Sanyo Xacti HD1 (14/03/06) by K Saleh

Rating:

Before I begin this review I need to point out that there are a few other reviews and there seems to be no
similar agreement when it comes to judging this device. Now I've never owned a Sanyo Xacti before, and
the last camera I owned was a Sony HDR-PC5E, which served me well. My logic for getting this camera
was, it's High Definition, and if it's not great, I'm sure it'll be better than most normal cameras. So it was
a win-win situation either way, especially since it was the price of a normal camera.

I scoured the web for the reviews, anything so that I could actually see how people were relating to the
HD1. I came to the conclusion that the reviewer took the size, the quality, what it's supposed to, and
the price into consideration, he/she was pleased with the results. If that person was expecting it to rival
the Sony HC1, then they dubbed the HD1 as a 'disaster'. ONE MAIN KEY POINT THAT OTHER REVIEWS MADE A MISTAKE ABOUT. A 2gb card gives you 29 mins of recording on HD mode, NOT 42.

So how can one device be an amazing little package and a disaster? So if you want a non-biased review
from a person who takes all aspects into account read on.

When the Xacti HD1 first arrived, I wasn't in awe. Looking at the box, it looks like just any other product.
Simply put, it didn't have the "Apple factor". Ah well, my excitement soon pushed that thought aside.

(side of the box)

When you first open the box you'll be greeted with a great amount of stuff in plastic wrap. Nothing pleases
a buyer more than being able to see that everything is nicely packaged, but when you actually start to take everything out of the box, you'll see that you are given practically everything you could possible need.

What comes in the box?

They give you a hard foam case, dock, Video cable, usb cable, composite cable, battery (which is the size of a mobile phone battery), a/c adapter, remote control, High Def cable adapter, Microphone extension, Lens cover, strap, cds, and even a battery for the remote.

But why do they give you so much? Simple really. No memory card. 2GB memory cards can come cheap on ebay, but then you face the chance of getting a copy or unoriginal knock-off.

Key thing to remember when it comes to a memory card is that you need something fast. High speed is essential.

When you first switch it on, you are greeted with a woman's voice. "Hello, please set the date and time". Yes it's a gimmick, but you hear no complaints from me about this.
The screen is very vibrant and sharp. It is OLED after all. What this means is that the display needs no back light. It's brightness is natural and so hardly any battery life is consumed by it.

(screen with a nice brushed metal effect)

Examining in the device, it'll became obvious that it was solid. It's sad that so many cameras are now plastic (they say it's to make it lighter, but we all know it's to help bump up profits). The HD1 has a combination of plastic, brushed metal, chrome and of course glass.

Photos of the Sanyo Xacti HD1 from a few angles.

(The HD1 feels great to hold)

(It's so well built, you wont want to scratch it)

(The lens looks like a giant eye)

(Pop out flash)

(HD1 in the dock. Dock shows A/C charger, usb port, and dv port)

Now one thing that a few reviews pointed out is that it is actually a bit difficult to take a stable photo. The main point to remember is that this is high def at 30fps. It'll show more shaking and movement, and it'll vary from hand to hand. I found holding it close to my chest makes it more stable.

It DOES have an anti-shake option, what this seems to do is actually make the shakes seem smoother and intentional (like a panning effect).

You can switch between HD and Normal mode with the touch of a button and take photos while filming if you see something you want to take a direct picture of.

Here are a few video's and pictures taken with the HD1 so you can judge the quality for yourself.

Videos:
Dark Lighting/Indoor Lighting Normal Mode (24M.B.)

Photos:
All max quality (called 10MP mode)
Photo1
Photo2
Photo3
Photo4
Photo5
Photo6
Photo7

So as it can be seen, I'm very happy with my choice and I'm sure this camera will satisfy most people. I know that I haven't been very thorough, but I've covered what I feel is essential.
Look out for the "O.K. HG Show" in London, we'll be using a couple of these cameras to film our actions.

Verdict? Buy it now.

Additional Photos: