Sanyo VPC-HD1010

Compression (4.00)
The Sanyo VPC-HD1010 records video in high definition and standard definition, as well as high speed and low-quality web sizes:

HD Mode
- (Full-HD) 1920 x 1080, 60fps
- (Full-SHQ) 1920 x 1080, 30fps
- (HD-HR) 1280 x 720, 60fps
- (HD-SQH) 1280 x 720, 30fps

SD Mode
- (TV-HR) 640 x 480, 60fps
- (TV-SHQ) 640 x 480, 30fps
- (Web-SHR) 448 x 336, 300fps
- (Web-SHQ) 320 x 240, 30fps

Sanyo clearly does not skimp on the options here. The list of possibilities is daunting for beginners wondering what mode is best for them. In short, we recommend always shooting in the best quality – you can always reduce the quality later with editing software, but you can never increase quality.

Regardless of the size, the video clips are encoded in the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format. These files are easily imported to a computer using USB, and can be played back with QuickTime or several other media players (some may require additional plug-ins).

Media (6.00)
All video and stills are recorded to removable SD or SDHC memory cards, widely available at camera shops, drug stores, and online. Below is a chart that gives a sample of recording times in different qualities.

 

	1920x1080 60fps	1920x1080 30fps	1280x720 60fps	1280x720 30fps	640x480 60fps	640x480 30fps	448x336 300fps	320x240 30fps
2GB	19 min	22 min	22 min	29 min	43 min	82 min	32 min	316 min
4GB	37 min	43 min	43 min	58 min	85 min	165 min	64 min	633 min
8GB	64 min	87 min	87 min	115 min	171 min	332 min	129 min	1272 min

The memory cards load from the back of the Sanyo HD1010, behind a plastic door.

Editing (5.00)
The Sanyo VPC-HD1010 has an unusual in-camera editing system, which allows you to cut or join video clips without transferring them to a computer. The option is accessed through the second tab of the playback menu. Unfortunately, the system is so difficult to use (considering all the edits are made with a joystick) that performing anything more than the simplest of edits would be a ridiculous adventure.

Besides the dreadful in-camera editing feature, the Sanyo HD1010 ships with the Sanyo Software Pack 9.3, which includes Nero 8 Essentials, Xacti Screen Capture 1.1, and an Instruction Manual.

Everything about editing process with this camcorder is complicated. As soon as you connect to a computer, the HD1010 prompts you with two questions: is this a computer or a printer? The camcorder should be able to determine this on its own. When you select 'computer,' there are four more options:  Card Reader, MTP, Screen Capture, and PC Camera. Why all these choices, and what on earth do they mean?! It's a terrible interface, and our recent reviews of the Pure Digital Flip Mino and its kin have sparked a new frustration with how complicated camcorders can be.

The Nero SmartStart interface is no great shakes either. The screen is cluttered with options. Why would we need 'News' from Nero – an RSS aggregator from my video editing software?! WHY?