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Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG9 9MP Flash Memory Camcorder with 5x Optical Zoom (Black) | 
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| Brand: Sanyo
Category: Photography
List Price: $299.99
Buy New: $256.83
You Save: $43.16 (14%)
New (21) from $245.26
Avg. Customer Rating:  35 reviews
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Optical Zoom: 5
Display Size: 2.5
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.3
Dimensions (in): 5.2 x 6.9 x 3.8
Warranty: 1
MPN: VPC-CG9BK
Model: Xacti VPC-CG9
UPC: 086483070525
EAN: 0086483070525
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Features 40MB of internal memory; SDHC Flash memory compatible | | • | Shoots 9-megapixel digital photos; includes Face Chaser technology | | • | Highlighted by a 2.5-inch LCD display; super-fast start-up | | • | Easily share videos and photos with highly-advanced MPEG4 video compression | | • | Includes a high-capacity Sanyo brand lithium-ion battery |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Capture life when it happens. The Sanyo Xacti CG9 camcorder records stunning digital video and amazing 9-Megapixel digital photos and in one compact and easy to use design. The CG9 not only makes capturing images easy, it makes sharing them a breeze; whether online, on portable video devices like iPods, or on televisions or computers. With high speed sequential shooting (up to 5 frames per second) and the very latest face chasing technology (recognizing up to 12 faces in still images) the Xacti CG9 packs cutting edge technology into a small, stylish, easy-to-use camera. The display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees, on an axis that allows you to take great video or still images from otherwise difficult-to-view positions. A powerful 9-Megapixel (total) CMOS image sensor is the heart of the still image capabilities. Consisting of 9 groups and 12 total lenses, the CG9's lens provides a fantastic field-of-view with a 38-190 mm range (35mm equivalent). The CG9 enables simultaneous shooting of video clips and still images, with a simple press of the shutter button during the shooting of a movie clip. The Xacti CG9 media camera is designed for super fast start-up and shooting. Highly advanced MPEG4 AVC/H.264 video compression Record over 8 hours of full motion video Capture still images while you're shooting video 9 groups, 12 elements (3 aspheric elements 5 aspheric surfaces) Auto Focus lens built-in neutral density filter 1/2 - 1/2000 seconds Shutter Speed 1/30 - 1/10000 seconds Movies Shutter Speed Low-light sensitivity - 7 lux (AUTO mode, 1/30 seconds) and 2 lux (Lamp mode 1/15) Auto (ISO 50-400) and Manual (ISO 50/100/200/400/800/1600) Sensitivity AV output (Video - Composite video, NTSC/PAL, Audio - Stereo sound) AV output for multi-type headphones (3.5mm-compatible with Stereo mini-plug) Dimensions - Width 2.77 x Depth 1.59 x Height 4.39 (70.4x40.5x111.4mm) Weight - 7
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| Customer Reviews: Read 30 more reviews...
Sanyo Xacti HD1000 vs CG9 - Bottom Line June 21, 2008
15 out of 16 found this review helpful
I'll try to add some details to this review later, but I wanted to provide everyone with my evaluation after agonizing over these 2 cameras (and others).
Now remember, I've been a Sony video enthusiast since the mid-80's, but nothing compares to these 2 Sanyo cameras in the consumer video category in my opinion.
The main reason is that you have to be crazy to record anything but MP4 directly to flash memory / media cards today. It's just TOO easy to download and play your video on your computer or Youtube, etc. (as easy as downloading and using photos from your digital camera). This is NOT the case with other video cameras and their recording formats.
I originally purchased the CG9 because it was so small I knew I would carry it everywhere. After some questionable indoor videos with the CG9 I purchased the HD1000 - even though I didn't really need high definition.
Before the pros jump all over me, I will admit that both of these cameras have shortcomings. For example, there's no question that Sanyo's image stabilization can't compare to the optical stabilization of the Sony. And yes, when the HD1000 records at true HD (1920) you need to get a special version of Quicktime (v7.16, H.264 component only) and you need a kick-a__ computer if you want to edit those big files. Get over it. So for most home videos record at 720 HD, or even at 640 the quality from this camera is outstanding.
Also, it should be obvious that the HD1000 ($650) will come with features that are superior to the CG9 ($250), including a better lense, higher resolution, etc.. These differences should be expected when you pay an extra $400.
Here's what you really need to consider when deciding between these 2 cameras (and any other video camera on the market right now):
MP4 file format straight from the camera is a must. If you agree, then read on:
CG9:
The CG9 takes GREAT video, and is DECIDEDLY more "pocketable". I mean this baby will fit in your pocket just like a cell phone, and you'll carry it wherever you go. The HD1000 is still small, but the extra 3/4" thickness and bigger lense makes it surprisingly less "pocketable".
The quality of low light indoor video, as well as image stabilization is questionable.
HD1000:
The HD1000 takes GREATER video, and is MUCH easier to operate and hold steady - that extra size fits in your hand better and the controls are much easier to use without jerking the camera. Don't underestimate this just because you think maybe you have a bigger or smaller hand. I was as surprised as anyone how much easier it was to hold steady.
The HD1000 takes much better video in low light (e.g. birthday party with indoor lighting at night), and the image stabilization is surprisingly better than the CG9.
The bottom line is they're both great - but even though I really hate to give up the small pocket format I'll be returning my CG9 on Monday morning and looking forward to hundreds of instant shoot and play MP4 videos from my HD1000!
Great little camcorder May 5, 2008
13 out of 15 found this review helpful
I love this camera, the price is great for what you get and it's the perfect camera to carry around for those spontaneous "Kodak moments" in life. The reviewer who compared this to an HD camera I think was expecting a little too much bang for their buck. You get what you pay for. I also like this camera because at this price if something happens to it I wouldn't be too devastated which is just what I'm looking for in something that is in my purse on a day to day basis.
The size and shape of this camera are very nice. I bought a small padded camera case and keep it in my purse all the time. It also takes nice still pictures so it's the only camera I carry now.
Inside performance is pretty good. I had to adjust the ISO on a few occasions and sometimes the white balance, but the fact that these options are even available on a camera at this price is enough to recommend it. There are also pre-set modes for using in florescent light, fireworks, etc. in case you're not comfortable trying to adjust these yourself.
Outside performance is excellent. You can see a little pixelation on tv playback if you look for it, but nothing that's distracting. Focus works very well using optical zoom, and as long as you don't zoom too far in you can even get a good enough picture using the digital zoom (I have digital zoom turned off). Play back on the camera lcd and on my computer screen is excellent.
The camera also has wind roar reduction and image stabilization. I did notice some shaking in my videos even with image stabilization on, but nothing major. Wind roar reduction seems to work very well. I shot some video near the construction that is going on at my job on a mildly windy day and both the roar of the wind and the construction was cut considerably, yet I could still hear myself and my subject talking.
I am using my camera with an 8 gb sd card and set for the highest settings (9mp for stills, you can set it to fake a higher setting but why?). I can record about 2 1/2 hours of video on an 8 gb at the highest quality setting and take about 2,000 stills. These numbers will both vary as you record video and take stills on the same card. You can also take still while you are filming but this will cause a little lag in your filming according to the manual (I haven't tried this yet so I can't say how bad it is). Focus sometimes takes a second or two to catch up as you pan or zoom in and out but nothing too disappointing and to be expected with a cmos sensor.
At this price I would definitely recommend this camera. The price has actually gone down by about $25 since I bought it (wonder if I can get a price adjustment *smile*). If you are looking for something to record the kids or to carry around on vacations, this is a great little camera. I just wish it had come with a wrist strap and a carrying case. It would also have been nice for them to include more internal memory on a camera that has such high resolution for video and stills.
Great Camera - Great Camcorder, but NON-standard USB connector June 8, 2008
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
Very happy with the picture and movie quality, using it mostly for family and recreation. The battery last about an hour, depending on the use, which is not quite enough for a whole day. I will have to get a car charger, an extra battery or both.
But I have some more remarks about USB, batteries and recharging.
Looking at my RAZR cellphone, I have a standard USB plug, the phone recharges over this very same cable when connected to the computer while transferring some pictures and contacts etc., and car chargers with standard USB connecter are to be found in almost every store which offers car chargers, i.e. Walmart for $8. And to recharge, I don't have to take out the battery from the phone: just plug in. And the AC-charger is still in the box, never to be used, and not cluttering any power strip.
Not so the Xacti: it has a propriatary USB cable, which requires me to bring this cable with me if I want to connect this camera to some other computer, let's say at friends or relative's house, or an internet cafe. Furthermore: it doesn't recharge over the USB connection, which means if I return home with an empty battery I have to first take out the battery and recharge, then replace the battery, connect to the computer, and then I can watch my stuff. Also I have to get an extra car charger, of which I have already quite an assortment in my glove department.
So I'm going to buy an extra battery (original Sanyo $49), a car charger, and an SDHC reader, which will hopefully ease some of the restrictions. But unfortunately it will just add to all this electronic clutter, which I actually try to get rid of.
 VPC-CG9 is an excellent purchase April 29, 2008
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
Just received MY Xacti today. Had to take the dog out with the frizby to fetch. My 13yo grandson did the recording. It was great! We did 28 min. in 3 videos. I connected up to my 'iMAC w/ Leopard' by USB, started iPhoto and loaded it straight in. Then I started iMovie and imported it in, 4 min to covert one of the videos, and it was ready to edit. No problems!
I took several pictures and some at max zoom! Had to steady against a tree at max. but still got great shots.
Note: I am a biomedical engineering tech. and understand well, many technologies. This device performs better than the price would reflect. I am really considering the HD1000 next, But I will keep this gem!
 Save your money! April 29, 2008
7 out of 18 found this review helpful
Well I have been looking for a small flash camcorder to shoot video of the kids. I started with the Aiptek Ahd, which looks ok on the computer but very very poor on my lcd and plasma. So the Aiptek went back. I have shot some test video with the Sanyo HD1000 and was very impressed, but didn't want to spend $700. So when I heard about the CG9 coming out I decided to give it a try. Wow what a difference between the HD1000 and the CG9! The video from the CG9 was blocky, grainy, and had poor color indoors, however the colors were good when shot in bright sunlight. The video even in the bright sun looked very bad(blurry) when played back on the TV's. The ergonomics are very nice for my hand and it was easy to use, but that is about all the good I can say about this cam. This camcorder might be ok if all you use it for is youtube videos. It looks like i will now have to decide between the Canon TX1, Sanyo HD1000, and Sony's new HDR-TG1. I suggest anyone interested in a small camcorder look at those models. Good luck.
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