This is my "pocket camera" for times when an SLR is too much of a burden. The fact it is also a video camera and an audio recorder is great too.

---

Product Description

Use the Sanyo VPC-HD2 Xacti Digital Movie Recorder to capture those precious moments and perfect events -- te ones you'll never want to forget. Record your own 720p MPEG-4 movies, with full 60fps fluid motion VGA-Size recording -- the best digital video you can get. With its Digital Image Stabilizer, you'll get shake-free video. You'll even record better audio with the Sanyo's built-in digital stereo recording. Choose from multiple Sequential Shooting modes, up to 10 photos at 5fps. Store all your digital video and photos to an SDHC memory card. The pop-up flash ensures a detailed, beautiful picture in low light or nighttime conditions. Exposure controls - Program AE, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual Sequential Shooting up to 6 photos at 5 fps, 10 photos at 5 fps Scene Select Modes - Auto, Sports, Portrait, Night View, Landscape, Fireworks, Lamp, Cosmetic, Monochrome, Sepia 2/10 sec. self-timer Full auto TTL white balance Audio microphone Records to SD memory card, up to 4GB Interface AV output - component video/composite video/S-Video, NTSC/PAL, stereo audio USB 2.0 in high-speed mode Built-in monaural speakers (L/R mixed output) Interfaces with docking station or connecting adaptor Multi-Language Display supports 11 languages - Japanese, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Russian, Korean, Traditional and Simplified Chinese Power Source - Lithium-ion battery (DB-L40, included - 1200 mA), AC adaptor (VAR-G8, included) Battery life with stills - CIPA standard 170 images Battery life - video - 75 min. Battery life - playback - 220 min. Unit Dimensions(WxHxD) - 80 x 119 x 36 mm (excluding protrusions) Weight - Approx. 235 g (including battery and SD card)

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5276 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sanyo
• Model: VPC-HD2
• Dimensions: 4.80" h x 7.10" w x 8.00" l, 3.40 pounds
• Display size: 2.2

Features

• Digital media camera combines the functionality of a digital camera with a digital camcorder
• Simultaneously records high-definition digital video and 7-megapixel digital still images
• Clear, 2.2-inch LCD monitor
• Highly-efficient 10x optical zoom lens and 10x digital zoom
• Built-in image stabilization; high-quality digital stereo recording

Manufacturer Description
The Sanyo VPC-HD2 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 VPC-HD2 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 7-megapixel digital still images, all of which are handily stored to a convenient SD or SDHC memory card.

Xacti VPC-HD2 Highlights

1280 x 720 progressive HD video scanning Thanks to highly efficient MPEG-4 technology, the HD2 is able to create high-definition 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) videos at 30 frames per second. That’s up to three times more pixels than standard conventional video cameras. These are richly detailed images that will display beautifully on any big screen TV.

Advanced MPEG-4 technology The HD2 records 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 high-precision LSI (large-scale integration) for image processing is the real "muscle" behind the Xacti HD2'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 HD2's high-definition 720p processing, real-time MPEG-4 compression, and noise reduction.

Super-fast 9Mbs frame rate The Sanyo HD2 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 LCD screen The HD2 features an incredibly clear 2.2-inch, Sanyo-developed Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 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.

7.21-megapixel CCD image sensor Inside the HD2 high-definition digital media camera is an advanced 7.21-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 8GB SDHC memory card (optional) the HD2 can record nearly 3 hours of high-definition video, up to eight hours of standard-definition video or thousands of 7-megapixel digital still images.

Record to convenient SD or SDHC memory cards The HD2 can record up to 21 minutes of 720p high-definition video per gigabyte on a standard SD card. Alternately, the camera allows you to record in Standard Definition (640 x 480 resolution) for up to one hour per gigabyte. 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 recording in high definition is your goal, then change the settings and get 720p high definition video.

Switch between HD and SD modes Switching from standard definition to high definition is a breeze; you simply press the "HD/Norm" button located on the side of the camera body. Additionally, in the menu options, you can choose from six different video resolution modes (and six different resolution levels for your still photos!), depending on how your images will be used.

Record specifically for your personal media player The HD2 has a new recording mode designed specifically to capture video destined for the iPod video or other MPEG4 capable media players. Shooting in the new Web-SHQ mode, you videos will be captured at 320 x 240 pixels at 30 frames-per-second -- perfect for some of the most popular personal media players available.

In-camera editing and playback With the Sanyo Xacti HD2’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 HD2 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.

16:9 widescreen shooting The HD2 features widescreen shooting modes for still, high-definition video and new for standard definition video. You can display both your stills and videos on your full 16:9 television screen.

Capture still and high-definition movie images simultaneously The Xacti HD2 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 HD2'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 HD2 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 HD2 comes with a sophisticated image stabilizer. Using a proprietary Sanyo algorithm, the HD2 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 HD2 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 enjoy-and be a part of-each precious moment you record.

Highly-efficient 10x optical zoom The HD2 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 HD2's lens provides a fantastic field-of-view with a 38-380 mm range (35 mm equivalent). Combined with the 10x digital zoom, the HD2 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 HD2 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 HD2 even recharges its internal battery when nested in the docking station.

Super-fast start up Reduce your chance of missing the moment. The Xacti HD2 high-definition media camera is designed for super fast start-up and shooting. With the tapeless design, the HD2 eliminates the need to queue up a tape deck allowing the HD2 to begin shooting in as little as 1.7 seconds! When the HD2 is powered on, closing the LCD display puts the HD2 in standby mode. Simply open the display and the HD2 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 HD2 enables easy playback of recorded high-definition images directly on a TV screen. Connect the HD2 to a VCR or DVD Recorder to back-up copies of recorded content. Still images and video clips on the Xacti HD2 are played back continuously and in chronological order. Along with MPEG-4 digital recording, the Xacti HD2 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 HD2 also comes with a remote controller to operate the camera at a distance during playback.

---

Customer Reviews

Love it
I normally don't use a video camera and generally stick with digital stills. As far as still images go with this camera, they are only "alright". If you want a compact camera for excellent still pictures, I suggest any of the Canon S series or higher end powershots. It is useful if you just want a quick picture of something you're recording, but it's slow to actually take the picture (about 3-5 seconds) and the quality isn't as good as a stand alone camera.

However, for video, I'm highly impressed. The one downside I have with it is that when shooting in the highest quality (SHD), the battery only seems to last about an hour. However, bump it down one notch (HD) and the battery seems last quite a while longer. After an hour of use, the indicator said the battery was still full (it has 3 values for battery life).

Personally I couldn't tell the difference between the 2 high def qualities, so I'll be shooting at the lower one to get more battery life and longer videos. On an 8 gig card, I get (in hour:minute:second) 1:54:26 at highest quality, and 2:49:53 at the lower HD quality.

One other thing, if you plan on shooting extremely long videos, the camera doesn't use the AC input while recording, only playback. This means you can't charge a battery while recording. I suggest getting a second battery and an external charger if you plan on long shoots with this camera.

*****EDIT*****
Just to clarify on the AC while recording: The camera will still record without a battery as long as the AC is plugged in. It just doesn't charge the battery while recording.

Quite good - But, is it a keeper?
I just received this device yesterday. I got to play with it for about an hour so far. So, this review is going to be "first impressions" or "initial quality" review.

Quality, packaging, instruction manuals, and supplied accessories all look good quality.

I couldn't find an SD card in the packaging. I did have a 2GB memory card with me, so I was OK.

I could put in the battery, charge the device, take a couple of pictures, and a couple of videos without even reading the quick reference manual. I would call that intuitive enough and user friendly.

Quality of the pictures and video is acceptable considering that I used the device straight out of the box without adjusting any settings. Actually pictures and video looked much better on my home LCD monitor, but looked pathetic on my work CRT monitor. (This is not the first time I have experienced this.)

I have played the video on a 61" widescreen HD TV using S-Video cable and the quality was acceptable. Nothing compared to off-the-air HD programming, but it was not bad at all.

I have placed a couple of pictures and videos elsewhere on the Web. Amazon doesn't allow URLs in reviews. Search in Google groups and you may find a link to the pictures and videos.

I will come back here and update the review over the next few weeks.

Update 4/12/2007:
I have uploaded a couple of low light videos. Link to the Web site in the first comment to this review. Results are disappointing. With what I know now, I would probably give it only 4 stars. Can't change the rating now.

I could quickly and easily compile and burn a DVD using the supplied ULead software. I didn't try any bells and wistles, just used the simplest path and I was done with the production process in about 10 minutes. Burning process itself (with an 8x burner) took a long time (unattended). DVD played fine on a regular Panasonic DVD player.

MiniDV based camcorders probably produce much better HD footage. But, that is not of much use for me, because burning a DVD out of MiniDV footage is very hard. I don't think I could have posted sample clips on the Internet so quickly if I were using a MiniDV camcorder. So, should we compromise on quality of the video or ease of sharing the footage?

Update 4/16/2007:
This camcorder is going back. While it is very easy to use and very convenient to quickly share the footage (compared to MiniDV based camcorders), I don't think this can replace my existing DCR-DVD201 due to the poor video quality under low light conditions. I am not the kind to maintain multiple camcorders and use different one for different situations.

Toy not Tool Xacti HD2 Review
Pros-
Small.
Light.
Concealable.
Fill flash syncs at all shutter speeds.
Video shutter speed priority and internal mechanical neutral density filter for bright scenes.

Cons-
Focus hunts. Focus fails to lock on nearest central object even when that central object has high contrast and fills >50% of frame. Focus prone to locking on background instead of subject. Focus is substantially worse than every camcorder I've ever used.

Taking stills while shooting HD video is useless. Viewfinder goes black while still is written to card. During playback video freezes. Taking stills while shooting SD video does not interrupt recording only if lowest resolution 640x480 still is selected. Unable to disable still button to prevent accidental activation.

Audio is full of clicks from auto focus hunting and grating from zooming. External microphone is a must. Can't adjust external microphone level while viewing a meter. There is no meter in any display or menu. External microphone level can't be set high enough, even when using battery powered microphone. Zooming during recording adds high pitched whine to audio from external microphone. Likely due to lack of proper shielding in camera and microphone.

Microphone jack smaller than standard 1/8" plug. Adapter cord is included.

No standard USB jack on camera, docking station or cable adapter block. Must use supplied adapter cable and either docking station or cable adapter block to connect to computer.

This camera is a poor substitute for dedicated still camera. Stills have many artifacts. Substantially worse than my oldest 1600x1200 2.1 Mega pixel Canon Elph camera.

No front lens threads. No lens hood. Lens cap prone to marking lens.

Lens adapters and filter adapter use friction push on "mount" instead of secure aligned threaded connector. Lens ring does not turn. Hama rectangular hood is good fit to filter mounted to Sanyo's filter adapter.

Tripod socket not perpendicular to lens axis.

Camera does not naturally point at subject. At telephoto end finding subjects is difficult.

No place to mount an accessory light or microphone on top of camera.

No provision to alter file naming convention.

Video data rate at minimum secure digital flash card rate. Rate is not even close to the transfer limit of current flash memory. Artifacts so prevalent that it is hard to tell if image is in correct focus. Shooting with tripod is a must to lessen artifacts. Image stabilization ok, but not good enough to prevent compression artifacting of background.

Does not come with HDMI cable. HDMI cable not available for purchase 3/2007 .

Fastest shutter speed only 1/2000.

No thumb wheel for manual focus. Manual focus isn't smooth, but jumps in steps. Unable to adjust manual focus during recording.

Changing between focus modes requires one way cycling through all options. Focal length jumps to widest and stays there when cycling past macro range focus setting.

Unable to adjust exposure compensation during recording.

Instead of smoothly changing to new lighting conditions, automatic exposure noticeably jumps between exposure levels.

Recording display confusing. Displays red "REC" even after pause button is activated, "REC" stays on while card is written, long after actually recording has ended.

Screen momentarily goes completely black after pushing video record button. User unable to follow subject motion with black screen.

Settings menu confusing. Box end wrench menu shows two tabs, but only first is used.

Videos require fast computer to play smoothly. 2006 Apple 1.5GHz G4 Macmini unable to smoothly play unscaled 1280x720 video.