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
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    Specs and Ratings  


    Comparison
    Panasonic HDC-SD5
    Panasonic’s second generation of AVCHD counterparts, the HDC-SX5 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00) and HDC-SX5 ($995 MSRP) are sleeker, edgier versions of the original HDC-DX1 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1119.99) and HDC-SD1 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1119.99). Both models went on a diet, got a makeover, and pumped up their resolutions to “Full HD” (1920 x 1080). You can expect the same peculiar handling quirks as the incipient models, but on a smaller scale. We haven’t gotten a chance to test the HDC-SD5, but it features an identical imaging set as the HDC-SX5 and will likely perform the same.

    The most notable difference between these two colleagues is size and media. While the HDC-SX5 looks like something out of an old monster movie with its mammoth battery, the HDC-SD5 features an enclosed battery chamber. We don’t particularly prefer an enclosed battery design because it prohibits an expanded battery pack. On the other hand, the HDC-SD5 is highly portable, and can almost fit inside a large pocket. It is, or was, the “World’s Smallest AVCHD Camcorder,” but that seems to be a prize that is constantly changing hands.

    The HDC-SD5 records video and stills only to SD/SDHC cards, while the HDC-SX5 records to both card and DVD. If you could care less about DVDs, then the HDC-SD5 is definitely the way to go. Other perks on the HDC-SD5 include a thick, chunky zoom slider and a giant mode dial that will scare away small children. Both camcorders share the same manual controls, special features, and optics. If you absolutely must have a high definition DVD camcorder, then look into the HDC-SX5. Otherwise, there is no question that the HDC-SD5 is superior, despite the extra $95.00.

    Panasonic HDC-DX1
    Well, we know the story here. Panasonic’s first attempt at an AVCHD DVD camcorder fell flat on its face. Panasonic saw the light and the HDC-DX1 ($1,399 MSRP) was gone before it even hit its tadpole stage. Those who remember reading about the lumbering bear know the HDC-DX1’s only perks are decent video quality and Panasonic manual controls. Other than that, the HDC-DX1 is strapped with a gigantic battery and sluggish response time for anything involving the DVD. Panasonic got a clue and slimmed down the HDC-SX5, gave it 1920 x 1080 “Full HD,” and added additional features like Intelligent Contrast and Pre-Record. The HDC-SX5 is a better bet. It’s smaller, offers better resolution, and packs in more options. However, the new generation performs worse in low light due to reduced pixel size on the imaging chips. Before you opt for any of these camcorders, though, read the next two comparisons.

    Sony HDR-UX7 (Review, Specs, $762.19)
    We just finished testing the HDR-UX7 ($999 MSRP) and found it to be a solidly constructed, well-oiled machine. As far as video performance, the HDR-UX7’s 1/2.9-inch CMOS chip cranked out a sharp, vibrant image. The HDC-SX5 offers an image with less noise in bright light, but in low light it trails off with a significant lack of detail. While the HDR-UX7’s low light performance exposed a darker image, it was ultimately preferable to the SX5. The video performance from both of these camcorders is decent, though nothing tops what we have seen in our testing room from the Canon HR10 (Specs, Recent News, $0) – we’ll get there in a minute.

    The HDR-UX7 handles beautifully and includes a 3.5-inch touch screen LCD and rotating viewfinder. The HDC-SX5 offers a more extensive set of manual controls, one-handed camcorder operation, and excellent audio control. Power users will definitely magnetize toward the HDC-SD5, while point-and shooters will opt for the HDR-UX7.

    Canon HR10
    Want to know what would happen if you took the HV20 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $903)’s chipset, stuffed it into the body of a DC50 (Review, Specs, $649.99), and adorned it with gaudy copper highlights? Why, you’d have the Canon HR10 ($1,199 MSRP), that’s what! Though we haven’t completed testing the HR10’s performance, we can honestly say you can expect the best video performance of any high definition DVD camcorder. The HR10’s image looks just like the Canon HG10 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $549.95)’s and is strikingly similar to the omnipotent Canon HV20’s. All three of Canon’s top-of-the-line HD models offer 24P, a wealth of manual controls, and a darn good picture. In fact, we can tell you right now that no HD DVD camcorder, including the HDC-SX5, can touch the HR10. On the downside, the HR10 does not stand at the forefront of logical construction. The HR10 is equipped with an enclosed battery design and the body is constructed (yet again) of cheap plastic. Again, Canon is sacrificing handling for video quality, but at the end of the day, we have to side with video quality. Consider temporary discomfort over the lasting value of high-quality video. In the meantime, we’ll stick with the HR10 for our AVCHD needs.

    Who It’s For
    Point-and-Shooters
    The HDC-SX5 might be a tempting choice because it records to DVD, but it’s big, clunky, and too advanced for the average point-and-shooter. For stellar ease of use and great handling, check out the Sony HDR-UX7.

    Budget Consumers
    The HDC-SX5 is in fact the cheapest high definition DVD camcorder on the market, but $900 is still a steep hill to climb. Those who thirst for HD video and DVD media are in a bit of a tight spot.

    Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
    The HDC-SX5 is not riddled with still features, but it can record HD video or stills to either DVD or SD/SDHC cards. Hitachi’s Blu-Ray monster in the works, the DX-BD7H, is the only other HD hybrid known to the consumer camcorder world.

    Gadget Freaks
    Gadget freaks will dig the HDC-SX5’s full 1920 x 1080 HD video and advanced audio level control. Aside from that, there’s nothing truly compelling about this camcorder.

    Manual Control Freaks
    Panasonic knows manual controls, and the HDC-SX5 is equipped with a robust set of tools, including gain and independent shutter and aperture.

    Pros / Serious Hobbyists
    No pro would ever opt for a consumer DVD camcorder, especially this one.

    Conclusion
    The Panasonic HDC-SX5’s primary selling point is its hybrid recording – the ability to record high definition AVCHD video to both DVD and SD/SDHC memory cards. In most instances, however, we found the DVD medium to be more of a hassle than a convenience. Everything related to the DVD – loading time, playback, finalizing, and disc hatch opening – takes a very long time. Also, single-sided discs only hold 14 minutes of video in the highest quality. That requires a lot of blank discs in the camera bag. Everything we liked about the camcorder could be done on the SD/SDHC card with none of these problems. The big question is this: if Panasonic makes a sibling camcorder, the HDC-SD5, which records exclusively to card, why bother with the HDC-SX5?

    The HDC-SD5 has its own weakness. The battery is placed internally in the body, cutting off the possibility of an expanded battery. The ultra-compact body can create some handling issues for shaky hands. Also, the HDC-SD5 can only record high definition, while the HDC-SX5 can also record in standard definition MPEG-2. As far as shortcomings go, this is a short list. We’re much more willing to back the SD5 as a viable buy than the SX5. Those considering only DVD camcorders in the HD market should also look at the Sony HDR-UX7 and Canon HR10, both compelling models. If you’re casting a wider net and looking at all HD camcorders, we strongly encourage you to consider the Canon HG10 and Sony HDR-CX7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $685.00) (Review, Specs, Recent News, $685.00), which record to HDD and MemoryStick, respectively.

     

     

     



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