Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

- After doing my research, this camera is the best out there...

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

I use this camera for my wedding and event videography business and it is a GREAT camera to own! Coming from using Sony's PD-170 camcorder, I thought that the NX5U would be difficult to learn because of all its added features. Actually, these added features made it easier to learn because it makes it easier to use the camera in a multitude of situations, namely lighting conditions. If you are looking to shoot HD and want a relatively simple camera to learn, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this camcorder.

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

I've been hunting around for a really really good camcorder in the prosumer range that shoots well in low light. Man, this camera is insane!! You have to set the right settings, but it really does an awesome job. :)

Definitely recommend it with the Steadicam as well, since the depth of field is HUGE incase you don't have a 1st AC around to pull focus.

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

I see most people have given this camera great reviews. I am a professional in the broadcast TV industry (for 20 yrs). Okay, so if you are a novice and like operating your camera in auto mode (letting the electronics decide for you what is a good iris, and good gain level, a good focus etc) because you don't really know how to properly operate a pro camera, then yes you will probably love this camera. But if you prefer all manual settings, so YOU can decide the best setting, THEN FORGET IT. We have THREE of these models at our station for use on quick remote b-roll shoots. NONE of the camera shooters I work with like this camera. YOU CANNOT FULLY OPERATE THE IRIS. Even in total manual mode it's like the camera has some sort of permanent "iris assist" function engaged and it thinks it knows better how to adjust your exposure than you do !!!!! Often you have to crank and crank the iris ring and finally it will change an f-stop or two. Sometimes shooting outdoors it will go from F.4.0 all the way to F-11 before it changes, giving you false readings. Also the LCD monitor is impossible to see sharp focus with. Again we have 3 of these cameras and they are all junk. THIS CAMERA IS A TOY FOR THE NOVICE SHOOTER.

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

The was a great camera while it worked. But after only 18 months of light usage (recording 2 church services each week) the card reader stopped working and would shut the camera down when you inserted a card. I sent the camera to Sony Repair and rec'd a ridiculous quote of $1600 to repair the camera. Needless to say, I am very disappointed with the quality of Sony products, this being the 3rd Sony camera I've had to stop working after a relatively short period of time and light usage (the other 2 were not this model). The notion that a [$]camera would need repair after very light usage for 18 months shows that QC at Sony is quite lacking. It seems that the quality coming out of [*]these days, in general, is not what it used to be but I guess we don't have many choices. Congratulations Sony, you have lost a customer for life. I will go back to Canon or possibly try Panasonic.

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

I just shot a wedding using this NXcam and 1 Canon 5D M2 and the audio (using an external mic) and video quality on the Canon is much, much better!

Draw back on Canon: NO dual XLR's and 10 min video file.

Get the NEW Canon 5D M3 instead!

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

I love the quality of the video, the external manual settings on the side of the camera, and the 128 GB external flash drive which holds 11 hours of video. The only minor complaint that I have is I wish the view finder was a little bigger. Super nice camera. Will buy again.

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

I use the camera to shoot short, weddings, and all kind of activetiest. The way that the camera works in low ligth is nice. The only bad thing is that the recording format is not that friendly to Premiere.

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

The best purchase I have made in a long time. Camera does everything that they say it does. Beautiful shots, easy to use, and not too heavy. Buy one!

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

After purchasing this camera, the next step was to get up to speed on the AVCHD technology. I would recommend getting the training DVD as that would help you fast-track your learning 10 fold. The camera was well balanced and easy to shoot with. The quality of the buttons/dials is good and not flimsy at all. Be prepared to spend some time reading the manual to learn how to maneuver around the menus. This unit is packed with a lots features and you will need to at least know what they are, or learn enough to not use them if not required. I would also recommend getting the HXR-FMU128 flash storage unit even though I think it's overpriced. One thing I noticed while shooting is that this unit does not get hot at all. It may have something to do with being tapeless and having less moving parts. Your battery lasts so much longer because of this. My biggest problem was - It took me two days to figure out where the LANC plug was. Seriously…it's hidden above the record button under a flap cover titled "remote". Otherwise I love this camera.

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

I agree with some other people who have said that the zoom on this camera is a bit noisy, because it is. When you attempt to zoom in quickly it tends to make a noise as it moves itself into position. I have not had it show up in the audio yet, but wouldn't be surprised if I'm just missing it. Other than that I absolutely love the camera so far. I was shooting with an FX1 prior to this and it's great to move on to a higher quality camera, while still feeling familiar with the layout of the camera. The audio quality is a huge improvement and I'm glad I took the B&H Help Center staffs recommendation on getting this camera over the AX2000.

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

This is one great camera in most circumstances. One thing to beware of though. It is not shielded and, as I found out the hard way, will shut down when interference happens. $2,500 for a helicopter and Tyler mount and I got nothing.

Also note that you cannot output a composit and SDI signal at the same time. It's one or the other.

It has worked flawless on the ground in studio and industrial locations. Make beautif pictures except in locations where radio frequencies are abundant.

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

i do special events and my customers and i, are very happy with the amazing image this beautyfull camera records...One Word...''AMAZING''

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

I am retired and decided to start a video business. The HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder is the second pro-camcorder purchase (from B&H). The other is a Sony HXR MC 2000 shoulder mount unit. The NX5 has a solid feel, somewhat heavier than its looks, to a compact camera. Out of the box it's ready to go. After making sure all the parts were shipped and charged the battery, which is Sony middle of the line camcorder battery. I am ready to start testing the NX5. It was told to me, if the first thing you film is a duck, it will bring you good luck. So I went looking in the park for ducks to film. I must say in full auto mode the Sony works great. No adjustments and the focusing was right on the money.In manual mode, something I am not fully familiar with yet. The camcorder take a bit getting use to, but all the controls are simply marked, the three rings - focus, zoom, and iris works quite well for a novice like me. Another great feature with the NX5 is the type of media it uses. Gone are the tapes. This machine uses memory cards. Sony Pro Duo or SDHC flash memory cards. It take two, when one is full it will automatically which to the second memory card not missing the wife saying I do at the wedding or little Sammy's first home run. There's also an optional hard drive which can record and back up stuff up to eleven hours. It a bit expensive at [$] bucks, but it's a impressive feature. There also a built in GPS feature. Don't know if I will ever use it. Nevertheless one I may find a need for it. Operation of the camcorder is first-rate, items such as the 3.2 inch LCD touch screen to the seven assign buttons to the pro audio XLR inputs. This camcorder seem to be a good fit for an up and coming videographer like myself.The one thing about the NX5 which leaves a nasty taste in my mouth is the cost of the Sony HXR-FMU128 Flash Memory Unit, at 700 smack-a-roos, you can get the I-Pad 3.All else, it's a pretty good purchase.

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

I purchased this camera mainly for Equine Videography. Shooting from tripod the zoom is great, horses in arenas travel from a walk (3 to 4 mph) to a canter (13-17mph). The fast speed of the zoom coupled with Manfrotto remote allow me to keep up with the action, with the 20x zoom I can shoot all the way across an arena and fill the frame. In addition I've done, concerts, promos and worship services. Color is rich, the automatics are spot on for most easy shooting. It has a 12sec super slow mode, great for smooth evaluation for vets of a horses stride. It's mostly up side on this camera, using the auto mode the focus can go soft if there is lots of dust in an arena. On cam mics are decent.

Lots of shooting time, 11 hours on the flash drive, couple of batteries and I can shoot all day, also uses cards so plenty of backup, in addition you can do sd to card and hd to drive at the same time, nice feature.

Downsides it's handheld, not shoulder, without a support at almost 6lb it's get heavy if your doing lots of run and gun, but with a shoulder brace it's a good as a shoulder mount. Nice to have your ND filters built in, haven't needed any extras, cuts down on the extra stuff to lug around. Only 2 mic channels but the preamps are good, audio is clean.

I mainly shoot off sticks, but the active steadyshot is almost magical, not as good as a steadicam, but if your good with handheld, it really smooths thing out nicely.

Features take a bit of practive, nice touch screen lcd, sharp picture. Timecode and datetime stamps for file names, sony's content managment software imports everything quickly.

24mb AVC but gives an average data rate around 30Mb rate on the footage.

I edit with Premiere 5.5, brings everything right in, good white balance, if you white balance before shooting, don't need to color correct.

I did one concert where we lost the house audio recording, and was able to use the on camera mics with some post processing and it was acceptable.

There is HDMI out for a monitor and HD/SD-SDI with 4.2.2 color.

I've had this camera for 6 months now and really wish I could buy a second! There are some rental houses that you can get one from and give it a try. Definatly worth a look before you make your final choice

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

Wasn't sure whether to buy this camera due to the backfocus lens issue. Did a test right out of the box and mine does not have this.

While this camera is heavier than I expected, it does feel solid and performs great even in auto mode. Focus is fast and reliable.

I'm still playing around with it, but the only negative I've noticed is that supplied mic does pick up the zooming noise. It's slight, but there.

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

We purchased three of these for live, HD broadcasts of sporting events and they haven't disappointed for a second. Performs well in the low-lit arenas and gyms that we have shot in. Definitely recommend the NXCAM as it packs a lot of punch for the price.

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

Recently bought a NX5U. Over liked all the options for HD-SDI and HDMI out. Seemed very exapandable with the FMU unit, dual slot SD cards. However, upon first day of testing was very disappointed.

First thing I noticed was noise in the blacks. I was even using -6 db gain which I think would crush blacks. Very noisy and less than desireable.

Next the lens. You get a nice 22x lens which loses 3 f-stops fully zoomed. That didn't bother me as much as the CA. Cromatic aberration, purple and green fringing was all over my outdoor shots. So much that even my father which is not into video even asked why there was a green and purple glow on trees. Very disappointed. I've owned a host of cameras in this price range, heck my FX1 doesn't even have this problem.

Needless to say I'll be sending the camera back. The LCD did feel small and the manual zoom, iris, focus rings are all electornic. There is a half second delay. It makes manual focus tough and left me feeling unsure about quickly focus on subjects. Prefer direct manual optics.

Overall if the camera had better optics and timelapse would be a keeper. The CA was a big killer for me.

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

I use the camera for events and promo videos. I have been using the camera for just over a year now with the optional FMU-128.

This is just a solid camera with all the options. The 3 (yes three) manual rings are so nice to have at your fingertips for zoom, focus, aperture. Also lots of configureable buttons and switches for all the different functions you need to flip to quickly.

The FMU is awesome, gobs of space for constant recording so you never need to change cards or worry about running out of space on a shoot. Dual XLR inputs are nice, I always use the included shotgun, and often a wireless lav.

Recording quality is great, on auto it is almost always on point, though gain tends to get up higher than I like. Above 15dB it gets really noisy so I like to run it full manual in low light. It does go down to -6 which is awesome outdoors, and there is really no easily detectable noise at that setting.

My biggest complaint on this camera is with the slow-mo record feature. I was keen on this feature when purchasing but it is really unusable. You achieve much better results shooting at 720 60p and playing back at 30, even upscaling to 1080. The longer you record at the high speed (it can do 3,6,12 seconds) the more degenerated the footage is. It is literally unuseable for any situation at the 12 seconds setting (found this out the hard way because it looks great on the camera LCD).

I use this and a Canon 60D and really can't tell a difference in the color balance or motion between the cameras. It is not a DSLR, but it does have great DOF and selective focus.

The camera is SO well balanced, especially with a 970 battery back. You can use it all day and not fatigue your wrist. Also love the forward placement of the LCD, you can rest the but of the camera on your shoulder almost like you would with a shoulder rig.

Comments about Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Professional Camcorder:

These Sony's are shipping with defective lenses. Please read other comments regarding this issue. We do live production and have 2 of these. I've spent as much as this camera cost on rental fees as they have been to Sony for repair 3 times for a month or so at a time since I've owned the cameras in this first year of ownership. My units have 50 hours use and they're both worthles. What a shame.