gdgt

I don't have a lot of time at the computer this evening, so I'll make this brief. I just wanted to post a review online about this device in a forum I think would be useful for prospective buyers.

Here's how it breaks down:

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG102 is an OKAY camcorder. It's nicely designed, decently built, and performs well enough in high light levels, as well as in macro mode. The SD card slot (SD, SDHC and SDXC capable) is accessible while the camera is closed (bonus points) and the VPC-CG102 also includes a cover for the lens which tethers to its body. The zoom is /phenomenal/, although a bit wonky when switching between modes (there are two ranges of 6x zoom).

However...I wouldn't buy it again.

The camera is slow to start, slow to take snapshots (in fact it is useless for this unless you have a tripod or extremely steady hand), terrible in low light levels and, on at least one occasion, lost sync between audio and video in a recording that took place during a power outage (i.e. VERY dark for long periods).

The menus are full featured but winding. The buttons are awkward to press. It attracts finger prints. As for the rechargeable battery? Not chargeable via USB or direct outlet--you MUST remove it from the chassis.

Perhaps this is normal. Perhaps I'm expecting too much out of a 229USD "hybrid" camcorder. Yet, if I had to buy again, I would have jumped on the much cheaper and earlier available Kodak Zi8 from which, although it suffers some graininess in low light levels, I expect much less and who's UI is the utmost in simplicity.