Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1

Sanyo has since improved this model....hopefully the quality for lasting because when we first got this we paid about $300 because it had just been released and we wanted the new model. Always better to… wait a while because 1) price usually comes down and 2) you can read reviews to see if it is indeed worth purchasing. However this is a great product. We went on a cruise and took it and during one of our stops we took a tour in which it was raining. Everyone had to either leave their camera and camcorders on the ship or had it under their coats because they could not get it wet. Not us!! We had our water proof camera out in the rain taking video and pictures!! It was great and that alone was totally worth having it. We also have a pool and it is nice to have it around and not worry about any splashes of water. Our camera worked great for over a year however oneday it developed a problem where the picture on the screen was distorted. It was obvious at first it was a short because wiggling it around would make it work however over time it stopped and now I cannot get it to work at all. It is stuck in the distorted view. Upon sending in for repair, the cost would have been $96 for labor alone and the part(hinge for flip out screen) was almost $100. So to get it fixed would have been over $200. Way to much for a discontinued model. I purchased a slightly used one on Ebay for about $80. You can also get the E2 for a good price. Now Sanyo is making this in an HD model VPC-CA9. It is the same pistol style which we really like because it is small and very easy to carry and use. We plan on purchasing this new HD one also because we love the camera and it can use all the extra batteries we have. The only downfall is the battery does not last as long as we would like. Also, due to the waterproof design, there is really not an option for an extended life battery. They do make some with more MAH and it does last a little longer but not a lot. But the batteries are so inexpensive to purchase on here or ebay, you can get many extras. Also they are very small to carry. Along with the small SD cards, this can go right in your pocket! More companies should make this design!

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This camera takes passable pictures and videos. It does have a few annoying problems. There is a considerable delay between when you press the shutter button and when a picture is taken. Also, there is… no viewfinder and it is difficult to make out what's on the display in sunlight. Finally, the LCD screen needs to be extended while you're using the camera where it can easily be damaged. However, what isn't mentioned in the listing and which may be the biggest drawback is the warranty. The device is sold with a 90-day parts and one year labor coverage. After speaking with a Sanyo customer service manager and service technician I learned the following: The cost for labor is about as much as to buy a new camera. There isn't even a 1-day grace period for the labor coverage. If Sanyo determines the damage was caused by water getting into the (waterproof) camera then the warranty is voided. I wasn't expecting a great camera for use around the pool. However, if I knew about the draconian warranty policies, possibly needed because this camera sees lots of reliability problems, I would have looked elsewhere.

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It is great to have a camera that can be used for video and still shots. HOWEVER, my battery charger broke down after using only a few times. The item a lemon since I had only had the camera for 4 months.… I called Sanyo asking for a free replacement since it had broken in less than a year. They said since it was an accessory, it was not under warranty so I would have to buy a new one. It is ridiculous to consider a charger as an accessory.

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I was looking for a waterproof camcorder and at Fry's this is the only Camcorder available. I just want a waterproof and doesn't expect a lot from this camera and since it was the cheapest so I have no… other choice. I took my son to Laguna Beach and just by looking at the coral through the view, it was nice and we continued shooting. Going home, I put it through Adobe Premier and I was blown away by the quality of the picture. It can compare with other high end camcorders (I still have the expensive pro Panasonic). Certainly, the picture will not as sharp and detail, but compare with a $1000 or more, what can you ask for. My friend bought a HD Sony for almost 1000 and the picture when encode to WMV is no compare to Sanyo. I bought a $700 Panasonic about 2 years ago, and this one just blow that camera away. Trust me. I also bought a 3 years guarantee for $35.00 and 2 extra battery for around 10 bucks on Ebay. Now I got hook with this camera. You should try to look for a waterproof camcorder for yourself and see what you can find. I can shoot this under water, on land, mountain.... This is the best and the only in this much higher price range. Good luck to you with other camera.

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Functionally the camera is a good product. It's easy to use and download content and also compact and comfortable. The bonus is being waterproof. My first model for 4x the cost of the second died within a… year, which is why I replaced it with this one, since I had already purchased the expensive memory cards and batteries. I still have 8 older video cameras and numberous digitial stills and all still work, so it is a disappointment this screen stopped working within a few months. The main weakness is having only a screen and not through the lens viewfinder. In bright light you really cannot see what you are filming.

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