Sanyo offers two designs for its high-definition waterproof cameras –the horizontal and vertical or pistol grip versions. For those who prefer the latter type, Sanyo offers the VPC-CA9 Waterproof HD Camcorder.
The VPC-CA9 is both a high-definition camera that records 720p MPEG-4 AVC/H .264 videos and shoots 9-megapixel still photos in JPEG. It embodies a further refinement of the ergonomic Xacti blueprint resulting to less muscle fatigue when recording. This allows you to continually take videos or still pictures over extended periods whether on terra firma or subaqua, up to a depth of 1.5 meters.
This camera features a 5x optical and 12x digital zoom. These allow close up photos, picture enlargement, and cropping. To help avoid blurry still pictures and video images, an electronic Digital Image Stabilizer is installed. It also has Auto Face Tracking for proper exposure and focus on your subject’s face. A reverse sequential shooting function allows continuous shooting for as long as the photo button is depressed. This button is distinct from the video button eliminating the need to switch modes when shifting from stills to videos or vice versa. You can even shoot stills and take videos simultaneously.
The VPC CA9 features a 2.5-inch LCD monitor that rotates approximately 285°. With this extent, you can shoot from any angle you wish without having to bend or twist your body or stand on your toes.
Although the internal memory of the Sanyo VPC-CA9 is only 43 MB, it has slots for SD or SDHC Memory Cards with a capacity of up to 32 GB. Power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery that can last up to slightly over an hour of video recording or about 220 minutes of playback. This is roughly the equivalent of 170 still picture shots.