HDV 1080i Home Recording

The HDRHC5 camcorder lets you record all your memories in true high-definition video. The HDRHC5 is capable of recording and playing back both high Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video recorded on MiniDV cassette. The camcorder's 1/3" ClearVid CMOS Sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (1080 lines of resolution in HD mode or 530 lines of horizontal resolution in SD Mode) and still image performance (4.0 Megapixels). Unlike traditional CCD imagers, CMOS sensors require less power, providing better battery performance. Sony developed a Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system with reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside this personal camcorder. The engine provides efficient MPEG2 compression, and recording and playback of clear HD images at the same bit rate of the DV format, so that High Definition video can be recorded on the same MiniDV cassette that you use for SD recording.

A Terrific View

A 2.7" Wide (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD display (211K Pixels) provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

Get The Picture

From the authority in lens technology, the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens provides a high quality 10x optical zoom which maintains image clarity and color while reducing glare and flare. You also get to take advantage of a 80x digital zoom to really close in on the details of an image. Digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom. The Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization System uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera shake without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems.

Shooting Options

The HDRHC5 includes several options to get just the effect you're looking for. Cinematic Mode is perfect for creating your own movie masterpieces. It lends a 24 frame film-like effect to your recordings. Smooth Slow Record increased the record rate from 60 fields per second (fps) to 240 fps for 3 seconds, allowing you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. This is great for analyzing a golf swing or viewing a bird in flight. A Tele Macro Function is useful for shooting close up shots, but without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocussed so that the subject stands out.

Shoot Still Images, Even While Recording

The HDRHC5 features a digital still memory mode with optional Memory Stick Duo Media. You can capture still images at up to 2304 x 1728 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick Duo Media (sold separately) for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick Devices. While recording video in high definition, you can use the special Dual Record mode to capture a 2.3 megapixel still image directly to Memory Stick Duo media, providing you with the best of both worlds.

All The Right Connections

The High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) featured on the HDRHC5 is the first digital interface to combine uncompressed high-definition video, multi-channel audio and intelligent format and command data into a single digital interface. The HDRHC5 also has an i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394), which provides a high speed bi-directional video/audio communication between two compatible devices, as long as the second device has an IEEE1394 interface. This can include camcorders, digital VCRs and PCs. There's also a USB connection to connect with computers and other devices that utilize the USB standard. There's even a component video output for yet another option for send high quality video signals. The HDRHC5 also features an active interface shoe. This provides a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.

Even More Cool Features

The new x.v.Color feature can capture or display nearly twice as many (1..8x) viewable colors than previously possible. This provides a more accurate and vivid color range, for a more natural, lifelike overall experience. For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, a built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows. One Touch Wide Angle Shooting is just that -- you can switch to wide angle shooting with just the touch of a button.

Shooting Simplicity and Special Effects

Program AE (Auto Exposure) modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, and Sunrise & Sunset. You can enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. You can pick from Black, Mosaic, Monotone and White. You can get even more creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects are available in Camera mode and Playback mode, and include Monotone, Mosaic, Negative Art, Pastel, Sepia, Skin Tone and Solarize.

Leading The Charge

You can charge the HDRHC5's battery at any time because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion betteries are not subjected to a life shortening "Memory Effect". And you can monitor the power you have available through Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter, which displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Included With Purchase

Power adapter/in-camera charger, InfoLithium rechargeable battery (NP-FH60), Wireless Remote Commander remote control, A/V cable, component video cable, USB cable, i.LINK cable, Enjoy Handycam video.Manual/Paperwork

Capture HD and SD video to MiniDV tape with the HDRHC5. Record every detail of every moment with the 10x optical/80x digital zoom and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens. However, you'll be capturing more than just video with the 4.0 megapixel still image feature. Get it all with the HDRHC5. And get it in high definition.

10x Optical/80x Digital Zoom

Records To MiniDV Tape, 2.1 Megapixel (Gross) ClearVid CMOS Sensor

2.7-Inch Wide (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display (211K Pixels)

HDMI Output, i.LINK Interface, USB Port, Component Video Output, LANC Terminal, Analog A/V Output

Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization System

Scene Modes: Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, Sunrise & Sunset

Super NightShot Infrared System for Low-Light Shooting

Manual Focus, On-Screen Zoom and Record Buttons

Digital Still Image Capture to Optional Memory Stick Duo Media (Up To 2304x1728 Resolution)

Wireless Remote Commander Remote Control Included

Switchable HD/SD Format Recording

Real-Time HD Codec Engine

x.v.Color

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens

Smooth Slow Record, Dual Record

Cinamatic Mode, Tele Macro Function

Active Interface Shoe, Built-In Intelligent Flash

InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System

Multi-Language Menu

One-Touch Wide Angle Shooting

Easy Handycam

Fader Effects: Black, Monotone, Mosaic, White

Picture Effects: Monotone, Mosaic, Negative Art, Pastel, Sepia, Skin Tone, Solarization

Digital Picture Effects: Cinematic Effect, Flash Motion, Old Movie, Still, Trail

Recording Media: MiniDV Cassette, Memory Stick Duo Media, Memory Stick PRO Duo (All Sold Separately)

Recording and Playback Times: High Definition: 60 Minutes, Standard Definition: SP: 60 Minutes, ,LP: 90 Mintues

White Balance: Auto, Outdoor, Indoor, One-Push

Slide Show Mode, PictBridge Compatible

Aperture: f1.8-2.9, Shutter Speed: Auto, 1/2-1/500 (Scene Selection Mode)

Exposure: Touch Panel (24 Steps), Focus: Full Range Auto/Manual (Dial, Touch Panel)

Dimensions: 3.25" W x 3.25" H x 5.38" D

Weight: 1.31 lbs. With Tape and Battery