These Xacti cameras are real monsters. The earlier models shot in HD but this is full 1080i and it records directly to SD cards. It also takes 4-megapixel stills and can shoot up to 300 frames per second for slow-motion shots. It also has 12 subject face-detection and runs off of human blood. I made up that last part.
Generally, however, the Xacti line is showing just about everyone how to make a cool camera. Why are point and shoots so popular? They’re tiny. The Xacti hits that sweet spot between fully-featured video camera and “toy,” a place a lot of camera manufacturers haven’t found yet.
Compact, Lightweight Xacti HD1010 Offers Improved Image Processing and
Simplified OperationCHATSWORTH, Calif., June 5 /PRNewswire/ — 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.(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080605/LATH043)
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.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 (1920×1080) 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.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
— 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