Sanyo Introduces Thin Xacti FullHD Camcorders

Abstract

The Xacti VPC-CS1, which carries a $299 suggested retail, will capture video in 1,920 by 1,080 resolution, and features a compact body design measuring just 27mm thick and weighing 0.35 pounds (including battery and SD memory card). Other features in the camcorder include a "sound zoom function" that records sound in three audio modes, including "wide mode," which records sounds from a wide surrounding area; "zoom microphone mode," which emphasizes the sounds coming from the front area and reduces the other sounds; and the "cooperative zoom mode," which automatically changes the directionality and recording method of the camera in accordance with zoom ratio.

Chatsworth, Calif.- Sanyo Electric unveiled at International CES a restyled Xacti FullHD camcorder that is thin and light enough to be carried in a pants pocket.

The Xacti VPC-CS1, which carries a $299 suggested retail, will capture video in 1,920 by 1,080 resolution, and features a compact body design measuring just 27mm thick and weighing 0.35 pounds (including battery and SD memory card).

Sanyo said it plans to ship the product to retailers in February.

Sanyo reduced the video camera's thickness using a new optical module for the 9x zoom lens (f 2.8-3.0).

In addition, the video camera's CMOS sensor measures 1/5 of an inch and contains approximately 3.4 million pixels.

Other features in the camcorder include a "sound zoom function" that records sound in three audio modes, including "wide mode," which records sounds from a wide surrounding area; "zoom microphone mode," which emphasizes the sounds coming from the front area and reduces the other sounds; and the "cooperative zoom mode," which automatically changes the directionality and recording method of the camera in accordance with zoom ratio.

The camera will take digital still shots with up to 3.3-megapixel resolution. Video recordings are captured in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264. Images and videos are stored on SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards with capacity support for up to 64GB.

The VPC-CS1 will support iFrame, which is a next-generation video format that enables easily importing, editing and sharing high quality video.

iFrame can be used with both Mac and PC compatible applications. When combined with iMovie, it further simplifies capturing, uploading, editing and sharing images.

Also unveiled was the FullHD Dual Camera Xacti, model VPC-SH1, which ships this month at a $399 suggested retail.

The dual camera/camcorder is compact and enables a wide range of shooting options, from wide angle to telephoto lens, with its 30x (35mm-1,050mm) advanced zoom function.

The compact body measures 1.69 inches thick and weighs 7.2 ounces.

A Double Sub REC Button offers separate recording buttons for both photo and video on the upper front part of the body to easily capture low-angle images from a comfortable posture.

The 1080p video is captured in MPEG-4 AVC/ H.264 compression for easy compatibility for video editing and presentation systems.

Features will include iFrame support, and compatibility with a wide range of computers and online and networking applications.

Also added to the Xacti line was the Xacti Sound Recorder, model ICR-SPS01M, which Sanyo calls "the slimmest and lightest sound recorder."

The ICR-XPS01M ($149) also comes bundled in a speaker cradle version, the ICR-XPS01MF ($199). These new Sound Recorders, which ship in March, feature Linear PCM recording in addition to various MP3 modes. Linear PCM can be recorded onto a MicroSD card and easily transferred and played back on a computer or shared online.