World’s Smallest HD Camcorder: Xacti HD700

Sanyo does it again with the latest version of its compact Xacti camcorder line. At 4.3 inches tall and 214 grams loaded, it's the world's smallest and lightest 720p camcorder.

Sanyo continued in its tradition of ultra-compact HD cameras on Wednesday by launching the Xacti DMX-HD700, which it claims is now the world’s smallest and lightest 720p camera. Besides its record-setting form factor, the Xacti includes a 2.7-inch widescreen display, optical zoom, image stabilization and still-camera mode.

The camera’s roots lie in the Sanyo HD2, which itself was derived from Sanyo’s original HD1 – also the world’s smallest HD camcorder when it was released. Sanyo improved on the HD700’s predecessors by shrinking it 16 percent and shaving 10 percent off its weight.

SD or SDHC flash cards can be used to store digital video, with capacity up to 8GB, or 2 hours and 26 minutes of HD video. This relatively long recording time from only 8GB is made possible by the H.264 compression standard, which significantly reduces the space HD video consumes.

As a camcorder, the HD700 boasts low-light  sensitivity up to ISO 3200 and a field of view with a 38-190mm range. A 5x optical zoom and 12x digital zoom allows for a combined of 60x. Sanyo’s Face Chaser facial recognition function can keep track of up to 12 faces on-screen at one and automatically keep them properly exposed and focused.

The camera’s small size and ample 2.7-inch LCD should make it easier to shoot video, especially in confined spaces where large cameras get in the way. Sanyo even claims that the 105 degree angle on the camera’s grip has proven to be less tiring to hold than traditional cameras in recent research.

The HD700 will hit store shelves in October for $599.99. It will be available in silver, red and brown.