The VPC-HD1000 can record full high-definition movies at 1920 (horizontal) x 1080 (vertical) resolution. It achieves this despite having a volume of only 272 cc and a weight of 268 g—making it the world’s smallest and lightest* high-definition digital movie camera. For video recording, it uses the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec, an advanced video compression technology. This enables it to record 43 minutes of full HD (1920 x 1080) recording onto a 4 GB SDHC memory card. To enable high-speed processing of the large volume of full HD data, Sanyo developed the new high speed processing engine. The new high speed processing engine fits onto a single chip, rather than the usual two chips, and is fully compatible with the H.264 codec. It achieves a high compression rate by optimizing the functioning of the image-processing algorithm. At the same time, its low power consumption of 4.2 W enables about two hours of continuous shooting with the included battery. * Compared to the volumes and weights of commercially available full high-definition movie cameras (based on Sanyo research, August 30, 2007). The VPC-HD1000 features an ergonomic new design, in which the lens sits in a horizontal position when set upon a tripod. At the same time, it follows the characteristic design concept of the Xacti series that the Xacti cameras have a suitable grip design that reduces muscular load offering a comfortable shooting style. The new ergonomic handgrip in the VPC-HD1000 is the result of collaboration between Sanyo R&D Headquarter’s Digital Systems Research Center and Professor Tetsuo Katsuura and Associate Professor Yoshihiro Shimomura from the Humanomics Section of the Department of Design Science in the Graduate School of Engineering at Chiba University. Together, a study on the grip angle, the angle measured between the axis of the lens and the handgrip, was conducted on seven experimental models with different grip angles using electromyograms (EMGs) at six muscle locations and subjective evaluations. Results from the study showed that a video camera with a grip angle of around 105° reduced muscular load and received high scores on the subjective evaluations. Incorporating this optimum grip angle, the Xacti VPC-HD1000 provides comfortable shooting style and improved camera-holding usability and operation. Due to the large volumes of data involved, playing back and saving images shot in the full high-definition format usually requires special dedicated hardware. With the Xacti Library, though, you have a function that lets you save and play back pictures and movies by simply connecting the docking cradle (via a USB cable*2) to a commercially available external hard drive*3. To view an image, you simply need to select the thumbnail of the appropriate file on the screen, using the remote control provided. Furthermore, Xacti Library features an Album function, which lets you create original albums by selecting a variety of scenes. It’s particularly handy for making slideshows. Using the Xacti Library, it’s easy to save and view your memorable moments, without the need for dedicated hardware or a PC. *1 Via included docking cradle. *2 Using the dedicated cable provided. HDMI cable sold separately. *3 Compatibility with all models of HDD is not guaranteed. High-sensitivity ISO 3200 stills High-speed sequential shooting (7 images per second)*1 Still and movie images captured simultaneously*2 Able to shoot the equivalent of 8-megapixel stills (real-time interpolation)*3 Newly Developed Image Stabilizer Functions for Stills and Movies Sanyo’s newly developed Multi Blur Correction helps to stabilize still images. This system is capable of correcting for blur caused by camera rotation, as well as for blur caused by a moving target. The movie image stabilizer, based on our proprietary digital image stabilizer, increases the area of detection for camera shake and improves correction accuracy. Newly Developed Face Chaser Function for Stills A maximum of 12 faces can be detected during shooting. This is made possible by a special auto focus function that adjusts both the detection area and the auto focus itself. Even if your subjects are standing off-center, the Face Chaser function will ensure their faces are clearly in focus. When playing back images shot using the face detection feature, you can zoom in on faces and see facial expressions clearly. *1 Recording resolution is approximately 4 megapixels. *2 Recording resolution is approximately 2 megapixels. *3 The CMOS sensor’s 4 effective megapixels are converted to the equivalent of 8 megapixels, for more detailed images. Simple Mode enables easy operation for first-time users Full Auto Button for one-touch resetting of all modes Included software: Nero 7 Essentials, enabling playback of full-HD data on a PC; and Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5.0 SE, for image-editing functions Dedicated remote controller for turning the power on/off (when connected to the docking cradle) Newly developed 2.7-inch wide LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels, compatible with HD displays Newly developed, longer-life, large-capacity 1900 mAh lithium ion battery Accessory shoe for attaching external flash, video light or microphone Tele conversion lens (1.6x), wide conversion lens (0.7x) and semi fish-eye lens (0.4x) available optionally