The predictably named successor to the Xacti E1 has finally arrived, and it's just as waterproof as the original. The Xacti E2 records MPEG-4 AVC / H.264 video at 640 x 480, snaps stills at 8-megapixels, captures content onto SD / SDHC cards and features a 2.5-inch flip-out LCD for easy viewing of what footage you're snagging. There's also a 5x optical zoom and Face Chaser technology, the latter of which uses a "proprietary Sanyo algorithm to compensate for distracting up-and-down or side-to-side camera movement, keeping your subject steady and easy to follow." The 9.1-ounce device (in brilliant blue or pearlescent white) is available now in the US for a penny shy of $400.

[Via Macworld]

Sanyo's latest 1080i pocket camcorder (that'd be the Xacti 1010) was just sitting there all pretty like at IFA 2008, so our compadres over at Engadget Spanish took the liberty of posting up a gallery of hands-on shots. Not too many surprises in terms of design, but the demonstrative video of the super slow-mo mode is pretty trippy to say the least. Head on over and give it a look, won't you?

Step aside HD700, Sanyo just replaced you with its DMX-HD800 720p camcorder. According to Akihabara News who is attending the launch event, the HD800 features a "HUGE step forward in video quality" coupled with reduced noise thanks to Sanyo's 3DDNR filter. Spec-wize, we're looking at an 8.0 megapixel 1/2.5-inch CMOS sensor, SD/SDHC support, 5x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD, face tracking, and easier to use drag-and-drop to pull AVC/H.264 video from the camera to your PC. We'll have to wait for the reviews to know for sure but it looks like Sanyo just made one of the best 720p camcorders even better. On sale in Japan on August 22nd for ¥50,000 (about $463).

[Via Impress]

In its battle with Sony for 1080i pistol grips, Sanyo just announced a minor, but notable update to its premium HD1000 Full HD MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 camcorder. The new HD1010 adds improved image processing and stabilization, new "face chaser" technology for stills and video, and amusing new 300fps slow-motion mode. Nothing compared to Casio's freakish EX-F1 but a nice novelty for shooting the kids' sporting adventures. Sanyo also tossed in a new 7fps continuous still shot mode which snags images at the sensor's maximum 4 megapixel resolution. A minor bump for sure but it makes for a compelling offering at the (relatively) low asking price of $800 when it hits the US in July (Japan, June 20th).

Update: Akihabara News went hands-on in the video posted after the break.

[Via Impress and Akihabara News]

Though not quite as posh as the Xacti HD2, Sanyo's DMX-CG9 is still apt to satisfy those in no hurry to make the leap to high-def. The handheld camcorder arrives in white, black, silver and pink motifs and features a 2.5-inch flip-out LCD, 5x optical zoom lens and a 9.1-megapixel CMOS sensor that captures stills when not logging clips (640 x 480 at 60fps maximum) of everyday life in MPEG-4 AVC / H.264. You'll also find a digital image stabilizer, wind noise reduction and PictBridge compatibility, and you can load in any spare SD / SDHC card in order to stockpile footage. No word on a price just yet for this entry-level unit, but those shacked up in Japan can look for it to land in late April.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Sanyo's line of Xacti camcorders have traditionally looked mighty fine on paper, but for one reason or another, expectations haven't exactly been met on the previous iterations. The firm's latest pistol-grip device yet again looked superb at a glance, but TrustedReviews found that the VPC-HD1000 still wasn't able to live up to its claims. On the upside, reviewers found the design to be "much improved," and the Full HD recording abilities were drooled over as well. Still, the crew couldn't help but be disappointed in the paltry four-megapixel CMOS sensor, and while it did perform "better than its predecessors" as a camcorder, the optical zoom was tagged as "slow," colors seemed slightly oversaturated and you'll still need "plenty of light" in order to get halfway decent results. Furthermore, it was noted that quick changes in scenery caused noticeable pixilation, and shooting in low-light introduced "a lot" of grain. Overall, the HD1000 wasn't totally slammed nor lifted up on a pedestal, but we'd probably hold off on this unless you're cool with a "jack of two trades, but master of neither."

Sanyo's back with another Xacti solid state camcorder with this, their DMX-HD700. That's "HD" as in high-def, "7" as in 720p instead of the 1080i recording action found in their DMX-HD1000. On sale starting October 19th, the "world's smallest and lightest 720p" camcorder records MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video and 7.1 megapixel stills to SD/SDHC cards. It's also loaded with the ability to track up to 12-faces, a 2.7-inch LCD, and ISO 3200 sensitivity. Expect to drop an estimated ¥70,000 (about $609) or so for the privilege.

[Via Impress]

Ever wanted a full, 1080i camcorder that looked just like the Super-8 your dad used to shoot sun-soaked home movies with back in the 1970s? Well, you're in luck, because Sanyo seems to be sharing your nostalgic vibes this year, particularly in the case of the Xacti DMX-HD1000, the world's tiniest, full-HD video camera. We got our chance to manhandle this minuscule (yet powerful) camcorder at IFA today and honestly, it's like holding a gun... a memory gun. Deep, right? Take a look at the totally ill photo gallery and let us know your thoughts on the matter.

We like giving Sanyo heaps of grief over their boxy gear from time to time. But make no mistake, they've nailed it with their Xacti series of solid state camcorders. Meet the DMX-HD1000, their first to record at full, 1,920 x 1,080 resolution video using the HD/MPEG-4 AVC codec. It features the ability to shoot 8 megapixel stills via its 1/2.5-inch CMOS sensor, a 10x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD, HDMI-out, and the ability to record direct to SD/SDHC cards for up to 2 hours at a charge. That's plenty of juice since an 8GB SDHC card will only hold about 1 hour and 25 minutes of Full HD recordings. All this in an itty-bitty pistol grip shooter which Sanyo claims is the world's smallest at this resolution. Available in Japan starting mid September for about ¥120,000 or about $1,000.

[Via Impress]

Take a Sanyo Xacti CG65, add some waterproofing, and what do you get? Why the Xacti E1 of course. While Sanyo had the "water resistant" CA6 last year, they're calling this the world's first "waterproof" camcorder. Like the landlubbin' version, the E1 is a digital camera / H.264 recorder which writes both 6 megapixel stills and 640 x 480 pixels/30fps videos direct to SD/SDHC cards. Only now, it does so when submerged at depths up to 5 feet for no more than an hour at a time. Available mid-June in choice of Blue, yellow, or white for $500.

Sanyo has a new point and shoot digicam out recently in the form of the Xacti S70, which replaces the previous S60. The S70 doesn't offer any particularly distinguishing features: the 7-megapixel sensor, 3x zoom lens, 2.5-inch LCD, 250 shot battery life, and VGA movie recording mode could describe dozens of other consumer cams on the market right now. The only real plus side is that it's packed into a relatively small, albeit forgettable, silver casing. It's looking like Sanyo's only option for perking our interest in this model is to set the price at rock bottom levels, although as of now we know nothing about pricing or availability.

Those waiting for dates and prices on Sanyo's latest handheld portables need wait no more -- well kind of. Interested parties still need to wait for both models to actually land, but for now you've at least got time to set aside the $330 you'll need when the CG6 hits stores at the end of March, and can expect the CG65 to hit in April for an unknown dollar-impact. We'll let you know when things get slightly less cagey on the H.264-recording CG65, but for now just focus on the images above and use The Secret to insist the universe bequeaths you one for all your hard "work".

Read - Sanyo Xacti CG65
Read - Sanyo Xacti CG6

After a Xacti 2.0 teaser campaign initiated last week, Sanyo finally got to the business of releasing their latest Xacti, the DMX-CG65. The first of their new Xacti II cams maintains the pistol-grip profile the Xacti name is synonymous with only this time with Sanyo's new Pure Fourth III image processor and optical image stabilization to shore-up the 6 megapixel CCD and 5x optical zoom lens. It can also record H.264 quality video to SDHC cards -- that's about 6 hours at the highest quality settings (640 x 480, 30fps, 3Mbps) when fitted with an 8GB card. Available in Japan at the end of April for about ¥50,000 or $426.

[Via Impress]

Sanyo had a bit of a twist this year at CES -- it was making a push for the environment. In between displays of HD camcorders and wireless projectors were numerous low consumption devices and solar powered chargers. Keep reading to see what you may have missed among the plethora of products that were on display this year.