by J.R. Powell

Created on: September 18, 2010

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2000 camcorder can record both video and still pictures. It can record 1080p60 video (as well as other video formats) and has an 8 megapixel sensor for recording still pictures. The version of this camcorder I am reviewing is the European version, though, as can be seen from the video formats available, this version is identical in functionality to the version for the USA.

Some of the specifications/features of this camcorder are:

• 1080p60 video recording capability

• High frame rate recording capability (eg. 240 & 600 fps)

• Video Recording and Still Image capability

• Records onto SDHC memory card

The camcorder itself is a small hand-held one, an LCD screen flips out on the side of the camera to show the video/still picture that will be recorded (it doesn't have a viewfinder), and for showing menu options.

Remote Control

The camera also comes with a small remote control that you can use to control the camcorder. Though I think it's slightly too small and not very ergonomic.

Video Recording Formats & Frame Rates

This camera is capable of recording in the following video formats:

• 1920x1080 60 fps. Records at 25 Mbps.

• 1920x1080 60 fields per sec. Records at 16 Mbps

• 1920x1080 30 fps. Records at 12 Mbps

• 1280x720 30 fps. Records at 9 Mbps

• 640x480 30 fps. Records at 3 Mbps

• 448X336 at 240 fps. Records up to 10 seconds of footage. Records into a 59.94 fps video, lasting 40 secs (for 1/4 slow motion)

• 192x108 at 600 fps - records up to 10 seconds of footage. Records into a 59.94 fps video lasting 1 min 40 secs (for 1/10 slow motion).

Actual Frame Rates recorded by this camcorder

Though the camcorder says it records 30, 60 fps etc., the actual frame rates recorded by the camera for these frame/field rates are:

59.94 for 60 fps, 29.97 fps for 30 fps, 239.76 for 240 fps and 599.4 fps for 600 fps.

Notes for Europeans

As can be seen from the video format list above, this camera (including the version sold in Europe) records in frame rates such as 30 and 60 fps. It's "standard definition" (ie. not HD) recording format of 640x480 at 30 fps is an NTSC (ie. USA) resolution and frame rate. Unlike most other European HD camcorders, there is no "PAL" (25 fps, 576 line) recording option with this camera or any 50i/p HD recording options.

While European HDTVs are capable of displaying the SD & HD formats of this camera, it will be a problem if you want to create a "PAL" (576i)

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