The Xacti HD2 records high-definition (HD) MPEG-4 movies at 1280 x 720 pixels and 30 fps, giving you far higher-quality imaging than conventional digital video recording. With the superior resolution of HD recording, the Xacti HD2 vividly renders the details of your subject. Recording in the powerful 16:9 widescreen format — close to people’s natural angle of vision — the Xacti HD2 captures those unforgettable moments just the way they appear. Note: For HD movie playback, an HD-compatible TV is required

Into its slim body, the Xacti HD2 packs a 7.38-megapixel (total) CCD and a 10x optical zoom lens. The HD2 achieves extremely sensitive movie recording and can record at a minimum subject illumination of 7 lux. In addition to advanced, highly sensitive digital processing technologies, the HD2 features an automatic frame-rate adjustment in Lamp mode — especially useful for recording movie clips in low-light conditions. This feature lets you record movies clearly, even at a birthday party where the only light comes from the candles on the cake.

	Simply press this button on the Xacti HD2 to switch to High-Sensitivity mode. There's no need for complicated settings, and you can shoot video clips down to 7 lux and stills at the equivalent of ISO 800. This makes it easy to get great shots in situations where blurring commonly occurs, such as nightscapes or in dimly lit rooms.

	The image-sensing device at the heart of the Xacti HD2 is a recently developed 1/2.5-inch 7.38-megapixel (total) CCD. Once the visual information from the CCD is read, video signals are rapidly transmitted as a “4-pixel mixture”, making possible 1280 x 720-pixel high-definition movies.

	f: 6.3 – 63 (38 – 380 mm) F: 3.5 (wide) – 3.5 (telephoto) In tandem with the 10x digital zoom, the HD2's 10x optical zoom provides up to 100x zoom capability. The adjustable 2-speed zoom allows you to tailor the zooming speed to your subject. A conversion lens, meanwhile, is available optionally.

A proprietary SANYO algorithm achieves optimal correction for camera shake, which may occur while you’re shooting video clips. The digital image stabilizer operates effectively under any zoom setting, from wide-angle to telephoto. It accurately distinguishes between unintentional camera shake and deliberate camera movement from pans or tilts. It then compensates for camera shake to create more natural shooting results. Note: Using the digital image stabilizer may change the angle of view.

	Video clips recorded at 30 fps can be converted to — and played back at — 60 fps, through the application of SANYO’s proprietary image-compensation technology. This way, movies take up less memory than they would on a camera with native 60 fps recording, yet offer comparable playback smoothness.

	A large, 2.2-inch LCD monitor is built into the HD2’s compact body. The big screen makes it easier to check an image before and after taking it. The monitor can rotate approximately 285°, so you can position it at your preferred shooting angle. It lets you shoot from a high or low angle, or at yourself.

	Closing the monitor while the Xacti HD2 is turned on automatically puts it into stand-by mode. Then, once the monitor is opened, the Xacti HD2 starts up and is ready for shooting straight away. By allowing you to skip the usual on/off process, the Xacti HD2 delivers easy viewing and fast shooting.

	The Xacti HD2’s superb 48-kHz, 16-bit, 2-channel sound for AAC-LC (MPEG-4 Audio) provides a sense of reality to match the realism of those impressive HD movies. A noise-reduction function, meanwhile, serves to reduce noise caused by wind during shooting. The Xacti HD2 also features a dedicated terminal to which you can attach an external microphone (not included).

	To capture the utmost detail in a scene, use the wide, 16:9 high-definition format (HD: 1280 x 720 pixels). Alternatively, if you’re planning to send images via e-mail, use a lighter, Web-sized format (QVGA: 320 x 240 pixels). This variety in recording modes gives you flexibility in your applications.