Sony HDR-HC5 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Nov 28, 2007 8:52 AM 
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Still Features (8.0)
The HDR-HC5 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00) is capable of capturing stills in Fine or Standard quality to a Memory Stick PRO/PRO Duo card in the following sizes: 4MP (2464 x 1632), 3MP (2048 x 1536), 1.9MP (1600 x 1200), and VGA (640 x 480). In addition, 2.3 MP (2016 x 1134) images can be captured while shooting in video mode thanks to Sony’s Dual Record function. The HDR-HC5 can also capture frames from recorded footage during playback by simply pressing the Photo button. All manual controls that are available in Video mode are also available in Photo mode, and the P-Menu contains an additional category titled “Memory Set” that includes the following options: Still Set, Format, File Number, New Folder, and Record Folder.
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The flash on the Sony HDR-HC5 |
The MemoryStick Duo/PRO Duo slot |
The HDR-HC5 features a Flash that pops out to the right of the lens when set to Auto or On. The Flash setting can be controlled by a small button located above the rear hand strap anchor. An eight second Self-Timer is available for those moments when the hired photographer has hit the high road and a Still Record Interval setting allows the HDR-HC5 to automatically snap one still every 1, 5, or 10 minutes. Those questing for a stop-motion sunrise or advanced home security options will truly enjoy the Still Record Interval setting.
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The Playback menu in still mode |
The Playback mode in action |
Still Image playback can be accessed by pressing the Memory button in Video playback mode. A screen will appear featuring the last recorded still image and a row of options is located along the bottom: Video Playback mode, Previous Clip, Next Clip, Icon View, and P-Menu. Delete and Guide are also available in the upper right hand corner. When the Icon View buttons is pressed, all still images appear as thumbnails for quick access. In Still Playback mode, the Memory Set options contains All Erase and Playback Folder options.
Still Performance (12.02)
The still performance was tested by shooting a GretagMacBeth Color Checker chart at a bright, even light, then outputted to Imatest imaging software for color accuracy, noise, and saturation. At best, the camcorder was able to produce a color error of 4.99, a significantly better score than most Sony camcorders this year and about level with the HDR-HC7. The noise level measured 1.4175%, with the heaviest noise in the blue channel. The saturation measured 103.6%.
Out of the lab, the stills have enough resolution to stand in for a very cheap, old digital camera – if your cheap, old camera is missing or broken. It can in no way substitute for a dedicated still camera from the last few years. Though the noise score was low to moderate for a camcorder’s stills, the pictures look noisy to the eye.
Still Resolution (19.04)
The still resolution was tested by shooting an Applied Image ISO 12233 resolution test at even, bright light, then exporting the stills to Imatest imaging software. At best, the Sony HDR-HC5 was able to produce a horizontal resolution of 1195 line widths per picture height (lw/ph) – with a 9.35% undersharpening – and a vertical resolution of 980 lw/ph – with a 15.9% undersharpening. These scores are significantly lower than the Sony HDR-HC7, which after all, has a about 53% more pixels.