I recently purchased and tested out the Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 (I love Amazon’s Free Shipping!)
waterproof camcorder to determine if it was going to be a workable solution for snorkeling around a coral reef on an upcoming trip to Hawaii.
In playing with the camera at home I determined that the video quality was much better than I expected, and photos were decent quality for a 6.37 MP camera. I guess I had been expecting to give up some quality in order to gain a waterproof form factor, but apparently Sanyo didn’t think that was necessary!
Before we move on, there are two other waterproof cameras which are the Xacti’s main competitors. The Pentax Optio W30, and the Olympus Stylus 770 W. Here is what the Globe and Mail had to say about those two:
The other two drenchable devices are both 7-megapixel digital still cameras. Pentax’s Optio W30 ($237) and Olympus’ Stylus 770 SW ($270) are both the third-generation attempts by those companies to create waterproof cameras.
It’s not clear what specific aspect of making a camera waterproof requires some companies to use cheaper, lower-quality components  but both Pentax and Olympus have done exactly that. They take pretty poor photos, at least compared with other $300 cameras.
The Pentax’s colors are off, the Olympus’ details are soft; both cameras are slow to fire and almost useless in dim light. The burst modes are very slow, too  the Pentax’s is measured not in frames per second, but in seconds per frame (1.2); the Olympus’ speed is only slightly better.
So, both of these were out of the running for me from the start.
Now, the Sanyo Xacti has several excellent features which initially caught my eye. Although I’m not sure if I’m a fan of the trigger grip style of camera, that gut feeling is only due to the fact that I have no experience with them whatsoever. What the camera does have that caught my eye are:
- Shoot 640 x 480-pixel video clips and 6-megapixel still images simultaneously
- 5x optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD screen
- Built-in image stabilization
- Up to 80 minutes recording time per 1GB memory card (not included) @ 30 Frames per second.
- Records in the excellent MPEG4 video format.
Now, C-Net has a full review of this camera and gave it fairly mixed reviews. Their opening comment is:
The bottom line: If underwater YouTubing were a market segment, the Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 would be the camera to get. But the awkward design and slow performance make it hard to recommend for landlubbers.
Still, despite what they had to say, after playing with it for only about 30 minutes I shot the following sample video of Murmur the Cat:
I actually found that the form factor of this camera was not so bad. It’s different, but in a way it was actually much easier to hold it and shoot the video than if I were trying to do it with a standard rectangular digital camera. Plus, with the screen folded out to the side, it made the unit a little wider and gave me a better hand hold to stabilize the unit.
Before I go any farther, I must give credit to Ryanne Hodson (check out her awesome video blog) for her excellent video review of the Xacti a few months ago. Honestly, without this review I would never have chosen this oddly shaped little camcorder. So its fitting to share her review with you right here and now:
Also, there are some really nice sample photos and video over at the Sanyo site.
There were two things that I didn’t like about the Xacti VPC-E1:
- There is absolutely no lens cover. This really worries me. You do NOT want a scratch on that lens, or you’ve just ruined the unit. So it will have to be stored in the holster all the time. This is just sad. It should have a built in retractable lens cover.
- The image stabilization is only digital, not optical. This means that hand shake is not actually stabilized, but digitally altered, and this is sub-optimal.
All in all, if you want a digital camera that can also take very good video footage, I’m not aware of many that can do a better job than the little Xacti E1. The fact that it’s the only possible choice for underwater shooting is just a really big bonus.
Other References:
- Sanyo’s page on the VPC-CA65, which I believe is the exact same model with a different number for some reason.
- Laptop Magazine’s Xacti E1 Review
- Swim with the fishes from the Globe and Mail
I purchased the xacti vpc-65ex about a year ago. it worked great for about 8 months, then the screen started acting up (first split screening, then doubles, then columns going out, then full white, then full black when opened all the way, then full white, sometimes..). Now that it’s sat unused for some time, i have reloaded the battery (i guess hoping the magic camera fairy had fixed it or something), and it still doesn’t work. because i cannot see anything on the screen to set the date/time, it’s totally useless at this point. i think i’ll start taking things apart on it, to see if it’s a pinched ribbon cable or something, but it worked great when it worked.. until it died.
i happened to purchase an xacti,vpc-e1 camera and upgraded to a total cost of $540 and the picture flips upside down while filming.
i used it a dozen times.
sanyo says they will repair it for $230.
i wont ever buy a sanyo product,EVER AGAIN.
BUY SOME OTHER BRAND>
stay away from sanyo products
I bought the E2 Christmas 2008, Love it! works as advertised. got some great underwater pool shots and video.
Good job! Keep going.
UNDERWATER WILL RUIN THE CAMERA – do it before warranty expires. Video is great, photos great for a year – but 14 minutes of “arm’s length” deep underwater and the camera stopped working. Customer Care Center said two CCAs inside were damaged. No consideration given: priced $250 to repair the $350 camera, back to its original “non-working” underwater performance!
I have read your review and watch your video of you using the Xacti VPC-E1/E2 and excellent job by the way.
I was hoping you can tell me the difference between
the Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1/Xacti VPC-E2
and Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA6/Xacti VPC-CA8
They look basicly the same and specs look the same, are they?
So are there just having 2 different model’s or are there actually 4 different.
I’ve asked Sanyo, and I’ve goten no response.
I have the Olympus that goes up to 33ft. It was a great buy! I have killed one, but the warranty covered it, and they basically replaced the camera. I’ve gotten some great pictures. I have found that you can take pictures faster with several setting options. The video mode is not awesome, but with a 10.1Mp camera mode, it says enough.
this camera is available in the UK its called the vpc-ca65
check it out here:
http://www.plemix.com you can get a REAL good price on it there.
Just was looking at your review of the xacti. I got one of the euro VPC-CA65ex models for a really good price, the only differences between the usa and overseas models are that the overseas model came with an international charger, and the ability to use on PAL and NTSC tv setups.
the lack of lens cover isn’t really a big deal, i have found the camcorder very durable, i take it with me everywhere i go.
Also, i’m not sure if your camera is different, but mine has a tripod mount on the bottom…
I found that the only downfall to this camcorder is the short battery life, and the nighttime outdoors video. (it doesn’t have a way to light up what you are shooting in the dark) so i built a led flashlight mount that holds a small led light on the bottom of the camcorder for night use, it screws into the tripod mount, works fantastic for camping or nighttime.
Thanks for the review. I fin the artifacts/shadowy/blur to be highly unacceptable. I only bought this because I have a $300 store credit at Sharper Image and with the sale of my Casio Exilim EX-S80, I could walkaway with a great deal. In fact, I wanted this to replace my Casio because I only use it as a camcorder. I assumed that this would be an improvement, but it’s not. The lighting is superior, but the audio and sharpnes of the Casio is highly superior. In every single video I have seen, the video on the Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 looks poor (soft edges). Living in NY, I like the idea of being able to shoot spontaneously whenever, but not with this. I will return this and incest in a similar styled 3CCD camcorder.
@Jamie Harrop: I’ve seen complaints about the video fps, which is 30fps whereas the standard in the UK is 25. But I don’t really see what the big deal is. The Sanyo says it outputs PAL, though, so it’s probably just a menu item to select the direct output type. You might have to reconvert the videos you save to you computer in some cases, though.
It seems this isn’t available in the UK yet. :(
Does anybody know whether I’ll have any compatibility problems if I order it from Amazon.com and use it in the UK? I can’t imagine there would be any problem. Your water is the same as our water, after all. :lol: I just want to make sure. :)
JL,
Wow, you got a great deal! I need to go back to Amazon and try to get a credit!
And thanks for pointing out the tripod mount! You’re right and I am very, very happy to see that now! I don’t know how I missed it before, but it makes all the difference in the world. I guess I had been looking for a silver mount, but since it’s moulded in I missed it.
I just took a bunch of photos and videos in Hawaii, so I’ll be posting them over the next week or two as I get access to some broadband. The connectivity on the island of Lana’i is very poor. :-)
Take care,
John
Just bought the Xacti on Black Friday (2007) from the Apple Store online of all places. Amazing one day deal… $278 with free shipping!
Anyway, it arrived yesterday and I just got around to opening it up. I thought you might like to know that it does indeed have a tripod mount on the bottom, the lack of which was cited above in the review. I’m glad it’s there and that the stated lack of one was not a deal breaker.
Looking forward to trying it out. Not planning on a much underwater usage, but I will feel much more comfortable using it in rain or snow.
Cheers!
Oh I’ve totally snorkeled off of Lana’i! It’s beautiful there. Do you often go out there?
When I was there we tried to bring a cheap underwater camera to capture some of the sights, but unfortunately it wasn’t all that great. I could have used one of these things then, that’s for sure.
What else are you going to do there?
Wow! Great replies! We’re covering a lot of ground here, eh?
Well, if that’s all you’ve made with Revver, then I guess I’m none too excited. I had just learned about the earning potential the other day and my ears perked up, you know? Oh well – I’ve got plenty other dealios on the fire!
Viddler does sound cool!
Thanks for taking the time to answer my million questions! :)
OK, here is a long string of replies:-) :
I think I got it all!
John
hehehe
OK now I’m sure this will be fun for snorkling and all … but I really think you should also sign up for the PlayBoy Passport club so you can use it in the hot tubs as well :D
Awesome review John! Wired also ran a comparo a while back on underwater-able cameras, although I don’t think they included this model (will have to double check). I haven’t been on a tropical vacation yet, but if I ever got that close, I promised myself I’d invest in one of these so that you don’t miss the cool ability to take home vids underwater :)
This is weird – when I go to the individual post page, I get signed out. Hmm…
Anyhoo – that camera is SUPER cool! I am just amazed that you can get an underwater camera for that ‘reachable’ of a price! I didn’t realize they weren’t in the thousands of dollars anymore – see, I come here to get my gadgetmucation! hahaha!
I like that camera – I’m excited to see what all you film with it on your travels!
And your cat is just way too cute!!!
Oh, and why’d you switch from Revver to Viddler? I just noticed you can actually make money using Revver – I didn’t know that before! So that sounds cool, but, if you have had a negative experience with them, it would be interesting to hear about. Or am I crazy and you’ve always used Viddler?
Gosh – that’s a lot of subjects in one comment! Sorry! Heee.
Looking forward to your future visit, we will gang up with Rhoody as well and go diving / snorkeling in one of the marine sanctuaries. Rhoody has a ton of great underwater shots on his site so you can see some of the stuff in store :)
I am looking forward to the videos from Hawaii, I think there is a turtle cleaning station there where you always see an abdundance of turtles…
I have only ever seen one turtle while diving and 2-3 while snorkeling here in the Philippines.
Turtles are cool!
Kim:)
Hehehe. I am going to make it out to the Philippines one of these days… but in the shorter term I’m going to be in Hawaii in 6 weeks and I desperately need an underwater camcorder so I can show you guys videos of when I go snorkeling off a coral reef on Lana’i!
So, since I’m more concerned with underwater video than photos, I think this little sucker is about as good as it gets.
Besides, I’m sure their little 5′ rating is conservative. I imagine it would be fine down to 15-20 feet. Not that I’ll be going more than 5 feet deep anyway. :-)
John
I got 2 Olympus 720SW…. first one died on a snorkeling trip….
Second one is still alive… I am still not sure why I bought the second one… the camera is quite crappy…
As Rhoody said, the 5 feet limit is very shallow… So you might wanna find something better for your Philippines trip :)
Kim:)
Nice little toy, but 5 feet? I mean thats in metric 1.50 meters. What you really wanna shoot under water with that, a few snapshots at your pool party? I guess after a few weeks it’s back in the box… Not good enough when you visit the Dane in the phills for some diving…
I am sure it will not last very much longer and you get a nice valuable camera for 30 feet max, then it’s great for pool parties, snorkeling and some shallow dives
Cheers,
Rhoody