Sony HDR-HC5 Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Nov 28, 2007 8:52 AM

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


Compression (7.0)
The Sony HDR-HC5 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $999.99) outputs video in the HDV format, the oldest of the consumer high definition. Because it’s been around so long, it enjoys the widest compatibility with editing software. Many low-priced and free pieces of software, including ones you may already own, can import the footage directly from the camcorder. The same cannot be said for AVCHD, the newer HD format on the block.

The HDV compression is also, at present, a much higher quality than AVCHD. The bit rate is faster and there is typically less of a problem with rendering motion. In short, we always recommend going with HDV over AVCHD, as long as you have the patience to work with tape.

The HDR-HC5 offers only one quality setting in high definition.

The HDR-HC5 also records standard definition video in the DV format. In this mode, there are two quality settings: SP (60 minutes per tape) and LP (90 minutes per tape).

Media (6.0)
HDV camcorders record video to a MiniDV tape, the same kind you’ve been using for years in your DV camcorders. There are more expensive versions of the tape developed specifically for HDV, but you won’t see a huge difference in the final video quality. Tape has some great qualities: it’s cheap, readily available, relatively sturdy, and easily archivable.

Tape also has downsides. We no longer live in a fast-forward/rewind world. The dominance of DVDs and CDs has made us accustomed to random, instantaneous access. Tape may feel like a step backwards in that regard. Of course, it’s that kind of thinking that led the manufacturers to rush AVCHD to market before it could compete with HDV on quality. Also, unless you’re a true enthusiast or pro, your only playback device is going to be the camcorder itself, which adds some wear and tear to the gears. No, you can’t use your old DV camcorder – it won’t be able to read the HDV data.

If you can accept the limitations, tape remains the best medium for consumer HD video.

Editing (7.0)
Editing video in the HDV format has gotten much easier in the last couple of years. Now, a large number of cheap or free NLEs, in addition to all the pro NLEs, can import and edit HDV natively. Most modern computers can handle it with due efficiency. Remember that this is a lot more data per second than standard definition video, so if you’re still running a Windows 95 machine, it’s time to upgrade.

Editing flexibility and ease is one of the best reasons to choose HDV over AVCHD. While HDV video must be imported in realtime, you simply don’t have the same number of options with AVCHD, which is still young.

The Sony HDR-HC5 ships with Picture Motion Browser Ver.2.0.02. Much like previous versions of Picture Motion Browser, the software allows you to import footage and stills from the camcorder, perform some rudimentary editing, and export to a standard definition DVD, AVCHD DVD, or MPEG2 clip.

 

 

 

 



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