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Note: this camcorder was first sold in Jul 2006. There may be newer versions available.
Sanyo Xacti HD1A
Sanyo Xacti HD1A
F
HQ Grade: F
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of camcorders.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 4 out of 5
"Nice Sharpness"
  • 4 out of 5
"HD1a, Great Value"
See rating based on 39 user reviews
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Question Answered!
Trevor Ortman (tortman) 1 pts
May 27, 2007 1:49 PM
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Long download time to mac imovie

I haven't used imovie before. It has taken 45 minutes to download 5 minutes of video recorded in highest quality HD mode. Is this standard. Will an external reader make any difference that had a firewire connection?
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Answers This question has been answered!
Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
May 27, 2007 7:06 PM
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Hey, Trevor.
Generally that's not a normal time, but it may be normal depending on the type of video file, the resolution, the connection ports, and the capabilities of your Mac.

I see you have posted your question on the Sanyo Xacti HD1A product page. If this is the cam you have, then you are downloading an MPEG-4 compressed video file from a memory card via USB. First, USB is much slower than firewire(1394) connection especially for video download. Secondly, an MPEG file has to be uncompressed and converted to a readable video format for iMovie. Thirdly, its also HD resolution from a 1/2.5 inch CCD chip which contains allot of video data and requires more computer power to transfer. All these factors are the reasons for the extremely long download times.

An external card reader as you have mentioned, would be faster and more efficient using it with firewire(1394) connection. In additon, maxing out your Ram memory slots with extra Ram will help give your Mac extra horse power, and its a good idea to shut down all your programs when downloading video. I would also recommend looking into video file conversion software that will help you to download and convert your video files more efficient. Finally, keep your operating system up to date as possible and run your hard drive through your disk utility.

Happy Shooting!
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
June 2, 2007 9:42 AM
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Trevor.
Has your question been answered or misunderstood. If you need further advice just ask in the reply box below and we will be happy to answer.
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Trevor Ortman (tortman) 1 pts
June 6, 2007 11:40 PM
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I did not download the program that came with the camera intitially. I downloaded that program, and it went much quicker, but it was not as friendly(easy) as the mac programs (imovie). I could then transfer the program to imovie, but I might have to save the file as something different.

While that camera will work with Mac's, I own a mac for the simplicity. With iphoto, you plug in your camera and go. I want the same experience with a video camera. I was also disappointed because the store that sold me the camera, said it would work no problem with imovie.

I did like the size, and the controls were easy to use, low light quality was not great.

I've order a canon hv10, and I'll see how that goes.

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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
June 6, 2007 11:55 PM
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Trevor.
The HV10 download to Mac.

The camcorder will not show up on the desktop. Plug in firewire, open iMovie, then turn camera to VTR(play back mode) and iMovie Will detect it. You will have the choice to download or just view the footage. I recommend to first view your video footage so you decide which parts you want to download. iMovie will have play back buttons at bottom of screen so that you can control the play back functions of the camcorder through iMovie.
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