Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2000

Compression (7.0)

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2000 records primarily in high definition, with one regular standard definition format and two slow motion options. Sanyo certainly isn't skimping on the options here.

It should be noted here, again, that all Sanyo camcorders record natively in the NTSC standard (60 frames or fields per second) rather than the European PAL standard (50 frames or fields per second). Have no fear, though. The camcorders can instantly convert to PAL for playback. This idiosyncrasy should have no effect on your editing process, as computers are typically format-agnostic.

This year's model offers a bit less in the standard definition department and 1280 x 720 video can only be recorded at 30fps—no 60fps option, as was available last year. And now you can play around all day with two different slow motion options (to replace to single 300fps option on the HD1010). Slow motion is only available in low resolution, 10-second clips, but it's a crowd pleaser if you capture just the right moments.

The real star of the show is this year's full 1920 x 1080 60p video, which is the first of its kind in a consumer camcorder. Most high definition camcorders shoot 50i, also known as 50 interlaced fields per second. This top-of-the-line Sanyo shoots 60 progressive frames per second, which results in smoother overall video (see Motion). Of course, the 60p shooting mode is also the only way you can reach the 24Mbps bitrate. If the bevy of recording options on the VPC-HD2000 is overwhelming you, we recommend you just stick with the highest setting. You can always reduce the quality later with editing software, but you can never retroactively increase quality.

Regardless of the size, the video clips are encoded in the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec. This is an easy file type to drag and drop onto your desktop. Some software programmes will play it right off your desktop, while others might require a plug-in or rendering before you can view the file.

Media (5.0)

The Sanyo VPC-HD2000 records exclusively to removable SD/SDHC memory cards. It's certainly flexible and convenient, but high capacity cards can be expensive and are easy to lose. Of course, it's a much better alternative than tape or DVD and it's more stable than the moving parts of a hard drive camcorder. Throw in some internal flash memory and we'd be sold.

The HD2000 records exclusively to SD cards.

As it is, you'll want to get several backup cards for a long day of shooting and you'll probably be transferring footage quite often.

Editing (7.0)

Our loan unit of the VPC-HD2000 did not ship with software, and the software is not specified on Sanyo's website. Last year's VPC-HD1010 came with the Sanyo Software Pack 9.3, which included Nero 8 Essentials, Xacti Screen Capture 1.1, and an Instruction Manual. Since it is likely Sanyo will include the same software with the VPC-HD2000, here's a link to the editing section of our HD1010 review that discusses the programmes in detail.

The VPC-HD2000 also includes an internal editing system that can be accessed in the playback menu. The system is difficult to use, requires long processing times, and only allows for very minor edits (trimming, splitting, and joining video). It is doubtful anyone would have much use for this internal editing feature, but it doesn't really hurt for Sanyo to include it.

Video recorded on the VPC-HD2000 is saved as MP4 files and can be transferred directly from a memory card to your computer desktop. The advantage of this is you don't need to use any editing software to get files onto your computer. The disadvantage, however, is that some editing programmes (like Final Cut Express) must render the MP4 files before it is able to play them. This rendering can take a very long time, thus turning the editing process into a tedious affair.