High Definition in The Electronics Store

This powerful little device is designed to record both 720-pixel high-definition video and snap 5.1-megapixel digital still images, all of which are handily stored to a standard SD flash memory card. The high-precision LSI (large-scale integration) for image processing is the real "muscle" behind the Xacti HD1's ability to record high-definition video. This powerful "high-definition engine" processes a massive number of calculations in a short period of time and enables the HD1's high-definition 720-pixel processing, real-time MPEG-4 compression, and noise reduction.

The HD1 features a top-of-the-line screen with an incredibly clear 2.2-inch, Sanyo-developed Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display with 210,000 total pixels. 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. The OLED display technology features an expanded viewing angle and up to 5,000 times faster response speed when compared with conventional display technologies. What this means to the user is a smooth playback of even the most rapid movements. And when not in use, the screen tucks securely back into the side of the camera for a pocket-sized portability and convenience.

Leading the HD1's charge towards crisp digital video and stills is the prominently displayed, highly efficient 10x optical zoom lens. The lens features 12 elements designed in nine groups with a built-in neutral density filter, and a maximum aperture of f3.5 in both wide and telephoto angles. This construction allows for clear images in even low-light situations. Combine the optical zoom with a 10x digital zoom capability, and the HD1 is capable of an amazing 100x total zoom.

As with all of Sanyo's previous digital media cameras, the HD1 can record still images in addition to video. A newly developed CCD captures beautiful 5.1-megapixel still images which are stored directly onto any standard SD memory card. The camera also features rapid continuous still shooting, red eye reduction, and an anti-shake digital image stabilizer. While conventional digital camcorders can often snap stills, they are usually low quality. And while conventional digital cameras can record short video, they are frequently grainy with a slow response speed. The Xacti HD1 can do it all, recording both 5.1-megapixel still images and high-definition (1280 x 720-pixel) digital video on the same unit. You can even snap a still image while recording digital video with the simple press of the shutter button.

The HD1 can record over 21 minutes of 720-pixel HD video on a single 1 GB SD card, or over 42 minutes on a 2 GB card. Alternately, the camera allows you to record in Standard Definition (640 x 480-pixels at 30 frames per second progressive) for up to two hours on a 2 GB SD card. If you're looking to shoot home videos of the kids carving pumpkins or a dance recital, you can easily store hours of video footage using the standard definition setting. If high quality is your goal, then change the settings and get crystal clear high definition video. Switching between recording modes is a breeze; you simply press the "HD/Norm" button located on the display side of the camera body. Last, but not least, the Xacti HD1 is ergonomically designed with a comfortable, one-handed grip and convenient, thumb-operated controls that make it exceptionally easy to use whenever opportunity strikes.

Xacti VPC-HD1 Highlights

1280 x 720 progressive HD video scanning Thanks to highly efficient MPEG-4 technology, the HD1 is able to create high-definition videos at 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 frames per second with far higher quality when compared to conventional video cameras. These are richly detailed images that will display beautifully on any big screen TV. Choose from six different video resolution modes (and six different resolution levels for your still photos!), depending on how your images will be used.

Advanced MPEG-4 technology The HD1 features SANYO's proprietary high-definition engine to execute a vast number of calculations in a short period of time. This high-definition engine enables the Xacti HD1's advanced image processing functions such as real-time MPEG-4 compression, noise reduction and high-definition processing. Recording in the global multimedia standard MPEG-4 delivers exceptional video clarity and detail in an unbelievably portable configuration. What's more, because MPEG-4 is exceptionally efficient in the way it records digital information, higher quality videos and stills can be saved in smaller files.

The 9Mbs frame rate smoothes out fast-moving images

Super-fast 9Mbs frame rate The SANYO HD1 high-definition digital media camera features an accelerated frame rate in the HD mode that is more than four times faster than earlier digital cameras. Transmitting data at 9 megabits per seconds ensures that camera and subject motion are smooth and natural, without the image lag or distortion that might occur in slower-responding systems.

2.2-inch OLED screen The Sanyo HD1 features a SANYO 2.2 inch flip-out advanced organic light emitting diode (OLED) display that offers a brighter picture, greater contrast with a much wider range of color than conventional LCD screens. OLED technology, which draws less power, requires no backlight to function and is ideal to reproduce high-definition images. It's simply brilliant!

5.36-megapixel CCD image sensor Inside the HD1 high-definition digital media camera is an advanced 5.36-megapixel (total) CCD image sensor to capture high-definition videos (at a very smooth and natural 30 fps!), with full-range stereo sound. Using a 2GB SD memory card (optional) the HD1 can record over 42 minutes of high-definition video, up to two hours of standard-definition video or up to 1190 five-megapixel digital still images.

Capture still and high-definition movie images simultaneously The Xacti HD1 enables simultaneous shooting of 5.1-megapixel still images and HD (1280 x 720-pixel) movie clips, with a simple press of the shutter button during the shooting of a movie clip. Users 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.)

High-quality digital stereo recording The Xacti HD1's 48 kHz, 16-bit, 2-channel sound for AAC-LC (MPEG-4 Audio) provides a sense of reality to match the realism of those impressive high-definition movies. And not only is it able to reduce noise caused by wind during shooting, the Xacti HD1 also features a dedicated terminal to which an external microphone can be attached.

Built-in image stabilization High-definition can't hide shaky or erratic camera shaking. That's why SANYO's HD1 comes with a sophisticated image stabilizer. Using a proprietary SANYO algorithm, the HD1 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, giving every shot a solid, professional-looking feel.

Sleek, ergonomic design On or off, the HD1 is a true work of art. Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, all video and still functions can be easily accessed with the thumb of the hand used to hold the camera. Aside from making everything much simpler and easier to use, this 'one thumb' interface lets you more fully enjoy-and be a part of-each precious moment you record.

Highly-efficient 10x optical zoom The HD1 digital media camera features a highly efficient 10x optical zoom with a bright maximum aperture of f/3.5. Consisting of nine groups and twelve total lenses with a built-in neutral density filter, the HD1's lens provides a fantastic field-of-view with a 38-380 mm range (35 mm equivalent). Combined with the 10x digital zoom, the HD1 provides up to 100x zooming capability.

Convenient docking station One of the more frustrating aspects of working with any digital media camera is juggling all the wires and connections necessary when you want to use it with external components for viewing or to download files. SANYO's HD1 streamlines the whole process with an innovative docking station that provides an instant USB/AV (component, composite or S-video) connection to a TV or PC. The HD1 even recharges its internal battery when nested in the docking station.

Super-fast start up The Xacti HD1 high-definition media camera is designed for super fast start-up and shooting. With the tapeless design, the HD1 eliminates the need to queue up a tape deck allowing the HD1 to begin shooting in as little as 1.7 seconds! When the HD1 is powered on, closing the LCD display puts the HD1 in standby mode. Simply open the display and the HD1 automatically powers up and can begin immediately recording in as little as 1.7 seconds.

Versatile Manual Mode enables advanced-control shooting The following settings can be manually adjusted according to the shooting situation: Manual focus adjustment (22 settings); aperture adjustment (5 stops); exposure compensation (1.8 EV, 0.3 EV steps); shutter speed (16 settings); ND filter On/Off; and image-quality adjustment (for sharpness and color saturation).

the HDR-HC1 in action

The HDR-HC1 features Sony's CMOS imaging sensor technology, designed to deliver faster image processing speeds for richer colors, more vivid detail, and significantly less glare from reflected light. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens further enhances image clarity and richness, even when shooting in low light.

The HDR-HC1 weighs in at less than two pounds and fits comfortably in your hand.

The HDR-HC1 also features a 2.7-inch wide hybrid, touch-panel LCD screen to access menu options. You can switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios (in DV mode) to see exactly how your content will be viewed on television. Other convenient features include fully automatic controls, a built-in microphone for audio quality, an intelligent pop-up flash, and Super SteadyShot image stabilization. You can even record your own high-defnition video in complete darkness with Sony's Super NightShot Infrared System, which adds the greatest amount of range and detail to your images in low- to no-light conditions.

CMOS Sensor; 3 Megapixels (Gross)
The 1/3-inch CMOS sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution in SD Mode) and still image performance. Unlike traditional CCD imagers, CMOS sensors require less power, providing better battery performance. The HDR-HC1 also features the Enhanced Imaging Processor for improved video performance.

Switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios on the generous 2.7-inch LCD screen.

HDV Recording Format
From the innovators in camcorder technology, Sony’s HDR-HC1 camcorder is the industry's smallest and lightest HDV1080i consu-er level camcorder and player. Now you can record all your memories in true high-definition video.

Switchable HDV/DV Format Recording
The HDR-HC1 is capable of recording and playing back both high definition and standard definition video recorded on a standard MiniDV cassette.

Real-Time HD Codec Engine
A Sony developed Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system with reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. This system provides efficient MPEG2 compression and recording and playback of clear HD images at the same bit rate of the DV format, so that high-definition video can be recorded on the same cassettes as are used for MiniDV recording.

10x Optical/120x Digital Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens
From the authority in lens technology, the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens provides a high-quality 10x optical zoom which maintains image clarity and color while reducing glare and flare.

Zoom in and play back with the easy-to-use touch-screen display that features hybrid LCD technology for accurate viewing in bright light.

2.7-Inch (16:9) Hybrid Touch-Panel SwivelScreen LCD Display
Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 123K-pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The hybrid LCD screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light, virtually eliminating the "washout" common with traditional LCD screens.

Super SteadyShot Image-Stabilization System
Picture-stabilization system uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera shake without compromising picture quality, as some other digital stabilization systems do.

Manual Zoom and Manual Focus Ring
Selectable zoom and focus ring provides precise and detailed control over the amount of zoom and the overall focus of the image with just a turn of the rings. Fast, intuitive framing when zooming and finely detailed focusing are easy with the natural feel of the rings.

Continuous recording and playback time for the HDR-HC1, as well as picture quality in still image mode.

Expanded Focus Indicator
The camera's LCD image is magnified, temporarily, up to four times its original size without any loss of distortion. This allows the user more finite control while focusing the camera for greater detail and clarity.

Cinematic Mode
Perfect for creating your own movie masterpieces, the HDR-HC1 Cinematic mode lends film-like (24 frames) effect to your recordings.

i.LINK2 DV Interface (IEEE1394)
A high speed bidirectional digital video/audio communication between two compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs.

Shot Transition
Allows for a smooth automatic scene transition. Settings for focus, zoom, iris, gain, shutter, and white balance can be set to the A/B button, and a smooth transition will take place according to the set time. This function enables the focus to gradually shift from the front of the screen to a deeper part of the screen. Thus the iris enables a smooth change of depth of field.

Tele Macro Function
Useful for shooting close-up shots without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocused so that the subject stands out.

Active Interface Shoe
Provides a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.

Built-in Pop-up Intelligent Flash
For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reducts shadows.