Review: SANYO Xacti Dual Camera CG102

by Lori Cunningham

A little over a year ago, I bought a red SANYO Xacti 10 megapixel dual camera…after returning my Flip camera.  I originally bought the Flip because it was all the rage at the time and I knew that it was super easy to upload your videos to the Internet.  However upon buying one, I discovered that it did not take still shots–it was only for video.  That means you have to carry both a camera AND the Flip if you want to capture special moments fully.  As I was planning on going to the Consumer Electronics Show within the month, I wanted a small camera was that was easy to carry and could handle both pictures and HD video.

While hunting through the Black Friday ads, I found the SANYO Xacti dual camera at Radio Shack.  It was small, had HD video quality, and a great megapixel count.  Oh, and the price was reasonably priced at $169…though  there was one catch, I’d have to get up early to get the Black Friday price.  No problem, I’m a Black Friday Veteran (Secret Strategies of a Black Friday-aholic, Tops Tips for a Safe and Sane Black Friday).  I was at Radio Shack at 3am (first in line, mind you) and snagged one when the store opened at 6am.

The camera worked out great and a number of people have asked me about the camera due to it’s unique style.  I love the camera’s versatility and ease.  So when I prepared for the Consumer Electronics Show this year, I approached SANYO and asked them to sponsor me by providing an updated version of the SANYO XACTI to take pictures and videos with.  They sent me a SANYO Xacti CG102 which has Full HD video and 14 megapixels.  I eagerly used the camera to shoot both pictures and video at both the:

1. Consumer Electronics Show in January
2. Toy Fair in February

Features:

• Full HD video 1920×1080
• MPEG-4/ACH.264 video with stereo sound
• 14 megapixel camera
• 12x double range zoom
• Li-on rechargeable battery with battery charger
• 2.7″ LCD monitor for viewer and playback
• Face detection for optimal focus
• Object Chaser Technology – helps keep picture/video focused with kids/pets that don’t stay still

Pros:

• The MPEG-4/ACH.264 format can condense the video file up to 25% smaller, making it easier to e-mail video files or upload to social networking sites
• Supports Eye-Fi SD cards which allow you to automatically download pictures once your WiFi network is identified
• Reasonable price for all of the features you get
• Takes great clear pictures outside
• The camera is compact, very easy to hold, and slips in a purse or pocket nicely
• The large 2.7″ LCD camera folds up and is well protected
• Has a tripod connector
• Includes cables to connect to your TV easily
• LCD can flip for self-portraits or so kids can see what they’ll look like

Cons:

• Pictures taken inside tend to be dark at times
• Does not take pictures sequentially very fast
• No included video editing software
• No included Instruction Manual (available online)

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a phenomenal picture taker.  Yes, I’ve had years of experience taking pictures, but I’m more of the automatic camera type.  The thought of adjusting ISO, White Balance, Exposure, and Sensitivity scare me.  However, in taking the time to review the Xacti thoroughly, I downloaded the Instruction Manual and begin experimenting.  I also found SANYO’s Xacti Digital Movie Camera Usage Guide online.  I discoverd that had I made adjustments to my ISO and White Balance, some my pictures taken from inside the convention center would have come out brighter, less dark.

I learned that besides scenes modes for Sports, Portrait, Landscape, Night, Fireworks, Snow & Beach, etc., I could also adjust the White Balance settings to Sunny, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent, or One Push which could create a really cool mood for the video or picture.

With regards to the video, the Xacti does a great job–inside and outside.  Here’s a video I shot from within the Mattel Press booth on their Fijits for girls at the Toy Fair. For more videos of fun toys from the Toy Fair check out the WellConnectedMom TV video channel on YouTube.com.

A Mom’s Perspective

The SANYO Xacti is a great camera.  I’ve used an Xacti now over a year now and it has worked well for me.  My two biggest issues are the quickness at which a shot is taken and the fact that inside pictures tend to be darker.  However, by reading the instruction manual, I found that I have complete control to adjust the lighting so my pictures turn out better.   With some manual manipulation, I was able to take pictures faster, though not as fast as a SLR camera.  But then again, I didn’t want a SLR camera with all of it’s adjustments.  

THE SANYO Xacti is a bargain for its price, giving the novice, and the more advanced user, features to control the outcome of their pictures.  Unlike the Flip camera, you do need to have a USB cable to connect and download your Xacti pictures.  However, as I stated before, by using the Eye-Fi SD memory card, you can have the pictures downloaded from your card as soon as you turn your camera is on and Eye-Fi identifies your wireless connection.  I have been using the Eye-Fi for the past month and when you don’t feel like constantly downloading your pictures, this option makes it easy.

Although the Xacti doesn’t have a handy dandy USB key that flips out, you can easily remove the SD card and plug it into a SD card reader.  Most computers have one nowadays.  Using the SD card allows you to order pictures through places like Costco, Sam’s Club, Walgreens, CVS, etc. or download copies of pictures to your friend’s computer.  So you don’t need to use the included USB accessory if you don’t want to. 

The SANYO Xacti CG102, and other models like it, are available at RadioShack.com for $212.43 or Amazon.com  for a better deal at$174.00 with free shipping.  Hey, that’s only $5 more than I spent and you don’t have to get up early for Black Friday!  🙂  LOL