Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10 Camcorder Review

Most camcorders under $200 these days are ultracompact, iPod-like devices that were designed to compete with the popular Flip series of camcorders. Sanyo's model for more budget-conscious consumers is the Xacti VPC-CG10, an update of last year's CG9. With it upright, pistol-grip design, the CG10 is really a slimmer, simpler version of the VPC-HD2000 we reviewed earlier this year.

Though it may be in the same price category as the Flip UltraHD and its clones, there are plenty of things that set the CG10 apart, for good and for bad. While the sometimes mystifying interface isn't nearly as simple to use as the Flip cams, the Xacti offers a wealth of manual controls, digital image stabilization, and 5x optical zoom. It also has superior bright light video performance and impressive still photos that far outstrip the competition. If you want the easiest video recording possible, the Flip series may be a better choice. But our experience both inside and outside the lab proved that you get a lot more camcorder for your money with the VPC-CG10.

Update: The Vixia HF S11 was ultimately selected as our 2009 runner-up for Ultracompact Camcorder of the Year. To see why we selected it and read about our other 2009 awards, check out the 2009 CamcorderInfo.com Select Awards.