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Product summary
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.
Specifications: Video input type: Camcorder; Optical zoom: 10 x; Media type: Mini DV (HDV) See full specs
Price range: $790.95 - $1,299.95
CNET product brief
Description: 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.
Pros: 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.
Cons: 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.
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Digital Camcorders. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of digital camcorder.
MiniDV format
Most consumer digital camcorders use MiniDV cassettes, which record DV-format video. The DV standard produces high-quality footage that is superior to video recorded by consumer analog camcorders and can deliver more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution, depending on camcorder quality. Consumer and semipro digital camcorders that capture high-definition footage record HDV-format video on MiniDV cassettes.
Best for: Budget buyer; trendsetter; home and vacation moviemaker; independent filmmaker; business videographer.
| Broad range of video cameras, from bargain to professional three-chip models |
| Widely supported by video-editing and -effects software |
| MiniDV decks and other hardware products widely available |
| CD-quality 12- and 16-bit PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) sound capture and audio dubbing |
| MiniDV camcorders may be connected to TV for display or to VCR for copying |
| Some video cameras provide analog-to-digital conversion for digitizing older video |
| MiniDV camcorders can't play analog 8mm or Hi8 cassettes |
| Cassettes with built-in memory chip for indexing video segments are relatively expensive |
Supporting manufacturers: Canon; Hitachi; JVC; Panasonic; Samsung; Sony.
Read more in the Digital Camcorder Buying Guide
Exposure control
Every digital camcorder has a fully automatic mode that lets you simply point and shoot, but it's best to be able to adjust your exposure setting a little. Special shooting modes for capturing subjects lit by a spotlight or other specific sources can be helpful. For full control over exposure, you'll need a camera that lets you manually set both the aperture and the shutter speed. Advanced camcorders offer zebra stripes, which highlight overexposed areas with a striped pattern so that you can fine-tune exposure. Low-light performance is the Achilles' heel of many digital camcorders. Look for a model with a minimum lux rating of seven or lower. Many camcorders offer special low-light shooting modes, but they don't all work the same way. Some simply slow down the shutter speed so that you get full-color but impressionistic-looking footage. Others use an infrared emitter to capture greenish monochrome video in total darkness.
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Where to buy
Sony Handycam HDR-HC5:
$790.95 - $1,299.95
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$790.95 | Yes |
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Amazon.com
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$1,299.95 | Yes |
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