[Magic Man]

Anyone know of any reviews of the Sanyo Xacti VPC FH1 - full 1080p at 60fps sounds good.

[MJS247]

I haven't seen any but apparently it is very similar to its sister camera the HD2000 which has been reviewed on camcorderinfo. Review raves about its low light capability.

I'm thinking of buying this one too. Sounds like a good package of features in a very compact body. Especially if it's that good in low light.

[mman74]

Sanyo Xacti VPC-FH1 camcorder quick review

This is a very basic review of it, but it's generally very positive. The device is out for sale here in Hong Kong, and it's going for just under US$700.
A local IT publication gave it a glowing review and placed it above all the other entry level camcorders (sub-1300US$) available, including the JVC, Sony and others - mainly in terms of picture quality and as you say low level lighting.
Here's a link of test videos;
::e-zone::IT ª¾ÃÑ·j´M¥*¥x::Windows 7,Netbook,DIY PC,Digital TV,Jetso
It's in Chinese but the Sanyo Xacti - FH1 is second from bottom in the under HK$10,000 category. Latest version of Quicktime player required.

[fourarmo]

I bought it a month ago from Dell.ca for $499.
1080p 60 fps looks great, but file sizes are huge with data at 25 mb per sec. You might be able to play this back on your computer, but unless you have power mac or something you can't edit it. I have an new iImac and it chokes. I opt for one of the lower 1080i settings, which look almost as good. Low light is simply amazing. Colors are awesome. Digital stabilization is really bad, dont even think about zooming without a tripod. Records in MP4, which is great. I stream to my PS3 from my iMac without converting anything. Tho PS3 wont do 1080 60 fps. The mic is a bit weak, needs to be close to the source.

The camera is just barely OK. Hard to get good pics indoors, they come out dark and blurry unless you have alot of light.

If they offered optical image stabilization, better mic and 720p 60 fps it would be a perfect camera. But considering the price, its a winner.

[ronaldkwok]

As pointed out earlier, the FH1 is very similar to the HD2000 that I own. You can see the major differences in my blog on the HD2000 and some other pointers that may be of interest and applicable to the FH1 as well.

[mman74]

I also took the plunge and bought it and took it on holiday. The price sold me as I picked up on grey market import for just over US$400.

I agree with the previous comments that optical stabiliation would come in handy, but if you are not zooming in it's not an issue at all. The other thing as reported by other people is that it sometimes throws up a white-balance issue which leaves the picture going from a yellow to white hue, when you move to a bright to darker area and vice-versa. These are not deal-breakers at all in my mind. Also doesn't have an automatic lens cover so I ending shelling out for a lens filter to protect it from scratching in case I forget to put the cover back on.

Now to the good points. Excellent picture quality and particularly good at low-light levels. I just had a birthday and in one scene was filming with just birthday candle-light.

Oh it doesn't come with any software either to edit your videos - at least not my one anyway. Can anyone recommend a good piece of editing software (other than Sony Vegas)?

[ronaldkwok]

You can view my videos using the HD2000 (very similar to the FH1) during my recent holiday in vimeo here, one indoor and the other one outdoor.

Turkish Dances in Cappadocia and low-light on Vimeo indoor

Highlights of Turkey 2 - Sanyo HD2000 in good light! on Vimeo outdoor

[lucky644]

Originally Posted by mman74

Also doesn't have an automatic lens cover so I ending shelling out for a lens filter to protect it from scratching in case I forget to put the cover back on.

Yeah, that's too bad. I just ordered it and didn't even realize it until now. May I ask what filter you bought? Is it 35mm?

And yes, I'm sorry for 'necroposting' but I didn't think making a whole new thread made much sense.