Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2000

A little door at the front, under the lens, provides access to plug in headphones or an external microphone. However, using these audio interfacing options is likely to interfere with your grip, since they're located exactly where you will want to place your index finger as it curls over the barrel to hold the Xacti securely. Admittedly, not everyone will use the audio ports but their placement does seem ill judged.

Audio interference: plugging in a mic or headphones obstructs handling

The supplied docking station incorporates an HDMI output - cable not included - along with a component-video and audio jacks, and a USB port. For these, cables are included. In use, the camera sits comfortably on the dock’s mini USB interface. It’s all very easy to set up and provides a nice way to view your footage.

The camera’s microphone is nicely sensitive, with the captured audio on outdoor footage sounding excellent when replayed on a TV. The birdsong was clearly audible from all around – and with the low sound of traffic in the background panning from left to right – it was like experiencing a live feed. During playback, recordings suffering wind noise could be improved a little thanks to the Xacti's the noise reduction function.

When filming indoors, next to a loudspeaker, for example, there doesn’t appear to be any sound distortion in playback, only a reduction in bass. When using the still camera in low light interiors, the Auto Focus becomes slow, indecisive and unsatisfactory. Indoor shooting can also produce a little colour fade and distortion. Outside is another matter, with both still and video shots delivering excellent colour reproduction and, overall, picture quality leaves little to be desired.

Sample Shots

The Xacti's other persona as a 12Mp still camera
Click for full-resolution crop