Panasonic HDC-SX5 First Impressions Camcorder Review

Still Features
From the outset, it’s clear that the Panasonic HDC-SX5 has limited still capabilities. For one thing, there is no dedicated still mode. You simply snap the shutter button while in video mode to take a picture, and your photos will inherit the same manual control settings that you have arranged for the video mode. The camcorder shoots in only one resolution: 1920 x 1080, with quality settings of normal and high. Stills can only be saved to the SD or SDHC card, not to DVD.

There are a few features that can help your shutterbug tendencies, though. The Panasonic HDC-SX5 comes equipped with a flash, located to the side of the lens. The flash can be set to a strength of +/-1. Also found in the menu is the option for red-eye reduction. Last and certainly least is the power to turn the digital sound effect of the shutter button on and off.