Panasonic HDC-SX5 Camcorder Review

by Michael Perlman
Published on Oct 17, 2007 4:45 PM

 
Intro Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity
 Other Features
Comparisons / Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Audio (7.5)
In terms of audio, the HDC-SX5 was fed table scraps from the HDC-DX1. The HDC-DX1 and HDC-SD1 burst onto the AVCHD scene with the most advanced audio control of any camcorder within its price range, including the foreboding JVC GZ-HD7. Both camcorders are equipped with a 5.1-channel Dolby Digital microphone, independent gain control, and microphone jack.

Sadly, the HDC-SX5 lost the mic jack, the 5.1-channel built-in mic was reduced to 2-channel, and the camcorder still has no dedicated headphone jack (there are, however, hardware solutions for this last problem). Fortunately, the HDC-SX5 still has audio gain control, a Zoom Mic function, and Wind Cut. In addition, the HDC-SX5 is equipped with a hot accessory shoe instead of the cold shoe found on the HDC-DX1.

The HDC-SX5’s built-in microphone is capable of three different level settings: Auto, Set +AGC, and Set. In Auto, the microphone records all sound with Auto Gain Control (AGC) on, and levels are adjusted automatically. Set +AGC enables the shooter to adjust microphone levels by increasing or decreasing its decibel sensitivity. In Set +AGC, AGC is kept on to help reduce sound distortion. The third option, Set mode, allows the shooter to adjust the decibel level, only AGC is not activated and sounds record at their true volume.


Audio levels with the Set+AGC function

When Set +AGC or Set is activated, a screen containing a horizontal microphone input level slider appears. Bookending the slider are left and right channel level meters. The microphone input level ranges from -30 to +6 decibels. Negative integers can only be adjusted in increments of three, while positive integers are adjusted in increments of two. During shooting, a small horizontal microphone level meter accompanies the standby screen.

The HDC-SX5 also has a setting for an external hot shoe-compatible boom microphone if you choose to attach one. Though most external mics come equipped with some sort of sound control, you can set its levels to Normal or Lowcut in the Administrative menu.

Panasonic offers the most advanced audio control of any other manufacturer, but on a consumer camcorder, the gap between prosumer and professional audio is prodigious. An external microphone would trump the HDC-SX5’s built-in microphone any day.

Playback (4.25)
Playback on the HDC-SD5 is identical to the HDC-DX1. In order to access standard definition or high definition video or stills, shift the mode dial to Playback. In High Definition mode, a tabbed menu structure appears containing Video from Disc, Video from Card, and Photo pages (Standard Definition only includes Video from Disc and Photo). All action is dictated via the rear-mounted joystick. Clip volume is controlled by the zoom toggle.


The Playback Screen

Press the center of the joystick to select a clip or image. The clip begins playing within the entirety of the LCD screen, accompanied by a set of joystick-governed playback controls. Up controls play/pause, down is stop, left is rewind, and right is fast forward. Pressing the center of the joystick makes the menu disappear and reappear. When playing back a still image, the joystick controls are as follows: Up for start/pause slide show, down for stop, left for previous image, and right for next image.

In Playback mode, the Administrative menu consists of the following options:

Video Playback

Play Setup Play Mode, Repeat Play, Resume Play, Scene Protect, Guide Lines
Edit Scene Divide, Delete
Disc Setup Format Disc, Finalize, Un-Finalize, Auto Protect, Information
Setup Format Card, Display, Date/Time, Date Format, Power Save, EZ Sync, TV Aspect
Language English, Français, Espaňol


The Video Playback Menu

Connectivity (8.0)
The HDC-SX5 contains a similar gamut of ports found on the HDC-DX1, minus the Mic jack and with the addition of a hot accessory shoe rather than cold. The HDC-SX5 flaunts a fairly naked LCD cavity – open real estate for a plethora of additional connectivity. That’s why it’s even more preposterous that Panasonic placed the DC jack and HDMI terminal behind the battery. When you’re running low on juice and the external power needs to be plugged in, there goes the continuity of your shot. Panasonic needs to stop stashing ports of any kind behind the battery.

A thin rectangular plastic tab is located along the bottom of the left side, housing the AV-out jack, component-out jack, and USB terminal. To the right of this panel is a spring-loaded SDHC card door. The HDC-SX5’s hot shoe is mounted to the top, in front of the viewfinder.

The ports of the HDC-SX5
(clockwise starting right):
1) AV-out, component-out, USB, and the SD/SDHC card slot on the left;
2) Hot accessory shoe on top;
3) DC power and HDMI on the back in the battery cavity

 

 

 

 

 



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