Sanyo VPC-PD2BK

Sanyo VPC-PD2BK

Sanyo Xacti VPC-PD2The Sanyo Xacti VPC-PD2 ($170 as of July 25, 2011) is the only pocket camcorder we've seen that has an optical zoom lens (3X). To accommodate the lens and the stereo microphones, Sanyo gave the device a slightly awkward-looking body. But the Xacti VPC-PD2 shoots good video. The Xacti VPC-PD2 has a very different profile from earlier Xacti models: It is 2.5 inches wide, 4.4 inches tall, and 0.9 inch deep (excluding its zoom lens). The silver-and-black color combination gives it a distinctive look, but the biggest attention-getter is the pair of silver "ears" (actually the camcorder's stereo microphones) flanking the lens. A flash (for still photos only) sits on the top of the device. A pop-out panel on the left side conceals an HDMI port and an SD Card slot (an SD card isn't included). Below the SD card slot is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last for up to 65 minutes on a charge. A pop-out USB connector on the Xacti VPC-PD2's right side charges the battery, and you can also use it to transfer files to your computer. Most of the Xacti VPC-PD2's operating buttons are located on its back, immediately below its 2-inch-diagonal TFT color screen: a photo button, a video button, a record/play button, and a delete button. Between the buttons are arrow keys for navigating the user interface.