The Sanyo VPC-CA6 gets points for its ease of use and one handed operation due to its pistol-like grip. Easily start and stop recording with a well placed button that can be controlled with a push of your thumb. This standard definition (640x480) video camera was built with fun in mind given its water resistant frame and rugged build. Play without worry, as the camera is splash resistant from any direction. Inputs and the battery are located neatly inside a sealed door. Just don’t submerge the camera as it is not waterproof. The camera can also capture 6MP still images and sports an effective image stabilization mode for more steady videos. Utilize all of these features as once as the camera supports still image capture during video recording.

An added feature that makes this camera pretty cool and unique is its ability to double as a webcam. Switch it to webcam mode and chat with distant friends and relatives in 320x240 resolution.

Standout Features

• Ergonomic design with easy one handed operation
• Splash resistant from any direction
• 6MP still image capability
• Can also serve as a webcam

Features

The Sanyo VPC-CA6 comes pack with a fair amount of features for such a small camera, weighing in at a mere 6 ounces, including the battery. Capture high speed action with shutter speeds up to 1/10,000 of a second or work in low light with shutter speeds as slow as 4 seconds. Though this is mostly a point and shoot video camera, the flash and white balance settings can be manually controlled.

This sporty little camera features a 38mm-190mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range. Review your footage on the 2” LCD screen that flips out. Swivel the screen around and close it with the screen facing out for filming on the run. Review and edit your footage with the easy to use in camera features. Or hook the camera up to the computer to upload the footage from your SD card so you can get back out and shoot more. If an iPod is the destination for your video, there is a special setting to record specifically for that platform.

Other Reviews From Across the Internet

Experts have liked this quirky little camera and its stout build. It is a different design than most other cameras on the market but once you get used to the layout, you will like it. The electronic stabilization seems to really work in this camera. Some of the disadvantages noted about this camera were the relatively short recording times and the highly compressed video. With such high compression settings, video from this camcorder is better suited to websites or other handheld viewing devices.

Summary

Customers have found the camera to be perfect for on the go use. Most have been more than happy with the quality of footage this camera provides and the sheer volume of footage that can be held on a 2 Gb card. Most customers have been happy with the responsiveness of the autofocus and the accuracy of the white balance and exposure. Some customers would like to see a viewfinder on the camera for sunny days as well as a thread mount on the lens for attaching filters.

Take a look at and compare and contrast even more Flash Camcorders at TopTenReviews.