Panasonic HDC-SD5 DVD Camcorder w/ DVD Writer

10x Opt, 700x Dig, 2.7" LCD - MPN: HDCSD5BNDL

Description: DVD burner included for easy transfer of your precious memories. The HDC-SD5 hi-def camcorder comes bundled with a free Panasonic DVD burner (VM-BN1) included right in the box. Use the camcorder's USB Host function to connect directly to the burner with a USB cable (sold sep... read more

DVD burner included for easy transfer of your precious memories. The HDC-SD5 hi-def camcorder comes bundled with a free Panasonic DVD burner (VM-BN1) included right in the box. Use the camcorder's USB Host function to connect directly to the burner with a USB cable (sold separately). You can also copy recordings from the SD Memory Card to a DVD disc, maintaining the original full-HD format, or use the included software to burn a full-HD recording from an SD Memory Card to a DVD disc on your PC. Never miss a detail with 1920x1080 Full-HD recording. Images recorded by conventional HD camcorders have only 1,440 horizontal pixels, while full-HD camcorders have 1,920; that's about 30 percent more recording pixels! The result is a level of detail and resolution that goes beyond anything you've ever experienced before. And because full-HD recordings contain a vast amount of picture information, they look beautiful not only on high-definition TVs, but on standard-definition TVs as well. Camera shake happens. Unsteady hands, shooting while in motion: these factors can reduce the quality of your video. But Panasonic has developed its best-ever built-in Optical Image Stabilization, which compensates for hand-shake and helps keep your videos crisp, steady and blur-free. The HDC-SD5 comes with a world-class Leica Dicomar lens, fashioned specifically for high-definition digital camcorders. The superior craftsmanship of Leica's advanced lens system captures stunning images and colors that look magnificent in HD. Combined with Panasonic's advanced 3CCD system, which uses three separate sensors to capture and process light, you can relive your memories in lifelike detail on your HDTV screen. minimize

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valiymt

Member Since
Apr 2007

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User has 2 Days of experience with this product

wow! totally blown away by the quality

Strengths:

full HD camcorder not a makeshift HD like cannon ones

Weaknesses:

battery life , SD cards for 8GB at 30 makes it better else SD card limitation wud kick in

Posted Dec 31, 2007 - It has a fantastic form factor--small, light, and very comfortable to hold and use. It's ready to point and shoot, and for folks with more video experience, there's good options for manual control of white balance, iris, shutter, gain, etc. Auto-focus is quick, zoom control is easy to keep smooth, and image stabilization is exceptional. The camera feels great in your hands. It is small and light, but even in my large hands it feels stable. I like that the battery is now inside of the camera and not attached to the back. This lets the center of gravity sit right there on your hand. The LCD screen looks good, though a little pixelated in darker rooms.

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saabie

Member Since
Jan 2006

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User has 20 Days of experience with this product

Great value in HD camcorder!

Strengths:

Full HD - brillant colors and contrast; copies to HD DVD quickly and easily

Weaknesses:

battery life is a little less than optimal; zoom moves a nit too fast and is hard to adjust slowly; no Firewire output

Posted Apr 3, 2008 - This camcorder replaces a similar non-HD Panasonic and is well worth the investment. Very light and compact and easy to hold and operate. The internal menus are simple to use and navigate also. The picture quality is adjustable and is simply fabulous for a camcorder in this price range! I highly recommend this unit!

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kj1000 from TX

Member Since
Jun 2004

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User has 14 Days of experience with this product

Great camcorder!

Strengths:

Full Hd capabilities, light, great design, nice add in of cd burner.

Weaknesses:

Battery life, not optimal bulb light (are they ever?)

Posted Feb 7, 2008 - I am not a camcorder expert, so bare with this review. I wanted a camcorder to record the special moments of my newborn. Being the gadget guy, I wanted the most bang for the buck. I went and played with this camcorder at Best Buy and chose it over the equivalent Sony. I like the form, fit and function of this camcorder. Incredibly light, yet built solid. Sharp looking. The dvd burner is an original twist; don't know if you would always carry it with you, but the option exists which is great. No qualms yet on this camcorder, but I am still in play mode. Will try to update if there are other negative items down the road. I don't think you will go wrong this product!

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Tyl357

Member Since
Nov 2005

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User has 30 Days of experience with this product

Panasonic HDC-SD5

Strengths:

Uses SD/SDHC as the recording media, very small and lightweight, excellent HD video quality with optical image stabilization, convience placement of all control functions.

Weaknesses:

Short battery life, very expensive replacement battery, SD media accessable only thru the battery compartment which is NOT accessible if mounted on a tri-pod.

Posted Jan 8, 2008 - Very nice and compact HD camcorder. The tele-macro function allow closeup shots from a distance. The night view mode allow still and video to be taken in very low light condition, but fast motion will be blurred when shooting video. Optical image stabilization give excellent HD video quality without the shakes. Write directly to the DVD writer that come with, it is small so you can take it with you anywhere - record during the day and write it out to DVD at night during your trip(s). You can take still while recording your video. The stock battery last only about 40 minutes, which is about the time to fill up a 4 gig SD card in the highest quality HD mode. The battery fits inside the battery compartment, so adding a larger battery is out of the question. Playback directly with AV, component, or HDMI to the TV and the camcorder can be controller with the included remote. Overall is a great HD camcorder you can take anywhere because of it compact size.

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Hsvm25

Member Since
Jun 2007

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User has 2 Days of experience with this product

Great Little Camcorder

Strengths:

Great videos, small size and easy to use

Weaknesses:

replacement batteries are expensive

Posted Feb 2, 2008 - I wanted a small HD camcorder and I saw this model on sale at Fry's Electronics and after trying it out for a few minutes, I ended up buying it. The dvd recorder is a nice companion as you can burn your videos directly to a dvd-r very easily. I love this camera.

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