Product Description
The Sanyo Xacti HD1000 camcorder combines a FULL 1080i image quality with 4-Megapixel still images in a single compact design. Incorporating the latest high-definition CMOS sensor, the Sanyo Xacti HD1000 camcorder captures full 1920x1080 (1080i) high-definition video at 60 frames-per-second. Designed to record the rich and vibrant colors of real life, the HD1000 also captures subtle tones to provide a natural-looking result. Sanyo's noise reduction technology helps obtain the cleanest signal while the CMOS sensor provides the responsiveness you need to capture fast moving objects. Record in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 to get exceptional video clarity and detail while maintaining the smallest file size possible. A 10x all-glass HD lens is capable allowing light through almost 4x more to assist in lower light situations. The lens provides a fantastic field-of-view with a 38-380 mm range (35 mm equivalent). A large 2.7" Widescreen LCD display flips out and rotates up to 285 degrees on an axis to take great video or stills from angles that are otherwise difficult to position, in large crowds or small rooms. It's easy to share your high-definition movies on your HD television with the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal built into the base station to connect your camcorder to your TV. The Xacti HD1000 records high-definition and photos directly to a standard SD or SDHC Memory Card for a total of up to 1 hour and 25 minutes of 1080i high-definition video on an optional 8GB card. With simple drag-and-drop operation, it's easy to save recorded video clips and still images onto a computer's hard disk for emailing, editing or archiving. Adjustable Resolution Modes Organization & In-Camera Editing Robust Sound Recording Easy Camera To PC Connection Superfast Startup Manual Controls
Customer Reviews:
Don't be fooled.......2007-12-27
Don't be fooled by the claims of this product. The camera itself is of decent quality from the mechanical perspective. But the image quality is mediocore at best. Sure its HD "resolution", but the image "quality" is no where near even the worst HD televisions. I would put the quality on par with that of a camera phone. It does have boatloads of features, but that doesn't make up for image quality. With so many features packed into such a small camera, something had to be sacrificed. One of its biggest features, its size and weight, actually can be a liability. Being so small, I found it hard to eliminate camera shake, even with digital camera shake reduction enabled.
But, by far the biggest problem with this device, is not the camera. Its the software. For me, I needed a way to get the videos offloaded to dvds. Which I would think would be a common desire. The package included a Ulead DVD creator software package. Everything installed easily enough. But the execution was absurd. I had a simple 10 minute video that I used as a test case. It took 5 hours to build the dvd image!!! Keep in mind that didn't include burning the actual disk. At the end of the 5 hour period it then attempted to burn the image to DVD, and crashed. I tried this numerous times with the smae result. I even downloaded a different application from teh same vendor with similar results. I also tried other video durations. It appaered that the time was linear. In other words, if I actually had a 100 minute video, it would have taken 50 Hours to created the image. IMPORTANT NOTE- Sanyo doesn't support the software they provide. They direct you to Corel who makes the ulead software. They in turn won't support you directly. You are forced to go through free email support, since Sanyo, buys the pacakages in bulk, and corel doesn't make enough money to pay for premium support. Had I purchased directly through them, they would have let me talk to someone directly. Either way, the problem was not resolved. The bottom line is that if you plan to burn to dvd via a pc, you will need a screaming machine, top of the line, desktop, with gigs of ram, and a fast hard drive. I was using a top of the line ibm laptop, and it bearly crawled. This technology is not ready for primetime. If DVDs aren't a need for you, and true HD image quality isn't an issue, then this camera may be suitable. Just think through your real world video processing needs prior to buying the camera.
The best cam I've ever owned because it actually gets used.......2007-12-27
After owning and returning the Sanyo Xacti HD700 I'm pleased to say that after 1 month with the HD1000, I love it. The model is far from perfect but it's the smallest 1080i camcorder on the market and truly jacket pocketable. Here are the major points for/against:
1. No optical image stabilization included. EIS just doesn't do as good a job and with a small cam any movement is exaggerated more so than with a big cam. This can be partially overcome by practicing good technique - learn how to hold your arms at your side and pan and breathe slowly. I use the analogy of skiing - many people complained that shape skiis helped poor skiers ski better than they were capable of on conventional skiis. With a cam this small and no optical IS, good technique is everything. I've also found that when possible, mounting and holding on a monopod (my cheap version of SteadyCam) greatly reduces hand shake. Shooting 720p at 60fps is amazing as there's very little jitter (jagged lines on screen) if you pan too quickly - not the case when using 30fps or slower.
2. Autofocus hunts around a lot and isn't as quick as Canon/Sony/Panasonic models. This took a while to get used to, using the manual focus and focus lock along with spot focus helps. This is my biggest complaint and I hope a future firmware update will alleviate.
3. As mentioned by many, it's an average low-light performer; not recommended if all you do is shoot indoors. There's also the problem that the wide angle part of the lens isn't that wide so shooting indoors is problematic.
4. HD quality is great, but it's not Discovery channel HD. Don't buy into the HD hype that a sub-$1000 cam can beat $5000+ cams. Given the size of the cam the quality is amazing - watching on a computer monitor doesn't do it justice. I HDMI outputted to to a 46" Sony Bravia LCD and all I can say is WOW. Once you've seen HD you can't go back to SD. Sure there are cams like the Canon HV20 that give better image quality at about the same price, but as of this writing, no cam that is pocketable. Furthermore in bright daylight, the HD quality holds its own against any consumer HD cam - the only people who will vehemently disagree are pixel peepers - the rest of us sitting 6ft or more back from the LCD screen can't tell the difference.
5. Photo quality is not as capable as similar small point and shoot cameras. But, given the size of this cam, I have room in the other pocket to carry my trusted Canon PowerShot SD870. In bright light the HD1000 photo quality is very good, but just don't expect it to beat a dedicated point and shoot. Keep in mind I'm a semi-pro photographer so I place a lot of emphasis on still image quality.
6. Very little MP4 file support in current video editing software. I've found that with tape I used to tape for 10-30min at a time. With digital MP4 I learn to shoot in spurts, 2min here, 1min there, 4min etc rather than trying to get the entire event without pausing. This makes it easier to watch short clips later and join together in editing. The cam also allows minor editing so I trim out bits I don't like before I download the MP4 files off the SD card.
7. Problem of workflow and what to do with all those MP4 video files; can't easily store away like tape archives. Be prepared to start buying external hard drives and doing regular backups. With tape, you'd fill the tape, transfer to computer to do any editing and then store the tape. With SD card, it's too expensive to keep buying them so the files are best offloaded to external hard drives, which are then backed up to DVD or another external hard drive.
8. It looks like a gun, even the Sanyo manual warns of potential of misunderstanding. Be careful of whipping out the HD1000 at night or pointing at anyone too quickly, especially in countries with relaxed gun laws :) The pistol grip design does take getting used to but I find it more comfortable now to hold than conventional cams - the other reason being I don't tape for an hour at a time but small segments.
9. Plastic lens cap isn't attached to cam (or built-in retractable) and easy to lose. Get a UV filter for the lens. Since this cam will probably live in your pocket and get used a lot it's quite easy to scratch the lens.
10. 1080i video requires latest modern Core2Duo computers to playback. My Mac can't play the 1080i but there are some codec workarounds until Apple fixes Quicktime. Windows users have more codec options but it is still taxing on the PC. Be warned, if you don't have the latest and greatest PC you're not going to be watching videos smoothly or doing any editing.
Whereas the mantra in real estate is location, location, location, for the consumer camcorder segment, it'd suggest size is everything. I recently sold my Panasonic PVGS500 which was a top performer in the consumer SD cam line. One of the reasons I sold that cam and didn't buy the comparably sized Canon HV20 was that I rarely brought the cam with me. It was too big and required its own carrying bag. It's like the guy who owns the Ferrari but never drives it because he worries it will be dirty or scratched. The HD1000 comes with me everywhere and is instant on! Previously there were so many missed moments that many times it was easier to film with my Canon point and shoot camera. BUT, there is no comparison in HD video quality once you've seen the HD1000 in action.
The HD1000 won't live in your pant pocket - too thick - but it fits perfectly in any jacket pocket. The HD700 was more pant pocketable but the video quality and performance just doesn't compare and even at $300 I'd hesitate ... yes the HD1000 is just that good! The sweet spot for me is filming in 720p and 60fps mode. 60fps is quick enough to capture most objects in motion smoothly and fluidly. 1080i gives slightly more detail, but the file size is also larger. Until video editing software catches up I'd suggest keeping the HD1000 at 720p/60fps.
The ability to playback the movies directly connected to the dock and external hard drive (Xacti File Library) is also a nice touch until BluRay or HD format DVD's become commonplace.
In conclusion, the HD1000 was one of my top useful gadget purchases of 2007 and one that is likely to be used weekly rather than living in my desk drawer.
Life in HD........2007-12-07
Pre-ordered this one for for Halloween and the holidays and initially I was disappointed in its clarity in low light conditions. Nothing I've tried will greatly improve filming in low light conditions. Filming in normal to sunny light does produce amazing video. Which brings me another downside, the video files are currently a hassle to work with. Unless you have a top end PC with the appropriate software these files wont play. Play back from the camcorder itself is flawless. Despite the downsides I would still purchase it again, its very small and easy to use.
Fantastic at 1440/60fps, mediocre at 1080i.......2007-12-06
Initially, I had purchased the Xacti HD2, basing the purchase off reviews from Amazon. Boy, what a let down. Awful HD picture quality: muddied lows, over-exagerated highlights, FisherPrice-like compression. Yet, the SD (standard definition) quality was spot-on. Seeing as I was looking for HD, though, I returned it and began reading reviews for the HD1000; initally I was wary that Sanyo would offer up the same shortcomings as it had with the HD2. Not to worry. Sanyo has done its job and then some with the HD1000 ... so long as you keep the camera in 1440/60fps mode.
Low light produces only a little more noise than one would expect with most other cameras on the market right now, and in daylight this camera outputs some of the most beautiful footage I've seen from a consumer-grade HD camera. Do yourself a favor when you get this camera, and set aside the bucks for at least an 8GB HCSD card. Anything less ain't worth it.
Just like with the HD2, stay away from the camera's highest setting, and you'll be impressed with the results. Well worth the price.
UPDATE: As of December 18, 2007, this camera is sold cheaper than the HD2 on Amazon. PLEASE do yourself a favor, save some money, and get this above the HD2. You'll thank all of the good reviews for the HD1000 later.
One of the best i have owned.......2007-12-03
Fast, light sensitive, great stills and perfekt connections to LCDTV and to USB harddrive without computer present.
My 5th camera, 3 sony DVs and one sanyo SD before
Recommended !!!
/John
Product Description
The Yukon 20-50x50 Tripod Kit has extra-steady viewing capabilities and features a water-resistant body, a multi-coated lens, and provides excellent contrast and resolution. Whether the Yukon 20-50x50 spotting scope is used for observing nature while hiking or camping, hunting large or small animals or used for surveillance and law enforcement, it is conveniently small and surprisingly durable. The 20-50x50 is the perfect scope to take anywhere including forested and closed in areas. However, make no mistake; this scope does not sacrifice power to its compact size. A Newtonian reflector system allows this compact, lightweight scope to vary its magnifying power from 20x to 50x providing comfortable viewing and a wide field of view and clarity. Therefore, while other scopes make you choose one magnification, the Yukon uses a combination of cutting-edge optics and mirror technology to give the viewer more observation variety in a smaller device. There is only one other scope that utilizes the 20-50x50's technology, but it doesn't compare to Yukon's affordability and value. It makes a perfect gift for those that enjoy observing nature in its glory.
Product Description
The Yukon 20-50x50 Waterproof Tripod Kit has extra-steady viewing capabilities and features a waterproof body that guarantees 100% protection in at least 3 feet of water for a minimum of 24 hours, a multi-coated lens, and provides excellent contrast and resolution.Whether the Yukon 20-50x50 spotting scope is used for observing nature while hiking or camping, hunting large or small animals or used for surveillance and law enforcement, it is conveniently small and surprisingly durable. The 20-50x50 is the perfect scope to take anywhere including forested and closed in areas. However, make no mistake; this scope does not sacrifice power to its compact size. A Newtonian reflector system allows this compact, lightweight scope to vary its magnifying power from 20x to 50x providing comfortable viewing and a wide field of view and clarity. Therefore, while other scopes make you choose one magnification, the Yukon uses a combination of cutting-edge optics and mirror technology to give the viewer more observation variety in a smaller device. There is only one other scope that utilizes the 20-50x50's technology, but it doesn't compare to Yukon's affordability and value.
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Sanyo VCP-HCX3 Holster Case for the HD1000
Sanyo DB-L50AU Lithium-Ion Battery for HD1000 Camcorder
Sanyo VAR-L50U Compact Battery Charger for Sanyo DB-L50AU Lithium-Ion Battery
Transcend 8GB SDHC CARD (SD 2.0 SPD Class 6)
Sanyo VCP-L07WU 0.7x Wide Angle Adapter Lens for HD1000 Camcorder
