Sanyo VPC-HD1 Camcorder Review

Comparison
Sony HDR-HC1
The Sanyo Xacti HD1 definitely has a lower price than the HDR-HC1 by Sony. The Sanyo high definition camcorder is also vastly smaller than the Sony model, and is definitely intended for the casual user looking for HD at a low price. That said, the Sony HDR-HC1 has the best video quality for the price and vastly more accurate color reproduction: its 1/3 inch CMOS chip makes this camcorder a more serious model for the higher end prosumer market . A better layout and stronger internal design, complemented by a crisp viewfinder, 2.7 inch LCD, and impressive audio features make the HC1 a far superior option for those with the money.

Announced at the beginning of 2006, the HDR-HC3 originally had an MSRP of $1700, recently lowered to a more reasonable $1500 MSRP. This camcorder will feature a smaller body size than the HC1, as well as a 2.7 inch LCD screen, HD capabilities, and a slightly downgraded electronic color viewfinder. This camcorder won’t have the manual focus ring, but will have the same Sony external structure that assures even less experienced users the ability to shoot on this higher end consumer camcorder. While limited in terms of features when compared to the HC1, the HC3 still has a number of options, ease of use, and control that will make this camcorder to the Sanyo Xacti HD1.

The VPC-HD1 does not come close to the HDR-HC1 or HC3 in quality, features, or handling. The HC3 will set the mark for what an entry level HD camcorder should offer.

Canon Optura 600
The Canon Optura 600 is not an HD camcorder, although this shouldn’t be considered a negative given the poor level of video quality with the Sanyo HD1 when compared to this one chip Canon, which was more accurate, had less trouble with low-light shooting, and produced far lower noise levels.  While the electronic color viewfinder is a disappointment, the inclusion of a secondary viewing monitor may preferable to the Sanyo's OLED. This camcorder can record both video and still, and unlike the Sanyo, saves the video to less expensive 6.35 mm MiniDV tape at a lower compression rate. Ports on the Optura are extensive, with options for Firewire, SD/MMC memory card, USB, and AV in/out for analog-to-digital pass-through. The Optura 600 had an original MSRP of $1100, but has been on the market for a while and can easily be found for less.

We heartily recommend the Optura 600 over the Sanyo. Keep in mind that this is an SD camcorder performing head and shoulders above an HD camcorder.

Sony DCR-DVD405
The Sony DCR-DVD405 is a DVD camcorder which shoots non-HD video and retails at $900; with a 1/3" CCD, it has  better overall color accuracy and a more natural saturation level. Although this SD DVD camcorder does struggle with sharpness, it avoids the in-camcorder sharpening noted with the Sanyo. This camcorder has a 1/3 inch, 3.31 gross MP CCD, an in-camcorder flash for stills, a 10x optical zoom, a well designed electronic color viewfinder, and a 2.7 inch LCD screen that produces immediately recognizable setting alterations. A 5.1 Dolby creator will provide users with an interesting proprietary alternate that, while limiting, may appeal to some users who don’t mind relying solely on Sony brand audio gear. While not nearly as odd in terms of overall hybrid menu structure as the Sanyo, this camcorder has an unfortunate touch screen interface that was a hassle to move through. Like all Sony consumer camcorders of recent years, the DVD405 comes with a simple, auto-centric Easy mode that is designed with simplicity in mind.

JVC Everio GZ-MC500
The JVC Everio GZ-MC500 has an interesting dual swiveling body design that includes a pop-up flash, hybrid capability, and 3 CCDs that measure 1/4.5 inches. It has similarly poor low light performance as the Sanyo HD1 and, though it produces sharp and saturated video, does not reach the Sanyo's level.  This camcorder doesn’t shoot HD video footage, but it does shoot in both 4:3 and 16:9 formats as well as still images. A wealth of manual control options include an external focal ring, shutter speed, exposure, white balance, and aperture. The menu and control structure of this camcorder is designed with simple interfaces when compared to the Sanyo; actually accessing and using these features shouldn’t be nearly as problematic.

In addition to possessing better menu structure, the GZ-MC500 shows preview image parameters, something all the camcorders in this comparison section possess and a huge detriment for the HD1. There is unfortunately no mic-in port on this camcorder, which is definitely a disappointment when compared to the Sanyo HD1, and the undersized 1.8 inch LCD screen does not have an alternate secondary viewing device. This camcorder records video and still images to MicroDrive, compact flash, and SD/MMC memory cards, and the camcorder comes with an internal 4 GB MicroDrive that is a definite improvement over the utter lack of any included memory with the Xacti HD1. This camera had an original MSRP of $1219 but can be currently found for around $1150 online.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (4.0)
The point and shoot user may be initially attracted to the portability, price, HD format, and small design of the Sanyo Xacti HD1. The problem is that this camcorder is hardly intuitive: its external control design, lack of live view, and convoluted menu structure is sure to overwhelm the beginner. Without an easy mode or other simple shooting structure, this camcorder is going to remain outside the reach of most point and shooters.

Budget Consumers (3.0)
For the budget consumer seeking a compact and highly portable HD camcorder, the Sanyo Xacti HD1 could certainly be a compelling option. The camcorder is retailing with an initial price of $799 and, while this is certainly less expensive than camcorders like the HC3 HD camcorder by Sony, it does unfortunately show compromised video quality, a poor interface structure, and other problems that aren’t present on more expensive and higher quality HD units in its consumer price range. If HD isn’t essential to your shooting practice, consider purchasing a quality 3 CCD MiniDV camcorder for less money.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (9.0)
The Sanyo Xacti HD1 definitely has the ability to engage in hybrid functionality and shoot both formats without having to manually switch modes. Other hybrid features include an in-camcorder pop-up flash unit and a burst mode.

Gadget Freaks (6.0)
For the gadget freak, this camcorder is a tempting purchase, due to its interesting design, petite build and ability to shoot HD footage for well under $1000. Sometimes a lower price means compromised functionality, however, and for the true gadget freak who is as concerned with quality as with the latest innovations, the HD1’s shortcomings in video quality and control layout/structure could be deal breakers.

Manual Control Freaks (4.5)
The Sanyo HD1 does provide a wealth of controls that include a well designed manual focus, ISO settings, and exposure compensation. The problem with these controls is twofold: accessing them is problematic due to the poor menu structure and design of essential external controls like the joystick, and adjustments made to manual settings and image parameters will not be viewable prior to recording. Users will have to either guesstimate or test-shoot prior to recording. Either option leaves much to be desired for the manual controller used to live-view and simple logical interfaces.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists (3.0)
With its small design, poor control layout, struggling video, and other pitfalls, the Sanyo HD1 is not a viable alternative for pros or serious hobbyists.

Conclusion
We can definitively say that Sanyo’s Xacti VPC-HD1 is a high definition camcorder in name only. Does it meet the technical requirements? Of course: It captures at 720p. But does it meet expectations? Does it surpass what you’ve seen in standard definition camcorders, even by a little bit? No, it does not. In fact, many standard definition camcorders, like the Canon Optura 600, Panasonic PV-GS300, and GS500, produce far better images, both in sharpness and color performance. The HD1 did not come close to matching the performance of Sony’s consumer-oriented HD cam, the HDR-HC1, nor do we expect it to match the forthcoming HDR-HC3. While we wish that you could get a good HD camcorder for $700, the reality is that the technology isn't there. The VPC-HD1 is a gimmick camcorder.

Then how is Sanyo doing this? Did they make some amazing technological development, beating the R&D departments of Sony, Canon and Panasonic, which have collectively been responsible for every development in camcorders over the past, oh, three decades? No. We believe they are using a still camera chip instead of a video camera chip. Though both are CCDs, there are complex technical differences between the way a still image is recorded and a video image is recorded. That's why we generally see such bad still images out of camcorders and bad video performance out of still cameras. By using a still chip, Sanyo can inexpensively get "HD" resolution video, though it lacks the color definition or dynamic range of even the worst entry level camcorders. The fact is that most consumer still cameras use 1/2.5 in. chips and there are tons of manufacturers making them cheaply. All signs point to the VPC-HD1 having a still camera chip, the same tactic used by "toy" MPEG4 camcorder manufacturers, whose products retail for $200 and are essentially throwaway gimmicks.  

Though Sanyo says they chose the MPEG4 format over the MPEG2 (found in DVD camcorders and most flash media and hard disk drive cams) in the hopes of improving image quality, the 9Mbps bit rate is clearly too limiting, as is the codec. Right now, there are no satisfactory chips that create good MPEG4 video on the fly. Compare the 9 Mbs data rate to tape-based HD camcorders like the HDR-HC1, which records at 25Mbps. That’s over twice the information per second making it onto the recording medium. Little wonder the Sanyo was no match.

The lack of a live view on the LCD is almost too absurd to address. The ability to see changes instantly in exposure and color tone is a basic feature on all camcorders down to the cheapest of the cheap. Its absence would make handling the HD1 more of a joke than anything else, if the joke didn't cost you $800.

Arguing the economical slant for the VPC-HD1’s purchase is also shaky ground. Sony recently lowered the price of the HDR-HC3 to under $1500. While that’s still nearly twice the price of the Sanyo, the image quality, handling, and durability is more than twice as good. In its defense, the Sanyo takes excellent still pictures--but no better than those from a decent point and shoot that runs under $400. 

Our sorry and cynical conclusion is that Sanyo is cashing in on the ignorance of uninformed consumers. Comparing this to other HD camcorders on the market is like slapping a Jaguar ornament on the hood of a Pacer and pushing it onto the showroom floor. No HD camcorder should offer this low level of video quality. This camcorder does not deserve to be called HD. Don’t get fooled.