Sanyo Offers Six New Xacti Camcorders

Sanyo Fisher Co., has introduced six new Xacti-branded camcorders for 2009. It expects to ship the new cameras beginning in March. All are billed as "Dual Cameras," capable of recording High Definition (HD) video and taking photos.

Sanyo VPC-FH1

The VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD2000 record standard 1080i video -- interlaced 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution at 60 frames per second (FPS), with an option for 1080p as well. They take 8-megapixel still images and include 3-inch wide LCD displays, 10x optical zoom lens, digital image stabilization, "Face Chaser" focusing technology, HDMI output, optional lenses and an external microphone input (on the HD2000). The VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD2000 are priced at $499.99 and $599.99 respectively.

The VPC-TH1 and VPC-CG10 record video at 720p (1280 x 720 pixel) resolution at 30 FPS. Both are billed as compact HD models. The VPC-TH1, made in a horizontal configuration, has a 30x optical zoom lens, can handle 2MP sequential shooting at 13 FPS, has a 3-inch LCD display and 3 hour 20 minute battery life. By comparison, the VPC-CG10 is a vertically-oriented camcorder that take 10 MP photos and has a 5x optical zoom. Both cameras feature digital image stabilization, "Face Chaser" technology and digital noise reduction. The VPC-TH1 and VPC-CG10 are priced at $299.99 and $199.99 respectively.

Sanyo has also introduced two new waterproof compact HD models to the Xacti lineup: The VPC-WH1 and VPC-CA9. Both shoot in 720p. The VPC-WH1 works up to 10 feet underwater for one hour, and has a 30x optical zoom, 2.5-inch display, shoots 2 MP photos and has HDMI output. The VPC-CA9 is waterproof up to 5 feet for one hour, shoots 9-megapixel photos, has a 5x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch display. The VPC-WH1 and VPC-CA9 are priced at $399.99 and $349.99 respectively.