Sanyo VPC-CG20EXBK-B Xacti CG20 Full HD Dual Camcorder Review

With a sleek black and chrome finish, the Sanyo VPC-CG20EXBK-B Xacti CG20 looks and feels stylish.  However, is the look of the Camcorder all it is worth, or will you be pleasantly surprised with its true High Definition Dual capabilities?

Size/Build Quality
One aspect of the Xacti CG20 we like, is how compact the device is built.  It’s small enough to be transported, yet large enough to fit comfortably in to the palm of your hand.

The size of the Camcorder does not produce too many problems when operating on Camera buttons, including start/stop record, menu, playback etc.  Generally, and with smaller Camcorders in particular, these buttons are usually so small that they become difficult to use.  We are glad to report this is not the case. With the buttons housed on the back of the Camcorder, they are big enough to use without too many problems.  They are also spaced out well, so it minimises the chance of pressing the wrong button.

One aspect of the Sanyo Xacti CG20 button system which could be improved however, is the Zoom rocker switch.  Although this creates a smooth and subtle zoom, the button itself could perhaps be a little wider for larger fingers.  That is really just being picky, but needs to be looked at.

Overall the size and build of the Camcorder is extremely good.  Access to relevant on Camera buttons are easily gained during recording, and the size of the Camcorder fits nicely into your hand.

Features
The Sanyo VPC-CG20EXBK-B Xacti CG20 Full HD Dual Camcorder offers a wide range of features, but to begin, lets start with the image quality.

The Camcorder produces some excellent images in true High Definition.  In bright light areas, the Camcorders image quality could be comparable to that of a Cam around the £300 mark.  With its built in CMOS sensor and the ability to record at 1920 x 1080 resolution, the Xacti CG20 is capable of some stunning results. The audio also performs well, with clear sound on most shoots.

On the down side however, there seemed to be a considerable amount of noise during low light filming, and this is an area of the Camcorder Sanyo need to look at improving.

The Camcorder ships with an impressive 5x optical zoom, which makes it one of the best in the market for this price range.  If you are unfamiliar with zoom, you can read our Optical and Digital Zoom article here.  This is a great feature for the price of this Camcorder, and is one which helps makes it so unique.

The Camcorder gives you the ability to control image quality either manually or automatically.  The auto function does perform reasonably well, however, we found like with any cam, exposure was a problem with the image either becoming over exposed, or under exposed quite easily.  The manual over rides would allow you to change that of course, with white balance, exposure and focus all available to set accordingly.  One notable issue was that we could not find away to assign the white balance control to the joystick shortcut, which would have been a great addition.  With that said however, one great little feature that the xacti CG20 does offer, is something called face chaser.  This simply tracks the face of your subject and adjusts your cams settings to compensate (focus, exposure etc).  Varying degree of results was had with this, but still, it’s a great little feature and sets the way for future releases.

The Sanyo VPC-CG20EXBK-B Xacti CG20 Full HD Dual Camcorder comes with an impressive 2.7inch LCD record and playback screen.  This ensures you can clearly see what you are recording.  Glare was an issue when recoding in bright sunlight, but apart from that, colours were vivid and true to life.  For the overall size of the Camcorder, it was great to see such a large recording screen.

If you are looking to get a 2 in 1 Camera/Camcorder device, the Sanyo Xacti CG20 will do the job.  With its built in flash, found under the lens, coupled with its recording resolution, you will be sure to get some decent photographs.  Be warned however, it will NOT perform as well as a dedicated Digital Camera, and this is something which you should bear in mind.

The Camcorder uses a Flash card to store data, so upgrading memory and storage capacity should not be a problem.

Overall
A great little Camcorder for the price bundled with both professional and up and coming features.  This camcorder sets the pace for its price tag and produces some excellent results to go with it.

The size of the Camcorder is ideal, and will easily slip into a handbag or large pocket making the Sony Xacti CG20 Full HD Dual Camcorder portable.

This Camcorder is ideal for Holidays, Weddings or days out, and you will get some great results from both its visuals and audio.

The stills photo’s are acceptable, but always opt for a dedicated Digital Camera.

Overall, great value for money, and Amazon.co.uk currently offer the Sanyo VPC-CG20EXBK-B Xacti CG20 Full HD Dual Camcorder with 10MP Photos and HDMI – Black for £96.22.  Excellent value with excellent results!

Product Description: Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG20 – camcorder – flash card

Product Type: Camcorder – 1080i – Widescreen Video Capture

Dimensions (WxDxH): 3.7 cm x 8.6 cm x 11 cm

Weight: 157 g

Colour: Black

Media Type: Flash card

Supported Flash Memory: SD Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card Integrated Memory: 30 MB

Sensor Resolution: 10.0 Mpix

Effective Sensor Resolution: Video: 10 Mpix – Still: 10.0 Mpix

Shooting Modes: Digital photo mode

Lens System: 5 x zoom lens – 6.8 mm – 34 mm – f/3.5-3.7

Focus Adjustment: Automatic, manual

Min Focus Range: 50 cm

Digital Zoom: 12 x

Image Stabiliser: Electronic

Camera Flash: Built-in flash

Microphone: Microphone – built-in – electret condenser – stereo

Display: LCD display – Low Temperature Poly-Silicon (LTPS) – 2.7″ – colour

Overall, great value for money, and Amazon.co.uk currently offer the Sanyo VPC-CG20EXBK-B Xacti CG20 Full HD Dual Camcorder with 10MP Photos and HDMI – Black for £96.22.  Excellent value with excellent results!