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

By: key west photographer

key west photographer — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:50:43 +0000

I owned this camcorder not even two weeks and it broke. The door that houses the battery as well as the memory card is so cheaply made that the tiny piece of plastic bent and the door will not close. This should have been made better. You have to constantly open this door to: remove and charge the battery, to change the flash card, and to use the AC adapter. What a shame this camcorder seem to have everything I was looking for. I’m now checking out the Cannon HG10 and the Sony HDR SR8.
Rating: 2 / 5

By: M. Lajoie

M. Lajoie — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:42:31 +0000

so, this camera is basically awesome.

the picture is great (yes, it’s true that it’s a little grainy in low lighting, but that’s just fine), it’s easy to use, a perfect size, and it’s super light, but not too light.

ont of the things i love most about it, though, is the image stabilization. this makes it so that you get the same, stable results you would get while using a tripod by just holding the camera in your hand (unless, of course, you have REALLY shaky hands for some reason), making it really easy to get a great shot anywhere.

the only thing, though, is the filetype. i had a LOT of trouble in the beginning figuring out how to get it onto my computer and in a filetype that i could work with. that part’s not that simple.

but other than that, a great camera. for everything from home movies with the family to amateur independent films. an AWESOME product.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: E. Haydock

E. Haydock — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:45:05 +0000

I have owned the camera for 2 weeks now and am returning it. I currently own 3 other video cameras, but this is my forst HD camera.

Everything about the camera is wonderful except for one MAJOR flaw, there is a high pitched whine when I play back the vodeo through the camera. It is quite noticeable to say the least and simply unacceptable for a camera in this range. There is no tape transport, no hard drive….in fact no moving parts at all, nothing I can think of to be making the whine.

Perhaps it is only the particular one that I have purchased, as the other reviews seem fine…..I did see a proffesional review somewhere that had the same problem………maybe I have that actual camera ….lol.
Rating: 2 / 5

By: Mark Anvoots

Mark Anvoots — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:32:49 +0000

The SD card is an HCSD and requires a special reader. An HCSD reader. You can get them here on Amazon for around $20 or as part of a bundle with a 4-16gb HCSD card.

As for editing the videos, I have the HDC-SD1 camera, this ones predecessor and I use Pinnacle Studio 11 Ultimate. It is the only program out there that will edit the raw .mts files. Nero will let you make a movie with them but not edit them.

One question. Can’t you have the camera burn a dvd in standard DVD format? A poster on another review said it was possible.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: M. Alomani

M. Alomani — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:16:16 +0000

If you’re looking for a practical and tiny Camcorder then this is it !

It’s not a pro grade cam but still exceeds your daily “move & shoot” home videos with a great full HD resolution and clarity.

Highly Recomendnded for any AVCHD format shopper @ a reasonable price.

Don’t look any further , just go ahead and buy one…that’s what i did

Rating: 5 / 5