If you're sick of carrying around a camcorder and a still camera, Sanyo feels your pai… er, inconvenience. The company's new Dual camcorders are all about both shooting crisp video and taking solid photos. Sanyo busted out six Dual models today — including two that record 1080p video at 60 frames per second — three in the gun-like vertical shape and three with a chassis more like a traditional camcorder. We got a chance to check them out for a few minutes. Hit the Continue jump for our hands-on assessment.

The top-of-the-line FH1 (traditional, $500) and HD2000 (vertical, $600) cams can both record full HD video (1080p) at 60 frames per second (fps) and snap 10-megapixel photos. Impressive, but your pixel count goes down to 7.5MP if you want 16:9 images. They're both sleek and lightweight, and the image stabilization for video really seems to work. But good luck navigating Sanyo's insanely complicated menus if you ever want to turn it off. At least hookup to a TV is simple: The FH1 has an HDMI output, and the HD2000 has one on its charging dock.

The WH1 (traditional, $400) and CA9 (vertical, $350) cams are both waterproof, though the WH1 can go as deep as 10 feet but the CA9 is rated only to five. They record video in 720p at 30 frames per second — still HD, but not as good as 1080p. The CA9 does 9MP stills, but the WH1 is only 2MP. What the hell? What happened to "Dual"? That's the same as my iPhone. At least it boasts a 30x optical zoom, supposedly a world's first.

Finally, there are the "Compact" models, the TH1 (traditional, $300) and CG10 (vertical, $200), although they're about as compact as the others. These also do 720p/30fps video, but aren't so great with the waterproofness. The TH1 also has a 30x zoom.

From our brief hands-on experience, we were most impressed with the FH1. Although the big zoom in the lower-end models is a cool trick, it makes images too shaky to be useful (unless you have a tripod). But apart from navigating the menus, the FH1 was a pleasure to hold and use. If you're a fan of Sanyo's vertical cams, though, the HD2000 is your boy.

All the camcorders are coming in March.

UPDATE: Sanyo's press release, with more technical details, is below.

SANYO Announces New "Dual Camera" Xacti All-HD Line-up for 2009
Full 1080p and 720p HD models, Including Waterproof HD Cameras Set to Debut in Both Vertical and New Horizontal Body Styles

New York, January 21, 2009 — SANYO Fisher Company, a division of SANYO North America Corporation (SANYO) is pleased to introduce its new line-up of Dual Camera Xacti cameras designed to enhance active lifestyles by providing both high-definition video and photo capability in a single, easy-to-use compact camera. The new mixed form factor (Horizontal, Vertical) line-up of six (6) SANYO Dual Camera Xactis includes new Full HD 60fps units (VPC-FH1, VPC-HD2000), waterproof HD models (VPC-WH1, VPC-CA9) and Compact HD cameras (VPC-TH1, VPC-CG10). Availability for the US market will begin in March 2009.

New for 2009, Dual Cameras in horizontal body styles join models in Xacti's signature vertical form factor, offering a broad line of models designed to appeal to discerning consumers and retailers.

Dual Camera Xactis record photos and videos to SD/SDHC media cards (sold separately) and are thumb-operable for key functions, with separate video and photo buttons for easy switching between shooting video and photos. Unlike conventional camcorders, there's no need to stop to switch modes and miss capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments. With two new Dual Camera models--that's true even when those special moments occur underwater!

The 2009 Dual Cameras offer the convenience of both television and computer-use/viewing, plus easy Web sharing of recorded high-quality MPEG-4/H.264 video clips. Several new models are compatible with optional lenses for expanded shooting flexibility. Some 2009 models (WH1, TH1) also offer an amazing recording time of up to 3 hours 20 minutes thanks to a small but powerful SANYO battery and an engine designed to save energy. With a Dual Camera Xacti, one is all you need.

Full HD models (VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD2000)
The Full HD Dual Camera Xactis are truly the benchmark in high definition, offering 1920 x 1080 pixels, and 60 frames per second recording for crystal clear, smooth motion videos. These highly advanced cameras not only offer a standard 1080i (interlaced) format (recording at 60 fields per second), but with the SANYO proprietary CMOS engine, recording is also available in 1080p (progressive) format at an ultra-smooth, professional-looking 60 frames per second.

Also, these fully equipped Full HD models offer the latest in zooming technology, with a special 16x advanced zoom function. The new-style zoom gives a broader view as it zooms in, meaning more of the scene makes it into the zoom than ever before.

Main Features: VPC-FH1 (Horizontal) and VPC-HD2000 (Vertical)
• Full 1080p HD Video (60fps)
• 8-Megapixel Digital Photos and High-Speed Sequential Shooting (12fps)　
• High Speed Recording/Super Slow Motion Playback (240/600fps for 1/4 or 1/10 playback)
• 3-inch wide LCD Monitor (FH1), 2.7-inch wide LCD monitor (HD2000) for HD Playback
• 10x Optical Zoom for photos
• 16x advanced zoom (more area included than standard zooming, 160x digital zoom) for video
• Digital Image Stabilizer (Movies & Stills)
• 'Face Chaser' technology (up to 12 faces) for photos/videos
• HDMI Output (FH1); HDMI Digital Interface via Cradle (HD2000)
• Optional lenses: Tele, Wide, Semi-Fisheye
• External microphone input (HD2000)
*When in 4M mode

Compact HD models (VPC-TH1 and VPC-CG10)
In response to massive global demand for high definition equipment, SANYO's Dual Camera Xacti line-up for 2009 are all designed to record high definition video. SANYO's compact HD Models offer 720p (1280 x 720) HD capability and record at 30 frames per second. The VPC-TH1 also offers an impressive 30x optical zoom and an incredible 3-hr 20-min long continuous recording time--all in HD!

Main Features: VPC-TH1 (Horizontal)
• HD Digital Video (720p, 30fps)
• 30x Optical Zoom
• 2-Megapixel sequential shooting (13fps)
• 3-inch LCD (TFT) Widescreen Display
• Long 3-hour 20-minute continuous recording battery life
• Digital Image Stabilizer (video and stills)
• 'Face Chaser' technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos
• HDMI Output
• 3D DNR digital noise reduction for clearer images

Main Features: VPC-CG10 (Vertical)
• 10-Megapixel photos and 720p HD video
• 5x optical zoom
• 3-inch Widescreen LCD
• Digital Image Stabilizer (video and stills)
• 'Face Chaser'/Detection Technology (up to 12 faces)
• High-Speed Sequential Shooting 7fps
• 3D DNR digital noise reduction for clearer images

Waterproof Compact HD models (VPC-WH1 and VPC-CA9)
With a conventional digital camera or camcorder, many users are understandably reluctant to film or shoot in the rain or other wet environments, fearing water damage to the camera. The VPC-WH1 and VPC-CA9, however, have earned the highest possible IEC 60529 waterproof rating--IPX8--allowing high definition 1280 x 720 30fps footage to be captured without worrying about the effects of water or snow. The VPC-CA9 is operable down to a water depth of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet), while the VPC-WH1 is submersible down to an astounding 3 meters (10 feet).

With SANYO's advanced waterproofing technology, these cameras can be used without thinking twice in the rain, for marine sports such as surfing or snorkeling, or for winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding.

Main Features: VPC-WH1 (Horizontal)
• Waterproof up to 3 meters (10 feet) for one hour
• Exceptional 30x optical zoom
• 2.5-inch LCD Display
• 2-megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video
• 2-megapixel sequential shooting (13fps)
• 'Face Chaser' face detecting technology for both photos and videos (12 faces)
• 3-hour 20-minute recording time; long battery life
• HDMI Output

Main Features: VPC-CA9 (Vertical)
• Waterproof up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) for one hour
• 9-megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video
• High Speed Sequential shooting (7fps*)
• 5x Optical Zoom
• 2.5" LCD monitor
• 'Face Chaser' face detection technology

About SANYO
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a multi-billion-dollar global leader in providing solutions for the environment, energy and for lifestyle applications based on its Brand Vision 'Think GAIA'. Based in Chatsworth, California, SANYO Fisher Company (a division of SANYO North America Corporation, a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.) markets digital cameras and camcorders, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics, HD televisions, dictation devices, home appliances, LCD projectors and security video equipment. For more information and additional specifications, please visit http://us.sanyo.com.