Sanyo’s new Xacti Full-HD dual-cam threesome
Sanyo’s newly-announced Xacti CG20, CG100 and GH1 models combine full 1920 x 1080i high definition video with image stabilisation, face detection and up to 14 megapixel resolution digital photos.
Whilst the Xacti CG20 has been given only a 5x optical zoom, the Xacti GH1 and the Xacti CG100 feature the 12x Double Range Zoom designed to extend the optical zoom of the camera without - Sanyo assures us – any loss of quality and offers two zoom ranges of different magnitude. The user can switch between a wide angle and a tele-oriented field of view at the touch of a button.
The compact design of the Dual Cameras and their 2.7-inch LCD display, which can be rotated 285 degrees, enables the user to grab video clips quickly and spontaneously. To this end, the Xacti GH1 features a double record button that is mounted above the lens, making it easier to take photos and videos when holding the camera at unusual angles, while the ergonomic, pistol grip shape of the Xacti CG100 and Xacti CG20 is geared towards making them easy to operate with one hand, even whilst on the move.
Intuitive menu system and ease of use
We’re told that the intuitive menu guidance system incorporated into this new range makes them all very easy to operate. With the Dual Shot feature it’s possible to take photos and record videos simultaneously. Less experienced photo and video fans should also benefit from additional features such as the EIS (Electronic Image Stabilisation) and/or face chaser function, which automatically detects up to twelve faces when recording video or taking photos. What’s more, we’re told that the high-speed serial image feature takes seven (CG100 and GH1) or 10 (CG20) pictures per second for even the most rapid movement sequences. The super-macro mode allows photos to be taken from as close as one centimetre away from the object.
The “true HD experience”
All three Dual Cameras can record their movie and stills onto SD, SDHC or SDXC memory cards. Furthermore, these models also support Eye-Fi-SD cards for wireless data transfer to a computer. Footage is recorded in the memory-efficient MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format, meaning one 32 GB memory card has enough room up to four hours recordings of full HD videos (1080i). The Dual Cameras have an HDMI port with which to connect to high definition TV displays for full HD playback.
UK Variants, Pricing and Availability
The manufacturer’s recommended retail price in the UK is £229 for the Xacti GH1, £229 for the Xacti CG100 and £179 for the Xacti CG20. The three new Dual Cameras will be available through main retail outlets in the following colours in March 2010:
- Xacti GH1: Pink (VPC-GH1EXP), Blue (GH1EXEBL), Silver (VPC-GH1EX)
- Xacti CG100: Black (VPC-CG100EXBK), Wine Red (VPC-CG100EXWR), White (VPC-CG100EXW)
- Xacti CG20: Pink (VPC-CG20EXP), Silver (VPC-CG20EX), Black (VPC-CG20EXBK)
Specifications
Xacti VPC- GH1
Full HD video, 1080i (1,920 x 1,080 pixels)
14 megapixel photos
CMOS sensor (14.4 megapixels)
38 mm wide-angle lens
5x optical zoom, 12x double-range zoom
Compatible with SDXC cards
Wireless data transfer via Eye-Fi-SD cards
2.7-inch TFT LCD display (can be turned 285 degrees)
Face chaser function and target a colour function
Mini-HDMI port
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Size: 38.5 x 109.6 x 55.0 mm (WxDxH)
Weight: approx. 155 grams
Xacti VPC- CG20
Full HD videos, 1080i (1,920 x 1,080 pixels)
10 megapixel photos
CMOS sensor (10.7 megapixels)
38 mm wide-angle lens
5x optical zoom
Compatible with SDXC cards
Wireless data transfer via Eye-Fi-SD cards
2.7-inch TFT LCD display (can be turned 285 degrees)
Face chaser function and target a colour function
Mini-HDMI port
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Size: 85.7 x 37.4 x 110.3 mm (WxDxH)
Weight: approx. 157 grams
Xacti VPC- CG100
Full HD videos, 1080i (1,920 x 1,080 pixels)
14 megapixel photos
CMOS sensor (14.4 megapixels)
38 mm wide-angle lens
5x optical zoom, 12x double-range zoom
Compatible with SDXC cards
Wireless data transfer via Eye-Fi-SD cards
2.7-inch TFT LCD display (can be turned 285 degrees)
Face chaser function and target a colour function
Mini-HDMI port
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Size: 85.7 x 37.4 x 110.3 mm (WxDxH)
Weight: approx. 158 grams
Source: Sanyo UK. Words by Colin Barrett based upon information and specifications supplied by Sanyo UK.
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These looks interesting, but when it says it can work with Eye-Fi what does that mean?
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Eye-Fi is an interesting new gadget that enables digital photos and video to be sent from the camera or camcorder instantly to a central storage server using the user’s Wi-Fi network router. The Eye-Fi itself comes in the form of a full-sized SD card but which contains built-in circuitry that enables the connection as well as the files themselves.
Here’s a link to our Eye-Fi news story posted some time ago. I have a review sample and I’ll try and post a review here sometime soon (I’ve been having problems setting it up on my network using my iMac).