The Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1 made some heads turn when it was announced and was definitely on every video enthusiasts list, but as the time has gone by it is apparent that HD video in a small package is not where it needs to be … yet. PC Mag’s Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1 review can be summed up as describing the HD1 as “lackluster.”
In addition to the small size of the Sanyo VPC-HD1, the reviewer really liked the OLED display, which will be gone with the introduction of the VPC-HD1a, I might add. Also on the plus side was the menu system, which was “user-friendly.” The external microphone input was also a thoughtful addition.
However, the video quality on the VPC-HD1 was not up to par. Colors were accurate, but the sharpness of the image suffered greatly. Autoexposure was a hit and miss, too. Sometime it worked after a bit, sometimes not at all. Still images were also disappointing, and didn’t live up to the 5.1 megapixel CCD that the HD1 offers.
“In form and features, the Xacti HD1 shows some promise, and it may spark some needed changes in how camcorders are made-particularly its menu and its portability. But the HD1’s drawbacks, including its mediocre video quality, keep it from competing in the same HD league as Sony’s HC3.”
