Sanyo launched the Xacti HD800 in Japan this week, and it’s hopefully headed for the United States before too long. Electronista has an article with some hands on shots, or you can read a translated version of the japanese page via google.

It’s essentially an update to the HD700, which is the evolution of the HD2 and HD1. It maintains of the smaller form factor of the bulk of the Xacti line, rather than going with the bulky look of the HD1000. You get 720p with an 8 megapixel sensor, and much improved noise reduction.

I’m a big fan of the quality of the HD1000, but I’ve missed the smaller form factor of the HD1. This looks like the perfect balance.