Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1

6 MP Waterproof Camcorder with 5x Optical Zoom  7.5/10

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Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1
While the Sanyo E1 has been updated by the E2, this waterproof camcorder still functions well as a video recorder and 6 MP camera. You could even argue that it’s more sensitive to light than the E2, making it better at capturing images in low light settings. Best of all, the camcorder starts up in just a matter of seconds, so you won’t miss those important moments that are over in a flash. We appreciated the small, compact design and the simplicity of just 3 buttons: one for shooting video, one for taking pictures, and one for zooming. You can also take stills without interrupting your video recording. While the video resolution isn’t as sharp as competing models, it’s still pretty clear and bright. This Sanyo camcorder is available for $119.98.

Quick Specs

  • Waterproof digital camcorder
  • Available in blue, white, and yellow
  • 6 MP camera
  • Shoots HD video in 640 x 480p at 30 fps
  • 5x optical zoom
  • 2.5-inch LCD display
  • 2.8” x 1.6” x 4.8”
  • 8 oz.
Strengths

Records 80 min. of video per 1 GB memory card

Allows you to simultaneously shoot video and capture stills

Starts up in a matter of seconds

Has a sleep mode to save juice

Very simple design with just 3 buttons: shoot video, take picture, zoom

Camera handles low lighting well

Weaknesses

Pressing down hard on the rubbery buttons can cause some shaky images

When using underwater, housing feels slippery

 

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera… See more about Brian

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