Panasonic HDC-SD5 AVCHD 3CCD Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilization

The HDC-SD5 uses the AVCHD format to record full-HD video with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. It employs Panasonic's original 3CCD camera system, a professional broadcast feature, which renders vivid, true-to-life colors, outstanding detail and rich gradation. The SD5 also boasts Panasonic’s new Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), minimizing the effect of hand shake. This technology helps produce crisp, clear images, which is especially important for viewing on large-screen high resolution TVs where image imperfections are easily visible.
The HDC-SD5, which records video onto SDHC/SD Memory Cards, debuts as the world's smallest palm-style 3CCD full-HD camcorder. It is even smaller than its predecessor model, HDC-SD1, giving the SD5 superb portability. The SD5 also features a new USB Host function that significantly improves data storage and playback ease. With an optional newly released DVD burner (model VW-BN1), users can copy or play back video recordings in the original AVCHD format to deliver the ultimate high-definition viewing experience on a large-screen TV.



Customer feedback:
1. I was thrilled with how small this camera is. It fits in your hand as if it were a half full 12 oz. can of soda. It's very light, but fortunately the image stabilization makes it shoot like it was a heavier camera. I ran into an issue with iMovie '07 (part of Apple's iLife '08) that caused the screen to stretch wider, making people look fat. This will likely be resolved soon by Apple, and for now I've taken to using the 1440 X 1080 resolution which imports just fine.
I've also fitted a 37mm mount size aftermarket wide angle lens which really helps for shooting indoors. Some have complained that the video is a bit more grainy while indoors and in darker conditions than the HD1, but I can't complain. So far, the battery life seems to run an hour and 10 minutes, which is better than the 55 minutes it's rated for.
2. I am not particularly techie, but was heading off to Disney World with my kids in November and my old digital tape Canon camcorder was dying. I did a fair bit of research and decided the flash drive standard made sense - compatible with my Nikon SLR and such an improvement over digital tape, I figured I would be satisfied. I am. The quality of the video, especially when outside, is extraordinary. I'm really blown away. I have a five year old 1080i TV and this is the first HD image I have seen on it. The camera is small, easy to cary (even on rollercoasters!), and very intuitive - even for me!
Down strokes are the wind noise and low light performance (though I think that goes with the territory). Inside shots are fine. Inside shots at night with marginal light are pretty grainy. But I think this needs to be compared to my old digital tape camcorder. By comparison, the Panasonic does much better. I'd be interested in hearing how the comparable Sony does (didn't want to deal with the Sony sticks).
Transfer to the included DVD burner is easy enough, though the connections are awkward (a casualty of the small size). Battery comes out to hook up AC jack. Various covers come off to access USB, etc. It all works fine, it just isn't so convenient.

Product details:

* Record HD video direct to SDHC cards; up to 1 hour on a 4 GB SDHC card
* 1920 x 1080 full-HD recording; HD Advanced Pure Color Engine
* Leica Dicomar lens with 10x optical zoom; built-in Advanced O.I.S.
* 2.7-inch wide-angle LCD monitor; 170-degree viewing angle
* Intelligent Contrast Control