Panasonic HDC-SD5 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: Panasonic's HDC-SD5 is a 3CCD hi-def camcorder that records to flash memory. This makes it very small and light, but it manages to offer a high-resolution foldout screen. Intelligent contrast control makes for great quality high-definition footage

Pros: Compact size; first-rate video

Cons: Flash memory fills up fast

Verdict: The Panasonic HDC-SD5 delivers fantastic HD video and accessible but clever features in a petite package -- we just wish it had more memory

Review summary: Glamcorder.

Pros: >Compact size. Great HD footage. ,

Cons: Limited capacity. Only shoots in AVCHD.

Verdict: We say A capable, consumer-friendly camcorder in a lip-smacking body

Review summary: Panasonic's SD5 claims the smallest Full-HD 3CCD camcorder crown ' but has too much been lost shrinking it down from the impressive SD1?

Pros: Tiny size. Superb video. Easy to use

Cons: Wind noise. Fingers on the mic

Review summary: Using SD cards as its sole recording media, the HDC-SD5 maybe light and compact, but is it desirable?

Verdict: Although it's quite a bit more expensive, we still prefer Sony's HDR-SR8E as the king of consumer HD camcorders and Canon's HV20 as the most accomplished sub--1,000 camcorder for the more serious videomaker. But the compactness of the HDC-SD5 makes it a v

Review summary: If you have an HD TV, you might be considering upgrading to an HD camcorder as well. And Panasonic's SD5 may just be the trick - so long as you have enough memory cards to support your HD habit.

Pros: Form factor; Video quality; Connectivity options; Ease of use

Cons: Recording time (41 minutes in highest mode using 4GB SDHC card); Price of SDHC card

Verdict: If you do not mind investing a lot of money on SDHC cards, then Panasonic's HDC-SD5 is a video camera that will provide you with video footages worth sharing in its full HD glory.