Panasonic HDC-SX5 Camcorder Review

Add the following items to your shopping list: backup battery, SDHC card, and a mountain of DVD discs. If you own a high definition TV that supports HDMI, you can add an HDMI cable to the list. That’s how DVD camcorders roll, so you'd better have enough cash to support the cause.

Other Features (5.0)
Pre-Record - One of Panasonic’s latest innovations, the Pre-Record function is designed for moments when the video equivalent of “shutter-to-shot time” is not quick enough. When the Pre-Record button is pressed, the HDC-SX5 waits, poised in the grass like a tiger waiting to strike. Actually, what it’s doing is constantly recording three seconds of video in its cache memory. That way, when you hit record, it will actually have the three seconds prior to that moment already recorded. This is a great way to prevent your missing a key shot. It does, however, require the foresight to keep Pre-Record engaged.

Backlight Compensation (BLC) - When a subject is framed against a strongly lit background, the Backlight Compensation feature increases the overall exposure to highlight that subject.

Auto Ground-Directional Standby (AGS) - When Auto Ground-Directional Standby (AGS) is engaged, the HDC-SX5 automatically stops recording if the camcorder is tilted upside down. This prevents unnecessary filming if a shooter forgets to press the Record Stop button.

Fades - For that cinematic touch, the HDC-SX5 comes equipped with fades that bookend individual scenes when selected. Choose black for drama or white for a dream sequence.

Power LCD Extra - Panasonic has introduced the Power LCD Extra button, located within the LCD cavity. This feature brightens the LCD screen by two steps, +1 and +2. When the HDC-SX5 is initially turned on, the Power LCD Extra feature is automatically set to +1. You’ll have to press the Power LCD Extra button twice for the screen to return to normal. This could be a useful feature, but runs the risk of making the user believe the image is exposed correctly when, in fact, only the screen is brighter.

Disc Copy - In order to dub SDHC card footage onto DVD, press the Disc Copy button in the LCD cavity. Keep in mind that the external power supply must be connected in order to access this feature.

Quick Start - Panasonic’s version of Quick Start is only applicable to SDHC card recording. When Quick Start is activated from within the Main menu, the HDC-SX5 automatically snaps into action from Standby mode in approximately 1.7 seconds by flipping open the LCD screen or extending the viewfinder.

MagicPix - Panasonic’s Night mode functions by a simple shutter speed reduction of 1/15 or 1/30 to capture more light. This feature is fairly helpful if you can live with choppy, stuttering footage.