Panasonic HDC-SX5

Yes, yes yes, we know…another Panasonic in our round-up. But wefelt that if the HDC-SD9 is a role model for how to build a greattapeless camera, then the HDC-SX5 is a prime example of how not to build one. The convergence concept may have gone a bit awry when Panasonic schemed to combine DVD and

Not yet reviewed by editors.

The second generation of AVCHD camcorders have been rolling onto shelves in recent months, mostly offering mild upgrades or occasional downgrades. Panasonic is trying a different route. The HDC-SX5 combines the media from both of its first-generation models, DVD and hard disk drive (HDD). While the company managed to scale back from the monstrous girth of the HDC-DX1, it failed to address some of the fundamental problems with DVD load times and preposterous battery size. Even with a few new features tossed in – notably full 1920 x 1080 recording and an active accessory shoe – it still leaves us asking why we would choose this over the flash memory card-only HDC-SD5.

Despite being soundly beaten with the ugly stick, this is a quality piece of hardware capable of capturing beautiful high-def video. If you can get past the bulky design, you won't be disappointed.

Despite being soundly beaten with the ugly stick, this is a quality piece of hardware capable of capturing beautiful high-def video. If you can get past the bulky design, you won't be disappointed.