VPC-HD2000

Longtime videographers might not be accustomed to the upright configuration of the Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2000, but this camcorder is certainly worthy of consideration among the top dogs in high definition camcorders. With the HD2000, you’ll get strong color and noise performance in bright light, excellent low light sensitivity and color, and a robust selection of manual controls. You also have an impressive selection of still photo features, including 12-megapixel interpolated stills and an adjustable ISO. For accessory nuts, there are microphone and headphone jacks, an accessory shoe, and the ability to attach a 40.5mm filter.

So what might scare you away? The form factor might be daunting for traditionalists and with no hand strap, it isn’t the most comfortable camcorder for a long day of shooting. Battery life and card-only memory are certainly limiting factors as well. The biggest stumbling block is probably the unintuitive menu with its hidden features and unresponsive joystick navigation. Or the reliance on a separate docking station for USB and every single AV output.

So, HD2000 surely comes with its share of setbacks. If you’re comfortable with these deficiencies, this latest model from the top of the Xacti line is bargain. The expected retail price is only about $600, which is a great price for a camcorder that can compete with all the mid-range models from the major manufacturers. In fact, we expect the VPC-HD2000 to give any high def consumer camcorder a run for its money this year.

_Editor’s note: Double-checking our results with the Sanyo VPC-HD2000, we noticed an error had been made in our low light sensitivity test. Previously, the camcorder’s sensitivity had been tested using a slow shutter—a feature that is not supposed to be engaged during our low light testing. This resulted in the camcorder posting a better sensitivity score than we should have reported. We sincerely apologize for the error and have updated the article to reflect the new, correct test results._