Panasonic HDC-SD5 AVCHD Digital Camcorder & DVD Burner Kit, 3CCD Sensor, 1920 x 1080 Recording, Advanced Optical Image Stabilizer, Records to SD Memory Card, VM-BN1 DVD Burner

Comments about Panasonic HDC-SD5 AVCHD Digital Camcorder & DVD Burner Kit:

This little rig is a LOT easier to handle for those "opportunity shots", like one I sent to the local cable news outlet last week, instead of wrangling my Panasonic 610WA DVCPRO. As long as the light's OK, the triple 1/6th of an inch CCD's make a decent pic. Downside? SO small, especially when you're used to something appreciably larger. The image stabilizer helps. This is never going to replace any full-size, broadcast camcorder, but at around $750.00 for those "throw down" shots with zero set-up, or if I thought my DVCPRO could be damaged, it works for me.

Comments about Panasonic HDC-SD5 AVCHD Digital Camcorder & DVD Burner Kit:

I saw this cam and it is smaller and sleeker than last years model (SD1).Eventhough it has lower specs, it does make it more portable, which in the end will make you use it more often than the SD1...Also, unlike the SD1 you can manually bring the shutter down to 1/30 of a Second, which is better than using the Majic Pix in low light situations. It may lack a mic port but it feels good in the hand and is easy to use.

Problems Encountered: The battery on this cam is still located inside the body. It gives it a smoother look, but it prevents you from buying a larger and higher capacity battery to use with it.The CCD's on this model have shrunk. The ones on the SD1 were 1/4 of an inch each. The CCD 's used on this cam are only 1/6 of an inch, which will give a drop in lowlight picture quality.But, if you are just worried about picture quality (and not how portable the camcorder is) go for the Sony HC7 or Canon HV20 instead.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: GS320 Panasonic

Comments about Panasonic HDC-SD5 AVCHD Digital Camcorder & DVD Burner Kit:

I previously owned the HDC-SD1 and returned it to get the new HDC-SD5. Assuming that the HDC SD5 would have a microphone input because it's previous predecessor SD1 had one. I bought a RODE M3 Microphone with portable phantom power so i can have great sound with great video. But there is no input! Also, The SD1 zooming capability is much smoother than the sd5. When you try and zoom w/ the sd5 it's either fast or really fast. It is hard to get that consistent and steady zoom. Overall the camcorder is a great camera for its size. But when it comes to making semi-professional movies. I would not recommend it.

Expertise: Amateur

Problems Encountered: I previously owned the HDC-SD1 and returned it to get the new HDC-SD5. Assuming that the HDC SD5 would have a microphone input because it's previous predecessor SD1 had one. I bought a RODE M3 Microphone with portable phantom power so i can have great sound with great video. But there is no input! Also, The SD1 zooming capability is much smoother than the sd5. When you try and zoom w/ the sd5 it's either fast or really fast. It is hard to get that consistent and steady zoom. Overall the camcorder is a great camera for its size. But when it comes to making semi-professional movies. I would not recommend it.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: HDC-SD1

Items I Recommend: M-Audio Fast Track Pro and Condenser microphone

Comments about Panasonic HDC-SD5 AVCHD Digital Camcorder & DVD Burner Kit:

This would make such a great camera for tough situations if it only had a microphone input.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Canon xh a1