Panasonic HDC-SD5 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: Panasonic's ground-breaking HDC-SD1, released earlier this year, wasn't the first video camera to allow HD video recording to truly flash media but it remains the best 3CCD HD solid-state video camera by a mile.

Pros: Enjoyable to handle and easy to use, Amazingly good images

Cons: No mic and headphone sockets, Audio affected by light wind noise outdoors

Verdict: Despite the fact that the SD5 lacks some of the features of its predecessor, there's no escaping the fact that it offers something very special for those looking for superb high-definition video in such a small and compact unit. Because of this, it

Review summary: There are controls, function buttons and sockets dotted all around the camcorder, but none are too awkwardly placed - as you can see from the above image - to restrict the ease of use factor

Pros: Enjoyable to handle and easy to use, Amazingly good images

Cons: No mic and headphone sockets, Audio affected by light wind noise outdoors

Verdict: Menu navigation and function selection is made with a mini-joystick, which is positioned on the rear far right, between the Mode Dial and the strap

Pros: 3CCD sensor, 1920x1080 resolution, attractive looks

Cons: SDHC memory cards are expensive, a few niggles in the design

Verdict: As with the Sony HDR-CX7K, this is a solid product let down by the price of its recordable media. We'd therefore recommend it to people who already own a large collection of SD cards (or an even larger wallet).

Review summary: Back in late 2007, Panasonic took consumer high definition to the next level with its full-HD specification 3CCD AVCHD camcorder capable of recording 1920x1080i video and stills to high-capacity SD cards

Verdict: The HDC-SD5 is pitched at the home movie maker who's looking to shoot and playback high definition movie clips in all the usual domestic situations such as recording the development of a new baby to capturing events like holiday vacations, holiday celebra

Review summary: The Panasonic HDC-SD5 ($999 MSRP) is the latest effort in the race to built the "world's smallest [something]," in this case the smallest 3-chip, 1920 x 1080 HD camcorder. While the camcorder is less than thrilling, and only a minor upgrade to last year's