Customer Reviews
Sanyo Xacti HD1000 vs CG9 - Bottom Line 
2008-06-21
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!
Solid Camera 2008-06-19
I bought ths camera because it promised to record 60 Frame Per Second (FPS) video, which I need for recording baseball pitchers and hitters. It works as advertised. I don't know how it would work as a general videocamera, but it's perfect for my purposes.
Great video camera, OK camera 
2008-06-17
This is a great camera. I have gotten a ton of compliments on it! In fact, after the ob-gyn was sewing up my wife from her c-section last week both she the surgical assistant and the anesthesiologist asked what it was and wanted to see how it worked. It is a fantastic product that is easy to use, small, and takes great video. Another feature that is fantastic is that I can plug it directly into my PC or Mac laptop and transfer data ti either one without trouble. I have also had great luck with SD cards. I have a 2GB Sandisk which works great (of course) and an 8GB Transcend card (from Newegg) that also works great. It is a relief that this thing is not a finicky product that only takes a specific brand of card.
I have several minor drawbacks that, while present, do not take away from the core function of the product, which is a highly portable video camera. First, the camera function takes good pictures, but takes a while to focus and complete the process. It is surely not a replacement for my stand-alone digital camera. Also, the battery charger comes with a cord. I would much prefer if the charger plugged directly to the outlet like my Canon camera battery chargers do; I hate cords. Finally, the USB cord is not the standard cord that fits most other cameras and USB devices. It is a special cord that you need to have with you, you can't just use a single industry standard cable that works with your digital camera. Not that big of a deal, but a bit of a pain if you are traveling.
Overall I am very happy with this product and recommend it wholeheartedly.
fantastic little camcorder 2008-06-13
The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG9 worked right out of the box. It was really easy to use, but the instruction book was helpful as well. The battery life has been fine, but I am not trying to capture hours of video. The video quality is good, unless you go to far with the zoom. Still photo quality is good as well.
My main concern when I was looking for a camcorder whether it would work with my MacBook or not. It was no problem. I just plugged it into my mac and it showed up as a portable drive. I opened iMovie and the footage downloaded, The same held true for iPhoto. It couldn't have been easier.
The only reason that I didn't give this camcorder a five star rating is that there is a second or so lag between when I push the photo button and when it takes the photo. It can be hard to capture the moment. Other than that one point fantastic camera
Very good camera overall, but some battery issues 2008-06-12
I bought the Sanyo Xacti camera for a family trip to DisneyWorld. I was impressed with the camera's size (which was actually smaller than the pictures made it seem). It was so convenient to carry enough camera for shooting all the video and still shots I needed for a 8 day trip in my pocket with no need to switch out recording media for the entire trip.
One small issue - the camera's battery life is somewhat less than desirable. I found that simply closing the camera between shots leaving it in standby mode would drain the battery before a full day of shooting was finished, so I had to consciously turn the camera off between shots. Even then the camera's battery needed to be charged every night. Since the battery was proprietary you can't just run into the park's camera shop for a replacement, so I'd recommend getting a second battery and leave it charging in your room for extended trips like the one I just took.
The camera's menu system is easy to follow, and four programmable shortcuts are available for frequently used features. I found it very convenient to be able to add a shortcut to set the camera's ISO setting for low-light shots without having to dance through the menus to find it.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the convenience of this camera and would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a small, easy to use, feature rich camera.
Happy With My Sanyo Xacti 2008-07-05
I did lots of searching through compact camcorder reviews before deciding on the Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG9. I am very satisfied with my choice. I am not a professional and just wanted a tiny camcorder that I can pack in a small purse that also shoots photos for the kids, family activities, etc. This camcorder does exactly that and it takes great videos and photos at that. I also have a couple of the sub-compact cameras (the Panasonic Lumix models) which I choose because I wanted only one camera to carry for shooting photos and videos but was unhappy with the fact that you cannot zoom while shooting your videos with these models(nor any others that I could find in my price range). I almost resolved myself to thinking that I just 'couldnt have everything' until I started searching these compact camcorders and found the Xacti. Again I am not a professional and cannot critique this camcorder as such but I can tell you for my needs, it is perfect. The videos and photos are crisp as long as I pay attention to the proper settings and to my delight, I can shoot still shots WHILE video-recording! I was able to operate the camera out-of-the-box with the easy built-in menu, but plan to read the manual to get the full benefit of my camera's features. You have the 'simple mode' which I use because I just like to point and shoot but the normal mode with all the manual settings are there too for those who like that type of control. It's the perfect size that fits right into my small hand, the control buttons are easy to use. I've had no problems with the software and connecting to my computer to access my shots. The only complaint I have about this camera is it does have one of those pesky lens caps but I'm not likely to loose it because it does attach with a little nylon cord. Overall, this little camcorder went beyond meeting my needs by being tiny, taking great video and still shots, zooms while taking video, takes great still shots WHILE video-recording, and is easy to use. I did purchase an extra battery for backup plus a couple extra sd cards.
Versatile One Device Solution 2008-07-05
Finally, one device that is good enough to carry as a camera and a camcorder. No more missed video clips. Hours of video on an 8GB card. Great Mac compatibility. In pure camera mode, picture quality is good, but shot-to-shot speeds and time to focus are slow. In video mode, the ability to take a 2 megapixel picture while shooting video is great - no interruption in video at all. Great price, great functionality, one device to carry. I'm sure this technology will improve, but for now, this is the magic point where you can buy one product for both uses.
Doesn't live up to expectations 
2008-07-04
I purchased this after reading positive reviews. Even on the highest settings, indoor video and pictures are not very good. Outside shots are fine, but we take lots of video and pictures inside too. I tried turning on all the lights and opening all the windows but the video is still grainy. Several reviewers said that this is a good camera for the money, but mine is going back. Keep looking unless all of your shots are going to be outdoors.
Great little camera 2008-06-30
I bought this specifically to take on a trip to Ireland. It was just as I had hoped. I could pop it into my pocket and have it there for use as either a single shot camera or video. I bought extra memory and it never came close to running out of room. Battery life was excellent. The "pistol grip" style was great for video ( a bit less then that for single shots), and the quality was top notch. Could not be happier with it from a quality, convenience, price point view.
Great camcorder - But know what you are getting 2008-06-24
I bought this camcorder so I could grab those spontaneous little moments-- events that don't rise to the level of effort needed to for my older and larger DV camcorder or Nikon D80 DSLR. I do get better video with my 6 year old Sony DV cam and better pictures with my Nikon but that's not the point. Its portability and convenience. Most of the time my videos and pics get thrown up on the web for sharing where the quality advantage of DV and a DSLR are negligible anyways. However, you will regret your purchase if you buy this as a "shortcut" thinking this will be all you'll ever need.
--For Video:
Outdoor quality very good--indoor is decent. Image stabilization only effective at low zoom. Digital zoom is worthless (as expected). I find myself needing to back up a lot to frame the video/stills because the lens has a very narrow field of view. (I'm not pro so I don't know the exact terminology there.) Better video than a point-and-shoot camera with a "video option".
--For Pictures:
I just don't see the 9.1 megapixel quality here. My older 5 megapixel point and shoot will beat this hands down and any other decent one will too. There is some sort of problem here. Taking pics at the high resolution still produces countless jpeg artifacts that are noticeable at first glance. For web sharing, the pics are fine, but don't even THINK about framing these. Exposure metering is outstanding however, a big surprise. Because of the flash's proximity to the lens, all of your kid's pictures will come out with them looking like the anti-christ because red-eye is horrible. However, the built-in photo editing can take most of it out.
Would I buy this again? Absolutely. Ask yourself this question: If you were going to Disneyworld for a full week, would you rather lug around a heavy and expensive DSLR AND a DV camcorder--or just have this little inexpensive jewel in your pocket? (I've done both)
