Gizmodo: Digital Cameras, Sanyo

Sanyo Xacti E2 Arrives Just in Time for Summer to End

Mark Wilson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Sanyo is finally gracing the US with the second generation of their respected waterproof Xacti line, the Xacti E2. Capturing either 8MP stills or 640x480 AVC/H.264 video, the 9.1-ounce Xacti E2 can fit up to 8 hours of footage on an 8GB SD/SDHC card (so that's 1GB/hr). Unfortunately, the Xacti E2 is only waterproof to depths of 5 feet. Available now for $400, we dug up some test footage for those of you who like watching a couple of dudes swimming:

SANYO Xacti E2 Key Features:
— Waterproof: submersible to a depth of five feet for 60 minutes
— Shoots high-quality video (advanced MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 at 640 x 480
pixels)
— Smooth movie recording and playback with 60 fps*5
— Takes 8-megapixel stills (JPEG format)
— Records onto an SD memory card or high-capacity SDHC card (memory
cards sold separately)
— Bright, 2.5-inch LCD color display flips out and rotates for easy
viewing
— 5x optical zoom for great close-ups
— Anti-shake digital image stabilizer*6
— Easy, one-handed operation
— Photo and Video Face Chaser technology uses a proprietary Sanyo
algorithm to compensate for distracting up-and-down or side-to-side
camera movement, keeping your subject steady and easy to follow
— Sequential Shooting allows high-speed continuous shooting at 5 frames
per second (for up to 10 frames) in [2M] mode so you won't miss that
perfect shot. Continuous shooting at 1 frame per second (for up to 10
frames) is available in [8M] mode
— CMOS sensor: an advanced 8.0-megapixel (total) CMOS image sensor
allows the E2 to capture high-resolution, 8-megapixel still images in
addition to recording high-quality digital videos.
— New underwater scene mode available in scene selection menu, making
colors more true and clear
— While recording video, 8-megapixel still images may also be taken
simultaneously
— Easy video sharing: Video recording employs highly efficient MPEG-4
AVC/H.264 compression. This keeps high-quality files small, so you can
upload videos to websites and blogs or share them via podcasts or
online social networks.
— "Quick stand-by" makes it possible to start recording or playback
immediately after the monitor is flipped open
— Bundled with 'Adobe Premiere Elements 4.0' for movie editing and
original DVD authoring
— Dimensions: 2.8 x 4.4 x 1.6 (W x H x D, in inches)
— Weight: 9.1 oz. with battery and SD or SDHC memory card
— Comes in a choice of Brilliant Blue or Pearlescent White

Sanyo Xacti HD1010 Camcorder does 1080i, Face Recognition and 300FPS Slow Motion

Brian Lam — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:29:43 EDT

Casio's excellent EX-F1 slow motion digital camera has a bit of competition in Sanyo's Xacti HD1010 camcorder. The 1080i HD cam does face detection for up to 12 people at once, and 300 frame per second slow motion as well as seven frame per second still shooting. YES! IIIIII saaaaaaaaiiiiiiidddd SLOOOOO MOTIOOOOON!

The camera also has increased low light sensitivity, decreasing noise compared to previous Xactis (a weakness of theirs.) They're pushing the bitrate from 12 to 14Mbps, too, to help picture quality. There's a 10x optical zoom with an impressive f/1.8-2.5 lens (more light never hurts) with a 35mm equivalent range of 38-380mm. It's also got image stabilization, a 2.7 inch LCD, HDMI out, and in camera editing. I have to say I've always been a fan of the line, and it's nice to see the Sanyo line keep evolving with new features while fixing previous flaws.

SANYO FULL HD CAMCORDER HAS “FACE CHASER” TECHNOLOGY FOR VIDEO AND STILLS; FEATURES SLOW-MOTION VIDEO MODE AND 7-FPS SEQUENTIAL SHOOTING

Compact, Lightweight Xacti HD1010 Offers Improved Image Processing and Simplified Operation

CHATSWORTH, CA, June 5, 2008 – SANYO, a world leading digital camera manufacturer, debuts the Xacti HD1010, an ultra-compact, full 1920 x 1080 (1080i) high-definition digital camcorder featuring “Face Chaser” face detection technology for both video and stills, plus a new slow-motion video mode and seven frames-per-second sequential shooting for superb action photography. The sleek and simple-to-use HD1010 takes 4-megapixel digital still images and records video and stills to convenient SD memory cards or SDHC cards (sold separately) up to 32GB.

The SANYO Xacti HD1010 will be available in the U.S.A. in July 2008 at an MSRP of $799.99*1.

“The SANYO Xacti HD1010 is our second-generation Full HD camcorder and offers a full complement of innovative features such as automatic ‘Face Chaser’ face detection for both video and stills, along with improved image processing for even better image quality*2,” said Tom Van Voy, Vice President and General Manager of SANYO’s Audio Video Division. “The HD1010 offers advanced, high-definition video performance and high-quality stills in one small, lightweight device.”

FACE DETECTION/FACE CHASER TECHNOLOGY
The latest in digital still photography – Face Detection and Face Chaser technology actually monitor the subject’s face and adjust brightness and focus to incredibly clear photos. This technology can be used to recognize up to 12 faces at a time in both video and still photos.

SLOW-MOTION VIDEO MODE
For great sports videos and many other fast-action video projects, the HD1010 can record video at 300 frames-per-second*3 to produce smooth, super slow-motion 60fps video playback.

7 FRAMES-PER-SECOND SEQUENTIAL SHOOTING
Shoot digital still images like the pros with up to seven photos in a single second. Ideal for special effects or action photography.

-more-

SMALL AND LIGHT FULL HD CAMCORDER
The HD1010 weighs only 9.9 ounces (with battery and SD card). It incorporates advanced MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video compression, enabling up to approximately 87 minutes of Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording on an 8GB SDHC memory card (sold separately).

WIDE DYNAMIC RANGE MODE
Wide Dynamic Range Mode allows improved images in varying degrees of light and shade.

FOUR MEGAPIXEL DIGITAL IMAGES
The Xacti HD1010 enables simultaneous shooting of 4-megapixel still images and HD movie clips, with a simple press of the shutter button during the recording of a video clip. Users need never 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.)

COMFORTABLE, ERGONOMIC DESIGN
The HD1010 is designed for easy, one-handed operation with “one thumb” operation of all key functions. The camcorder is comfortable to hold, even for extended periods.

FULL 1080i HD SENSOR
Incorporating the latest high-definition CMOS sensor, the SANYO Xacti HD1010 captures full 1080i high-definition video (1920x1080) at 60 frames-per-second. Designed to record the rich and vibrant colors of real life, the HD1010 also captures subtle tones to provide a natural-looking result. SANYO’s latest high-speed image processing engine capably handles the high capacity demands of Full HD data. Signal processing has been optimized for gamma correction and noise reduction, improving lens color-sensitivity and image quality when filming in darker locations. In addition, the video codec algorithm has been adjusted from 12 to 14 Mbps to allow more data per second, for improved imaging.

10X OPTICAL HD ZOOM LENS
At the front of the HD1010 is a commanding 10x all-glass HD lens. The camcorder’s fast f/1.8-2.5 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 HD1010's lens provides a spectacular field-of-view with a 38-380 mm range (35 mm equivalent).

IMAGE STABILIZATION
High-definition can't hide shaky or erratic camera movement. So, SANYO's HD1010 comes with a sophisticated image stabilizer for both stills and video. This handy feature operates in both wide-angle and telephoto modes, giving every shot a solid, professional-looking feel. Image stabilization allows for clear pictures of the subject even when moving or rotation occurs.

LARGE 2.7 INCH WIDESCREEN DISPLAY
The HD1010 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 axis, allowing you to take great video or still images even from difficult-to-view positions, which is especially useful when shooting in large crowds or in small rooms.

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HDMI HIGH-DEFINITION OUTPUT
It’s easy to view and share high-definition video on your HD television with the HD1010. 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.

EASY CAMERA TO PC CONNECTION
Sanyo's HD1010 streamlines the confusing and complicated component connection process with an innovative docking station. This dock provides instant connectivity via HDMI cable (sold separately), component, composite or S-video connection to a TV, DVD player and computer. The HD1010 even recharges its internal battery when nested in the docking station.

RECORDS TO CONVENIENT SD/SDHC MEMORY CARDS
The SANYO Xacti HD1010 records high-definition and photos directly to a standard SD or SDHC Memory Card. The camcorder is capable of recording up to 87 minutes of 1080i high-definition video on a single 8GB card (sold separately). When connected to a computer via the USB cable, the HD1010 acts as a standard card reader. Transferring images and videos to your computer has never been easier.

ADDITIONAL HD1010 FEATURES:

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.

Super-fast Startup: With its tapeless design, the HD1010 eliminates the need to queue up a tape deck or get a DVD or hard drive spinning, allowing the camcorder to begin shooting in as little as two seconds! When the HD1010 is powered on, closing the LCD display puts the HD1010 in standby mode. Simply open the display and the camcorder automatically powers up and can begin recording virtually instantaneously.

Equipped with ‘SIMPLE’ mode so even beginners can create high quality, beautiful high definition movies

New 1920 x 1080, 30 fps mode allows further possibilities with Full HD and computers (when in Full-SHQ 30 fps/12 Mbps mode)

Features 2.7 inch 230,000 pixel, widescreen TFT-LCD monitor, ideal for viewing HD footage

Wind Roar and Red Eye Reduction

Web Cam function

Built-in, pop-up flash

-more-

A variety of manual controls are available for versatile, advanced shooting. These include 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)

Bundled with “Nero 8 Essentials for SANYO” for easy playback and editing

Uses included, long-lasting 1900 mAh Lithium-ion battery (DB-L50)

Compatible with a variety of optional accessories using cold shoe mount, such as external strobe, video light, microphone, etc.

Optional adapter lenses available: telephoto, wide-angle and semi-fisheye

Continuous Still Image Shooting function – 7 frames per second*4

Able to take still pictures while in the middle of Full HD movie recording*5

9-image quick display function

In-camera editing

48 kHz, 16-bit, 2-channel sound

PictBridge compatible

Headphone Jack

Sanyo Xacti DMX-CA8 Waterproof Camcorder has 8 Megapixels

Kit Eaton — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:10:54 EDT

Sanyo's new Xacti isn't much of a change over the previous version: mainly a new 8 megapixel CMOS sensor (versus the previous 6) and a "face chaser" mode. This maintains exposure and focus settings on people you're videoing or snapping. There's a new underwater shooting mode too, which corrects for blue-color light effects, and seems sensible for a cam that can be taken down to five feet underwater for an hour. The rest of the camera remains the same, including the case and 5x optical zoom. Next time give us a waterproof HD version, eh Sanyo? Available in Japan at first, mid-May, for around $490. [Akihabaranews and Impress]

Sanyo Xacti CG9 Digital Camera Goes 9.1MP, "Chases" Faces

Brian Lam — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:58:17 EDT

Sanyo's Xacti CG9 Camera/Camcorder thingy is an update to their more affordable line. It captures stills at 9.1MP, and unlike the higher end Xactis focused on HD video, this one is not much so. (They don't even specify res but the preceding CG6 is rated at "DVD quality.")

I like Xacti cams, even if the MPEG-4 compression squeezes vids a bit too hard, making them blocky. (1GB of SD card equals about an hour of vid.) Oh yes, this one has face-chasing tech, which in previous models was good enough to focus/expose for 12 people at once. [Akihabara]

Up Close and Personal Video of the Sanyo Xacti

Mark Wilson — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 11:15:05 EDT

Here's a video of Addy's painted hands on the new Sanyo Xacti. My unpainted hands found the ergonomics to be excellent, though the buttons felt a little cheap.

Hands-On with the Sanyo Xacti DMX-HD1000

AddyDugdale — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 10:56:22 EDT

Today we got our hands on Sanyo's Xacti HD. The world's first 1080p camcorder is more than cute—seemed like just the right weight to me, and its two-button design is simple to use. It felt cool and fast, but the experience was not perfect. Bonus gallery of me doing silly things with its form factor.

Overall feeling is, however, plasticky. it would have been nice to touch the cool thrill of metal and get that click-tastic quality feel that you get from top end manufacturers.

Bitching aside, the Xacti looks pretty easy to use—and it is. Move the slider to record and then press either the video or still button, depending on whatever you want. The Xacti starts quickly, stops quickly, and there's a 10 x zoom.

I thought the Xacti looked like a speed gun, Mark said it reminded him of a spot meter. It manages to look both retro—think of those old cine cameras from the '60s—and futuristic at the same time. And it comes in black or silver. There's a video up next, so hang on for that.

Sanyo's Xacti DMX-HD1000 is Full HD Video Cam, Silver and Gorgeous

AddyDugdale — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 08:04:21 EDT

Sanyo has done wonders with its new Xacti HD camcorder. As well as being silver, sleek and rather beautiful, the DMX-HD1000 will give you almost an hour and a half of HD-quality footage with an 8GB SDHC card. Full specs and a gallery after the jump.

Full HD (1920 x 1080)
4-megapixel sensor
Supports SD and SDHC
HDMI output
MPEG-4 AVC/H-264 codec
Records up to 1 hr 25 mins full HD quality with 8GB SDHC Card
10 x optical zoom (112.6 x 90 x 54.5 mm)

No word on price or availability yet. [Akihabara News]

Pogue Reviews Waterproof Cams, Sanyo Xacti E1 Floats Above the Competition

Brian Lam — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:02:06 EDT

Pogue takes a a few waterproof cams down to the local waterpark for testing and finds Sanyo's 6MP Xacti E1 to be of better image and video quality than the rest. I've always found the Xacti cam's nice, but the low light performance to be lacking. That doesn't matter when you're talking about beach and pool time, however. I believe its image quality is better than the other cams in this roundup, but it's only rated to 5 feet of depth.

He also tests two traditionally shaped 7MP cameras, the Optio W30 ($237) and Olympus's Stylus 770 SW ($270). The Olympus is a fully rugged setup, shock and extreme temperature resistant, good down to 33 feet of water; the Pentax is good for 10 feet at two hours. I've used the previous generation Pentax and loved it for hawaii conditions. But I did lose it on a reef and only then did I learn what Pogue points out: None of these damn things float. [NYTimes]

Sanyo Xacti HD2 Flash Camcorder: Better Low Light, HDMI, Still 720p

Brian Lam — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:51:28 EST

Lots of camcorder experts hated the Sanyo Xacti HD1's flash camcorder's quality, despite its 720p HD resolution. This update, the HD2, tackles the issue of lousy low light sensitivity with a 7.38 MPixel CCD. (It'll now work in 12.5 lux, while the older one only went as low as 50 lux.) That's good, because I actually like the HD1 a lot, except for that issue. The other concern of mine is the inability to zoom out wide enough to capture a scene while you're somewhat close to it. Maybe they'll fix that in the HD3. Either way, I really do like these $700 cams. –Brian Lam

Sanyo HD2 [Gizmag]

Sanyo Xacti DMX-CG6

Travis Hudson — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 11:46:09 EDT

This is Sanyo's latest addition to their line of Xacti handheld video cams. The DMX-CG6 is an upgrade from the DMX-C6 (or X6, as it is known over here). It is a tad smaller and includes a nice 2.5-inch screen. It has a 6-megapixel sensor and uses fancy pants Sanyo technologies for high-quality video. The DMX-CG6 will be available in a silver, blue or pink (!!) for $430ish in late November. – Travis Hudson

Sanyo Xacti DMX-CG6 [Akihabara]

Sanyo Xacti CA6 Waterproof Camera

Gizloco — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 16:23:43 EDT

How does 6-megapixels of water-resistant digital fun sound? Sanyo hopes you're saying, "sounds like lots of fun!" because their Xacti CA6 looks like it cost them a little bit in the R&D department. Besides being water-resistant, which is a nice plus if you find that your camera is always getting splashed when taking those once-in-a-lifetime, oh-so-perfect shots, the Xacti CA6 is a fairly standard digital camera. It can record MPEG movies up to a resolution of 640x480 pixels, which if I remember correctly, was the resolution of my desktop only a few years ago.

The Xacti CA6 stores pictures and video on SD memory cards and has a 5x optical zoom along with a less useful 12x digital zoom. The camera's 2-inch LCD screen should also be sufficient for underwater exploits and trips to the local fireworks factory.

When it's released, it should be around $400. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [Sanyo via Popgadget]

Sanyo Xacti S7

Charlie White — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 09:16:56 EDT

Sanyo adds another addition to its Xacti line, the S7, packing 7.1 megapixels into its slimline form factor. Add to that a 2.5-inch LCD viewscreen along with video recording capability at 640x480/30fps, and you have yet another acceptable choice in this increasingly crowded field of compact shooters. One characteristic that sets the Xacti S7 apart from the burgeoning crowd is its ergonomic shape, with a slight bulge on its right side just under the shutter release that makes it easier to grip.

Other than that, we're wondering if the name Xacti refers to the fact that this camera has specs and dimensions that are Xactly like dozens of others just like it. How on earth would anyone decide which one to buy? We're thinking buyers will just be shopping price, but then Sanyo was not forthcoming with the price of the Xacti S7. Maybe we'll find out when it's introduced at Photokina 2006, which starts September 26. – Charlie White

Sanyo Xacti S7 [LetsGoDigital]

Sanyo Xacti S60: Cheap 6-Megapixel Camera

johnb — Wed, 24 May 2006 15:08:30 EDT

How cheap is the S60? It's only $199 and includes 21MB internal storage and runs on 2 AA batteries. While it's not quite as impressive as similar Kodak or Sony low-ends, the Sanyo does have a 6-megapixel sensor and some sort of touch-sensitive button (I know, I know, but this one you don't have to press) for automatic focus and exposure metering. A 2.5-inch TFT screen rounds out the package. Should be available this month.

Product Page [Sanyo via DigitalTrends]

Sanyo HD1 Camcorder's Video Quality Called "Disastrous"

Charlie White — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 09:58:46 EST

The as-yet-unreleased Sanyo VPC-HD1 Xacti camcorder, a small-form-factor HDV shooter that records 720p MPEG-4 high-definition video onto an SD flash memory card, was negatively reviewed by Akihabara News. The reviewers liked the build quality and design of the groundbreaking $800 high-definition camcorder/5.1-megapixel still camera, but called its video quality disastrous.

So what can we say? The HD1 is a mix of good news bad news. The handling and design have been tremendously improved, and functions have been reviewed too, like for example the manual exposure when taking pictures. Nothing but good news... until you start shooting videos, the video quality is an absolute disaster, and nothing like HD video. The same goes for the image stabilizer, that is totally inefficient.
The HD1 is a real disappointment, and we really hope that Sanyo will review this product asap and release a product that lives up to their announcement and our expectations.

Well, that's certainly nothing close to what we had hoped for. What a disappointment!

Sanyo DMX-HD1, everything except for HD, the disappointment [Akihabara News]

Sanyo's Cute HD1 Digital Camera

Travis Hudson — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 14:08:28 EST

Sanyo will debut the world's first commercially available smallest, lightest, high-definition compact digital camera. Hell of a title, but that is what it takes to become a world's first. Here is a spec rundown: 5.1 megapixel resolution, 2.2-inch OLED display, HD recording at 720p, 16:9 widescreen format, 10x optical zoom, and weighs only 8.3 ounces. This will be seen at CES this week and expect it to be available to the public in March for $800 bones, pretty good price compared to some HD video cameras that run upwards to $4,000.

Sanyo Xacti HD1 to debut at CES 2006 [Ubergizmo]

Sanyo's Xacti HD1-For Real

tgrumet — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 12:46:20 EST

Earlier this month, we showed you some pics and specs for the Sanyo Xacti HD1 high definition digital media camera—from Portugal—but we can now safely introduce the new product, which will be shown at CES. Being touted as the world's smallest (3.1" W x 4.7" H x 1.4" D) and lightest (8.3 ounces) HD digital media camera, it can record both 720p high-definition video and 5.1 megapixel digital still images to a standard SD flash memory card and is going for about $800 in March of 2006. What makes it so high-end is its high-precision LSI (large-scale integration) for image processing, which lets it execute a vast number of calculations in a short period of time. An ultra-clear 2.2-inch SANYO-developed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees for easier shooting options. Other features include a 10x optical zoom lens, 5.36 megapixel CCD and 16:9 widescreen format.

Product Page [Sanyo]

Sanyo Portugal Shows Us VPC-HD1

tgrumet — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 15:47:42 EST

We're not sure if this was intentional, but it looks like Sanyo Portugal has given us pics and specs of the Xacti VPC-HD1ex (the ex stands for the European version) which probably shouldn't be out until CES 2006. The digital video camera has 1280x720 MPEG-4 video with AAC stereo audio recording to SD cards, 10x optical zoom and 2.2 OLED display, but that's about all we can glean from the website. [Thanks Alain]

Xacti Vpc-hd1ex [Sanyo]

Another Sanyo Video Cam: The Xacti C40

gizmogo — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 14:40:29 EDT

Aside from the Xacti C6 mentioned earlier, Sanyo also released the Sanyo Xacti C40. It features a 1.8-inch LCD screen, 4 megapixel CCD, a 5.8x optical zoom lens, 10x digital zoom, and the ability to record MPEG-4 video at 30 fps for VGA-size clips. The Xacti C40 comes with a 1GB SD card, and there's also a voice recorder function for those spontaneous moments of inspiration. Price and availability is unknown at this point.

Sanyo Xact C40 [Letsgodigital]

Sanyo XACTI Digital Camcorder

tgrumet — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 10:18:20 EDT

As an update to its XACTI C5, first shown at the CeBit show in March, we're finally getting a glimpse of the six megapixel version—the Sanyo XACTI C6. Attractive, small and thin, it weighs in at 140 grams and now has a recorded frame rate of 60fps. It's still got its 5x optical zoom and two-inch LCD display as well as tapeless recording to SD card. Goes for $655.

New Sanyo XACTI DMX-C6 Digital Camcorder [I4U]

Sanyo Xacti DSC-S6

johnb — Wed, 24 Aug 2005 17:00:28 EDT

The Sanyo Xacti is cool because it has a "touch sensitive" shutter button. I know, smartass, all buttons are touch sensitive. But this one requires no pressing. You just tap it and it takes the picture, reducing the picture taking speed considerably and generally making life easier for you and me. Specs? Yeah, we got some specs: 3X optical zoom, 6-megapixel CMOS, 15MB built-in memory. Nice design.

Sanyo Xacti DSC-S6 [Livingroom.org.au]

Sanyo Xacti E6 - That's Some Camera

johnb — Tue, 16 Aug 2005 12:54:53 EDT

I hadn't heard much from Sanyo recently and then they go and spring this cool little number on us. This is a beautiful 6-megapixel camera with a 3-inch LCD and 3x optical zoom. I particularly like the lens placement and the clean lines of this point and shoot. Very rare to see a camera that looks like a bar of soap and doesn't have million buttons. In fact, most of the UI happens on the screen. It's nice to see the move away from the "twist and click" button-loving legacy of manual cameras.

Sanyo Xacti E6 introduction [LetsGoDigital]