Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #45746 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Panasonic
• Model: HDC-SD5EG-S
• Released on: 2007-12-06
• Dimensions: 2.64" h x 2.56" w x .53" l, .75 pounds

The Sunday Times
"It did prove far superior to Sony's long-awaited new HDR-CX6, though, which deploys the same technology. this is the best consumer camcorder around"

Manufacturer's Description

The Panasonic HDC-SD5 debuts as the world's smallest and lightest 3CCD High Definition video camera*, even smaller than its predecessor model, the HDC- SD1. Recording direct to SDHC Memory Cards and with no moving parts in the recording section, the compact camcorder is exceptionally resistant to impact and tough conditions. The SD5 also introduces a new USB Host function that significantly improves data storage and playback ease. Using a DVD burner VW-BN1 (released at the same time), you can copy or play back video recordings in the original AVCHD format, and enjoy easy high-definition viewing on a large-screen TV.

Both the HDC-SD5 and HDC-SX5 can record full-HD video with 1920 x 1080 pixels plus feature Panasonic's original 3CCD camera system and Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), which let users record clear, beautiful, blur-free images with vibrant colours and when viewed on a high-quality big-screen TV are simply breathtaking in quality.

Main Features

Leica Dicomar Lens

Photographers around the world know Leica Camera AG as a maker of superb cameras and lenses. This company's advanced optical technology has been fused with Panasonic's leading-edge digital technology to create the Leica Dicomar lens.

Intelligent Contrast Control

This intelligent new function continually measures the ambient light intensity and adjusts the contrast as it changes. Providing control over a wider range of lighting conditions than previous functions, Intelligent Contrast Control helps prevent a washed-out look in bright parts of an image and black-outs in shadowy part. You capture images with natural nuances and contrast. Even when you're shooting toward the light source, Intelligent Contrast Control lets you capture true-to-life pictures with outstanding depth.

Wide Viewing Angle LCD Monitor

The SD5 and SX5 incorporate a new LCD that has 300,000 pixels and a wide 170-degree viewing angle both vertically and horizontally. The wider viewing angle is a big advantage in high-angle and low-angle shooting. It's a big advantage in playback too, allowing several people at the same time to enjoy viewing the video clip you just recorded.

Power LCD Extra

The brightness of the LCD can be set to either of two levels to match the ambient light condition. At the brighter setting, the LCD provides clear, easy viewing even when you're shooting outdoors on a sunny day.

VIERA Link

The SD5 and SX5 are compatible with Panasonic's VIERA Link. Connect the SD5 to a VIERA TV via an HDMI cable, and you can operate the camcorder using the TV remote control and following on-screen prompts. This adds extra ease and convenience to the fun of viewing the full-HD video you record.

Direct Viewing with SD Card Slot

The SDHC/SD Memory Card can simply be taken from the SD5 and slipped into the card slot of a Panasonic VIERA PZ700 to view full-HD images recorded in the AVCHD format.

*JPEG format still images can be viewed with other SD card slot-equipped VIERA models.

Archiving

USB Host Function

Most people use their camcorders for three main purposes: to shoot, play back, and archive video recordings. They want each of these to be as easy as possible. Panasonic has developed new features and functions that respond to these needs. In the past, copying video recordings from an SDHC/SD Memory Card to a DVD disc was a two-step process that involved transferring the data to a PC, then copying from PC to disc. The SD5 does away with all that, thanks to a USB Host function that makes it easy to play back or store your video recordings on DVD discs. Connect the SD5 via USB cable to a DVD burner VW-BN1, and pressing a single button is all it takes to copy recorded video clips from an SDHC/SD memory card to a DVD disc in the original AVCHD format. The copied DVD can be played by the DVD burner, so all you have to do to view exciting, large-screen images in HD quality is have the DVD burner connected to the SD5, and then connect the SD5 to an HDTV.

Box Contents

Customer Reviews

Superb and easy to use product
This is amazing value and the picture equals that from cameras twice the price. The lack of a motor of any sort completely eliminates motor noise and it is small enough to fit in one hand. The picture quality for both still and HDTV is excellent and colour rendering is better than other cameras I have bought. The ability to take still photos while taking video is a bonus but isn't so good in dim light.Also, the flash is rather too bright for anything less than 2 metres away and cannot be controlled, so don't take flash photos of people just a metre away.

Two things are less than perfect for me: The joy-stick is a bit on the small size for my hands but other people find it easy to use. The need to connect the machine to the battery adaptor in order to download is baffling and makes it impossible to do where there is no mains supply. I also find the fade control awkward to set up, but this is common with other cameras I have used.

I don't know why they don't put the larger capacity battery in with this, although you get a couple of hours of general use from the one that is supplied. It is worth getting a spare battery (and a spare SD card).

I liked this camera so much I bought another 2.

Good all-round package
I got this to replace a tape based camera mainly due to 2 things - it does proper wide-screen recording (in HD, a bonus) and using files on random access storage media the data can be copied digitally rather than the time-consuming 'capture' process needed for tape if you want to edit the footage.

The camera itself does pretty much what you'd expect - it's intuitive to use and small and light. The screen is nice and the menu system is also easy to navigate reasonably quickly; I'm glad to say they haven't filled it full of useless trickery that will never be used which often clutters the menus of this type of device.

The picture quality is not 'amazing' considering it's HD (I have a 720P TV) but still better than my old SD camera and when the light drops it does go quite grainy which I guess is to be expected. I have a powerful PC so the editing shouldn't be much of an issue but I will need to upgrade my Pinnacle software; another reviewer pointed out that there is limited support for the video format currently so do check you can edit AVCHD before buying (and remember to get an SDHC reader). AVCHD is useful for me as it can be played directly on my PS3 - I tried some files strait off the camera and the PS3 played them fine.

In my opinion there are be a few things that could be better: it's not a 'normal' USB device so it can't be used as a normal SDHC reader or accessed without the driver software installed, it also requires mains power while connected - it would have been better if it could have ran on USB power for card reader functions. It also buries the videos a few folders deep which is quite annoying. I've ordered an SDHC reader so hopefully I can avoid this step and just copy directly of the card. Windows Media can't play the files either, though CODECs are available I have fully investigated that yet; the Panasonic software allows you to play them back on a PC and convert them DVD compatible if you want to watch them on your TV.

All-in-all if you understand what the video format means to you or you don't bother editing the videos then this is a great little camera and really deserves it's 4 star rating. Great value.

Good Quality, Great Price
Ordered mine in time for a week's trip to France and wanted something small and conveniently portable but with a good picture quality. I have not been disappointed. Contrary to previous reviews mine did arrive with a 4gb SDHC card included, which will allow 20 minutes recording in HD or 30 mins in Normal(still excellent quality). A fully charged battery normally allows c.100 minutes recording, the camera's display also shows how much recording time remains in relevent recording mode and battery time too, very useful. The size means that it is not a nuisance to carry around and therefore gets used. In terms of picture quality when played back on an HDTV it is great, but also great in standard modes. The sound is fine but wind noise can be a nuisance. At least an 8gb SDHC card is a minimum additional requirement I would say, but these can be bought sub £15 now. Also make sure you have a memory card reader that reads SDHC as my old card reader didnt, so I have also had to order a new card reader. In terms of transferring files to PC you will need a new/fast PC to make this feasibly useable. Videos can be transferred on to a standard dvd recorder but only in standard format, not HD, but still good quality in my opinion.
In conclusion good quality, great price, there may be better(more expensive) or newer alternatives, but I for one am not disappointed with my purchase.