Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG9 Digital Camcorder / Camera - Silver Camcorder Best Buys

A Good All-Rounder - 28 Dec 2008

2 out of 2 found this review helpful.

My first impression of the CG9 was that it looks very plastic - which it is, and this can also make it look cheap. But - don't be put off by this! Certainly, the plastic covers over the SD/SDHC card slot and battery compartment don't imply a high quality product but, having used the camera almost daily for a few months, I've concluded this, along with the flimsy lens cover, is probably the only negative on this marvellous little piece of kit.

Performance-wise, and this is what counts more than cosmetic appearance, it is good. Video quality is good and the 60 fps high resolution mode is very good. I won't say it's the best available but it's probably a lot better than that found on other budget camcorders under £200 - £300. It can be a little slow to focus if you pan too quickly or in dim conditions but this is common to probably all lower-budget camcorders. However, there is a 'High Sensitivity' mode which works very well (although will inevitably produce noisy images) and, to my surprise, it even managed to pick up an image when filming in almost total darkness in a disused railway tunnel. The stereo sound is superb and the wind filter worked well when tested on the coast (but perhaps not quite as well as that on the waterproof CA65).

An excellent feature is the 9 megapixel camera which sets this apart from probably all other camcorders - most of which can shoot only at 640 x 480 resolution or perhaps 3 megapixel on the more expensive models. The Sanyo VPC-CG9 will produce superb quality pics at 9 megapixel and below but, thanks to the new CMOS processor, will also shoot a 2 megapixel (1600x1200) image while filming at up to 640x480 30 frames per second without pausing or interrupting the video. I'm sure this feature is unmatched by any other camcorder in its class. This means there is no need to carry both a video camcorder and a still camera because this will do both - and simultaneously if you wish!

The camcorder produces mpeg-4 video files which are smaller and much more manageable than the mpeg-2 still produced by the majority of camcorders, but thankfully this is changing with more manufacturers beginning to switch to this more efficient format. Being smaller, these files are much easier to edit and easier for a PC to handle. Most current video software packages eg Adobe Premiere Elements 7 (PC), Nero 9 (PC CD), Sony Vegas etc provide codecs for editing these - but check the version first if you're about to place an order.

With its 'pistol grip' the camcorder is very easy and comfortable to hold; the video, zoom and still picture buttons are in just the right spot - unlike the more awkward positioning on the waterproof versions (CA65 and CA8 models) and being small and lightweight, it's easy to carry everywhere. So, it's a camcorder you will actually use, and enjoy using, rather than one which stays in its box or bag because you can't be bothered to lug it around!

Coming back to the plastic body, I'm now questioning if this is really so bad..? During the current sub-zero temperatures of the last few weeks, I've found it actually warm to the touch unlike my cold metal-bodied cameras and as the battery is directly beneath my palm, this is staying warm so probably extending its life. Also, the plastic design and close-seams might have made it rather more splashproof than others so I've actually grown to rather like this feature now although it was quite a turn-off when I first opened its box!

I am pleased with the camcorder and would recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile camcorder (with or without a still camera) and it would be my preference over the similarly-priced Samsung and Panasonic models.