Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10 Camcorder Review

by Kaitlyn Chantry
Published on Jul 14, 2009 4:00 PM

 
Intro
 Product Tour
Colour & Noise Performance Motion & Sharpness Performance
Low Light Performance Compression & Media
Manual Controls Still Features
Handling & Use Playback & Connectivity
Audio & Other Features Sony MHS-PM1 Comparison
Kodak Zx1 Comparison Flip UltraHD Comparison
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Introduction
Sanyo's model for more budget-conscious consumers is the Xacti VPC-CG10, available for about £229,99. The upright, pistol-grip design differentiates the CG10 from other ultra compact camcorders with the iPod design like the Flip series. The design is not the only thing that makes the CG10 so much different from other budget camcorders.
 
The VPC-CG10 might not be as easy to use as the Flip camcorders, with its complicated and somewhat confusing menu system. It does, however, have plenty of manual controls and even a digital image stabilisation. Even though digital stabilisation systems are not as good as optical, it is better than having none at all. Regarding video performance in bright light, the CG10 is a lot better then the competition for under £300. The impressive colour accuracy and excellent noise levels in still photos, matches the Xacti even to expensive, top-of-the-line camcorders. Compared to the Flip and similar camcorders, the VPC-CG10 is maybe a little more complicated but definitely comes with a lot more.
    (Page 1 of 17) Product Tour


Section The Good The Bad
Product Tour Upright design, better to hold than other ultra compacts
 Nothing of note
Colour & Noise Performance Impressive colour accuracy Nothing of note
Motion & Sharpness Performance Smooth, clean motion with only slight stuttering Sharpness is average; image riddled with artefacting
Low Light Performance Impressive noise levels
Abysmal low light sensitivity
Compression & Media Records either high or standard definition videos
 No editing software included
Manual Controls Auto mode is superb, various manual control options Zoom speed not changeable, only hard increments for focus
Still Features Several resolution options; colour accuracy and noise levels excellent Plenty of oversharpening
Handling & Use Small and highly portable device Poorly designed joystick; "Normal Menu" complicated
Playback & Connectivity Nothing of note Only a proprietary composite AV/USB connection
Audio & Other Features Dual PAL/NTSC output can come in handy No microphone input, accessory shoe, headphone jack or audio level control 



Product Tour >>