| Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG9 9MP Flash Memory Camcorder with 5x Optical Zoom (Silver) | 
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| List Price: $299.99
Buy New: $248.39 (On sale from $279.95)
You Save: $51.60 (17%)
Buy New/Used from $248.39
Avg. Customer Rating:   (based on 20 reviews)
Sales Rank: 1803
Category: Photography
Publisher: SANYO
Studio: SANYO
Brand: Sanyo
Label: SANYO
Color: Silver
Media: Electronics
Optical Zoom: 5
Display Size: 2.5
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.8
Dimensions (in): 5.2 x 6.9 x 3.8
MPN: VPC-CG9
Model: VPC-CG9 silver
UPC: 086483071492
EAN: 0086483071492
ASIN: B0016GTBHA
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Features 40MB of internal memory; SDHC Flash memory compatible | | • | Shoots 9-megapixel digital photos; includes Face Chaser technology | | • | Highlighted by a 2.5-inch LCD display; super-fast start-up | | • | Easily share videos and photos with highly-advanced MPEG4 video compression | | • | Includes a high-capacity Sanyo brand lithium-ion battery |
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Product Description
Capture life when it happens. The Sanyo Xacti CG9 camcorder records stunning digital video and amazing 9-Megapixel digital photos, and in one compact and easy to use design. The CG9 not only makes capturing images easy, it makes sharing them a breeze; whether online, on portable video devices like iPods, or on televisions or computers. With high speed sequential shooting (up to 5 frames per second) and the very latest face chasing technology (recognizing up to 12 faces in still images) the Xacti CG9 packs cutting edge technology into a small, stylish, easy to use camera. The display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees, on an axis that allows you to take great video or still images from otherwise difficult-to-view positions. A powerful 9-Megapixel (total) CMOS image sensor is the heart of the still image capabilities. Consisting of 9 groups and 12 total lenses, the CG9's lens provides a fantastic field-of-view with a 38-190 mm range (35mm equivalent). The CG9 enables simultaneous shooting of video clips and still images, with a simple press of the shutter button during the shooting of a movie clip. The Xacti CG9 media camera is designed for super-fast start-up and shooting. Sequential photo shoots up to 5 frames per second Highly advanced MPEG4 AVC/H.264 video compression Record over 8 hours of full motion video Capture still images while you're shooting video 9 groups, 12 elements (3 aspheric elements 5 aspheric surfaces) Auto Focus lens built-in neutral density filter 1/2 - 1/2000 seconds Shutter Speed 1/30 - 1/10000 seconds Movies Shutter Speed Low-light sensitivity - 7 lux (AUTO mode, 1/30 seconds) and 2 lux (Lamp mode 1/15) Auto (ISO 50-400) and Manual (ISO 50/100/200/400/800/1600) Sensitivity AV output (Video - Composite video, NTSC/PAL, Audio - Stereo sound) AV output for multi-type headphones (3.5mm-compatible with Stereo mini-plug) Dimensions - Width 2.77 x Depth
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| Customer Reviews: Read 15 more reviews...
 Doesn't live up to expectations July 4, 2008
I purchased this after reading positive reviews. Even on the highest settings, indoor video and pictures are not very good. Outside shots are fine, but we take lots of video and pictures inside too. I tried turning on all the lights and opening all the windows but the video is still grainy. Several reviewers said that this is a good camera for the money, but mine is going back. Keep looking unless all of your shots are going to be outdoors.
 Great little camera June 30, 2008
I bought this specifically to take on a trip to Ireland. It was just as I had hoped. I could pop it into my pocket and have it there for use as either a single shot camera or video. I bought extra memory and it never came close to running out of room. Battery life was excellent. The "pistol grip" style was great for video ( a bit less then that for single shots), and the quality was top notch. Could not be happier with it from a quality, convenience, price point view.
Great camcorder - But know what you are getting June 24, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I bought this camcorder so I could grab those spontaneous little moments-- events that don't rise to the level of effort needed to for my older and larger DV camcorder or Nikon D80 DSLR. I do get better video with my 6 year old Sony DV cam and better pictures with my Nikon but that's not the point. Its portability and convenience. Most of the time my videos and pics get thrown up on the web for sharing where the quality advantage of DV and a DSLR are negligible anyways. However, you will regret your purchase if you buy this as a "shortcut" thinking this will be all you'll ever need.
--For Video:
Outdoor quality very good--indoor is decent. Image stabilization only effective at low zoom. Digital zoom is worthless (as expected). I find myself needing to back up a lot to frame the video/stills because the lens has a very narrow field of view. (I'm not pro so I don't know the exact terminology there.) Better video than a point-and-shoot camera with a "video option".
--For Pictures:
I just don't see the 9.1 megapixel quality here. My older 5 megapixel point and shoot will beat this hands down and any other decent one will too. There is some sort of problem here. Taking pics at the high resolution still produces countless jpeg artifacts that are noticeable at first glance. For web sharing, the pics are fine, but don't even THINK about framing these. Exposure metering is outstanding however, a big surprise. Because of the flash's proximity to the lens, all of your kid's pictures will come out with them looking like the anti-christ because red-eye is horrible. However, the built-in photo editing can take most of it out.
Would I buy this again? Absolutely. Ask yourself this question: If you were going to Disneyworld for a full week, would you rather lug around a heavy and expensive DSLR AND a DV camcorder--or just have this little inexpensive jewel in your pocket? (I've done both)
Sanyo Xacti HD1000 vs CG9 - Bottom Line June 21, 2008
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
I'll try to add some details to this review later, but I wanted to provide everyone with my evaluation after agonizing over these 2 cameras (and others).
Now remember, I've been a Sony video enthusiast since the mid-80's, but nothing compares to these 2 Sanyo cameras in the consumer video category in my opinion.
The main reason is that you have to be crazy to record anything but MP4 directly to flash memory / media cards today. It's just TOO easy to download and play your video on your computer or Youtube, etc. (as easy as downloading and using photos from your digital camera). This is NOT the case with other video cameras and their recording formats.
I originally purchased the CG9 because it was so small I knew I would carry it everywhere. After some questionable indoor videos with the CG9 I purchased the HD1000 - even though I didn't really need high definition.
Before the pros jump all over me, I will admit that both of these cameras have shortcomings. For example, there's no question that Sanyo's image stabilization can't compare to the optical stabilization of the Sony. And yes, when the HD1000 records at true HD (1920) you need to get a special version of Quicktime (v7.16, H.264 component only) and you need a kick-a__ computer if you want to edit those big files. Get over it. So for most home videos record at 720 HD, or even at 640 the quality from this camera is outstanding.
Also, it should be obvious that the HD1000 ($650) will come with features that are superior to the CG9 ($250), including a better lense, higher resolution, etc.. These differences should be expected when you pay an extra $400.
Here's what you really need to consider when deciding between these 2 cameras (and any other video camera on the market right now):
MP4 file format straight from the camera is a must. If you agree, then read on:
CG9:
The CG9 takes GREAT video, and is DECIDEDLY more "pocketable". I mean this baby will fit in your pocket just like a cell phone, and you'll carry it wherever you go. The HD1000 is still small, but the extra 3/4" thickness and bigger lense makes it surprisingly less "pocketable".
The quality of low light indoor video, as well as image stabilization is questionable.
HD1000:
The HD1000 takes GREATER video, and is MUCH easier to operate and hold steady - that extra size fits in your hand better and the controls are much easier to use without jerking the camera. Don't underestimate this just because you think maybe you have a bigger or smaller hand. I was as surprised as anyone how much easier it was to hold steady.
The HD1000 takes much better video in low light (e.g. birthday party with indoor lighting at night), and the image stabilization is surprisingly better than the CG9.
The bottom line is they're both great - but even though I really hate to give up the small pocket format I'll be returning my CG9 on Monday morning and looking forward to hundreds of instant shoot and play MP4 videos from my HD1000!
Solid Camera June 19, 2008
I bought ths camera because it promised to record 60 Frame Per Second (FPS) video, which I need for recording baseball pitchers and hitters. It works as advertised. I don't know how it would work as a general videocamera, but it's perfect for my purposes.
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