The Sanyo VPC-HD2 Xacti digital media camera with 10x optical zoom is a high-definition compact digital media device that combines both the functionality of a digital camera and a digital camcorder. Different than a standard digital camera that shoots short video clips, the VPC-HD2 offers advanced, next-generation video performance and high-quality stills in one small, lightweight camera. This powerful little device is designed to record both 720-pixel high-definition video and 7-megapixel digital still images, all of which are handily stored to a convenient SD or SDHC memory card.Xacti VPC-HD2 Highlights1280 x 720 progressive HD video scanning Thanks to highly efficient MPEG-4 technology, the HD2 is able to create high-definition 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) videos at 30 frames per second. That’s up to three times more pixels than standard conventional video cameras. These are richly detailed images that will display beautifully on any big screen TV.Advanced MPEG-4 technology The HD2 records in the global multimedia standard MPEG-4 delivers exceptional video clarity and detail in an unbelievably portable configuration. What’s more, because MPEG-4 is exceptionally efficient in the way it records digital information, higher-quality videos and stills can be saved in smaller files.

The high-precision LSI (large-scale integration) for image processing is the real “muscle” behind the Xacti HD2′s ability to record high-definition video. This powerful “high-definition engine” processes a massive number of calculations in a short period of time and enables the HD2′s high-definition 720p processing, real-time MPEG-4 compression, and noise reduction.

Super-fast 9Mbs frame rate The Sanyo HD2 high-definition digital media camera features an accelerated frame rate in the HD mode that is more than four times faster than earlier digital cameras. Transmitting data at 9 megabits per seconds ensures that camera and subject motion are smooth and natural, without the image lag or distortion that might occur in slower-responding systems.

2.2-inch LCD screen The HD2 features an incredibly clear 2.2-inch, Sanyo-developed Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) with 210,000 total pixels. The display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees on an axis that allows you to take great video or still images from otherwise difficult-to-view positions.

7.21-megapixel CCD image sensor Inside the HD2 high-definition digital media camera is an advanced 7.21-megapixel (total) CCD image sensor to capture high-definition videos (at a very smooth and natural 30 fps!), with full-range stereo sound. Using a 8GB SDHC memory card (optional) the HD2 can record nearly 3 hours of high-definition video, up to eight hours of standard-definition video or thousands of 7-megapixel digital still images.

Record to convenient SD or SDHC memory cards The HD2 can record up to 21 minutes of 720p high-definition video per gigabyte on a standard SD card. Alternately, the camera allows you to record in Standard Definition (640 x 480 resolution) for up to one hour per gigabyte. If you’re looking to shoot home videos of the kids carving pumpkins or a dance recital, you can easily store hours of video footage using the standard definition setting. If recording in high definition is your goal, then change the settings and get 720p high definition video.

Switch between HD and SD modes Switching from standard definition to high definition is a breeze; you simply press the “HD/Norm” button located on the side of the camera body. Additionally, in the menu options, you can choose from six different video resolution modes (and six different resolution levels for your still photos!), depending on how your images will be used.

Record specifically for your personal media player The HD2 has a new recording mode designed specifically to capture video destined for the iPod video or other MPEG4 capable media players. Shooting in the new Web-SHQ mode, you videos will be captured at 320 x 240 pixels at 30 frames-per-second — perfect for some of the most popular personal media players available.

In-camera editing and playback With the Sanyo Xacti HD2’s 9-image display function, users can quickly search for specific images or videos. And, with the slideshow feature, images can be played back continuously. The HD2 can also edit clips. Clips can be cut in user-selected points and spliced, all from the camera itself. Unwanted images can be easily deleted, freeing up memory card capacity.

16:9 widescreen shooting The HD2 features widescreen shooting modes for still, high-definition video and new for standard definition video. You can display both your stills and videos on your full 16:9 television screen.

Capture still and high-definition movie images simultaneously The Xacti HD2 enables simultaneous shooting of 5.1-megapixel still images and HD (1280 x 720-pixel) movie clips, with a simple press of the shutter button during the shooting of a movie clip. Users will never need to miss another precious photo opportunity. (Depending on the mode used to take still images, simultaneous video clip shooting may be interrupted. While shooting video clips, using the digital image stabilizer may change the angle of view for still images.)

High-quality digital stereo recording The Xacti HD2′s 48 kHz, 16-bit, 2-channel sound for AAC-LC (MPEG-4 Audio) provides a sense of reality to match the realism of those impressive high-definition movies. And not only is it able to reduce noise caused by wind during shooting, the Xacti HD2 also features a dedicated terminal to which an external microphone can be attached.

Built-in image stabilization High-definition can’t hide shaky or erratic camera shaking. That’s why Sanyo’s HD2 comes with a sophisticated image stabilizer. Using a proprietary Sanyo algorithm, the HD2 automatically compensates for distracting up-and-down or side-to-side camera movement, keeping your subject steady and easy to follow. It accurately distinguishes between unintentional camera shake and deliberate camera movement. This handy feature operates in both wide-angle and telephoto modes, giving every shot a solid, professional-looking feel.

Sleek, ergonomic design On or off, the HD2 is a true work of art. Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, all video and still functions can be easily accessed with the thumb of the hand used to hold the camera. Aside from making everything much simpler and easier to use, this ‘one thumb’ interface lets you enjoy-and be a part of-each precious moment you record.

Highly-efficient 10x optical zoom The HD2 digital media camera features a highly efficient 10x optical zoom with a bright maximum aperture of f/3.5. Consisting of nine groups and twelve total lenses with a built-in neutral density filter, the HD2′s lens provides a fantastic field-of-view with a 38-380 mm range (35 mm equivalent). Combined with the 10x digital zoom, the HD2 provides up to 100x zooming capability.