Product Details
Sony HDR-SR5E 40GB High Definition Camcorder

Sony HDR-SR5E 40GB High Definition Camcorder
From Sony

Price: £529.95

Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Dispatched from and sold by photoland_uk

8 new or used available from £415.99

Average customer review:

Product Description

Immortalise all those special moments in High-Definition quality with the HDR-SR5 camcorder. Sony has equipped this camcorder with a 2.1-megapixel CMOS sensor to satisfy even the most demanding video enthusiasts. The HDR-SR5 camcorder records AVCHD images directly to its 40 GB in-built hard drive. This device can store up to 15 hours of Full HD video. To perfect the ergonomics and the incredible technology of this ultra-lightweight camcorder (weighing only 460 grams minus the battery), Sony gives you the option of watching your video creations on your HD-ready TV via the HDMi output (HDMi cable not included). Plus, the HDR-SR5 camcorder is compatible with memory cards so you can take photos in 2304 x 1296 pixel resolution. With Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound, the HDR-SR5 is also equipped with a 2.7? touch screen for precise focus. Pictbridge-compatible, this camcorder can print photos with a compatible printer directly, without the need for a computer. With the HDR-SR5, Sony has launched a camcorder packed with cutting-edge video technology.


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #16098 in Consumer Electronics
  • Brand: Sony
  • Model: HDRSR5E.CEH
  • Released on: 2007-06-12
  • Dimensions: 1.01 pounds

Editorial Reviews

Manufacturer's Description

HDR-SR5E

New AVCHD HDD Handycam models features 40GB HDD plus faster, smarter scene searches

  • HDR-SR5E key features

  • AVCHD 1080i recording
  • Up to 15 hours HD recording on 40GB HDD
  • Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
  • ClearVid CMOS Sensor
  • x.v.Colour
  • 10x Optical Zoom / 80x Digital Zoom
  • New Search Functions
  • 4.0 Megapixel Still Image Recording
  • Dolby DigitalⓇ 5.1ch Surround Recording
  • 2.7-inch Wide, Clear Photo LCD plus screen
  • STAMINA up to 6 hours (with optional battery)

Beautiful styling meets amazing HD recording times with the smallest, lightest AVCHD hard disk Handycam models from Sony. Offering up to 15 hours of recording, this camcorder makes shooting your own High Definition pictures even easier and more rewarding.

No tape or discs
The ultra-compact, elegant and stylishly-designed HDR-SR5E offers 40GB disk capacity for up to 15 hours HD recording time (in LP mode). The shooting capacity is enabled by powerful AVCHD compression technology that allows long recording durations with excellent HD picture quality. As well as offering high compression efficiency, variable Bit Rate recording adjusts bit rates while shooting, balancing optimal picture quality with maximum storage efficiency for higher picture quality.

Picture Quality Mode

SR5E(40GB HDD)

AVC HD 15M (XP)

Approx. 5 h 20 min

AVC HD 9M (HQ)

Approx. 9 h 40 min

AVC HD 7M (SP)*

Approx. 11 h 50 min

AVC HD 5M (LP)

Approx. 15 h 10 min

*Default setting

High Definition recording directly onto the camcorder’s hard disk drive means there’s no need to carry any tapes or discs when you step out. Not having to change media in the middle of recording means you don’t miss any moment while shooting. This is complemented by HDD Smart Protection technology – so your precious memories are safeguarded, even in the event of unexpected bumps and jolts while you’re shooting.

Superb HD picture quality

Using the AVCHD format to capture HD 1080 images for incredible detail and vibrant colours. The ClearVid CMOS sensor with Enhanced Imaging Processor offers excellent dynamic range and reduced smear compared with conventional CCD sensors. Exceptional sensitivity with a minimum illumination of only 2 lux (Auto Slow Shutter “ON”) allows successful shooting in twilight or dimly-lit interiors.

Based on the new xvYCC international standard, x.v.Colour technology assures supremely life-like colour reproduction. Compared to conventional camcorders, x.v.Colour approximately doubles the range of colours that can be reproduced, very close to what the human eye can recognise. This ensures vivid, expressive tonal reproduction with greater detailing and clarity when viewed on the growing range of xvYCC compliant televisions and players including new Sony Blu-ray player BDP-S1.

The Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens features a 10x optical zoom range to bring distant images closer with superb clarity. Ensuring you get to view your world up close and never miss a tiny detail.

There’s a growing range of exciting possibilities for enjoying your HD pictures at home. The SR5E connects directly to any BRAVIA HD-ready television via a mini-HDMI cable (optional) for fantastic results in your living room. Alternatively, AVCHD discs can be burned using a PC for playback on PLAYSTATION®3 or an AVCHD-compatible Blu-ray player.

New technology means faster scene searches
This HDR-SR5E makes it beautifully simple to find exactly the right scene in moments.

‘Visual Index’ divides all your footage into a series of convenient chapters, corresponding with each press of the Record Start button. Thumbnail images are automatically created for each chapter and displayed on the camcorder’s touch screen for handy reference.

It’s complemented by smart new indexing features that make it even quicker to track down your favourite memories after a day’s shooting.
‘Film Roll Index’ automatically creates scene index points at user-selectable intervals from 3 seconds to 5 minutes within each recorded chapter. All that’s required is a single press of the ‘Film Roll’ button on the camcorder’s body. The right scene can then be tracked down quickly on the camcorder’s touch-screen. Film Roll Index searches can also be performed on a PC using supplied Picture Motion Browser software.

For the first time ever on a camcorder, ‘Face Index’ uses new Face Detection Technology to simplify searches for ‘people pictures’ within a scene of continuously shot footage – like your child in a school play. The SR5E automatically identifies scenes from your footage containing faces. Faces appear as thumbnail images, making it fun and easy to browse scenes featuring your child or other people – just make your selection by pressing the touch screen and the clip plays immediately.
NB: Faces may not be detected depending on recording conditions

Bundled Picture Motion Browser software also permits ‘Highlight’ Searches to track down brightly-lit, colourful scenes with voices. It’s ideal for finding those shots from the beach, poolside or concerts and other special events.

For ever greater flexibility, scenes can be searched by shooting date using the ‘Date Index’ function.

Despite its superb picture quality and advanced new features, this new Handycam is also beautifully simple to use. Clear, simple function navigation on the touchscreen is complemented by direct buttons for playback.

Convenient disc burning and back-up
It’s easy to keep all your memories archived to enjoy again and again. Once the camcorder’s hard disk is filled up, there’s a choice of methods for transferring your precious video footage to a PC or onto DVD for safekeeping.

The bundled Handycam Station features ‘One Touch Disc Burn’ – just press a button to transfer your shots from Handycam to a connected PC for fuss-free creation of AVCHD format DVDs.

Shots can also be stored safely to your computer’s hard drive using ‘Easy PC Back-up’. This intelligently detects and transfers only new files that have not previously been saved for faster back-ups.

Once footage has been imported to your PC using the supplied Picture Motion Browser software, it’s easy to edit your own movies with an increasing choice of AVCHD-compatible editing packages.

Enjoy simplicity and usability with STAMINA

Shots can be viewed instantly on the superb 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD plus screen. This teams excellent brightness, contrast and faithful colour reproduction with the simplicity and usability of controlling camcorder functions via touch screen. Despite the advanced imaging and playback capabilities, the Handycam is brilliantly simple to use thanks to clear, intuitive menus and helpful on-screen explanation of functions. There’s also an ‘Easy Handycam’ mode that adjusts all settings for foolproof everyday use.

Advanced Sony STAMINA power management allows up to 6 hours of uninterrupted shooting time between charges with optional battery NP-FH100.

5.1 Channel Surround

To make your home movies as realistic as possible the 5.1 surround microphone is now built-in. So you can input a surround sound, sound track into your home movies directly, giving you a real sense of being there again in the moment you’ve captured.

Optional Accessories
From high-grade lenses, microphones and high-power batteries to tripods and stylish carry cases – there’s a full range of official accessories to help you get even more from your Handycam®.

To fully enjoy the High Definition experience, two new HDMI connecting cables are also introduced. Both VMC-15MHD and VMC-30MHD are featuring new mini HDMI terminal that matches perfectly your Handycam (Type C - Type A). Terminals are gold-finished for perfect connectivity. Cables are 1.5 and 3.0 meters in length respectively.

Box Contents

  • AC Adaptor
  • AV Cable
  • Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-FH60
  • Handycam Station
  • USB Cable
  • USB Driver
  • Editing Software Picture Motion Browser
  • Wireless Remote Commander RMT-835


  • Customer Reviews

    Very good, but the HD?4
    I got this camera the other day and sent it back. Don't get me wrong, it's really good, but I was after a Full-HD camcorder (1920x1080), not 1440x1080. If you're not bothered about the resolution, then this camera is for you.

    Great image and sound quality with lots of functions.

    I've never seen anything like it!!5
    If you can afford this camera then please buy it. I just received this as a very generous birthday present and I must say im in awe! the quality when hooked up to a HD tv is absolutely incredible. I cant speak about whether it is the best, or whether others work better on 1080p or whatever. All i can say is that whether its indoors or outdoors, rain or shine, day or night (it has night vision) this camera produces ridiculously good results. It is easy to hook up to your telly or pc through a stand that comes with it. One-touch dvd burning (although it says to put the dvds into blu ray players, not into dvd players. I guess when blu ray becomes more widespread you'll be able to burn straight onto blu ray discs)...this is one thing i havent tried yet since i dont have dvd-rw discs at home at the moment. I want to burn it on to a dvd and put it on my ps3 to see the quality.

    40gb harddrive is a treat, batter life is good as is the camera. But for me its the size that makes it so incredible. Its a compact, light machine that delivers incredible results. Buy in confidence, since i do not bother writing reviews unless i am really impressed or disgusted by a product.when it comes to digital cameras i prefer canon, but with this you cannot go wrong. amazing!

    The best HD camcorder!!!!!! - - BUY THIS NOW - -5
    I have just brought this camcorder from Currys and i have to say its by far the best HDD, HD camcorder. I zoomed in to my skin and you can see every pore, every hair in amazing detail (which maybe is a bit to real and showed up every flaw!! damn camera) it has really amazed me!!!! Colours are gr8 and accurate, pictures are sharp and 5.1 surround sound is imersive!! Dont even think about buying any other camcorder!!!! I assure u if u have a HDTV you will be amazed!!!! Ok so its a bit steep price wise but if you want HD then go for this its mint!!!! Night vision is cool!!! You can go around pretending your filming badgers if thats your thing.. lol....Anyway get it before its too late and you buy a total peice of rubbish!!! You wont regret ur decision espesh if you have seen a SDef camcorder on a HDTV or any tv for that matter!!!