Sanyo release the waterproof Xacti E2 camcorder

[Cajetan]

Sanyo is updating its ultra-compact Xacti E-series camera with the release of the Xacti E2 camcorder to the North American market. This palm-sized camcorder can capture 640x480 H.264 video at up to 60fps. Perhaps the most notable feature of the Xacti E2 is of course its resistance to water even if you subject the camera at up to a five feet depth for an hour.

Features of the Xacti E2 include live face detection and an underwater mode that adjusts the colors to prevent photos from getting tints whenever the camcorder is subjected into the water. In addition, the Xacti E2 also features a 5x zoom lens, digital image stabilization, a 2.5-inch flip-out LCD, face chaser technology, rapid-fire photo mode and support for SDHC storage of up to 8GB. The Xacti E2 also comes bundled with Adobe Premier Element software.

The Sanyo Xacti E2 will set you back $399. It’s available now online at Amazon with a list price of $391.83.

[MattyBoy]

Remember Sanyo’s waterproof Xacti E1 camcorder that was released not too long ago? This time round, the company has released a second generation model - the Xacti E2. I would assume if you lead a relatively active lifestyle, whether during the winter or summer, the Xacti E2 would be extremely convenient since it is able to function well even when underwater up to 5 feet, with a maximum underwater shelf life of an hour before it sleeps with the fishes. Of course, the Xacti E2 also works great when you go skiing or snowboarding, in addition to other water based stops like snorkeling, surfing and water-skiing.

The Xacti E2 can function even when one of your hands are occupied, making it the perfect device when it comes to shooting casual yet important videos. You will be able to choose from brilliant blue or pearlescent white for $399.99 a pop. The E2 will capture MPEG-4 video that uses state-of-the-art AVC/H.264 recording. It supports the SDHC memory card format, where an 8GB SDHC card is able to store up to 8 hours of full motion video or 2,000 still images at 8 megapixels each. Other features include :-

• Waterproof: submersible to a depth of five feet for 60 minutes
• Shoots high-quality video (advanced MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 at 640 x 480 pixels)
• Smooth movie recording and playback with 60 fps
• Takes 8-megapixel stills (JPEG format)
• Records onto an SD memory card or high-capacity SDHC card
• Bright, 2.5″ LCD color display flips out and rotates for easy viewing
• 5x optical zoom for great close-ups
• Anti-shake digital image stabilizer
• Easy, one-handed operation
• Photo and Video Face Chaser technology uses a proprietary Sanyo algorithm to compensate for distracting up-and-down or side-to-side camera movement, keeping your subject steady and easy to follow
• Sequential Shooting allows high-speed continuous shooting at 5 frames per second (for up to 10 frames) in [2M] mode so you won’t miss that perfect shot. Continuous shooting at 1 frame per second (for up to 10 frames) is available in [8M] mode
• CMOS sensor: an advanced 8.0-megapixel (total) CMOS image sensor allows the E2 to capture high-resolution, 8-megapixel still images in addition to recording high-quality digital videos
• New underwater scene mode available in scene selection menu, making colors more true and clear
• While recording video, 8-megapixel still images may also be taken simultaneously
• Easy video sharing: Video recording employs highly efficient MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression. This keeps high-quality files small, so you can upload videos to websites and blogs or share them via podcasts or online social networks
• “Quick stand-by” makes it possible to start recording or playback immediately after the monitor is flipped open
• Bundled with ‘Adobe Premiere Elements 4.0′ for movie editing and original DVD authoring
• Dimensions: 2.8″ x 4.4″ x 1.6″
• Weight: 9.1 oz