SANYO announces new Xacti Dual Camera line-up for 2009 including WORLD FIRST true 1080 60p Camera

Increasing flexibility and creating a camera for every lifestyle

Watford January 23rd, 2009 – SANYO, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics, is pleased to announce the launch of a brand new Xacti Dual Camera line-up for 2009. The range comprises six models in total: three featuring the Xacti’s familiar vertical ‘pistol grip’ body and three with a new horizontal form, offering users more options to choose the right camcorder for their lifestyle.

The new line-up includes new waterproof HD cameras (models VPC-WH1 and VPC-CA9), compact HD units (models VPC-TH1 and VPC-CG10), and full HD 1080 60p cameras (models VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD2000). All of the new cameras, both horizontal and vertical design, are small and compact, making them ultra-portable and easy to hold for active filming and shooting while on the go.

The new Xacti range will be available from March 2009 in the UK.

The new VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD2000 models are the world’s first true 1080 60p cameras available at the time of launch. These dual cameras record at 60 frames per second in progressive scan so when the recorded material is played back, the content is smoother and appears to be of an even better quality because of its composition.

Commenting on the new range, Phil Williams, Business Manager for Digital Cameras at SANYO UK says, “With the Xacti brand, SANYO created a new market segment based on the concept of being able to take both high quality videos and photos with one simple, compact camera, performing the functions of both a camcorder and a digital camera in one unit. The 2009 Xacti range builds on this with the addition of three cameras available in a new horizontal form, expanding the options available to users while retaining SANYO’s proprietary technology and know-how in digital imaging. The new cameras offer more choice with more functionality than ever before including features such as longer recording times, up to 3 hours and 20 minutes; standard and waterproof standard high definition; and full HD 1080p progressive recording.”

Xacti Dual Cameras combine the benefits of digital still cameras and camcorders in one unit, offering users the freedom to not only take both photos and videos separately, but also seamlessly. With a Xacti Dual Camera, there is no need to stop to switch modes to take the perfect photo while filming video or switch playback modes when viewing a multi-media slideshow combining both photos and videos. SANYO Xacti Dual Cameras are the only cameras that feature a unique slide-show function capable of viewing both photos and videos without having to stop and switch modes, both when viewing on the camera or when watching on a television.

The 2009 product line-up of Dual Cameras all feature the same advanced dual capability with both traditional television viewing and computer-use/viewing, including being able to share on the web, and many are compatible with a number optional lenses. Some of the new models also offer an amazing recording time of up to 3 hours 20 minutes thanks to a small but powerful SANYO battery and an engine designed to save energy.

The new line-up includes:

*1 For SANYO Xacti Dual Cameras, “Full HD” means data recorded at 1080p—i.e. 1920 (horizontal) x 1080 (vertical) pixels
*2 CA9; Equivalent to IPX8/IPX5 (in water depths up to 1.5 m, for up to 60 minutes).
*2 WH1; Equivalent to IPX8/IPX5 (in water depths up to 3 m, for up to 60 minutes).
*3 For SANYO Xacti Dual Cameras, “Standard/Compact HD” is data recorded at 720p—i.e. 1280 (horizontal) x 720 (vertical) pixels.

Full HD*1 models
VPC-FH1 (Horizontal) and VPC-HD2000 (Vertical):
The two new Full HD Xacti Dual Cameras are truly the benchmark in high definition, offering 1920 x 1080 pixels, and 60 frames per second to record crystal clear and smooth motion for videos. These highly advanced cameras not only offer the regular 1080i (interlaced) format, recording at 60 frames per second, but with the SANYO proprietary CMOS engine, recording is possible in 1080p (progressive) format—this means recording at a full 60 frames per second. With this higher frame rate capturing ability, videos look more professional, and offer smoother, higher quality images.

Phil Williams comments:
“Our new 1080 60p dual cameras are a world first and so are a very exciting development for SANYO. Progressive scanning technology is the future for HD as most HD TV’s can already play back in this format, leaving interlaced (1080 60i format) material at a disadvantage. The progressive scan format is also much better for editing as it allows the user to freeze frame on a full image rather than on an interlaced one where there may only be partial content.”

These fully equipped full HD models also offer the latest in zooming technology, with a special 16x advanced zoom function. The new-style zoom gives a broader view as it zooms in, allowing more of the scene into the zoom than ever before.

*1 For SANYO Xacti Dual Cameras, “Full HD” means data recorded at 1080p—i.e. 1920 (horizontal) x 1080 (vertical) pixels

Compact HD*3 models
VPC-TH1 (Horizontal) and VPC-CG10 (Vertical):
With the increasing demand for high definition equipment, from 2009 SANYO’s Xacti Dual Camera line-up are all designed to record high definition video. Even with high definition, there are two primary types, 720p and 1080p. SANYO’s ‘compact HD Models’ are all compatible with 720p (1280 x 720) and are able to record in 30 frames per second, not to mention the HD quality photos the units take, putting high definition into the palm of anyone who uses a Xacti Dual Camera. Also, the VPC-TH1 has an incredible 3-hr 20-min long continuous recording time—and its all in HD!

*3 For SANYO Xacti Dual Cameras, “Standard/Compact HD” is data recorded at 720p—i.e. 1280 (horizontal) x 720 (vertical) pixels.

Waterproof*2 Standard HD*3 models
VPC-WH1 (Horizontal) and VPC-CA9 (Vertical):
With a conventional digital camera or camcorder, many users are understandably reluctant to film or shoot in the rain or other wet environments, for the obvious fear of causing water damage to the camera. The VPC-WH1 and VPC-CA9, however, have earned the highest possible IEC 60529 waterproof rating—IPX8—allowing high definition 1280 x 720 30 fps footage to be captured without worrying about the effects of water or snow. The VPC-CA9 is operable down to a water depth of up to 1.5 metres (5 feet), while the VPC-WH1 is submersible down to 3 metres (10 feet).

With SANYO’s advanced waterproofing technology, these cameras can be used without thinking twice in the rain, for marine sports such as surfing or snorkeling, or for winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding*. The VPC-CA9 offers the enhanced functionality of 9-megapixel still images—a world-first for a waterproof HD dual camera. Meanwhile, the VPC-WH1 features 30x optical zoom for superior video-capturing. The waterproof SANYO Xacti Dual Cameras are usable year-round, perfect for activities on the go regardless of whether they are in the city, by the sea, or in the mountains.

* Please beware of moisture and condensation when using in cold locations or in areas with high temperatures or humidity.
*2 CA9; Equivalent to IPX8/IPX5 (in water depths up to 1.5 m, for up to 60 minutes).
*2 WH1; Equivalent to IPX8/IPX5 (in water depths up to 3 m, for up to 60 minutes).
*3 For SANYO Xacti Dual Cameras, “Standard/Compact HD” is data recorded at 720p—i.e. 1280 (horizontal) x 720 (vertical) pixels.

Main Features:
VPC-FH1
True Progressive/8M Photos and Full HD Videos

• Horizontal form
• True progressive Full HD (1920 x 1080) 60fps
• 8-Megapixel photos and High-Speed Sequential Shooting (12fps*)　
• High-speed video (240 fps/600 fps) for slow-motion playback (1/4, 1/10 of normal video speed)
• Other features

• 16x advanced zoom (more area included than standard zooming, 160x digital zoom) for video
• 10x optical zoom for photo
• HDMI output
• Large 3.0" LCD monitor
• Face Chaser technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos
• 3D DNR noise-reducing function for clearer, more professional-looking videos
• Compatible with Xacti Library, for easy saving and access to photos and videos with just about any external hard drive (HDD)
• 12-Megapixel photo output (real-time interpolation)

*When in 4M mode

VPC-HD2000
True Progressive/8M Photos and Full HD Videos

• Vertical form
• True progressive Full HD (1920 x 1080) 60fps
• 8-megapixel photos and High-Speed Sequential Shooting (12 fps*)
• High-speed video (240fps/600fps) for slow-motion playback (1/4, 1/10 of normal video speed)
• Other features:

• 16x advanced zoom (more area included than standard zooming, 160x digital zoom) for video
• 10x optical zoom for photo
• HDMI output via docking station
• Large 2.7" LCD monitor
• Face Chaser technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos
• 3D DNR noise-reducing function for clearer, more professional-looking videos
• Compatible with Xacti Library, for easy saving and access to photos and videos with just about any external hard drive (HDD)
• 12-Megapixel photo output (real-time interpolation)
・External Microphone Jack

*When in 4M mode

VPC-TH1
Stylish/ HD Quality Photos and HD Videos

• Horizontal form
• 30x optical zoom
• 2-Megapixel photos and 720p HD videos
• 2-Megapixel sequential shooting (13fps)
• 3-hour 20-minute continuous recording, Long battery life
• Other features

• 3.0" widescreen LCD
• 3D DNR noise-reducing function for clearer, more professional-looking videos
• Face Chaser technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos
• HDMI output
• 1500x digital zoom

VPC-CG10
Compact and Slim/10M Photos and HD Videos

• Vertical form
• 10-Megapixel photos and 720p HD video
• 3.0" widescreen LCD
• 5x optical zoom
• Other features

• Face Chaser technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos
• High-Speed Sequential Shooting 7fps*
• 3D DNR noise-reducing function for clearer, more professional-looking video
• Newly designed lithium-ion battery
• 60x digital zoom
• 12-Megapixel photo output (real-time interpolation)

*When in 2M mode

VPC-WH1
Waterproof/ HD-Quality Photos and HD Videos

• Horizontal form
• Dual Camera waterproof up to 3 meters (10 feet)
• 30x optical zoom
• 2-megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video
• 2-megapixel sequential shooting (13fps)
• 3-hour 20-minute recording time, Long battery life!
• Other features

• 3D DNR noise-reducing function for clearer, more professional-looking videos
• HDMI output
• Face Chaser technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos
• 1500x digital zoom

VPC-CA9
Waterproof/9M Photos and HD Videos

• Vertical form
• Dual Camera waterproof up to 1.5 meters (5 feet)
• 9-megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video
• High Speed Sequential shooting
• Other features

• 3D DNR noise-reducing function for clearer, more professional-looking video
• 5x optical zoom
• High Speed Sequential Shooting
• 2.5" LCD monitor
• Face Chaser technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos
• 60x digital zoom

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*1 DCF is the abbreviation for Design rule for Camera File system, established by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology
Association (JEITA).
*2 The DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) is a format for recording on storage media information such as the number of frames and copies desired for printing of images taken on the digital camera.
*3 Exif Ver2.2 is an industry standard established for file formatting of digital cameras.
*4 Based on the image information taken from the image sensor, the image is interpolated in real time, recording and generating image pixels.
*5 For these models 60fps is actually 59.94fps, 30fps is actually 29.97fps, 240fps is actually 239.76fps, and 600fps is actually 599.4fps.
*6 Amount of pictures based on CIPA standards. When using a Sandisk SD Memory Card (2GB) and bundled Lithium-ion battery.
Videos are when filming in Full-HD mode. Playback is when in continuous playback. Through actual operation, time may vary.
*7 Figure projects time and amount of stills taken which will fill the recording medium. Amount varies by memory card maker, type of photo subject and photographic conditions.
*8 Continuous recording time for one video clip is approximately 10 seconds. No audio is recorded.
*9 Audio Memo: Maximum 13h00min. for one file, but will save file and continue recording longer, generating a new file after 13hrs., similar
to the effects on the video after reaching 4GB
*10 Amount of pictures based on CIPA standards. When using a Sandisk SD Memory Card (2GB) and bundled Lithium-ion battery.
Videos are when filming in HD-SHQ mode. Playback is when in continuous playback. Through actual operation, time may vary.

*Specifications as of January 21, 2009, subject to change.