Sanyo VPC-FH1 HD 1080p Flash Memory Camcorder
June 15th, 2009 | 31 views | Posted by in Cheap CamcordersSanyo VPC-FH1 HD 1080p Flash Memory Camcorder
Take stunning Full 1080p High Definition video at 60fps and amazing 8-megapixel digital photos! The compact Sanyo Dual Camera Xacti FH1 delivers high-performance results with multiple features normally found on much higher priced video and photo cameras.
The FH1 packs tons of features which are sure to please the most discerning user; including 600fps slow motion mode, face chasing technology which automatically read and corrects focus and lighting for up to 12 different subjects, and 16x optical zoom for video. Its compact design makes the FH1 extremely portable and easy to use. Videos, still photos and the various settings and menus can be easily accessed with the user’s thumb. The FH1’s convenient design makes sharing videos and photos via social networking web sites, portable video devices like IPod’s, TV’s and computers, a breeze.
Sanyo Xacti FH1 Highlights
High Performance and Stylish Design Made Simple
The Dual Camera Xacti FH1 packs high performance, cutting edge technology into a small, stylish, easy to use camera. Designed to fit perfectly in the palm of your hand, the Dual Camera FH1 features an easy to navigate menu which make it a great choice for the beginner and the more advanced user. It is the perfect blend of style, performance, and ease of use.
Large, 3-inch Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
The display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees on an axis that allows you to take great video or still images from otherwise-difficult-to-view positions, proving to be especially useful when shooting in confined spaces.
8-megapixel Still Image Quality
In addition to Full 1080P HD Video the FH1 takes amazing 8 megapixel still photos. With an 8-megapixel (effective) CMOS image sensor the still images can be interpolated to reach 12 megapixel quality.
10x optical zoom (photos)/16x optical zoom (video)
The FH1 lens provides a fantastic zooming range for photos with an F=35.7-357mm range (35mm equivalent). For videos, the zoom ranges from F=41.7-666.9mm (35mm equivalent).
12 Subject Face Chaser Technology
Recognizes up to 12 faces for videos and still pictures and optimizes focus and aperture settings to ensure all subjects are in focus.
Sophisticated image stabilizer
Using a proprietary Sanyo algorithm, the FH1 automatically compensates for distracting up-and-down or side-to-side camera movement, keeping your subject steady and easy to follow. It accurately distinguishes between unintentional camera shake and deliberate camera movement. This handy feature operates in both wide-angle and telephoto modes.
Sequential photo mode shoots up to 12 frames per second
Take pictures like the pros with sequential shooting up to 12 frames per second. The perfect solution for action photography.
Highly advanced MPEG4 AVC/H.264 video compression
This feature optimizes the file size and makes sharing movies on social networking sites, or e-mailing them to friends and family, even easier. In fact, the file size can be up to 25 percent smaller than that of typical MPEG-4 cameras.
To accomplish the complexity of encoding AVC/H.264 in real-time on the FH1, a dedicated H.264 video compression IC was incorporated into the camera that was designed specifically for portable consumer devices. This achieves high video quality while simultaneously reducing the system power consumption.
Easily transfer video and still images to your video capable iPod
Import video and still image files directly into iTunes software and then port them to your video-capable iPod. Share your latest masterpiece with friends and family.
Record over 5 hours of full motion video
Using a 16 GB SDHC memory card users can capture over 11 hours and 6 minutes worth of video in standard definition or approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes in full HD video mode.
Capture still images while you’re shooting video
The FH1 enables simultaneous shooting of video clips and still images with a simple press of the shutter button during the shooting of a movie clip. You will never need to 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.)
Super-fast start-up
Reduce your chance of missing the perfect shot. The Dual Camera Xacti FH1 is designed for super fast start-up and shooting. With its tapeless design, the FH1 eliminates the need to queue up a video tape, allowing it to begin shooting in as little as 1.7 seconds! When the FH1 is powered on, closing the LCD display puts it in standby mode. Simply open the display and the FH1 automatically powers up and can begin immediately recording in as little as 1.7 seconds.
Includes a high-capacity Sanyo brand lithium-ion battery
The DB-L50 is a high capacity battery designed to work with the Sanyo Xacti FH1 camera and delivers approximately 135 minutes of video record time. High-energy density design minimizes the battery size and weight, making it perfect for use in the Sanyo Dual Camera Xacti FH1. The DB-L50 is designed to resist memory accumulation so it provides a full charge every time.
Easy playback of recorded video directly on a TV
The FH1 camera features a HDMI output which makes connecting it to a digital TV or DVD recorder a breeze. The FH1 can also easily be connected to a computer to back-up copies of recorded content. Still images and video clips are played back continuously and in chronological order. When connected to a PC, simple drag-and-drop operation makes it easy to save recorded video clips and still images onto a computer’s hard disk for emailing, editing or archiving.
Sanyo VPC-FH1 Camcorder Review
If money is no object and optical image stabilization is your primary concern, then I recommend you buy the Canon HFS10 or HFS100. Now, with that out of the way, you have to temper your expectations with what you paid for. This camera is at least $600 less than the HFS100 for basically the same image quality minus image stabilization. You will see that I compare this with the Canon a lot because Canon has been king of the camcorder scene for a few years now.
Pros:
The image quality is almost as good and even better than the Canon in some aspects (based on online reviews as I don’t own the Canon). The low light sensitivity is excellent (there is an option to turn up the sensitivity level). The thing we need to keep in mind is this: camcorders are best when used in areas with plenty of light. There is really no reason to film at night unless you absolutely need to. For the times when you want to film the night light or night scenery, this camcorder does its job very well. When hooked up to my 1080p television, the video was spectacular. I can’t imagine how much better the Canon would be but I’m very satisfied with this. I know that it’s impossible for the Canon to be twice as good as this camcorder for twice the price, at least for me.
It is small! I can definitely take this with me on vacation every where I go and not tire out my arms. It’s much smaller than I expected, almost like a toy. Having used 5-pound camcorders in the past, this is definitely a good thing.
I can now leave my point and shoot camera at home as this substitutes as a regular still camera, hence the dual camera moniker. It takes 8 meg stills (don’t use the 12 meg option as that’s interpolated) which is impressive for a camcorder this size/price. There are ISO adjustments which I believe is lacking in the Canon.
Cons:
Image stabilization. If you like to film videos without tripods, monopods then I suggest you stay away from this. However, for under $500, I was able to buy this camcorder and a tripod, 16GB SDHC, and a camcorder bag. No optical stabilization can match a tripod/monopod. If you’re serious about creating timeless videos that you can view 20 years from now, you need a tripod. Period.
Yes, it would be nice if the image stabilizer was better for the times when I don’t have a tripod with me. However, it’s serviceable if I hold the camera very steady so it’s not as bad as some people would lead you to believe. I don’t plan on filming while walking very often so it’s perfectly fine. If you have a shaky hand problem and hate tripods/monopods then stay clear.
You can mitigate shaking with (1) a tripod, (2) steady hands, or (3) deshaker software (free online). You cannot mitigate $600 or low light sensitivity. No matter what camcorder you buy, you will need a tripod eventually if you’re serious about taking good videos. So budget that into your purchase plan.
Normally, I would deduct one star for the bad image stabilization, but for a camcorder with superb image quality, low light sensitivity, and the fact that I can throw in a 16GB SDHC, tripod, and camera bag (all bought separately of course) for around $550, it’s absurd to dock a star for it. This is the best camcorder for the money.
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