Sanyo VPC-C5 MPEG-4 Camcorder with 5MP Digital Still Camera & 5x Optical Zoom
Imagine carrying your camcorder in your pocket? Sanyo VPC-C5 makes it possible. It manages to do so without compromising image quality one bit. It even enhances it. There are two fundamental reasons: 1) All images (still and video) are captured on a tiny SD SecureDigital Memory-Card. No tapes are used or required. 2) It has a 5.2 megapixel CCD to deliver excellent image resolution. The VPC-C5 captures full-frame MPEG-4 compressed digital video. Unlike most digital cameras that take short, small, silent video clips, the VPC-C5 captures movies at a smooth 30 frames-per-second -- the same frame rate standard as broadcast television. Enjoy recording high-quality stereo audio with built-in wind roar reduction for indoor and outdoor use. Easy to use, hold, and carry, the Sanyo VPC-C5 really is among the best camcorders to take with you virtually anywhere. Capture still and video images simultaneously Built-in image stabilization Aound Mode with Wind roar reduction Built-in 3-mode electronic-flash High quality stereo recording (AAC-LC) 5X optical zoom lens / 12X digital zoom Seven scene select modes (auto, sports, portrait, landscape, night view, fireworks, lamp) 15 adjustable manual focus settings Super macro shooting (down to a distance of 1cm) Self timer (2 seconds/10 seconds) 2.0 trans-reflective LCD screen for easier viewing in direct sunlight Rechargeable lithium ion battery Talking navigation guide Webcam function PictBridge compatible for printing images directly to a PictBridge compatible printer - without a computer USB 2.0 & S-Video output - Data transfer capable to PC or Macintosh computer or to a TV device 128MB SD SecureDigital card included - We suggest buying an optional 256MB or 512MB SD Card for more practical use Unit Dimensions - 2.7 x 4.3 x 0.9
Make movies anywhere with this tiny, tapeless digital camera. In fact, this multifunction video camera/digital still camera is so small and lightweight, others might mistake it for a cell phone. But don't be fooled by its diminutive design; the VPC-C5 sports a five-megapixel image sensor and can capture more than 15 minutes of DVD-quality MPEG-4 video on the included 128MB memory card.  | | The VPC-C5 is designed to fit into and be operated by one hand. |
Digital Still Camera
The VPC-C5's 1/2.5 inch, 5.26-megapixel CCD sensor can capture images with enough photo-quality detail to create prints as large as 13-by-17-inches. What's more, the camera features real-time pixel interpolation that can simulate the level of detail rendered by 10-megapixel cameras--images that look sharp when printed at 18-by-24 inches. The camera features a built-in 5x optical zoom lens. Since even the smallest movements and vibrations are magnified in telephoto photography, the camera's built-in image stabilization will help you get sharp, clear photos even when your subject is far away. The camera's optical zoom is complemented with a 12x digital zoom. Seven scene-select modes will help you optimize your camera for common shooting conditions: auto, sports, portrait, landscape, night view, fireworks, and lamp. The camera even has a Super Macro mode, which will allow you to focus and frame on tiny subjects, such as a flower or sea shell, that are only one centimeter away from the front of the camera lens. The camera also boasts a 3-mode flash (Auto/Forced/Off with slow synchro possible in Night View mode) and a selectable two-second/10-second self-timer.  | | MPEG-4 video compression allows the VPC-C5 to capture and store more video than other video formats. |
Digital Video Camera
The VPC-C5 captures full-frame MPEG-4 compressed digital video. Unlike most digital cameras that take short, small, silent video clips, this machine captures movies at a smooth 30 frames-per-second--the same frame rate standard as broadcast television. Also, it records high-quality stereo audio with built-in wind roar reduction, so clips taken at the slopes or the beach are less likely to have their audio muffled by sudden gusts. The VPC-C5 even lets you snap digital stills while you're filming video.  | | The VPC-C5 built-in image stabilization minimizes the subtle hand movements and vibrations that make for blurry shots during telephoto shooting. |
The camera's large two-inch trans-reflective LCD monitor makes viewing your stills and clips easy, even in direct sunlight. Best of all, the screen is mounted on a pivoting hinge: It swings out and pivots for easy viewing during even high- and low-angle shots, can pivot all the way around for self-portrait framing, and folds together for screen-protecting storage when not in use. The camera supports digital output in the form of USB 2.0 and S-Video analog output. Easy to Use
Tiny cameras--especially those packed with a lot of features--can be difficult to figure out. Fisher has gotten around this problem by creating an on-board talking navigation guide that explains the camera's features and settings in plain English audio. It comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and it supports the camera-to-printer functionality of PictBridge. The camera even comes with a dedicated docking station to make image uploads and battery recharging a one-touch procedure. What's in the Box
VPC-C5 multifunction digital camera, Sanyo Software Pack 7.2 CD-ROM, docking station, cable adaptor, USB interface cable, S-AV interface cable, SD memory card, lithium-ion battery, AC adaptor charger (100 - 240 V) and power cord, soft case, neckstrap, lens cap, remote controller, quick guide.
Sanyo VPC-C5 MPEG-4 Camcorder with 5MP Digital Still Camera & 5x Optical Zoom Accessories
Sanyo VPC-C5 MPEG-4 Camcorder with 5MP Digital Still Camera & 5x Optical Zoom Reviews
The only other downside I've seen with the camera is the weird autofocus at closer ranges since it sometimes picks out images about 3 to 5 meters behind what your trying to shoot, and the lens noise is somewhat annoying. The main benefit of this camera is that it is both a 5mp camera and a camcorder (and a webcam and a voice recorder, havent tried those functions yet) even though I use this "toy" primarily for the still images. I've had this unit for about 3 months and have to say I'm very impressed. As well, even though you can record up to 50 or so minutes on a standard 1gb SD card, you'll need about 3 batteries to do so since they last roughly 20 minutes each. I would recommend this camera to just about anyone looking to get into the digital scene (unless you have big hands since this unit is small), but not by paying retail price for it - deals are out there, and the prices are lower due to the C6 coming out. Photos are what you would expect from a high end 5mp camera (10mp interpolated), and the video is pretty decent for a camera of its size, but when there is poor lighting watch out - your videos may turn out completely black. Bracketman@gmail.com
* MPEG4 and SD Card storage (primary reasons I got this camera). * Haven't found any support information at Sanyo's site - luckily so far I haven't needed it. * Using it as a PC/Web camera is more difficult than it ought to be. * Size - it easily fits in my front jean-pocket. * Ease of use - it's exceedingly simple to offload images and videos from the camera to your PC - I just put it in the USB docking and charging station and then use a mixture of Picasa (for the pictures) and manual cut and paste for the videos (Picasa doesn't recognize the MP4 extension, unfortunately). * Image quality is good, at least when the lighting is adequate. So far it's looking like it takes about 20MB per minute (in High Quality VGA, 30 fps), so I should have about 50 minutes or so, but I haven't tested this yet.
I've had my C5 for about 2 weeks and so far I love it - it has only a few minor drawbacks. To be determined:. Pros:. * Since the field of view is different between stills and video, taking pictures at the same time as the video is confusing to some - I'd reccommend using the B mode which displays a smaller video frame inside the still picture frame, rather than the A mode which "zooms out" when you take the still photo. * How long does the battery last.
Cons:. * Internal battery - no possibility of getting a larger battery. * The zoom/focus makes an audibly discernable noice (left speaker only) when zooming in/out. * How much exactly can I fit on a 1GB SD card.
I will say it did a fine job with the video. As I thought this was the gizmo I was always looking for. I took my first picture in the late evening with normal room light. I was at the highest picture quality seting, so I selected a lower setting. even my 6 yr old said so. At this price I am not willing to give it a second shot.
Understand I am no photo expert, the poor quality was clearly seen by anyone. but picture quality, on mine, wasn't up to a 1 mega pixal toy. I will go with the larger but better featured cannon for less money. still aweful. I am one of those "read through the manual first" kind of people and once I did I proceed to use the camera. I sent it back this morning. There was red halo around my wife and son in the picture, and there were red and green grainy pixals throughout the picture.
I couldn't wait until it arrived. The picture was aweful.
I cannot believe anyone said this had good picture quality unless mine was defective. I remembered reading about the short flash distance so I moved in closer and moved my subjects to a better lit room.
I thought maybe it was just the image on the LCD screen, but when I printed it on our photo printer it was terrible. Having done some research I purchased this to replace my 3Mega Pix canon that works fine but doesn't allow quality video.
I was more bummed than anything else. still no improvement.
changed filters nothing better.
thanx God. excellent quality as a still camera & a camcorder as well. Perfect. since i don't have my official photographer/videotographer, i have to carry both my still camera and a video camera in addition to costume and more, locally and internationally.
i perform dance. it had been pain in my neck. however, this device is sooo light and sharp.
my problem is gone. if you read the instruction book well before use, you can mute the operation sound.
MPEG-4 recordings playback flawlessly on either my Mac at home or my Windows at work. It is so light and convenient that I shoot more with it since it is always with me. MPEG-4 movies also e-mail quite easily. Camera is ultra compact and ultra cool in looks and style. Camera is great for shooting both live action video (Up to 1 hours) as well as still images (5 MegaPixel) with a 1GB card SD card. You can actually shoot a still image while you are shooting video - Yes, both at the same time. Great camera.
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