The Xacti HD1000 employs the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format for high-compression recording. The resulting files are small in size, which makes them easier to handle and lets you record high-quality movies for longer. Compared to the MPEG-2 format used for DVD recording, files are about half the size, yet picture quality is the same or better. The HD1000 can also connect directly to a large-screen 16:9 HDTV for clear rendering of intricate patterns and minute details, such as individual strands of hair. Note: For HD movie playback, an HD-compatible TV is required.

Full-HD recording with even higher quality has been achieved through a new pixel-alignment method that gathers more than twice as much light information as the 1920 x 1080 pixels of the full-HD specification. Thanks to the larger than usual area of each individual pixel, the new CMOS sensor gathers far more light and achieves greater recording sensitivity. The HD1000’s low levels of noise also help reduce any smearing effects. What’s more, its wider dynamic range helps to produce richer, more natural light gradation. Still images with 4-megapixel resolution also benefit from the sensor’s higher sensitivity.

	Images are processed using advanced MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 image-compression technology. A new high-speed processor is also incorporated, to speed up the processing of the high-volume full-HD data. Single-chip integration helps the HD1000 achieve both low power consumption and a compact size.

	For movie recording, the Xacti HD1000 incorporates an electronic image stabilizer capable of accurately distinguishing unintentional camera shake from deliberate camera movement, such as pans and tilts. It corrects for unwanted shaking, without sacrificing the natural feel of recorded clips. Note: Using the electronic image stabilizer may change the angle of view.

	The Xacti HD1000 incorporates a high-performance 10x optical zoom lens with a maximum aperture of F1.8, allowing distant subjects and people to be captured in beautiful quality. Augmented by the 10x digital zoom, the HD1000 offers zooming capability up to 100x.

	In High Sensitivity mode, it’s possible to shoot down to such low levels of illumination as 3 lux. This means you can record movies under minimal lighting conditions—even by candlelight.

	A large 2.7-inch wide TFT LCD monitor, built into the HD1000’s compact body, makes it easier to see and confirm images before and after shooting. The monitor itself rotates through approximately 285 degrees. This means it can be adjusted to suit your preferred shooting posture, whether you’re shooting at a high or a low angle, or recording yourself.

	Closing the monitor while the Xacti HD1000 is turned on automatically puts it into stand-by mode. Then, once the monitor is opened, the unit starts up and is ready for shooting straight away. By allowing you to skip the usual on/off process, the HD1000 enables easy viewing and fast shooting.

	The 48-kHz, 16-bit, 2-channel sound of AAC-LC (MPEG-4 Audio) matches the realism of your full-HD movies. Thanks to our original low-frequency restoration technology, the noise-reduction system can minimize noise caused by wind during shooting. The HD1000 also features an external microphone terminal, along with a headphone terminal.

	Commercially available accessories, such as a microphone or a video light, can be mounted to the shoe. Conversion lenses are also available optionally. The Xacti HD1000 comes equipped with a tripod receptacle and a headphone jack.