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: #1786 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

Great Video but Pics are just ok
I can at last say I have found the camera that looks better on my HD tv than the shows I am watching! I have owned an Aipek GO-HD, Aiptek A-HD, two Canon TX-1's, Sanyo CG6, and two Sanyo HD700 all of which had some sort of fault or major shortcomings. This camera works fantastic for pics or video outside and works just as well inside with only normal lighting. Only other camera that came close to working as well indoors was the Aipek A-HD and up until now was the only camera I kept. Others have complained that the video will be jerky when played back on the pc. The only program that will play any HD video back smoothly is NERO 8!!! None other will work as good as this. I am using a 1.6gig single core processor and 1gig ram so you don't need a fast pc just a great program to run it and will also maintain full hd when burned to a DVD. Most other programs will drop the resolution to dv1 when burned to a DVD.
All in all I can say this is a keeper which says a lot and my wife is so happy that I will be spending more time with her. Now that my search for the ultimate point and shoot camera is done. Only took 8 cameras and 8 months. This one is truly a point and shoot to get great results without having to play with all the settings to get great pics only to loose out getting it because you were to busy trying to play with the adjustments.
Hope this helps someone avoid all the trial and errors I have had to endure.
My Update: This has been a fantastic camera but have had some problems with processing the video recently. I got a new laptop and it does not handle it very well. After owning it for almost a year now the battery still holds a great charge. The pictures are still good but after more use and after buying a Kodak V1253 I realized that the pictures were not that great even at 8mp. The camera has been dropped few times and still keeps on ticking. The drops were from the wonderful case that Sanyo sells. It is junk do not waste your time or money on the case. The camera will yes will come flying out of it and bite the dust.

Great Still and Video quality, easy to use
I was tired of carrying around my Canon Rebel SLR and my 3 CCD Panasonic DV camera on family trips and this was a perfect solution as I was having trouble finding a point and shoot that took decent video. This camera is very to use and the picture quality-for what it is-is outstanding. I am a video engineer by trade and a friend shot a high end commercial on this camera. I said huh? He was looking for a style that would be home video but professional enough to get the job done. No, it's not as good as my Panasonic 3CCD DV video camera, put it fits in a pocket, is well made and shoots in HD. The interface and buttons are terrific--I can decide to shoot video or take 8 megapixel pictures or grab stills while shooting video. It's menu system makes it as easy to use as you want with a "simple" mode or you can go manual.

Connected directly to a HDTV the picture is startlingly beautiful. When I drop the camera into the dock my Mac recognizes it and iPhoto launches. One caveat as many people mention is the 1080i is not compatible with the latest version of Quicktime. Sanyo doesnt seem to care either. On the other hand the 720P works terrific with iMovie 6 (and iMovie '08 if you are so inclined) and will even work with Final Cut Express and Pro. The 720p edits and displays beautiful and burning the HD files to iDVD are crisp and clean. There are ways to get the 1080i to work such as converting the files using MPEG streamclip. The bad news as with any 1080i/p file is editing them is a nightmare as the H264/AVCHD file is a processor hog and you must wait for everything. I have the latest 20" iMac and the 1080i won't even fit on the screen and crawls and jerks during playback. As with most 1080/AVCHD formats a Mac Pro is a must.In other words--stick with 720P. The progressive scanning, small file size and HD quality will make you very happy. Bottom line, the loss of 1080i to edit isnt a real loss. When processors eventually catch up to where H264 1080 HD is (for example putting an MPEG4 co-processor on the graphics card) hopefully Sanyo would have resolved the problem. You can see the 1080i on an HD wide screen TV.

I highly recommend this camera for easy of use, portability and very good video and still picture quality. One caveat, stay away from the holster case accessory--the camera easily falls out of it unless you add a velcor strap to keep it closed.

Why this is my favorite camera I've ever used
I want to be very clear when I say that this is my favorite camera I've ever used. With that being said, this camera is not as sharp as other more expensive models on the market. That aside, this camera takes great video.

The reason I love this camera so much comes right down to a few little details.
1: It has a flash card (I bought a 8gb SDHC Class 6 transcend card on ebay for ~$30) and it is so easy to take it out and play it on my computer or PS3. (The PS3 will play it natively. You don't need to change directory names or anything. Shoot a video, pop it in your PS3 - and watch it on your HDTV) It is also very easy to watch on your computer (although I did have some difficulties watching the 1080i videos until I installed the K-lite codec pack with Mplayer, then it worked just fine)

One of the biggest turn-offs for me is having something with a cassette camcorder that you have to rip onto your computer first. I hate having to decide which quality I want, because the best quality videos are always HUMONGOUS, and they don't necessarily need to be. Yes, cassette recorders usually have better video quality, but I hate using them and I rarely make projects with them because it's such a pain.

2. It is so easy to use. You honestly just lift the screen on the side and it's ready to record in less than 3 seconds. The battery life seems to last a while too - no need for a 2nd battery yet. It's also small enough to fit in your pocket (not as small as the HD700, but the quality difference makes it worth it.) Also this camera has the screw lens on the front (an odd size, 40.5mm) so you can get a UV, CPL, and other filters for it to improve the quality of your videos outside. I really just love it. It has plenty of features that allow you to change all sorts of contrast and brightness settings, but not so many that it becomes cumbersome.

Honestly, I've taken at least 10 times the amount of video with this camera than I did with my previous camera because it is simply so easy to use. If you are a camera snob and have to have every feature, you will probably not like this. But if you are someone who wants decent HD quality home videos without paying close to 1000$ and like a simple interface, then this is for you. I highly recommend this camera - I simply love it.