Sanyo VPC-CA6 Xacti Digital Camcorder
Sanyo VPC-CA6 Press Release Details
The new, 6-megapixel SANYO Xacti CA6 is a pocket-sized digital still and MPEG-4 video camera specially designed to capture outdoor fun under the sun and around water.
The stylish SANYO CA6 is “protected from splash in all directions,†conforming to the IEC international IPX4 standard*. Splash-proof water resistance makes it practical to point and shoot even around the pool or at the beach. It’s also rugged enough to safely take photos or shoot video with wet hands while fishing, hiking, boating, skiing or enjoying many other outdoor leisure activities. While remarkably water resistant, the CA6 should never be immersed in water.
Ergonomically designed for convenient, one-handed operation, the CA6 digital media camera records both 640 x 480 resolution MPEG-4 video and 6-megapixel digital still images to a standard SD or SDHC flash memory card. It will be available in the U.S. from SANYO, the world’s leading manufacturer of digital cameras and components, in August 2006 at $399.99 MSRP**.
Users can select among five available video recording modes, including the Web-SHQ mode specifically designed to capture video destined for the video iPod® or other MPEG-4 capable personal media players. Shooting in Web-SHQ mode, videos are captured at 320 x 240 pixels at a smooth 30 frames-per-second – ideally suited for some of the most popular personal media players available.
6 megapixel still images
The SANYO Xacti CA6 takes clear, crisp 6-megapixel JPEG images measuring up to 2816 x 2112 pixels. A 6.37-megapixel CCD (total) and SANYO’s proprietary image-adaptive data processing technology ensures low noise in dark areas, as well as more beautiful realization of skin colors.
Advanced MPEG-4 technology
The CA6 features SANYO’s proprietary MPEG-4 engine to quickly execute a huge number of calculations. This engine enables the Xacti CA6’s advanced real-time MPEG-4 compression. Recording in the global MPEG-4 multimedia standard, the CA6 efficiently delivers exceptional video clarity and detail. As a result, high quality videos are saved in smaller files.
Use as a webcam
The CA6 can serve as a high-quality webcam for live, person-to-person video over the internet.
Capture still and videos simultaneously
The Xacti CA6 enables simultaneous shooting of 6-megapixel still images and 640 x 480-pixel video clips with a simple press of the shutter button during the shooting of a movie clip. Users will never need to miss another precious photo opportunity. (Depending on the mode used to take still images, simultaneous video clip shooting may be interrupted. While shooting video clips, using the digital image stabilizer may change the angle of view for still images.)
Record to standard SD memory cards
The CA6 can record up to one hour of standard-definition (VGA: 640 x 480 pixels) MPEG-4 video or up to 515 six-megapixel digital still images per gigabyte. That’s over four hours of VGA video or over 2000 digital images captured on the soon to be released 4GB SDHC memory card (cards sold separately).
6.37-megapixel CCD image sensor
Inside the CA6 digital media camera is an advanced 6.37-megapixel (total) CCD image sensor to capture high-quality digital videos at a smooth and natural 30 fps, with impeccable AAC-LC stereo sound.
2.0-inch TFT LCD display
Prominently featured on the Xacti CA6 is a generous 2.0-inch TFT LCD flip-out display for exceptional viewability.
5.0x optical zoom lens
The CA6 digital media camera features a highly efficient 5x optical zoom with a bright maximum aperture of f/3.5. Consisting of 9 groups and 12 total lenses and with a built-in neutral density filter, the CA6’s lens provides a fantastic field-of-view with a 38-190 mm range (35 mm equivalent). Combined with a 12x digital zoom, the CA6 provides up to 60x zooming capability.
Built-in image stabilization
The SANYO Xacti CA6 comes with a sophisticated digital image stabilizer. Using a proprietary SANYO algorithm, the CA6 automatically compensates for distracting up-and-down or side-to-side camera movement, keeping the subject steady and easy to follow. It accurately distinguishes between unintentional camera shake and deliberate camera movement. This handy feature operates in both wide-angle and telephoto modes, giving every shot a solid, professional-looking feel.
Easy in-camera playback/editing
The 9-Image Display Function speeds up searches for images, which can then be played back continuously using the Slideshow feature. The Art Mode also adds a little more fun to playback. Video clips can be cut at selected points and spliced, all in the camera itself. Unwanted images can be easily deleted to conserve precious memory card capacity.
Quick mail/upload
The relatively small size of all files makes it simple to send stills and even video-clip by e-mail. Files can also be quickly uploaded to a Website without soaking up bandwidth.
Straightforward storage/editing
The CA6 comes with several software applications for managing, editing and processing still and video-clip images: Ulead Photo Explorer 8.5 SE Basic (MPEG-4), Ulead DVD MovieFactory 4.0 SE Basic (MPEG-4), Motion Director SE 1.1 and QuickTime 7.0.
Ergonomic and lightweight
Designed for convenient, one-handed operation and one-thumb control of most key functions, the compact and ergonomic SANYO Xacti CA6 is the perfect camera companion for a wide range of outdoor adventures. Lightweight, at approximately 6 ounces (including battery and a standard SD memory card) the CA6 measures 3.0 x 3.9 x 1.4 inches.
Key SANYO Xacti VPC-CA6 features include:
- Features IPX4 rated water resistance: “protected from splash in all directionsâ€*
- 6-megapixel still images
- Advanced MPEG-4 technology
- Record to SD or SDHC memory cards (cards sold separately)
- Sleek, ergonomic design with “one thumb†operation
- 320 x 240 “Web-SHQ†video mode; optimal for playback on many personal media players
- 6.37-megapixel CCD image sensor
- Highly efficient 5.0x optical zoom lens
- 2.0-inch amorphous silicon color TFT LCD display
- CD-quality AAC-LC (MPEG-4 Audio) stereo recording
- Capture stills and video simultaneously***
- Anti-shake digital image stabilizer
- Easy in-camera playback/editing
- Quick mail/upload
- Straightforward storage/editing
- Wind noise and red eye reduction
- Webcam capability
- Talking navigation guide for first-time users
- Super-fast 1.3-second camera startup
- Multifunction docking station
- SANYO rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
- PictBridge and Exif Print compatible
- Easy connection to TV, VCR, DVD recorder or computer
* Camera should remain in the upright position when being splashed.
** Estimated Selling Price: Actual prices set by dealer are subject to change.
*** Depending on the mode used to take still images, simultaneous video clip shooting may be interrupted.
Sanyo VPC-CA6 Xacti Reviews
Unbeatable.co.uk has a review up of the Sanyo VPC-CA6 Xacti and writes, “We were taken aback with the mega speedy 1.3 second start-up time of the Sanyo Xacti VAP-CA6, as once out of the box and switched on we were ready to go and start making our Movie. The dual action of taking still images whilst filming works really well and although did slightly interrupt filming was really easy to do. … We really like the user-friendliness of the Sanyo Xacti VAP-CA6 and the features are very impressive and work well. Our only slight disappointment was in the image quality, but it was only very slight. We think the Xacti CA6 may be a little overpriced, but it is a good performer and great at multi-tasking.” Link.
CNET Australia has a review of the Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA6 and writes, “Sanyo’s VPC-CA6 excels at being small, portable and easy to understand. Using it, however, reveals more than a few flaws in the implementation of its design. … The VPC-CA6 on paper looks like a cute gadget, and ultimately that’s exactly what it is, with all the limitations that the word gadget brings with it. Anyone with AU$800 to spend could do a lot better in terms of configurable video cameras than the VPC-CA6. It’s a very easy to use camera in terms of the way it presents its functionality to the end user, but the actual experience of using it isn’t anywhere near as straightforward.” Link.
