Sony HDR-HC5 Camcorder Review

The Sony HDR-HC5, a high definition camcorder using the tape-based HDV format, is a key model in the company’s lineup. While the HDR-HC7 ($1,299 MSRP) is the flagship HD camcorder, the HC5 is priced at $999, just below that magical $1,000 point at which consumers can still credibly consider the purchase. A casual glance through the big-box store Sunday circulars points to the fact that camcorders priced over $1,000 rarely get play. Even compared to the HC7, the HC5 is one of the best HD camcorders on the market. While it lacks the bells and whistles that make other Sony HD models more alluring, the performance is outstanding.

The Front (8.0)
The HDR-HC5 models the same sexy style as its step-up sibling, the HDR-HC7, featuring a stealthy silver metal and matte black plastic body. Up front, the HDR-HC5’s 10x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar lens dominates the scene. The lens has a 37mm filter diameter for attachments like a telephoto or wide angle lens. The HDR-HC5’s lens has an aperture range of f/1.8 – 2.9 and is capable of the following focal lengths:

-5.1mm – 51mm
-41.3mm – 485mm in 16:9 Video mode (35mm conversion)
-50.5mm – 594mm in 4:3 Video mode (35mm conversion)
-40.4mm – 404mm in 16:9 Still mode (35mm conversion)
-37mm – 370mm in 4:3 Still mode (35mm conversion)

The HDR-HC5 also utilizes an automatic lens cover that opens when the camcorder is powered on. It would be wise to purchase an external lens cap just in case the delicate inner mechanics of the electronic lens enclosure decide to stop functioning at the most inopportune time. Residing beneath the lens is the built-in stereo microphone—a convenient location for avoiding any type of hand interference. To the left of the lens is a vertical strip housing the Super NightShot Plus infrared light, remote sensor, and record lamp.

The HDR-HC5 also includes a flash that lies flush with the body of the camcorder. When the flash is activated, it will spring outward and into action in a split second. The migrated flash position allows the shooter to utilize a lens attachment and the flash together, which is rare on most camcorders.

The Right Side (6.5)
The right side of the HDR-HC5 is a solid, chiseled block of ergonomic bliss. This camcorder feels stellar in hand with its downward sloping tape hatch and plush, breathable mesh hand strap liner. This is what grip should be, folks. The tape hatch opens upward, contrary to many popular MiniDV models that feature bottom-loading tape hatches. As a result, shooters can easily swap out a tape while the HDR-HC5 is mounted to a tripod. A minute Flash button is embedded just above the rear hand strap anchor. The Flash button is not easily accessible via the right thumb, so you’ll have to rely on your left hand to reach it.

The Back (9.0)
In back, the HDR-HC5 features a fairly cavernous battery chamber that can accommodate its elongated battery without any protrusion from the rear end of the camcorder. This configuration is superior to most camcorders, especially the monstrous Panasonic HDC-SX5, which features a chunky battery that juts out a good two inches from its back side. To make life even easier, Sony slapped a telescoping viewfinder above the battery to add an additional inch in back. Though the viewfinder is not rubberized or extend upward, shooters are lucky to even find a viewfinder on a camcorder these days. The dioptric adjuster is located on the right side of the viewfinder’s shaft.

To the right of the battery you’ll find two covert plastic enclosures that house the HDMI terminal and DC in jack. The plastic used here is rugged and sleek, rising above the majority of feeble enclosures found on other camcorders. At the top sits the HDR-HC5’s lustrous horseshoe-shaped Mode Dial. The Mode Dial shifts as smoothly as a generously greased clutch, and a vertical line of corresponding mode lamps is located to its right, consisting of Tape, Memory, Play/Edit, and Battery Charge. Smack dab in the middle of the back’s right side is the oval Record Start/Stop button, adorned with a friendly red dot and placed within the immediate reach of the thumb.

The Left Side (5.5)
Here’s where all the action takes place. Before we crank open the HDR-HC5’s 2.7-inch LCD screen, let’s examine the external controls embedded within the lens barrel. Here you’ll find the NightShot Plus switch and Backlight Compensation (BLC) button. Unfortunately, the HDR-HC5 is stripped of a Cam Control dial, like the one featured on the HDR-HC7. You’ll have to rely on the finicky LCD touch screen controls to make manual adjustments. Cue the violin…

Once inside the LCD cavity, you’ll be greeted by a random configuration. The USB terminal is located toward the top, housed by a smooth sliding door. To the right of the USB terminal is the playback speaker with the Memory Stick PRO Duo slot embedded directly below. Two buttons are aligned along the bottom of the LCD cavity—Easy and Display/Battery Info. At the base of the left side you’ll find a long rectangular plastic port cover that swings downward to reveal a host of connections: LANC (for wired remote control), i.Link (FireWire), Component Out, and A/V Out. The HDR-HC5 is devoid of Mic and Headphone jacks, both of which can be found on the HDR-HC7. At $1000, the HDR-HC5 should include these connections.

The LCD panel features a column of controls along the left side, consisting of Zoom In, Zoom Out, and Record Start/ Stop for avid two-handed shooters.

The Sony HDR-HC5 left side from the outside...		and the LCD cavity.

The Top (6.75)
The HDR-HC5 keeps the top of the body lively with an Active Interface Shoe. Unfortunately, this hot shoe is only compatible with Sony products, which is to be expected from a company that brands its own solid state memory, image stabilization, night mode, and a handful of other features. The tape hatch release switch is located along the top ridge of the tape hatch, which operates quickly and efficiently. Toward the back you’ll find the Zoom toggle and Photo button. The HDR-HC5’s Zoom lever is just like most high end Sonys—smooth and accurate.