Sanyo's Introduces New "Dual Camera" Model

[Reid Kistler]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.photographyblog.com/news/sanyo_vpc-pd2bk' target='_blank'>http://www.photographyblog.com/news...sanyo_vpc-pd2bk</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"SANYO... introduces a new Full HD (1920 x 1080 30p) Pocket-Size Dual Camera, model VPC-PD2BK, with embedded software for easy use and sharing on social networks. The camera is the only one of its kind that offers Full HD video recording, 10 MP photo shooting, and 3x optical zoom in a stylish form factor that is about the size of a deck of cards." </em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1282703393.usr19541.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>Although it veers somewhat toward the larger and heavier side of the pocket camcorder market, Sanyo hopes to capture your interest - and part of your spending money - with their new <a href="http://us.sanyo.com/Dual-Cameras/VPC-PD2BK-Full-HD-1080-Pocket-Movie-Dual-Camera-with-10MP-Digital-Photos-and-3X-Optical-Zoom" target="_blank">VPC-PD2BK</a> "Dual Camera," by promising an enticing mix of photographic features in addition to the long list of video features that most competitors offer. This model has not been released yet (it is due in September 2010, with a list price of $169.99 US), so it may be a while before full reviews show up, but the specifications look promising, as Sanyo has included a 10.7MP CMOS sensor that is larger (at 1/2.33 inch) than that found in many <a href="http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/f305/dpreviews-quick-guide-pocket-camcorders-99664.html" target="_blank">competing models</a>, to go along with its 3x optical zoom lens and a built-in flash (for still photography only). Alas, it does follow the pocket camcorder norm of having only digital image stabilization - but there is only so much technology that can be packed into what is still a small form factor, at least at this price point.</p>

[sundown]

A little hard to tell from these pics but it looks like there might be a shoe on top for accessories.

[Jason Dunn]

I like the looks of this - there's room in the market for someone to go a bit "geeky" and offer more features (optical zoom is cool). Looks like the sensor size is the same though; what I really want is a larger sensor - one that's better in low light. I find that I use our Flip Mino HD in our family room, which has somewhat dim lighting when the sun is down. So far, no one is delivering this though...

[Reid Kistler]

A little hard to tell from these pics but it looks like there might be a shoe on top for accessories.

Looks promising at first glance, but no mention is made of any accessories (yet...) on Sanyo's web page, and - in such photos as exist - it appears to be simply two solid ribs on the top. (Perhaps to provide a finger-hold if shooting in horizontal format?)

FWIW, B&H photo claims that the Sanyo does NOT feature either an accessory hot-shoe OR a tripod mount....

[Reid Kistler]

I like the looks of this - ... Looks like the sensor size is the same though; what I really want is a larger sensor - one that's better in low light....


A sensor sized at 1/2.33 inch may not set the world on fire, but the Flips - Mino HD or Ultra HD - sit at 1/4.5."

Of the 10 units dpreview reported on, the largest 3 sensors came in at 1/2.5," with the others falling between 1/3.2" and 1/4.5" (with the possible exception of the Creative Vado, which did not report a sensor size).

Based on that (admittedly small) market survey, Sanyo appears to be leading the pack....

[Jason Dunn]

A sensor sized at 1/2.33 inch may not set the world on fire, but the Flips - Mino HD or Ultra HD - sit at 1/4.5."

Interesting, thanks for pointing that out - I didn't realize the Mino HD used a 1/4.5" sensor...I assumed it was a 1/2.33".