Product Review: Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA9 9-Megapixel High Definition Camcorder
Features
Though the camera has a 9 megapixel sensor, the VPC-CA9 can take photos up to 12 megapixels, though they are upsampled to the level, which makes them lower quality (since you're basically digitally zooming an image). Optical zoom is limited to 5x, which is suitable for getting a closer image on something far away, but isn't ideal for those who need the uses of a telephoto lens.
HD 720p recording is at 30fps, while SD is recorded at 60fps. All still images are recorded with JPEG compression and stored on an SD card. The VPC-CA9 is capable of supporting an SD card up to 32GB in size.
Focus is set to infinity, and there is a constant autofocus. Normal infinity mode allows you to get as close as 50 centimeters to an object; for closer objects, there is a macro mode.
Image Quality
Image quality is good for a dual camera/camcorder, but you would get better images from a comparable digital camera in the same price range.
Video Quality
Image quality has a nicely saturated colors and good contrast, as well as low noise during brightly lit shots. Videos in darker areas have noticeable noise, and very low light videos will be flecked with the green and red grain of a digital camera.
Conclusion
Though the high definition recording isn't a full 1080p, it certainly looks good enough to please the majority of consumers. The contrast is good, the noise level during day shots is practically non-existent (and is acceptable in nigh shots), and the saturation is pleasant, if not a bit too much (depends on the monitor, I guess). Overall, I very much enjoyed this camera and think it would be a good choice for those once-in-a-lifetime trips you want to record forever.
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Published by Blair Mathis
Blair is a fulltime freelance writer who specializes in travel and technology writing. Having worked for both private and corporate clients, Blair has experience working to meet a wide range of requirements... View profile
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