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Panasonic HDC-SD5 First Impressions Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on Jul 30, 2007 3:00 AM 
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Compression
The HDC-SD5 joins a relatively fresh cast of camcorders steeped in the mushrooming craze of the AVCHD format. AVCHD, a flavor of MPEG4/h.264, was jointly developed by Panasonic and Sony in early 2006 with a central aim to bring HD video to a wide spectrum of recording media including DVD, hard disk drive (HDD), and flash memory. AVCHD’s primary attractions are its ability to record in both 720p and 1080i HD standards, utilizing a compression rate that is 50% more efficient than HDV at half the file size.
As mentioned previously, the HDC-SD5 has ability to record in full 1920 x 1080. It can also record at lower bit rates in 1440 x 1080. The recording settings on the camcorder are listed as: HG1920 (13Mbps CBR), HN1440 (9Mbps VBR), HE1440 (6 Mbps VBR). When recording in the highest quality (HG), the 13 Mbps rate is fixed and does not fluctuate. In HN or HE quality modes the bit rate is variable, meaning the HDC-SD5 automatically adjusts the rate based on the amount of frame motion. AVCHD is capable of recording up to a maximum of 24Mbps, but 15Mbps is the highest bit rate available within the format to date. The Sony HDR-CX7 (Specs, Recent News, $1199) is capable of capturing AVCHD footage at 15Mbps, in addition to the world’s first AVCHD camcorder, the Sony HDR-SR1 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1119.99). Keep in mind that HDV maintains a constant 25Mbps bit rate.
Though AVCHD can save space and support a number of media options, it is still an untamed animal. Recorded video and audio files are usually separated and file names are unrecognizable. In addition, AVCHD has been known to produce motion trailing and artifacting in our testing room. AVCHD also requires a powerhouse computer due to its high compression. Parallel to its burgeoning development, you can expect to see more AVCHD-friendly NLEs and conversion programs sprouting up with time.
Media
The HDC-SD5 records AVCHD video to SD/SDHC cards. An 8GB SDHC card can hold up to 80 minutes of footage in the highest quality (HG) and up to 6690 high quality images. Flash is one of the quickest forms of media on the market due to its plug-and-play capability, as seen with pocket cams like the Sanyo VPC-HD2 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $585.36) and Canon TX1 (Specs, Recent News, $424.15). Just don’t forget that we’re dealing with AVCHD here regarding the HDC-SD5. This means when you connect your SD/SDHC card to a computer, you won’t be greeted by friendly MPEG-4 files, but rather obscure file extensions hidden within numerous folders containing different shards of information, including audio and archiving properties.
The SD/SDHC card slot, located on the bottom
This is not the case with most HDD and DVD camcorders—the MPEG-2 format is more widely recognized and compatible with most major NLEs and computer platforms. HDV stills reigns supreme as the most widely supported form of media, employing tape-to-storage video capture functionality via almost any major NLE. Sony makes an AVCHD-compatible DVD burner, the VRD-MC5, but as of yet, the burner is only compatible with Sony camcorders, such as the HDR-CX7 and HDR-SR1. Panasonic does hold the title in terms of media format popularity. SD/SDHC cards are the most common form of flash media within the consumer camcorder circuit. All AVCHD Sony camcorders that record to flash utilize the Sony proprietary MemoryStick PRO or MemoryStick PRO Duo, exclusive only to Sony camcorders.
It’s a bit of a different story in the pricing arena, though—a 4GB SDHC card from Panasonic will run you $219 while an 8GB Memory Stick PRO Duo card retails for $199. Panasonic’s 8GB SDHC card is not due out until September, but no price has been set. Have no fear—since the SD/SDHC format is so popular, most 8GB SDHC cards retail for under $200 online.
Editing
Since our review of the HDC-SD1 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1119.99), a cluster of NLEs with AVCHD support have been released. Ulead Video Studio 11 and Pinnacle Studio 11 were announced back in May, in addition to Sony Vegas 7.0e and Vegas 8, which provides AVCHD support for only Sony camcorders. Both Ulead Video Studio 11 and Pinnacle Studio 11 support all AVCHD camcorders and offer real-time editing via a familiar timeline format. Expect to see big wigs like Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro offering AVCHD support within the near future. In order to work with AVCHD footage on a broader range, there are aftermarket conversion programs such as Elecard, which enable you to export footage as MPEG-2 HDV and MPEG-2 DVD compatible files.
The HDC-SD5 ships with HD Writer 2.0E, an update to the HDC-SD1’s provided HD Writer 1.0E software. Though there is not any current information on the updated version, HD Writer 1.0E is merely a rudimentary DVD authoring program with exceedingly limited editing capabilities. In most proficient videographers’ eyes, HD Writer 1.0E is essentially useless for even most basic editing functions. We wouldn’t expect a giant leap of progression with HD Writer 2.0E. In that case, stick with one of the latest AVCHD-friendly NLEs. For those who dream of cutting AVCHD footage on a more professional level, wait until Adobe and Apple pave the way.