Product Review: Sanyo Xacti VPC-CS1 8 Megapixel High Definition Pocket Camcorder

Sanyo was the first company to successfully launch a line of small, thin pocket-sized camcorders, and has gone on to create dozens of camcorders with a wide array of prices and features. Whether you're looking for a cheap standard-definition camcorder small enough to slip in a shirt pocket or a light HD camcorder that fits in your purse, Sanyo has a camcorder for you.

The Xacti VPC-CS1 is one of the smaller, thinner camcorders from Sanyo, and is sold at an average retail price of $300. The CS1 was launched in February 2010, and was touted as the smaller and lightest high-definition camera on the market.

Features

The Xacti VPC-CS1 is a dual-camera, which means that, though it is marketed as a camcorder, it is also a still camera. Users can choose to either record video footage or shoot a still image.

Because portability is one of the most important features of a camcorder, users will be delighted to find that the VPC-CS1 weights a miniscule 5 ounces, which is lighter than any water bottle, purse, and even most wallets.

Users can record images and video at full HD, which is a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, and will look crisp and clear on any LCD monitor or TV. An included cable allows users to connect their CS1 to their TV and view their media on the large screen, a feature convenient for presentations and slideshows.

All videos are recorded with the Quicktime H.264 codec and tagged with an MP4 container. The H.264 container is an excellent choice for HD video, as it has excellent clarity with a great deal of compression, which results in smaller file sizes.

Sanyo is working towards getting the camera certified to work with iFrame, and also guarantees that it will work with Windows Movie Maker.

Image Quality

Camcorders that double as a still camera are often known for having sub-par images. Often times, the camera lacks image stabilization and has a small CMOS sensor, which results in grainy or soft images. The still images from the VPC-CS1 look like they came from your average compact camera - they are better than cell phone shots, but they certainly aren't adequate for a hobbyist or professional.

The video quality was disappointing to me. Outdoor shots are decent, but dim-lighting, such as an indoor gym or living room, are noticeably grainy and are a bit dim in appearance. The focus hunts a lot when filming a situation with a lot of movement, such as sports game, and the image isn't as clear as I would like given that this camera records in 1080p.

Conclusion

If you're heading into the African Safari, the Grand Canyon, or you simply hate carrying a large camera, then Sanyo's Xacti VPC-CS1 is a good option for you. Small enough to fit in a shirt pocket and light enough to be completely forgotten about, this camera is anything but burdensome. If, on the other hand, you're looking to film a documentary or a short film, you're a snob when it comes to image quality, or you detest hunting autofocus, then I recommend looking elsewhere for your camcorder needs.