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Panasonic HDC-SD5 High Definiton SD Card Camcorder - Silver
Panasonic HDC-SD5 High Definiton SD Card Camcorder - Silver
"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.
GBP 489.50
- Records on to a HC SD card
- SD Card Recording
- Black In Colour
- Leica Dicomar Lens
- Intelligent Contrast Control
Anyone suggest a suitable case for this?
Contained accessories are: battery pack VW-VBG130, AC adapter VW-AD21E, AC cable K2CTCA00004, DC cable K2GJ2DC00020, remote control N2QAEC000023, button-type battery CR2025, AV cable K2KC4CB00024, USB cable K2KZ4CB00011, component cable K2KZ9DB00004, CD-ROM.
Not listed in the manual, but included in the item checked is a 4GB 'promotional' Panasonic AVCHD memory card.
good camera but annoying to edit footage in Final Cut Pro!!!
I have just bought this camera a week ago and I am still having problem editing my footage. In fact i havent even seen my footage on my computer yet!
The files captured on to the SDHC card are .mts format which is not a friendly format in most editing softwares. I'm having problems importing my footage in to Final Cut Pro 6.0.3 which Apple claim supports the format and converts it to Apple ProRes 422 codec for editing using the log and transfer window, but i dont seem to be able to do it. And i have read reviews from alot of other people who are having the same problem!
Im sure that ill get it sorted eventually though. apart from that first impressions are great. its small and fits perfectly in your hand. the functions are fairly easy to use although it would be nicer if the manual options were easier to access. Im sure that the quality is brilliant in daylight but at night i think the footage will look abit grainy, but then i havent seen it on a proper screen yet.
Easy to use and brilliant picture quality
I'm not sure why this camera is a lot cheaper than the black version, but I bought it on the basis that:
1. I needed a replacement as my existing Video8 camera is broken
2. I wanted something which will be reliable and not too much trouble to take around.
3. I wanted something that was going to still be useful in a few years time, when high definition becomes the norm.
4. It was the cheapest High Definition SD media camera available.
This video camera was by far the cheapest at the time at £350, as all the rivals were around £500. Hence no real competition. My decision was around it being better to spend £350 on a high definition camera with SD rather than £250 on a non-high definition that used DVD or a hard disc. Having seen the picture quality, it is much better than a standard definition camera.
I find the video operation excellent. Even with the 4GB card provided, it shot a recent wedding event within the 25 minutes worth of storage and it was operated by people who had not used it before. The SD format is definitely the way to go. No moving parts. I bought an 8GB card, and seeing as the battery lasts for about an hour this is more than enough. The quality of the picture and the general audio is brilliant.
The microphone is quite sensitive, and filming stuff at a distance picks up local audio rather annoyingly. However, when filming on my previous camera I was always criticised for not being loud enough when providing some commentary as I was filming, which is overcome by this camera. There is a zoom mic feature that I have now activated, but yet to find out if it is better in that mode.
The operation is low light is disappointing. The problem is that it looks fine when filming, but doesn't come out very well in the recording. So you need to position yourself correctly with the light behind you for the best effects.
The fact that you can take pictures with it as well is a very useful feature, but the quality of the stills is poor (2Megapixels) and you still need a normal camera.
Because it's so small and light (although not unmanageably small like some other models) it fits in an old 35mm camera case along with my digital camera, and therefore ticks the `easy to carry around' box.
Everyone has found the basic operation easy. As with most things, finding out how to do anything but the basics requires a look through the manual. Although there is a 15day licence of an editing package, you need a dual-processor PC to run it on, hence no good if you haven't upgraded to a new PC in the last 12 months. I've found converting it to standard video for now and saving the AVCHD files for future use is a good tactic.
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 camera
This is my second review having withdrawn a somewhat negative 1st impressions one earlier. The quality of picture is good, even excellent and, although I haven't used it in very low light I have tested it in lowish mixed light conditions and it works well. Mine came with a 4gb SD card and I ordered an 8gb card which is necessary. The camera is simple to use and very light: I use a monopod with it to give it a bit more weight and stability as this could be a problem especially at longer focal lengths. It comes with HD Writer which allows you to store files on your hard drive - essential if you want to edit - and a sample copy of Pinnacle 11 which is pretty much rubbish. Sony Vegas Movie Studio 8, Platinum does a good job, but you need to transfer files via the camera to your Hard Disk for editing purposes. I found it almost impossible to save edits using the SD card and card reader, but others might find a way of doing this. One reviewer suggests you don't edit, but this is neccessary, to my mind, and important to the video process. It could be easier, but to be fair, all editing presents a problem until you work out how to use it properly and have a computer system capable of running the software. I would be happier if I could just plug it into editing applications I am familiar with, but it is a new system. The camera is handy, take anywhere without being an incumbrance, and easy to operate. It offers enough control, if you want to use it, to cope with a range of lighting conditions and produces sharp images from wide angle to 10x zoom. It comes with a remote so you can operate it without having to touch the controls and risk camera shake at the start and end of a recording. It is a good camera for family and holiday films and is capable of being used with good production in mind. It is not sophisticated, you can't plug in an additional mic or headphones, but the on board mic seems to work well with additional controls for zooming and wind. I like the convenience of not having to use tape and rolling back and forth to find bits of footage, so this is a definite plus. For its price it delivers good quality images that would cost very much more but for its simplicity and lean functionality. I like it.
