Sony Handycam HDR-HC5
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: HDRHC5
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CNET Editor rating:
Not yet rated
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 reviews
- More product information:
- Product brief
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Description:
- Capture high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) video to a MiniDV cassette with the HDR-HC5 high definition camcorder. Record every detail of every moment with the 10x optical/80x digital zoom and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens. However, you'll be capturing more than just video with the 4.0 megapixel still image feature. Snap spectacular 2.3 megapixel ... Read more
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Product brief
Intro: The Sony Handycam HDR-HC5 is a MiniDV (HDV)-based, prosumer camcorder.Compared to other prosumer camcorders on the market, it is midpriced at around $1,175.It comes with Sony picture motion browser software.
Noteworthy Features: Provides manual focus control, whereas many camcorders have only auto-focus.In addition, frequent travelers will appreciate how relatively little it weighs, only 20.8 ounces.
Weaker Features: Has only a 10x optical zoom.
Suitability: A prosumer camcorder, suited for semi-professional videography.
Value: Overall, this camcorder's features seem a bit weak for its price, compared to most other camcorders.
Suggestions: For more help selecting the right digital camcorder, visit CNET Reviews' buying guide.
User reviews
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Low Light Performance: HDR-HC5 vs HDR-HC7
by Wonder123 on August 13, 2007
Pros: See the description below
Cons: See the description below
Summary: This is what is written on the www.camcorderinfo.com review:
Sony camcorders with the 1/3? ClearVID CMOS typically performed very well in low light. Imagine our disappointment, albeit ...Summary: This is what is written on the www.camcorderinfo.com review:
Sony camcorders with the 1/3? ClearVID CMOS typically performed very well in low light. Imagine our disappointment, albeit unsurprised disappointment, that HDR-HC7 performed so much worse than last year?s HDR-HC3. The reason is simple, but one that we see frequently repeated in cameras and camcorders. The Sony HC3 had a 1/3? CMOS with 2,103,000 pixels; the HC7 has a 1/2.9? CMOS with 3,200,000 pixels. When a manufacturer boosts the number of pixels on the same surface area (or in this case, an infinitesimally larger surface area), those pixels have to shrink. Smaller pixels mean a reduced ability to collect light. This is practically a golden rule of optics (though we've already seen the low-end Canon ZR850 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $265) buck that trend). While the overall resolution is increased (and boy, does that look good on the bullet point specs at Best Buy!), low light performance and color performance go down, and noise goes up.
At 60 lux, the HDR-HC7 looked considerably worse than the HC3, which was among the best low light performers of last year. We?re crushed to see Sony sacrificing something as crucial as low light for a boost in resolution. The picture was very grainy, and the colors had been compromised considerably. We ran the test over several times just to make sure we weren?t missing something. Sure enough, the difference in quality is evident. At 15 lux, the HC7 tried valiantly to retain some color, but the noise levels are tremendous.
The Sony HDR-HC5 ($1099 MSRP) is the next step down from the HDR-HC7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1128.56). It loses out on a lot of features, like the manual focus wheel and mic and headphone jacks. The HC5 must also cope with the fact that it has a slightly smaller 1/3? imager that produces 2100K gross pixels vs. the 1/2.9? chip found on the HC7, cranking out 3200K gross pixels. This may actually aid it in low light performance, though. We?ll have that review soon. Both camcorders share the 2.7? LCD panel, 10x optical zoom, and rugged body construction. The other major element is price. For $300 more, the HC7 gives you the higher res imager (which we saw produce terrible low light performance), mic and headphone jacks, and manual focus wheel. Are those truly worth three additional Benjamins? The real test won?t be known until we can get a unit in our labs. But if last year?s camcorders have anything to say about it, the HC5 might actually be the better buy.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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great HD value for the "pro-sumer"
by rdecilio on March 21, 2007
Pros: amazing hd video in proper lighting, still very good in less than perfect conditions, premium minidv tapes are an excellent media, decent stills, decent manual functions
Cons: auto exposure not the greatest (blown pixels in lowlight), decent manual functions via on screen menus, digital stabilization could be better
Summary: I consider myself to pretty much be a prosumer, not a quite novice but definitely not a professional. This camcorder fit my needs just perfectly. The video quality in good ...
Summary: I consider myself to pretty much be a prosumer, not a quite novice but definitely not a professional. This camcorder fit my needs just perfectly. The video quality in good to perfect lighting conditions is simply stunning. Looks sharper and more vivid than broadcast HD and even cable HD television in some cases. Like all digital camcorders, it does suffer in lower light conditions with a reasonable degree of noise. That could be slightly remedied through messing with the manual settings (via the not so easy on screen menus). But that's a reasonable trade off for the cost. Also got the Sony $30 3- watt lamp, which does help.
Video is easily edited on my intel iMac, putting on dvd is another question. What I've been doing is encoding to various formats (i.e. h.264 at high bit rates)in order to retain a good degree of HDness while still fitting on a DVD. Overall, a great way to enter in the world of HD Video.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome Images
by speedy5151 on February 20, 2007
Pros: Near professional quality video and stills in strong light
Cons: No separate controls for manual image adjustments ie; focus
Summary: Awesome picture quality. My only real complaint is thatthere is no manual focus dial/button/ring. I discovered that this cameras sensors are at times too precise. What I mean ...
Summary: Awesome picture quality. My only real complaint is thatthere is no manual focus dial/button/ring. I discovered that this cameras sensors are at times too precise. What I mean is that in some instances the camera will focus on objects other than the subject. For example, shooting through the window of a moving vehicle. The camera focused on my reflection rather than the outside view. The same thing occured while I was capturing footage at a zoo. The camera would focus on the bars of the cage instead of the animal.
For the reason listed above, I've decided to take mine back and exchange it for the next model up the HDR-HC7 which has a manual dial which can be programmed for various image control.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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decent camera for amateurs.
by Qrom on September 3, 2007
Pros: impressive array of features and options for its small size. light and easy to handle.
Cons: color is a bit washed out in video mode. programing interface is clunky. manual/instructions get a 5 out of 10 score. had to buy firewire cable for mac, to download movies.
Summary: overall very good for its class. it's packed with features and expandable options. if you want to get started in film making or take it with you on vacations, ...
Summary: overall very good for its class. it's packed with features and expandable options. if you want to get started in film making or take it with you on vacations, the camera's good for that.
my main complaint is its limited color depth. colors look a little washed out and milky. you can adjust this somewhat with most movie software after you download your footage, but for my next camera i will make sure i get better, brighter color.
if you have a mac, you will need a firewire cable from any electronics store to plug into the camera's i-link for downloading movies. take the camera with you to the store and make sure you get the right cable. -
mac users come one come all
by jniiiice on February 9, 2007
Pros: compatable baby
Cons: none that i can see yet
Summary: if you have a intel mac (not sure about g5 or older) it works like a charm... only tested it on imovie hd ...
one word... stunning... kudos sonySummary: if you have a intel mac (not sure about g5 or older) it works like a charm... only tested it on imovie hd ...
one word... stunning... kudos sony
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: HDRHC5
- Description: Capture high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) video to a MiniDV cassette with the HDR-HC5 high definition camcorder. Record every detail of every moment with the 10x optical/80x digital zoom and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens. However, you'll be capturing more than just video with the 4.0 megapixel still image feature. Snap spectacular 2.3 megapixel photos while filming in dual record mode. The HDR-HC5 even slows down the audio. Get it all and get it in high definition with this amazing camcorder.
General
- Product Type Camcorder
- Digital Zoom 80 x
- Optical Sensor Size 1/3 in
- Optical Sensor Type ClearVid CMOS
- Min Illumination 0 lux
- Digital Video Format MPEG-2
- Special Effects Negative Art, Old Movie, Cinematic, Mosaic, Pastel, Sepia, Solarization, Skintone, Flash Motion, Monotone, Still, Trail
- Image Stabilizer Electronic (Super Steady Shot)
- Digital Scene Transition White fader, Black fader, Monotone fader, Mosaic fader
- Min Shutter Speed 1/2 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/500 sec
- Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Sunset, Spotlight, Candle, Landscape, Beach, Portrait mode, Sunrise, Sports lesson, Fireworks
- White Balance Custom, Automatic, Presets
- White Balance Presets Outdoor, Indoor
- Exposure Modes Automatic, Program
- Camera Flash Built-in flash
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
Main Features
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 2.1 megapixels
- Camcorder Effective Video Resolution 1.4 megapixels
- Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 2 megapixels
- Camcorder Interpolated Still Resolution 4 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Still Image Format JPEG
- Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
- TV Tuner None
Memory / Storage
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage JPEG 2304 x 1728
- Media Type Mini DV (HDV)
- Recording Speed LP, SP
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - F/1.8-2.9
- Focal Length 5.1 mm - 51 mm
- Lens Aperture F/1.8-2.9
- Optical Zoom 10 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 5.1 mm
- Max focal length 51 mm
- Lens Manufacturer Carl Zeiss
- Filter Size 37 mm
- Focus Adjustment Automatic, Manual
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- DV input Yes
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Digital Still Camera Function Yes
- Additional Features Accessories hot shoe, Touch-screen control, PictBridge support
- Remote control Remote control - Infrared
- Software Sony Picture Motion Browser
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type LCD
- Viewfinder Resolution 123,000 pixels
- Image Aspect Ratio (camcorders) 16:9
Display
- Type LCD display - 2.7 in - Color
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type USB, HDMI, Control-L (LANC), IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), Composite video/audio output, Component video output
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x Memory Stick PRO Duo
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Cables Included Component video cable, USB cable, A/V cable, IEEE 1394 cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts - 1 year, Limited warranty - Labor - 90 days
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 211,200 pixels
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
Physical Characteristics
- Width 3.2 in
- Depth 5.3 in
- Height 3.2 in
- Weight 1.3 lbs
Manufacturer info
- Sony
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
