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Sony HDR-HC5E

Sony HDR-HC5E
Sony HDR-HC5ESony HDR-HC5ESony HDR-HC5ESony HDR-HC5ESony HDR-HC5ESony HDR-HC5ESony HDR-HC5ESony HDR-HC5ESony HDR-HC5ESony HDR-HC5E
alaScore 84

95 reviews

Dec, 2024

alaTest has collected and analyzed 95 reviews of Sony HDR-HC5E. The average rating for this product is 4.2/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders for all reviews. Reviewers really like the durability and price. The portability and image quality are also appreciated. Some have doubts about the reliability. There are mixed views on the color and size.

usability, image quality, portability, price, durability

reliability

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Sony HDR-HC5E is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 84/100 = Very good quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 95 reviews)

Expert Reviews  

User Reviews  

Review Ratings

  (45% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews   (36% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews   (15% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews   (3% of reviews)
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Features

usability
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image quality
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price
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durability
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design
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battery
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reliability
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Showing 57 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

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Showing 1 - 53 of 57 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (38)

Consumer review (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Sony HDR-HC5E

 

alaTest has collected and analyzed 19 user reviews of Sony HDR-HC5E from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 4.5/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.co.uk. Reviewers really like the durability and price. The image quality and usability are also mentioned favorably, whereas views are divided on the design. The reliability and portability get less positive views.

usability, image quality, price, durability

portability, reliability

100% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Dec, 2024

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Sony HDR-HC5E

 

alaTest has collected and analyzed 24 user reviews of Sony HDR-HC5E from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.2/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.com. Reviewers really like the price and durability. The usability and image quality are also mentioned favorably. Many are negative about the reliability.

portability, image quality, usability, durability, price

reliability

96% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Dec, 2024

Expert review by : David Kender (camcorderinfo.com)

Sony HDR-HC5 Camcorder Review

 

The Sony HDR-HC5, a high definition camcorder using the tape-based HDV format, is a key model in the company's lineup. While the HDR-HC7 ($1,299 MSRP) is the flagship HD camcorder, the HC5 is priced at $999, just below that magical $1,000 point at...

Nov, 2007
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Expert review by : David Kender (reviewed.com)

Sony HDR-HC5

 

The Sony HDR-HC5, a high definition camcorder using the tape-based HDV format, is a key model in the company's lineup. While the HDR-HC7 ($1,299 MSRP) is the flagship HD camcorder, the HC5 is priced at $999, just below that magical $1,000 point at...

Nov, 2007
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Expert review by : About.com (about.com)

Sony HDR-HC5 High-Definition Camcorder Review :First Look

 

Sony HDR-HC5 ClearVid CMOS Sensor The HDR-HC5 has a 1/3” ClearVid CMOS sensor. CMOS requires less battery power to operate than traditional CCD sensors, making the chip optimal for better camcorder battery performance.

Jun, 2007
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Expert review by : Ben Russell (goodgearguide.com.au)

Sony HDR-HC5E

 

Sony's HDR-HC5E MiniDV handycam is labelled as a "hi-def" camera, and while it certainly does deliver video in impressive 1080i resolution, it's impor...

HD 1080i recording, great battery life and feature set

Expensive, colour representation lacking in some areas

The HDR-HC5E is a quality product, but it comes at a price. Despite a few flaws with colours, this camera performs very well in comparison to most camcorders. For those who can afford it, it's a great unit.

Apr, 2007
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Expert review by : Derek Fung (cnet.com.au)

Sony Handycam HDR-HC5

 

This upgrade to the HDR-HC3 has been dressed in some shiny finery and given a price cut to boot.

Oct, 2010
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Expert review by (gadgetheaven.co.uk)

Sony HDR-HC5E Camcorder Review

 

Capture and relive special occasions in fantastic quality with the Sony HDR-HC5E camcorder which features a host of Sony-designed technology to enhance your shooting experience. Despite being simple and easy-to-use, this Handycam is also perfect for...

With full 1080-line HD resolution, the Sony HDR-HC5E can be connected to any HD Ready display via the HDMI connector so you can enjoy your videos in outstanding quality. The iLINK cable and software (included) allow you to edit your footage on a...

May, 2012
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Consumer review (newegg.com)

Great Camera

 

Fairly expensive when I got it - about $100.00 more than it is currently.

Quality seems to be great. Settings are very straight forward

Becomes unreliable when it comes to poor lighting. Not seen a light anywhere on the camera. Night vision mode is ok, but who works like that? :-)

Nov, 2007
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Consumer review (newegg.com)

Excellent Camcorder

 

You need a pretty good computer in order to import your videos in High Definition. If your computer is lacking, then the import will drop frames.

Pretty good still-shots. Video is very nice and clear

I required a different firewire head than the one provided, so I had to go out and buy one since it was incompatible with my card

Jul, 2007
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Consumer review (epinions.com)

HDR-HC5

 

Used the camera for four months now. The HDR-HC5 has a number of nice features for a consumer camcorder, but anything other than point and shoot functionality is counter intuitive and a bit cumbersome to access at best. Almost all the settings can only...

Good HD video in ideal lighting, 4.0 mp stills, build quality. HDMI output

Poor low lighting performance, manual controls,no external audio input, manual focus

May, 2008
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Consumer review (cnet.com.au)

Sony Handycam HDR-HC5

 

Sony HDR-HC5 is really a worth for price you spent. Only issue is with space when you convert/transfer your video to computer. Picture quality is amazing. so u have pros and cons like you cant expect all good qualities in women you dream.

Very good quality because of HD/CMOS and Mini DV tapes. Battery life is good. 4Mpixel quality is reasonable for still pictures

It eats up 40GB for 1hr video. also you need a blue ray or HD burner to write and read as well.. Boring touch is good technology but time consuming ; Sony telecom support is really bad. Dependency always on sony products like laptop/burner

Dec, 2007
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Price comparison for Sony HDR-HC5E

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