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

Up until this camcorder I was recording off of the HDV format. With the emergence of Blue-Ray as the winner of the HD war, I decided 2 switch. After much research, I bought this model refurbished from Amazon Warehouse Deals. The first one arrived without a battery, so I returned it. The second one arrived in great condition (except 4 a tattered box) with all parts accounted for. This is my second transaction with Amazon Warehouse Deals 4 a refurbished product, & I think they offer great value if you can live with the fact that the box has been opened & may not be in the best of shape.

I only shoot family events (vacations, birthdays, etc.) but I wanted 2 make sure that all of our personal, memorable moments could be viewed 4 years 2 come in as best quality as affordably possible. So, along with this camcorder I also bought a Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blue-Ray DVD player, plus the Panasonic VW-BN1 DVD burner. I couldn't be happier with my choice 4 all three. Now I have a fairly simple process 4 taking family videos, saving them 2 disc, & playing them in the Blue-Ray format.

As others have mentioned, the HDC-SD5 takes outstanding video outside in bright light, but is not so great indoors, in low light situations. I was torn 4 quite some time between this one & the HDC-SD1, because the SD1 has quite a few features the SD5 doesn't, namely a microphone input jack, 5.1 Dolby sound instead of only stereo, 12X zoom instead of 10X, & larger image sensors 4 better low light performance (1/4" instead of 1/6"). One advantage of the SD5 over the SD1, though, is its resolution, with full HD output at 1920 X 1080 compared 2 1440 X 1080 with the SD1. I am admittedly not sure how much difference this makes, or if this compensates 4 the smaller CCD sensors in the SD5. Regardless, what finally sold me on the SD5 was simply its compatibility with the VW-BN1 burner, which I believe from internet readings the SD1 does not have & which I consider 2 be about the greatest thing since night baseball. It is SO EASY now 2 transfer my recordings 2 a DVD-R disc in full Blue-Ray HD. Since they are unedited, they transfer "warts & all" but I don't usually edit my home videos anyway. Maybe some day I will, but 4 family footage I just never bothered with it. With the BW-BN1 burner about 40 minutes of recorded video only takes about 20 2 30 minutes & voila! My memories are stored on DVD. An amazing feature, in my book.

My only dislikes about the SD5 are no viewfinder, which is starting 2 be more & more common 4 small camcorders, & the quirky placement of the input jacks 4 the HDMI & the USB connection, which are beneath a panel under the hand strap; very awkward. You also have 2 put in a fake battery that is connected 2 the power cord 4 AC hook-up, which causes you 2 have 2 insert this fake battery in the battery slot on the BOTTOM of the camcorder, run the cord through the battery cover via a tiny slot in the cover in order 2 close the cover, in order 2 operate the camcorder, that lay in the house that Jack built. It won't turn on with the cover open. Really goofy, no? You also cannot utilize the USB via battery power (which also means you can't operate the VW-BN1 burner via battery power) so you have 2 go through this exercise every time you want 2 do anything with USB connectivity. Presumably this "USB via AC power only" rule is so you will not lose power during a file transfer, etc, so I can understand the rationale behind it, but the placement of the jacks & the AC hookup process really makes it a pain.

The SD card slot is also on the bottom, by the battery, so you have 2 open the battery cover every time you want 2 remove/replace it (you access card slot on the SD1 model via the flip-out LCD screen). The Panasonic Blue-Ray player I bought will read video right off of the card, so I find myself accessing it often, & it's also less than convenient.

As much as it may sound as though I am knocking this camcorder, I am very happy with the purchase & love shooting video with it, largely because I view it as part of my overall system (camcorder, burner, player). As mentioned before, the video quality is outstanding, but only so-so in low light. The sound is also excellent, despite the downgrade 2 stereo from 5.1. However, if the SD1 would work with the VW-BN1 burner, I would have gone that route. As a final comment, I will NEVER go back 2 mini tapes now that I have gotten used 2 the SD cards, which seem 2 be dropping in price almost every day.

Anyway, I hope this long-winded review helps you in your decision making, thanks 4 reading!

THIS VIDEO CAMERA IS THE BEST IVE EVER USED,TRUE BLU RAY HIGH DEF,BRIGHT COLOR AND CRISP PICTURE.I USE A 16GB SDHC CARD,YOU DO NEED A BLU RAY PLAYER FOR HD,BUT YOU CAN ALSO RECORD IN STANDARD 640X480 WHICH CAN BE WATCHED 0N ANY DVD PLAYER!GREAT VALUE UNDER $800.

I bought this camera after much research. My previous camera was a Sony. I needed a camera that was compatible with Apple. It has mostly worked well. However, some video has not & I've had 2 rely on PC in order 2 download my video. I find Panasonic's customer support 2 be a bit lacking. I also had a hard time finding another battery 2 purchase. Every site that carried them was out of stock. Thankfully one was sufficient. I love the fact that I can leave the camera on & as long as the LCD screen is closed the camera is off. When I open the screen it turns on. Great feature. I was disappointed not 2 have a neck strap. I love the DVD burner. That was one of the main selling points 4 me. Travels well. The video quality is great but I haven't had much time 2 play with video I have taken. Video is definitely a memory hog. Be prepared 2 have room.

The last camera I had has been collecting dust 4 years. Too boring 2 use on a regular basis. The Sony is officially retired. The colors, the definition, the ease of SD capture made it so easy. I have a new puppy & all of this recording in such great clarity has turned me back into a creative artist. And it's so easy 2 pop out the card & plug it into a reader, into my Mac & into iMovie or Final Cut.

I got a 16GB SDHC card on Amazon, so the prices are good on those as well. And I've shot over an hour at a time with still plenty of room. Great! Nice thing is that every start stop is it's own scene. Sure DV cameras did this before, but with this, I can just selecdt & delete a scene just like a picture on a digital still.

Just be sure your computer has the power 2 process video in ADCHD. For a Mac you need an Intel based machine & iMovie '08 or later or Any HD final cut. I don't know about a PC but check your specs.

Overall, it's great & I waited since february, watching 4 the right price.

this is my first HD camcorder , at first i was confused between the canon HF10 & the panasonic HDC-SD5, 2 be honest am not photo expert, i want something light, small, comfortable & reliable 4 my travel in august 2 Munich & Paris.
after i tested the camcorder , its very easy 2 use , almost no weight, after all am very pleased with the results , 4 both the pictures & the motion videos .
add 2 that u will get every single wire or cable u need with this camcorder which u dont get with most of other camcorders. all u need is HDSC flash card & u are ready 2 get wonderful life memory videos .

You've got the widescreen TV. Now consider the camcorder you're going 2 get. Let's say you bought a 1080i HDTV. Doesn't it make sense 2 get a 1080i camcorder? Panasonic's HDC-SD5 is by far one of the most comfortable camcorders you will ever hold. At less than 1 pound, this cylinder-shaped camcorder reaches 1080i resolution in 16:9 widescreen 4 true HD play on HDTV sets. The tiny size & lightweight is due 2 the media it uses 4 memory. A removable SD or SDHC card. This card format is about the size of a postage stamp but can hold from 1GB up 2 8GB memory. Because they're easily replaceable, you can carry additional SD cards with you 4 more memory. About 6 of these cards weigh about an ounce 4 true mobility.
The SD5 features Advanced O.I.S. & the 3CCD camera system. Advanced O.I.S. prevents blurry images caused by unsteady hands as you shoot, so images are clear, sharp & beautiful when displayed on a big TV screen. The 3CCD camera system is used in most professional broadcasting equipment because it draws out the full potential of the camera's high image quality. The USB Host function lets you use your DVD burner 2 copy & play recorded images in their original AVCHD format. The data can also be easily edited on a PC by using the included software, & the finished result can be saved onto a DVD disc or other media in either AVCHD or MPEG-2 format. One of the new functions, called Pre-Rec, simplifies shooting & prevents mistakes. Pre-Rec records the image 4 3 seconds before you even start shooting, so you're sure 2 capture unexpected actions that you would otherwise miss. Intelligent Contrast Control helps render natural-looking, highly nuanced images with proper contrast. Still photo mode with built-in electronic-flash 1/30 - 1/8000 (Motion Picture), 1/30-1/8000 (Progressive 1/30 - 1/500) (Still Picture) Auto & Manual Focus SD Memory card slot Recording time up 2 HG - 80