'World's Smallest & Lightest' HD Camcorder Unveiled by Sanyo
January 11, 2007
Las Vegas, NV - Packed with performance upgrades including a new CCD image sensor that dramatically improves low-light sensitivity, the new Xacti HD2 is hailed by Sanyo as "the world's smallest and lightest high-definition digital video camera."
The highly-anticipated next-generation follow-up to 2006's HD1 and HD1a series, the HD2 was introduced this week at CES. Lightweight at only 8.3 ounces (including battery and a standard SD memory card), the HD2 measures 3.1. W x 4.7. H x 1.4. D.
Sanyo's Xacti HD2 combines the functionality of a 720p high-definition digital camcorder and 7.1-megapixel digital still camera into one ergonomic, pocket-sized device. For optimized performance, a new HDMI digital interface, built into the HD2's multifunction docking station, provides an all-digital output to HDTVs and high-definition video recorders.
Featuring a unique pistol-grip and thumb-operable design, the HD2 can record up to 21 minutes of high-definition (16:9 selectable) video (or up to one hour of standard-definition video) per gigabyte of available memory on any standard SD or high-capacity SDHC card (memory cards sold separately).
Sporting a stylish blue graphite body, the Xacti HD2 will be available in the U.S. in March 2007 and list priced at $699.99.
Using a single 8-gigabyte SDHC card, HD2 users can easily and spontaneously shoot nearly three hours of high-definition video, up to eight hours of standard-definition video or thousands of 7.1- megapixel digital still images.
The Xacti HD2 has a low-light sensitivity of 12.5 lux in auto mode. Previous models in the series were rated at 50 lux. Sanyo says the HD2 responds to light as low as 6 lux, in lamp mode. The HD2 features a special "High Sensitivity" button, allowing users to quickly switch from standard sensitivity mode and shoot in a wide variety of low-light situations.
Fast Start-Up
The Xacti HD2 high-definition video camera is designed for fast start-up and shooting. Open the display and the HD2 automatically powers up and is ready to record in as little as 1.7 seconds.
The HD2 features a digital image stabilization that works across the full shooting range from wide-angle to telephoto. Using an original corrective algorithm developed by SANYO, the HD2 is able to distinguish between "trembling hands" and "camera work" such as panning and tilting.
Using MPEG-4 technology, the HD2 creates richly detailed high-definition 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) videos at 30 frames per second. The camcorder features an accelerated 9Mbs frame rate in the HD mode, and is powered by high-precision LSI (large-scale integration) circuitry for advanced, high-definition (720p) image processing and noise reduction.
10x Optical Zoom
The HD2 offers a 10x optical zoom lens. Built from 12 elements designed in 9 groups and with a built-in neutral density filter, the 10x zoom lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 in both wide and telephoto angles, allowing for clear images in lower light situations. Combined with a 10x digital zoom capability, the HD2 is capable of a total 100x zoom.
The HD2 features a large Sanyo-developed 2.2-inch LCD display with 210,000 total pixels for exceptionally clear viewing. The display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees on axis. The HD2 can record 7.1-megapixel still images in addition to 720p video clips. It can snap a still image while recording in high-definition (1280 x 720-pixel).
The HD2's "Web-SHQ" recording mode is designed specifically to capture video for the iPod and other MPEG-4 capable personal media players. For optimal playback on these portable devices, video is captured at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels at 30fps.
A selectable 16:9 shooting mode allows users to capture stills in the same widescreen format as their high-definition videos for eye-catching viewing on a 16:9 television screen.
In-Camera Editing
The HD2 offers enhanced video editing functions, enabling quick A>B deletions and easy combining of video clips. In-camera editing features allow users to easily remove unwanted material and conserve memory card space.
Other SANYO Xacti HD2 features include:
- 16:9 widescreen format (HD-SHQ / HD-HQ modes)
- Rapid 7.1-megapixel sequential still shooting
- High-quality 48 kHz, 16-bit, stereo AAC-LC sound (MPEG-4 Audio)
- Convenient pop-up flash
- HD/Norm switch for easy video mode changes
- Talking navigation guide for first-time users
- Super Macro shooting down to 1 cm (W) / 1 m (T)
- Self timer (2 seconds / 10 seconds)
- Voice recorder function- Red-eye reduction mode
- Multifunction compact docking/charging station with HDMI, Component,
S-Video/AV output
- High-capacity SANYO rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
- Remote control included
- Exif Print and Print Image Matching III
- PictBridge-capable for PC-Free printing with PictBridge-compatible
printers
Xacti HD2 Optional Accessories Include:
- NEW Belt-clip Holster Case (VCP-HCX1) $19.99
- 0.6x Wide-angle Lens Adapter (VCP-L06WU) $99.99
- 1.4x Telephoto Lens Adapter (VCP-L14TU) $99.99
- 49mm Lens Filter Adapter (VCP-AL49) $17.99
- L40 Battery Charging Cradle (VAR-L40U) $39.99
- Original SANYO L40 Battery (DB-L40AU) $49.99
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a $20 billion manufacturer and distributor of consumer and commercial electronics, including multimedia and telecommunication products. Based in Chatsworth, California, SANYO Fisher Company (a division of SANYO North America Corporation, a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.) markets digital cameras, PCS phones, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics, televisions, dictation devices, home appliances, LCD projectors, security video equipment and air conditioning systems. For more information visit SanyoDigital.com
WEVA Industry News is a service of the Wedding & Event Videographers Association International.
About Wedding & Event Videographers Association International
The largest professional videographers association, WEVA International is dedicated to advancing the professional interests of videographers worldwide through continuing education, technical support, group benefits, advocacy committees, and professional development conferences.
Membership also includes global networking and system-training at the annual WEVA Wedding & Event Video Expo the wedding & event video industry’s largest convention and trade show, ongoing videographer (MPV) accreditation, video business marketing tools, and industry resources.
Join WEVA today to access valuable association membership benefits, including new job opportunities. For more information about WEVA EXPO 2007 (members receive discount admission) and all other benefits, including affordable Equipment and General Liability Insurance, Errors & Omissions Insurance, and the new Equipment Financing Program for videographers, contact the association at 941-923-5334 or email: [email protected]
|
