Sanyo Introduces Xacti HD1 High-Definition Digital Camera

Making its debut at the 2006 International CES, the SANYO Xacti HD1 is one of the world's first high-definition digital media cameras available on the market for the moment. Offering advanced, next-generation video performance, the SANYO Xacti HD1 is a very small and light HD digital media camera that can easily record both 720p high-definition video and 5.1 megapixel digital still images to a standard SD flash memory card.

The HD1 features an ultra-clear 2.2-inch SANYO-developed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display with 210,000 total pixels for exceptional viewability. The display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees on axis for taking great video or still images in otherwise difficult locations. When not in use, the display nicely tucks back into the side of the camera.

Displayed prominently in the front of the HD1 is a bright, highly efficient 10x optical zoom lens. Built from 12 elements designed in 9 groups and with a built-in neutral density filter, the 10x zoom lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 in both wide and telephoto angles, allowing for clear images in lower light situations. Combined with a 10x digital zoom capability, the HD1 is capable of a total 100x zoom.

As with all previous SANYO Xacti digital media cameras, the HD1 can record still images in addition to video clips. A newly developed 5.36 megapixel (total) CCD captures beautiful 5.1 megapixel still images which are recorded directly onto a standard SD memory card.

The HD1 can record over 21 minutes of 720p HD video on a 1-Gigabyte SD card or over 42 minutes on a 2-Gigabyte card. Alternatively, HD1 users can select to record in Standard Definition mode (640 x 480 pixels at 30fps progressive) for up to two hours on a 2-Gigabyte SD card. Users can easily switch between high-definition and standard-definition recording modes by simply pressing the "HD/Norm" button located on display side of the camera body.

Lightweight at only 8.3 ounces (including battery and a standard SD memory card) the HD1 measures 3.1.W x 4.7.H x 1.4.D. The SANYO Xacti HD1 will be available in the U.S. in late March at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $799.99.