Sanyo Xacti HD1000 vs Xacti HD700 7MP

Sanyo Xacti HD1000 (full name Sanyo Xacti HD1000 4MP MPEG4 High Definition 1080i Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom) came out before the Sanyo Xacti HD700 7MP with the HD1000 going for around $700 and HD700 selling for about $150 less. But neither is just an improved and updated model of the other. There are some reasons to buy the HD1000 such as 10x zoom compared to 5x, image stabilization, the ability to simultaneously record video and still images by pressing the shutter button to snap a photo while recording video. Video is shot in HD (1920 x 1080 full 1080i image quality ) in MPEG-4 format which you can also record directly to your computer’s hard drive using the docking station. On the other hand the HD700 is a 7 megapixel digital camera whereas the Xacti HD1000 records only 4 megapixel still images and the HD700 shoots at 720p. Both cameras feature 2.7 inch LCD which flips out and rotates up to 285° for widescreen viewing and they have the same basic dimensions and ergonomic design. That said these cameras are bulky and though it may fit in your pocket without breaking it may require larger hands or both hands. On the plus side they record directly to 8 gigabyte SD cards so there’s no moving parts to break.

There are some problems with the HD700. For one you will have to stand far from large subjects to capture them in the camera’s field of vision. The camera simply does not capture as wide as it should for anything up close such as inside even with wide-angle. This is less of an issue if you’re doing most of your shooting outside. The other issue is that image quality is grainy in low light conditions on both the Sanyo Xacti HD1000 and the HD700. This is less of an issue for the still images compared to the video. And unlike the HD1000 the HD700 lacks image stabilization. Also the camera lacks external mic input. All that said if you can get this camera for under $300 or even $399 and you’re willing to learn how to use it properly it’s still a good deal.

Sanyo Xacti HD1000

Sanyo Xacti HD700 7MP

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Add comment December 13th, 2007