The DMX-C1(K) by Sanyo has to be one of the coolest gadgets out in
Japan right now. I have always wanted a video camera but did not really want
one which was either the size of a rocket launcher ( and used tapes ) or
the size of a brick ( and used tapes ). As you can see from the photos below,
the DMX-C1(K) fits into the palm of an adult hand - and does not use any
of those disgusting tapes.
The DMX-C1(K) takes about 25 mins of high quality VGA video at 30 frames
a second on a 512MB SD Card. You can also take low quality video clips in
which case you will be able to fit about 2.5 hours worth on a 512 card. Also
takes photos too at 3.2 mega pixels - the quality being very acceptable.
The dimensions are Width 69×Depth 34×Height 108mm
and
weighs in at 174grams. The only downer is the compression method - MP4 - you either have to install Quicktime or look for an MP4 codec on the
net - I have not been able to find any good quality MP4 codecs yet.
Once you
have finished taking a clip, rest the DMX-C1(K)
in its cradle and hit the "Camera/Charge" button and your computer will recognize
the USB attached cradle as a hard disk - no drivers needed.
The DMX-C1(K) set me back about 41,900 yen
and the SD card cost half a leg at 19,000 yen.
DMX-C1(K) and cradle

Front view - comes with 5.8 power zoom. The silver disc thingy on the LCD cover
is the L/R microphone.
Most of the controls are accessible by ones thumb ( or nose, or toe if you
want ). The machine turns on when you flip open the LCD cover.