New Sanyo Camcorders with iFrame technology

[David Sholle]

I posted this in the news info thread over at the dvinfo.net site, but it might be appropriate to also post it here.

Sanyo released new versions of previous camcorders, now known as the VPC-HD2000A and VPC-FH1A with iFrame technology and Apple just released a new version of iMovie today with iFrame technology. This will allow importing direct from the camcorder to the computer in a format that can be easily edited without transcoding. Previously the HD2000 was not even available in the US.

Currently when I import from my FH1 into iMovie, I can import at full 1920X1080 res, but it takes a lot of horsepower to edit these files. Another option is to transcode (takes time) to AIC (Apple Intermediate Codec) typically at 960X540, creating huge files but that are easy to edit. For YouTube, Vimeo, AppleTV work and many other not super high end work, this is a good option, and you can also store the original footage at full res for later editing as computers improve.

Reading between the lines, it appears that this iFrame technology is some sort of codec that is probably 960X540 but directly transfers to the computer and is easily edited.

The little Sanyo camcorders are reasonably priced, and are great as "vacation" camcorders. They don't have very good image stabilization, but if you can live with that limitation, they are a bargain. They both offer 1920X1080 60p (but not in the iFrame format).

Links:

SANYO :: News :: SANYO Dual Cameras are World?s First with iFrame Video Format

SANYO :: Dual Cameras :: VPC-FH1ABK Full 1080p HD Video and 8MP Digital Photos

SANYO :: Dual Cameras :: VPC-HD2000ABK Full 1080p HD Video and 8MP Digital Photos

iMovie update reveals new Apple video format | Apple - CNET News