorders in the same price range. The most outstanding aspect of the camcorder is the sharp and detailed results. The colors also seemed to be vibrant and life-like; however, you may have to adjust the white balance presets, to get results that are more precise.
Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1010 Camcorder
It can record MPEG-4 video to SD/SDHC flash memory card. You also have the option of recording to an 8GB card for 87 minutes. When connected to a computer via a USB cable, VPC-HD1010 acts like a standard card reader. It is very easy to transfer images and videos to the computer. It has the capability to record 4-megapixel of digital still pictures and HD movie clips. It sports a set of descent features that include the latest high-definition CMOS sensor that captures fast moving subjects with a lot of clarity. The camcorder can capture either 1920×1080(1080P) HD quality video at 30frames-per-second or 1920×1080(1080i) HD video at 60 fields-per-second.
It faces a tough competition from Sony TG3E/TG, which is also a pistol-like grip camcorder and the two have nearly the same features. Sanyo has made a minor change in the Xacti. The HD1010 has a better image processing. It also includes the new “face chaser” technology for both, stills and videos. The other addition is the 300fps slow-motion mode, which may not be the very best when compared to Casio’s EX-F1, but a good addition. It also provides a 7fps continuous still shot mode that snags images at the sensor’s maximum resolution of 4 megapixels.
The 10x all glass HD f/1.8 lens allows nearly 4 times more light through to help in low light situations. It also has a 10x digital zoom, making its total zoom capacity 100x. It has a face detection feature, which in addition to the new “face chaser” technology, monitors the face of the subject and accordingly adjusts brightness and focus. This technology works for up to 12 faces at a time. It also features the Wide Dynamic Range mode that renders improvement in images in different light and shade conditions.
It has a provision for seven frames-per-second sequential shooting. This feature, ideal for special effects or action photography, lets you capture up to seven photos in a second. According to Sanyo, HD 1010 incorporates a classy image stabilization to correct camcorder shake for both, stills and videos. However, the image stabilization seems to be poor. It renders a professional-look, operating in wide-angle and telephoto modes. However, since the camcorder weighs less there is considerable amount of shake.
The large 2.7-inch widescreen is a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that flips out and rotates on its axis to up to 285 degrees. This makes it easy to capture great videos and stills from difficult angles. Using the HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable, you can now view high definition video on a HD television. Your camcorder can be connected to the HD television through a single HDMI cable that has to be inserted in the HDMI terminal located on the base.
Sanyo Xacti HD1010 has also managed to get rid of the complex connection method and instead has come up with a modern and new docking station. It provides for direct connectivity through the HDMI cable (sold separately), component, composite, or S-video connection to a TV, DVD player, or computer. The internal battery of the camcorder can also be recharged by placing it on the docking station.
Its other features include random access. This feature records each video as an individual MPEG-4 and each still as a JPEG. This gives you the freedom to review a particular photo or video easily and quickly, without the hassle of rewinding or fast-forwarding the tape. It features a Super-fast Startup that begins shooting in less than two seconds. When you turn on the camcorder with the LCD closed, it puts the camcorder in standby mode. You only need to open the LCD display and the camcorder powers on automatically and lets you start recording almost immediately.
Other than the camcorder shake caused due to the weight of the camcorder, the other negative of Xacti HD1010 is its menu interface which is very complicated and not up to the mark. The audio quality too is not very brilliant. It is also not very easy to operate the camcorder, mostly because of the complex menus.
The one thing that makes Sanyo’s Xacti HD1010 a winner is its video quality. It does have a few problems with its menu and audio quality, but over and above, is a good deal. You can find this camcorder with some deep discounts because Sanyo has replaced it with the Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2000.
Best prices on the web:
| Shop at | Price | Rating | Stock |
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$699.99 |  |
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$319.99 | |
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$499.95 | |
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$499.00 |  |
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$853.70 | UNKNOWN | |
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$765.35 | IN | |
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$489.00 | |
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$657.67 | IN |
Technical Specifications:
Brand Name: Sanyo
Model: HD1010
Media Type: Flash card
Lens Type: fixed-zoom
Optical zoom: 10 x
Maximum Aperture Range: F/1.8-2.5
Shooting Modes: Digital photo mode
Video Input: Camcorder
Display Size: 2.7 inches
Optical Sensor Resolution: 4 MP
Optical Sensor Technology: CMOS
Optical Sensor Size: 1/2.5″
Viewfinder Type: None
Audio Input: Microphone
Microphone Operation Mode: Stereo
Height: 4.4 inches
Weight: 9.5 Ounces
Depth: 2.2 inches
Width: 3.5 inches
Related Reviews:
Hi, I recently wrote a blog post and video about the kit I use alongside the HD1010 to get the best results. Check it out here: http://www.nathanrae.co.uk/smallkit
I’ve had a lot of good feedback and most people have found it helpful and interesting.
Nathan Rae
[...] Sanyo Xacti is a high definition camcorder with 10x optical zoom. One of its most exciting aspects is its vertical design and small size. Designed to fit in a.Read more… [...]
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