Digital Cameras Ratings: Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2 7.1MP MPEG4 High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom Review

Average Reviews:
3.5 out of 5 stars

(More customer reviews)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.

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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, ManualSequential 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, Sepia2/10 sec. self-timerFull auto TTL white balanceAudio microphoneRecords 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)