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Sony HVR-Z5U

Sony HVR-Z5U

15 reviews

Jun, 2013

Positive
Portability (9)
Zoom (3)
Build quality (2)
Image quality (2)
Design (2)

No negative mentions yet

General overview
Price comparison
Product Specifications

alaTest has collected and analyzed 15 reviews from magazines and websites. People are impressed by the build quality and design. The image quality and zoom also get good feedback, whereas many are critical about the value for money.

portability, zoom, image quality, design, build quality

value for money

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Sony HVR-Z5U is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 83/100 = Very good quality.

See all Sony Camcorders

Review analysis

(Based on 15 reviews)

User Reviews

Review Ratings

(87% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews (no reviews)
(7% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews (7% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews (no reviews)

Features

Portability
Show positive (55%)Show negative (27%)(Show all)

Value for money
Show positive (30%)Show negative (40%)(Show all)

Zoom
Show positive (18%)Show negative (9%)(Show all)

Build quality
Show positive (100%)None yet(Show all)

Image quality
Show positive (50%)None yet(Show all)

More features

Showing 16 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

Showing 1 - 10 of 16 Show Reviews: in English

Consumer review by: adam_ikhlas (cnet.com)

One of my Fav Camcorder....

Giving its user almost full control.....Even in low light, this Sony Z5 still can give very good footage

if u using CF card recorder for this cam-Sony HVR-MRC1K, there will be 1-5 second delay between Cf card recorder and tape. So be alert

Aug, 2010

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Consumer review by: sahaj936 (cnet.com)

20 x zoom become camera of 4 lux

compact and good

This Camera is good but one bad thing is that when camera zoom to object it needs more light and this feature is very bad for low light shootings

Apr, 2010

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Consumer review by: (amazon.com)

Amazon review summary for the Sony HVR-Z5U

alaTest has collected and analyzed 8 user reviews of the Sony HVR-Z5U from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 5.0/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.com.

zoom, build quality, usability, design

portability

100% of reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Jun, 2013

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Consumer review by: qungu2004 (amazon.com)

Sony hvr-z5u

The HVR-Z5U high definition camcorder is the successor to the HVR-Z1U, housing many of the features of its predecessor in a more compact package, plus adding many more. Records HDV in 1080/60i as well as 1080 in 30p/24p native progressive recording...

Oct, 2012

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Consumer review by: J. Thomas (amazon.com)

Great Evolution

I have several of the older Z1s that have received lots of run time. The HVR-Z5U fixes many of the issues we have had with the Z1s. Wider angle, longer lens, Zebra level entry on the monitor, much better management of the mic controls and other subtle...

Nov, 2011

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Consumer review by: (amazon.com)

Great camera!!

This camcorder had great high-def quality. It was also easy to use. If you are looking for one I would recommend that you should buy this camera. Overall this camcorder was great for weddings and other events.

Oct, 2011

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Consumer review by: CharlieMike (amazon.com)

A solid, functional workhorse

I love this camera. Tough, reliable, and completely functional. Two nits, however. First, it's heavy for its size. I finally surrendered to the fact and now use an aftermarket shoulder mount. Second, when using the MRC1K memory unit (at almost $1000...

Aug, 2011

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Consumer review by: CharlieMike (amazon.com)

A solid, functional workhorse

Aug, 2011

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Consumer review by: indy1090 (sonystyle.com)

Great Camera. Great Price

I am currently a college student going for my video degree, and purchased this camera as an investment into my own business. This camera competes side by side with my school's 10k cameras, so it is well worth the money. The only things I don't like...

great quality, compact, light, and easy to use

limited macro focus, limited f-stop when zoomed in

Dec, 2010

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Consumer review by: Pablo Castro (amazon.com)

An Amazing Camera

The z5u is a serious piece of equipment. I've had it for a couple of weeks now, and only until today I feel I know it well enough to write a decent review. First off, the camera looks really sleek, feels solid and very well built. Its look isn't as...

Dec, 2009

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Product Specifications

Introducing a truly amazing compact HDV camcorder from Sony. The HVR-Z5U camcorder is designed to enhance creativity and deliver the highest standard of optical and audio quality. Sony's newly designed "G Lens" is incorporated into the camcorder, boasting excellent resolution, color, and contrast for breathtaking images that rival expensive interchangeable lenses. This compact camcorder boasts Sony's 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system, utilizing the technology of Exmor, to provide excellent low-light sensitivity and making it ideal when high performance in limited light conditions is a requirement. The ergonomically designed body allows flexible shooting under any conditions, while maintaining Sony's worldwide reputation for quality and high performance. The standard features of the HVR-Z5U include 1080/24p/30p HDV native progressive recording modes. Sony's new cutting-edge hybrid recording system incorporates an optional HVR-DR60 or HVR-MRC1K Memory Recording Unit, which allows simultaneous recording on tape and non-tape media for improve NLE workflow efficiency. The hybrid recording system is also capable of simultaneous HD and SD recording. Sony is continuously developing and expanding its HDV lineup in response to professional user feedback.