Panasonic HDC-SX5 AVCHD 3CCD High Definition Flash Memory & DVD Camcorder with 10X Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

The Panasonic HDC-SX5 camcorder employs cutting-edge imaging technology to capture video recordings that are breathtakingly clear and vibrant, especially when viewed on a high-quality, large screen TV.

The HDC-SX5 uses the AVCHD format to record full-HD video with 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution. It employs Panasonic's original 3CCD camera system, a professional broadcast feature, which renders vivid, true-to-life colors, outstanding detail and rich gradation. It also boast Panasonic’s new Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), minimizing the effect of hand shake. This technology helps produce crisp, clear images, which is especially important for viewing on large-screen high-resolution TVs where image imperfections are easily visible.

The HDC-SX5 can record full-HD motion images onto both SDHC/SD memory cards and DVD discs. It can record up to 180 minutes of video on an 8GB SDHC memory card, and up to 60 minutes on a 3-inch DVD-R dual-layer disc. The combined media captures up to 240 minutes of full-HD recording. The SX5 can also copy recorded video from an SDHC/SD memory card to a 3-inch DVD disc internally with the touch of a single button, without connecting to a PC. Video can also be recorded on a DVD disc in standard-definition (MPEG2) format for playback on a DVD recorder/player.

Panasonic HDC-SX5 Highlights

1920 x 1080 full-HD recording While conventional HD recordings have 1,440 pixels in the horizontal direction, full-HD recordings have 1,920. And while conventional recordings have a total of around 1.55 million pixels, full-HD recordings have around 2.07 million -- about 30 percent more. In fact, full-HD has the most pixels of any HD format, and thus can render images with unmatched detail and resolution.

Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) The SX5 features Panasonic's new and improved image-stabilization system. The system uses gyro-sensors to detect hand-shake, then shifts a lens and adjusts its optical axis to compensate. Called Advanced O.I.S., this system performs the compensation operation eight times more frequently than Panasonic’s previous system, thus achieving even greater precision and accuracy. Because this is an optical system, there is virtually no loss of quality, resulting in images that are captured in all their original beauty. Advanced O.I.S. reduces the subtle blurring that can be caused by even a slight bit of hand-shake, and it is truly necessary in an age of large-screen, high-resolution TVs, when every image imperfection is easily visible.

Leica Dicomar lens Photographers around the world know Leica Camera AG as a maker of superb cameras and lenses. This company's advanced optical technology has been fused with Panasonic's leading-edge digital technology to create the Leica Dicomar lens. The Leica Dicomar lens provided in the HDC-SX5 features 12 lens elements in eight groups, and uses low-dispersion optical glass to reduce the blurring of color. A special multi-coating process is applied to the 14 lens element surfaces to minimize chromatic aberration, so images are crisp, clear, and free of flare and ghosting.

Pre-Rec function With many camcorders it is easy to miss capturing a critical moment, such as a goal being scored. The Pre-Rec function eliminates this problem. When this feature is activated, the camcorder continuously records three seconds of images onto an internal buffer memory. Then when the record button is pressed, the three seconds immediately prior are added at the beginning of the clip recorded.

Intelligent Contrast Control This intelligent new function continually measures the ambient light intensity and adjusts the contrast as it changes. Providing control over a wider range of lighting conditions than previous functions, Intelligent Contrast Control helps prevent a washed-out look in bright parts of an image and black-outs in shadowy areas. Images are captured with natural nuances, contrast and depth, even when shooting toward the light source.

HD Advanced Pure Color Engine To match the newly developed full-HD CCD, Panasonic has further enhanced its acclaimed Advanced Pure Color Engine image processor. A new noise-reduction circuit combines with the new Intelligent Contrast Control circuit to boost image quality while reducing power consumption. Offering superior images and longer battery life, the HD Advanced Pure Color Engine takes camcorder performance to new heights.

Power LCD Extra The brightness of the LCD can be set to either of two levels to match the ambient light condition. At the brighter setting, the LCD provides clear, easy viewing even when shooting outdoors on a sunny day.

Playback EZ Sync The SX5 is compatible with Panasonic's EZ Sync. Simply connect it to a Panasonic TV via an HDMI cable and follow on-screen prompts to operate the camcorder using the TV remote control. This adds extra ease and convenience to the fun of viewing the full-HD video.

Direct viewing with SD card slot The SDHC/SD memory card can simply be taken from the SX5 and slipped into the card slot of select Panasonic plasma TVs to view full-HD images recorded in the AVCHD format. Images saved as JPEGs can be viewed using the SD memory card slot in select Panasonic models as well.

One-button dubbing The SX5 is a hybrid camcorder that can record full-HD motion images onto both SDHC/SD memory cards and DVD discs. It can copy data from a memory card to a disc internally, without requiring use of a PC or other equipment. This provides a quick, easy way to copy recordings onto a DVD disc for storage and archiving. By simply connecting the SX5 to a TV with an optional HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable, the SX5 can also play back the images copied to the DVD disc. Result: easy viewing on a TV without having to use a DVD player.