Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000

This one-handed wonder is perfect for catching the exploits of adrenaline junkies, but is the Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000 camcorder up to speed as your sole camcorder? Get the full verdict here…

Pros
Fitting snugly into one hand, the HD1000 can record either 4-megapixel still photos or HD (1080) video onto the same SDHC memory card. Shutter buttons, zoom and menu controls fall neatly under one thumb, and the light (270g) chassis nonetheless manages to accommodate a 10x lens and (rather murky) 2.7-inch LCD screen. It’s the easiest to use of any the camcorders here.

Cons
Colours are muted, details are weak and the focus occasionally misses its mark, resulting in footage that doesn’t stand up well on a big TV. In order to use the HDMI connection, you have to carry around the Sanyo’s docking cradle, and the electronic image stabilisation is basically useless.

Verdict
The Sanyo’s sci-fi styling begs the question: is it a camera or camcorder? Unfortunately, the answer can’t be found in its average movies and even more average snaps. The Xacti is well priced and well specified for the price but might not give the eye-popping HD experience you’re after. Having said that, wrinkly friends and family will appreciate its smoothed out lack of detail.

Picture quality

Usability

Features

Reliability

Style

Value for money

Overall

Go to the Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000 product page >>
Read the full camcorders group test >>

Get chatting about camcorders over at the PriceRunner forum

Related Articles:

1. Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA8 reviewThis eight-megapixel hybrid camera-camcorder has a 2.5-inch LCD and 5x zoom lens. You can also record 640×480-pixel H.264 files at 60fps, with stereo sound, and it’s waterproof to 1.5m. Impressed by this pistol-camcorder yet? Read on… Pros Funny things happen when you go on holiday. Burgers become an acceptable meal EVERY DAY, drinking your body weight in [...]...
2. Sanyo Xacti HD2000 and VPC-FH1 hands-onSanyo announced its new range of camcorders last night, introducing some world firsts to boot. We got up close and all handsy with the company’s first full HD progressive scan camcorders (ooh, get you!) capable of filming at 60 frames per second – the Sanyo Xacti HD2000 and VPC-FH1. Both models are extremely impressive camcorders. [...]...
3. Ask the expert: Memory card camcorder conundrumQ. I’m thinking of getting a new memory card camcorder. Is this a good way to go? And what are the best options? A. Camcorders that use digital memory cards are the most convenient you can buy. They’re fast, shock resistant, and make reviewing your footage dead quick, since there’s no reason to rewind fiddly tapes. [...]...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Rate this article