Mention Sanyo when you talk about camcorders with the rest of your mates, and chances are the Xacti line will be a name that pops up often. The Japanese company is back again, this time round releasing a new range of Dual Camera Xacti cameras which ought to cater for just about any and every active lifestyle, offering options for those looking for high-definition video and photo capability in a single, easy-to-use compact camera. The mixed form factor involves both horizontal and vertical designs, and we are privy to half a dozen Sanyo Dual Camera Xactis. Without much further ado, they consist of the new Full HD 60fps units (VPC-FH1, VPC-HD2000), waterproof HD models (VPC-WH1, VPC-CA9) and Compact HD cameras (VPC-TH1, VPC-CG10), where all six will target a March 2009 release date.

Main Features: VPC-FH1 (Horizontal; $499.99 MSRP) and VPC-HD2000 (Vertical; $599.99)

• Full 1080p HD Video (60fps)
• 8-Megapixel Digital Photos and High-Speed Sequential Shooting (12fps)
• High Speed Recording/Super Slow Motion Playback (240/600fps for 1/4 or 1/10 playback)
• 3-inch wide LCD Monitor (FH1), 2.7-inch wide LCD monitor (HD2000) for HD Playback
• 10x Optical Zoom for photos
• 16x advanced zoom (more area included than standard zooming, 160x digital zoom) for video
• Digital Image Stabilizer (Movies & Stills)
• ‘Face Chaser’ technology (up to 12 faces) for photos/videos
• HDMI Output (FH1); HDMI Digital Interface via Cradle (HD2000)
• Optional lenses: Tele, Wide, Semi-Fisheye
• External microphone input (HD2000)
• VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD200 are available in Black

Main Features: VPC-TH1 (Horizontal; $299.99 MSRP)

• HD Digital Video (720p, 30fps)
• 30x Optical Zoom
• 2-Megapixel sequential shooting (13fps)
• 3-inch LCD (TFT) Widescreen Display
• Long 3-hour 20-minute continuous recording battery life
• Digital Image Stabilizer (video and stills)
• ‘Face Chaser’ technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos
• HDMI Output
• 3D DNR digital noise reduction for clearer images
• Available in Silver and Blue

Main Features: VPC-CG10 (Vertical; $199.99 MSRP)

• 10-Megapixel photos and 720p HD video
• 5x optical zoom
• 3-inch Widescreen LCD
• Digital Image Stabilizer (video and stills)
• ‘Face Chaser’/Detection Technology (up to 12 faces)
• High-Speed Sequential Shooting 7fps
• 3D DNR digital noise reduction for clearer images
• Available in Black and Pink

Main Features: VPC-WH1 (Horizontal; $399.99 MSRP)

• Waterproof up to 3 meters (10 feet) for one hour
• Exceptional 30x optical zoom
• 2.5-inch LCD Display
• 2-megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video
• 2-megapixel sequential shooting (13fps)
• ‘Face Chaser’ face detecting technology for both photos and videos (12 faces)
• 3-hour 20-minute recording time; long battery life
• HDMI Output
• Available in Blue and Yellow

Main Features: VPC-CA9 (Vertical; $349.99 MSRP)

• Waterproof up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) for one hour
• 9-megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video
• High Speed Sequential shooting (7fps)
• 5x Optical Zoom
• 2.5″ LCD monitor
• ‘Face Chaser’ face detection technology
• Available in Black, Red and Green

That about sums it all up. What do you think of Sanyo’s latest effort? Is it worth every penny you fork out? Which among the above-mentioned is your most likely purchase?

Press Release