Product Description

The Sanyo Xacti HD1000 camcorder combines a FULL 1080i image quality with 4-Megapixel still images in a single compact design. Incorporating the latest high-definition CMOS sensor, the Sanyo Xacti HD1000 camcorder captures full 1920x1080 (1080i) high-definition video at 60 frames-per-second. Designed to record the rich and vibrant colors of real life, the HD1000 also captures subtle tones to provide a natural-looking result. Sanyo's noise reduction technology helps obtain the cleanest signal while the CMOS sensor provides the responsiveness you need to capture fast moving objects. Record in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 to get exceptional video clarity and detail while maintaining the smallest file size possible. A 10x all-glass HD lens is capable allowing light through almost 4x more to assist in lower light situations. The lens provides a fantastic field-of-view with a 38-380 mm range (35 mm equivalent). A large 2.7" Widescreen LCD display flips out and rotates up to 285 degrees on an axis to take great video or stills from angles that are otherwise difficult to position, in large crowds or small rooms. It's easy to share your high-definition movies on your HD television with the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal built into the base station to connect your camcorder to your TV. The Xacti HD1000 records high-definition and photos directly to a standard SD or SDHC Memory Card for a total of up to 1 hour and 25 minutes of 1080i high-definition video on an optional 8GB card. 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. Adjustable Resolution Modes Organization & In-Camera Editing Robust Sound Recording Easy Camera To PC Connection Superfast Startup Manual Controls

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1162 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sanyo
• Model: VPC-HD1000
• Dimensions: 4.40" h x 2.10" w x 3.50" l, .60 pounds
• Display size: 2.7

Features

• Digital media camera combines the functionality of a digital camera with a digital camcorder
• Simultaneously records high-definition digital video and 4 MP digital still images
• 10x HD zoom lens; 2.7-inch widescreen LCD
• Built-in image stabilization; high-quality digital stereo recording
• HDMI high-definition output; compatible with SD/SDHC memory cards

Manufacturer Description

The Sanyo HD1000 Xacti digital media camera with 10x optical zoom is a high-definition compact digital media device that combines both the functionality of a digital camera and a digital camcorder. Different than a standard digital camera that shoots short video clips, the HD1000 offers advanced, next-generation video performance and high-quality stills in one small, lightweight camera. This powerful little device is designed to record both 1080i high-definition video and 4-megapixel digital still images, all of which are handily stored to a convenient SD or SDHC memory card.

Xacti HD1000 Highlights

CMOS Sensor

Full 1080i HD sensor Incorporating the latest high-definition CMOS sensor, the Sanyo Xacti HD1000 camcorder captures full 1920x1080 (1080i) high-definition video at 60 frames-per-second. Designed to record the rich and vibrant colors of real life, the HD1000 also captures the subtle tones to provide the natural-looking result. The HD1000’s CMOS sensor provides the responsiveness needed to capture fast moving subjects and Sanyo’s noise reduction technology helps obtain the cleanest signal from each pixel. The HD1000 records to the latest in MPEG-4 standard MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, delivering exceptional video clarity and detail while maintaining the smallest file size possible.

10x optical HD lens At the front of the HD1000 is a commanding 10x all-glass HD lens. The HD1000’s fast f/1.8 lens is capable of allowing almost four times more light through to assist in lower light venues. Consisting of eight groups and eleven total lenses with a built-in neutral density filter, the HD1000's lens provides a fantastic field-of-view with a 38-380 mm range (35 mm equivalent). Combined with the 10x digital zoom, the HD1000 provides up to 100x total zooming capability.

Take 4-megapixel photos

4-megapixel still photos The Xacti HD1000 enables simultaneous shooting of 4-megapixel still images and HD (1920 x 1080 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.)

Large 2.7-inch widescreen display The Xacti HD1000 features a large 2.7-inch widescreen Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). 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, especially useful when shooting in large crowds or in small rooms.

Fits in the palm of your hand

Ergonomic design The Xacti series has become known for the small size and ergonomic design. The HD1000 features a comfortable angle designed to easily fit in the palm of the hand. The HD1000’s design adapts a new 105-degree angle research proven to be less tiring to hold and shoot than typical camcorders. Easy-to-hold and easy-to-shoot, the HD1000 raises the bar in compact camcorder design.

HDMI high-definition output It’s easy to share your high-definition movies on your HD television with the HD1000. Using the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal built into the base station, just one cable connects your camcorder to your TV for a totally digital output. HDMI carries both the video and audio signals in digital form for the highest quality playback.

Convenient SD/SDHC memory card The Sanyo Xacti HD1000 records high-definition and photos directly to a standard SD or SDHC Memory Card. In fact, the HD1000 is capable of recording up to 1 hour and 25 minutes of 1080i high-definition video on a single 8GB card (sold separately). The SD memory card’s compact size (0.94W x 1.26H x 0.08D inches) and weight (about 2 grams) makes it ideal for the compact size of the HD1000. The minimal power requirements of the SD card also contribute to longer recording and playback times. When connected to the computer via the USB cable, the HD1000 acts as a standard card reader. Transferring images and videos to your computer has never been easier.

Image stabilization High-definition can't hide shaky or erratic camera shaking. That's why Sanyo's HD1000 comes with a sophisticated image stabilizer for both stills and video. Using a proprietary Sanyo algorithm, the HD1000 compensates for distracting up-and-down or side-to-side camera movement during video shooting, 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. Random access Each video is recorded as an individual MPEG-4 and each still as a JPEG so you can have true random access allowing you to review a specific image or video quickly and easily, without waiting for tape rewinding or fast forwarding.

Adjustable resolution modes Choose from six different video resolution modes and eight different still photo resolution levels depending on how your images will be used.

Digital stereo recording

Robust sound recording Record 48 kHz, 16-bit, 2-channel sound for AAC-LC (MPEG-4 Audio) for a sense of reality to match the quality of those impressive high-definition movies. The Xacti HD1000 also features a dedicated terminal to which an external microphone can be attached.

Organization & in-camera editing With the Sanyo Xacti HD1000’s 9-image display function, users can quickly search for specific images or videos. And, with the slideshow feature, images can be played back continuously. The HD1000 can also edit clips. Clips can be cut in user-selected points and spliced, all from the camera itself. Unwanted images can be easily deleted, freeing up memory card capacity.

Easy connection to PC or TV

Easy camera to PC connection 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 HD1000 streamlines the whole process with an innovative docking station that provides an instant HDMI, component, composite or S-video connection to a TV and a USB connection for a PC. The HD1000 even recharges its internal battery when nested in the docking station.

Super-fast startup With the tapeless design, the HD1000 eliminates the need to queue up a tape deck or get a DVD or hard drive spinning allowing the HD1000 to begin shooting in as little as two seconds! When the HD1000 is powered on, closing the LCD display puts the HD1000 in standby mode. Simply open the display and the HD1000 automatically powers up and can begin immediately recording in as little as two seconds.

Manual controls The HD1000 features versatile manual controls for advanced shooting. The following settings can be manually adjusted according to the shooting situation: Manual focus adjustment (16 settings); aperture adjustment (6 stops); exposure compensation (1.8 EV, 0.3 EV steps); shutter speed (13 settings); and image-quality adjustment (for sharpness and color saturation).

Easy HD playback The Xacti HD1000 enables easy playback of recorded high-definition images directly on a TV screen. Connect the HD1000 to a VCR or DVD recorder to back-up copies of recorded content. Still images and video clips on the Xacti HD1000 are played back continuously and in chronological order. Along with MPEG-4 digital recording, the Xacti HD1000 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 HD1000 also comes with a remote controller to operate the camera at a distance during playback.

Customer Reviews

coolest portable HD camera
This a great portable hd camera. Easy to use, good functionality. I can run videos easy and take pictures on the fly. Great product, easy transition of downloading your data to pc or connect thru HDMI & stream your videos & pics on an HD TV. Great for capturing the moments in life.

Not totally Mac Compatible but Close
I just purchased this unit knowing it was becoming obsolete as far as the model for Sanyo. I would have to say if you consider the price, functionality, options, quality and size, this is a great deal!

My observations:

1. It is Mac compatible, expect in the "highest" HD movie recording setting. There are plug-ins that allow you to playback the video on your Mac, but for iMovie you will still have issues importing. The next lower quality (resolution) setting for me is still better than my mini-dv tape unit, and works fine with iMovie. I suggest MPEG Streamclip, a free utility to help you out.

2. The still camera function is better than I anticipated.

3. Get at least a 8gig SD card. Look for sales.

4. I would search the web for advice on how best to set the camera settings, as well as if you are a Mac user for optimal results

Enjoy!!!

Almost perfect except for 3 things
I have owned the Sanyo Xacti HD1000 for almost 1 year and I have a lot to say about it. What I really wanted was a small camera that would be great for backpacking trips and traveling abroad. My previous video camera used a built in hard disk drive which I later found out couldn't be used over 10,000 feet. Not a good feature for me when summiting 13,000+ foot mountains in the Sierras. The HD1000 with its SD/SDHC flash memory recording technology is the answer for me!

My wish: a small, light video camera costing well under $1000 that takes great videos and great still images. Must record to SD memory cards, have image stabilization, be easy to use, have good battery life and a mircophone jack.

The reality: The HD1000 is so great in many ways-- good battery life, easy to use, etc. But...here are three reasons why this camera is not perfect:

1) image quality for videos is good, but not amazing. You won't be competing with the Discovery Channel, but the videos that you shoot in bright light will be a lot of fun to watch. I would give the grade of B+ for video quality. Still photo image quality is another story. I am very picky about the quality of images and this camera sucks at taking still photos. I would give the grade of C- for still image quality. This will be less of an issue for people who are not picky.

2) No optical image stabilization. The digital image stabilization that Sanyo uses on the HD1000 and even the newer HD1010 just plain doesn't compensate for people's shaky hands. You must hold the camera very steady, especially when zooming, or your videos will be a headache to watch. I demand optical image stabilization on future models Sanyo!

3) Lens crop factor/ lens angle. The Sanyo HD1000 has a lens that can zoom up to 10x which is great. Using no zoom at all, the lens is equivalent to about 35-36 mm on a 35mm camera. Translation: you need to stand at least 10-15 away from a group of people to get them all in the video (unless they are huddling). My primary use of the camera is for backpacking and traveling, so I want something for people and landscapes. The lens on this camera is too narrow. The only solution is to buy a wide angle lens which screws on to the front of the camera and gives a viewing angle that is fantastic. But the wide angle lens is big and heavy, and ruins this camera's sleek, lightweight design. Nevertheless, 90% of the video I take with the HD1000 is with the wide angle lens screwed onto this camera. I just can't tolerate the video any other way. It is unfortunate that my camera is now so bulky.

CONCLUSION: So far technology has not provided the average consumer with a cost effective all-in-one video camera/still camera that will knock your socks off. The HD1000 is a good device and I am glad to own it, but it has some flaws that really bug me. I guess the best way I can balance the pros and cons is this: if you wait for the perfect device to come around, you will miss out on taking videos until then. In the meantime consider picking up the HD1000 and having fun with it while finding out what you like and don't like about a camera so that you can define for yourself what your next perfect camera will be like.