Sony HDR-SR5 AVCHD 4MP 40GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

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Product Details

• Item Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000PQH1YW
• Item model number: HDR-SR5
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,006 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)

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  #58 in	Camera & Photo > Camcorders > Hard Disk Drive
  #77 in	Camera & Photo > Camcorders > High Definition

• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

Manufacturer Description

Details matter, so don't let the finer things in life pass you by. Record in full HD and re-live your memories years from now in exceptional detail, color and sound. Boosting an impressive 40GB built-in hard disk drive, Sony's HDR-SR5 Handycam camcorder lets you record up to 15 hours of high-definition digital video, while its professional-grade Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens ensures stunning image quality with 10x optical/80x digital zoom, bringing the action closer to you. To make life easier, capture both video and still digital imagery at the same time without switching modes, in Dual Record Mode function. With the HDR-SR5 Handycam camcorder in hand, capturing life's precious moments is simple.

Sony HDR-SR5 Highlights

High Image Quality

SD vs. HD-quality video

HD quality advantage for beautiful video images Preserve life’s precious moments in highly clear HD images with 4.5 times more resolution than that of SD (Standard Definition) video. One look is all you need to see the difference. With Sony’s HD video technologies of ClearVid CMOS Sensor and Enhanced Imaging Processor, striking video plus 4-megapixel still images are sure to make the wonders you experience today into tomorrow’s beautiful memories.

ClearVid CMOS sensor and Enhanced Image Processor (EIP) A powerful combination of Sony’s advanced HD video technologies, the EIP is configured to handle an enormous amount of HD image data at high speed from the ClearVid CMOS Sensor. Maximizing resolution and sensitivity while lowering noise, this technology delivers remarkable detail and clarity to enhance the quality of video and still images.

Sony’s original ClearVid CMOS Sensor has a distinct structure that aligns each imaging element at a 45-degree angle to accommodate a larger proportion of pixels over a standard layout. It is designed to increase the amount of recorded green pixels for higher resolution with precise details the human eye can easily distinguish.

The Enhanced Imaging Processor works together with the ClearVid CMOS Sensor to provide high performance through high-speed signal transmission of massive pixel data. This enhanced technology offers a number of user benefits and handy functionality like Dual Rec function to capture still images even while shooting video footage and Smooth Slow Rec function for slow motion that highlights details of actions from golf swings to football goals.

4-megapixel still image capture Users now can also shoot crisp and detailed 4-megapixel still images -- at 2.3 megapixels while simultaneously shooting video footage -- thanks to the exceptional combination of the Enhanced Imaging Processor and the ClearVid CMOS Sensor.

The ClearVid CMOS sensor delivers superior low-light performance

High sensitivity High sensitivity against low-light conditions is another advantage of the ClearVid CMOS Sensor. Even in darkly lit rooms, video recording with HDR-SR5 results in brighter images with more precise details and minimal noise. One user benefit is shooting party events like birthday cake presentations when lighting is very dim.

Another benefit of ClearVid CMOS Sensor technology is smear-free images even when strong light sources are present in a frame.

A wider dynamic range is available so that details in the shade of shots taken on sunny days or in brightly-lit scenes are preserved and not lost in darkness, thus minimizing the occurrence of black-crush or blowout while delivering rich gradation.

x.v. Color x.v.Color conforms to xvYCC, an international standard for color space in video endorsed by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). The xvYCC standard expresses a color range 1.8x wider than the conventional sRGB color space.

The multi-layer T* coating minimizes glare

When played back on an x.v.Color-compliant TV, various colors like brilliant hues of flowers and the turquoise blue of the sea can be more faithfully reproduced. x.v.Color-supported Handycam camcorders deliver high-resolution HD performance as well as rich color reproduction.

Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens Jointly developed for Handycam camcorders by Sony and acclaimed optical manufacturer Carl Zeiss, this lens delivers reliable results and images of consistently high quality, typical of the German lens maker, that precisely capture the atmosphere of a scene. For maintaining their consistently high quality, these lenses are manufactured under a rigorous quality control system (lens block even has a separately indicated serial number). It adopts the Modular Transfer Function (MTF) measurement system as a key indicator of image quality. Further assurance of image quality is a lens surface enhanced by a multi-layer T*-coating to effectively suppress unwanted ghost and flare while increasing contrast.

HD Video on HDD

Shooting video The HDR-SR5 records video footage on a built-in hard disk drive (HDD) with a large 40GB capacity -- up to around 15 hours and 10 minutes of HD video in the AVCHD 5M (LP) high-definition mode or around 5 hours and 20 minutes in the AVCHD 15M (XP) mode. Conventional MPEG2-PS is also supported, allowing SD video recording. Thanks to the nature of non-linear media, you don’t have to worry about over-writing recorded footage: new data is automatically written in blank, unrecorded space on the HDD. Moreover, you can immediately watch or erase newly recorded footage without rewinding. Just press the desired thumbnail on the touch-panel LCD.

Viewing video To enjoy watching your HD video footage on a large screen, just connect the HDR-SR5 with your HD television via HDMI or component terminal. You can also play footage on a connected SD TV at SD quality. Either way, playback is easy and you can skip to any scene immediately, thanks to the random accessibility of non-linear HDD media, by simply pressing the touch-panel LCD with your finger.

Archiving video Archiving your original HD or SD footage is extremely easy. Use the One Touch Disc Burn button on the bundled Handycam Station to quickly burn discs on a connected PC with a single press. This intelligent function only burns new footage shot since the last disc was burned with this function. If you choose to record discs in the AVCHD format, you can play back HD-quality movies on PlayStation3 as well as Blu-ray players and recorders.

You can also transfer content from the HDR-SR5 to the HDD of a connected PC via Easy PC Backup. This function conveniently only transfers files recorded since your last backup with this function. Using the Write-back (AVCHD) function of supplied Picture Motion Browser software, you can later export footage back to the HDR-SR5 for easy playback on your HD or SD TV.

HDD Smart Protection Should the HDR-SR5 be dropped or knocked, HDD Smart Protection helps protect the HDD and your important footage via three protective measures. A unique shock absorber around the HDD helps absorb the energy of impact. An advanced 3G sensor disengages the HDD read/write head to help prevent scratches when it detects a loss of gravity. And a drop stream buffer stores footage that the HDR-SR5 continues to record. Once drop-detection has been cleared, the HDD is re-engaged and content is transferred from the buffer to the HDD to help ensure seamless, uninterrupted footage.
_{Note: HDD Smart Protection does not guarantee prevention of HDD breakage.}

Handy Features

User-friendly interface Every detail of the user interface is refined to simplify operation. Convenient navigation features, ergonomic controls, and accurate LCD colors all contribute to pleasurable, user-friendly performance.

Home Menu and Option Menu Like the top page of a Web site, the Home Menu is the starting point for all operations. To record or play footage, change settings or edit scenes, first press the Home Menu icon on the top left of the touch panel or the Home Menu hardware button below the LCD. Then select the desired category from the Home Menu. The Option Menu provides quick access to the settings you need. Whether you’re shooting or playing footage, just press the Option Menu icon on the touch panel to display available settings for the current mode of operation. Then adjust settings as desired.

Quick and easy navigation to desired scenes Helpful search functions accelerate and simplify navigation. New Film Roll Index and Face Index functions, in addition to Visual Index and Date Index, make every search fast, easy and enjoyable.

The built-in microphone captures 5.1-channel surround sound

Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound Whenever you’re shooting footage, you can record audio through the built-in microphone as Dolby Digital 5.1-channel Surround Sound. This feature further raises the sense of realism when you play back your HD footage on connected, compatible systems. If you record the footage on AVCHD format discs, you can also enjoy 5.1-channel surround sound on AVCHD-compatible Blu-ray players and recorders as well as PlayStation3.
_{Note: The camcorder plays the sound in two-channel stereo.}

Smooth Slow Record (with audio) Action sequences of 3 seconds become 12 seconds of slow motion playback with smooth, high-quality results. Just activate this feature and shoot any 3-second action sequence, such as a golf swing or football kick. Record 12 seconds of audio right afterward, if desired. Then play back the sequence and enjoy 12 seconds of stunning slow motion video with your voice recording simultaneously playing clearly at normal speed. It’s fun to watch and perfect for close analysis of sports moves. This remarkable feature was made possible by the exceptional combination of Sony’s high-quality ClearVid CMOS Sensor and Enhanced Imaging Processor.

Scene Selection Scene Selection modes let you easily create beautiful images in almost any type of setting. Whether capturing a sunset with friends in the foreground and illuminated skyscrapers in the background, natural beauty at beach resorts, fireworks bursting at night, or festive white landscapes of snow, the results are as spectacular as the scene you shoot. The Portrait mode, for example, brings out such subjects as people or flowers while creating a soft background.

Super NightShot In dark environments, you can capture subjects without using a flash. Just flick on the Super NightShot feature, which records images via infrared rays. Even in pitch black settings, with light as low as 0 lux, it lets you record sleeping children, camping scenes, and nocturnal animals without waking subjects from their slumber or disturbing their natural ways.
_{Note: Super NightShot can be used whether shooting moving or still images. It does not accurately reproduce colors. It can only be used with certain other settings and should not be used in bright settings, which may cause damage to the camera.}

Easy Handycam Press the Easy Handycam button to enable carefree point-and-shoot operation with all settings automatically adjusted to match the shooting situation. This function is especially convenient for beginners who want operation to be as simple as possible.

Long-lasting Stamina battery The HDR-SR5 allows up to 5 hours of shooting pleasure per charge when using Sony’s optional NP-FH100 InfoLithium Stamina battery. Compact, lightweight and convenient, this battery employs ActiForce technology for fast recharging and InfoLithium for displaying the remaining battery power in minutes on the Handycam LCD.

Auto lens cover When you power up the HDR-SR5, its lens cover automatically opens. So you no longer have to worry about removing the lens cover or accidentally shooting with it on.

Beautiful Still Images

High-quality, 4-megapixel still images In addition to capturing moving images, the HDR-SR5 can capture high-quality still images whenever you like. These images are shot at a resolution of up to 4 megapixels (2304 x 1728 pixels), which is ample for producing large, high-quality prints.

2.3-megapixel dual record function This remarkable function lets you shoot fine-quality 2.3-megapixel still images while capturing moving images at the same time. Simply press the Photo button while shooting in the movie mode.
_{Note: You can take up to 3 still images per movie sequence. After using the Dual Rec function, there is a 3-10 sec. interval of standby time before recording can resume.}

Frame extraction for 3-megapixel equivalent still image quality Making still images of special moments from your video footage is easy with the HDR-SR5. After shooting HD video and exporting it to your PC, just use the bundled PC software to extract any desired frame. Sony’s super-resolution technology enhances 1.5-megapixel HD video images to produce impressive 3-megapixel-equivalent still image quality. These photos can be printed with excellent results.

Intelligent flash for still image shooting Whenever you shoot still images with the HDR-SR5, its built-in flash lets you set up flash on/off, and choose different flash modes to suit the situation and your own personal preference. Useful for shooting still images in dark places or indoors, this convenient feature provides Preflash for metering subject exposure.

Print pictures without a PC

Direct printing from Handycam You can easily print still images without using a PC. Just insert your Memory Stick media in a DPP-FP90/70/60 digital photo printer, select images on the high quality colour LCD, and print away! Or when using any PictBridge compatible printer, just connect it to your Handycam camcorder via USB cable, select images on the Handycam camcorder’s LCD, and print! As for DPP-FP90/70 print quality, with Sony’s unique new Auto Touch-Up function, memorable shots marred by red eye, backlighting, or focus problems are saved from the trash simply by pressing the pink Auto Touch-Up button. Automatically correcting these problems is one way DPP-FP90/FP70 printers give you the strikingly beautiful prints you expect.

Product Description

Experience the world of high definition with the compact and capable HDR-SR5 high definition Handycam camcorder. Switch between video modes to capture video in HD or SD (standard definition) on the built-in hard drive. Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens and 10x optical/80x digital zoom keeps everything close and clear. You can even use the Dual Record Mode to capture still images at the same time as shooting video.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but far from perfect, December 12, 2007

By	JonasK (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews

I've been using this camera for almost 3 months now. I really like the quality for the most part and having the video go directly to a digitized format is awesome. However, I do have some serious problems with a few things.

1. No USB connection on the camera body.
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Now, I really don't understand why they didn't add a port as important as the one for the USB connection directly on the camera body. That is basically the only way for you to transfer the video files directly to your computer. It seems like either of the ports for the A/V Out or the Component connection (which I hardly use) could have been left to the base if it was a space issue, or perhaps even the mini-HDMI port (which I think they should have included an adapter to standard HDMI for).

If they HAD included the USB port on the camera body, there wouldn't be a need for the base at all. The more I think about it, the more nonsensical it seems. Of course, perhaps there was some engineering issue that made it more feasible....but for $700 bucks, I don't want to have to make excuses for them or figure out why they made something more complicated when it could have been so simple.

Also, although the newer versions USB seem to be overtaking firewire, they could have put that type of connection on the base rather than additional component and A/V ports which are already on the camera body.

2. Shooting in low light has lots of noise.
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I thought the CMOS sensor on this camera was supposed to eliminate noise in low light situations, but from what I can tell, shooting outside at night or even in dark rooms, there's plenty of noticeable noise in the dark regions of the video image, even when shooting at the highest quality level, HD XP. I don't know if it's something I can have checked out, perhaps my sensor just isn't working properly, but in any case, that's been somewhat of a disappointment for me.

What I expected was video quality like that in the movie Collateral, which had lots of great night shots using HD cameras. Maybe that is a bit too much for a consumer camera, but still, I expected more.

Also, another problem that I've found with night shots, is that the auto-focus has a really hard time getting zeroed in on the right area. I usually have to end up focusing it manually if I want a consistently clear shot at night.

3. The bundled software doesn't convert to an uncompressed format.
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Since AVCHD is a relatively new format, I was certain that they would have a feature in the software to convert clips to some more universal uncompressed format. But the software that comes with the camera only has the option to export the video to MPEG2, which creates a clear loss in quality. So, I don't understand why they wouldn't make it easier for us to convert the video into some more widely used format with that losing that HD clarity. I know there are third party applications that do this, but Sony should have provided this feature with the camera.

Additionally, working with the AVCHD format is a pain in general. In order to view the video on your computer as a video file, you have to import it using the Sony Picture Utility software that comes on a CD-ROM with the camera. When it imports the files to a selected destination folder, you actually get 3 files for every video clip you've shot. The extensions are 'm2tsm', 'modd', and 'moff'. The 'm2tsm' file is the one that actually contains the video data (I had to assume since it's always the largest). I'm not sure what the others are for.

Even after you've installed all the provided software, you can't just double click a video file to open it. You have to "Register" the folder the video files are in in the Picture Motion Browser. Only then can you view your video. They have a program called 'Player for AVCHD', beut it stupidly only plays the video on your camera harddrive, and doesn't even have an option to directly open the files on your computer. Personally, I've found the software to be more cumbersome than useful. The program doesn't have an option to move folders, so if you do move the files, you have to re-register them and delete the old folders from the Picture Motion Browser yourself. While it's nice in someways to keep things organized, it's not really that helpful. And the editing features made available are almost completely worthless, unless all you want to do is split a clip in two.


Despite it's shortcomings, I still think it's a decent camera, although I really wish they had better software with more editing features. Still, I think it's worth $700 or so for the clear image (in daylight) and the convienice of having the video go directly to a harddrive. Despite it's shortcomings, this might actually be the best HD harddrive camcorders on the market, but having not had the opportunity to try any others, I can't say that for sure. What I can say is that it's good, even if it's not perfect.

*I had to edit this because I kept thinking of other things I had problems with. And the more I thought about the file format situation, the more annoyed I became. So I think I would have to modify my recommendation and say that you should just wait until future versions to buy this camera when they improve the software or just try out another camera altogether. Considering these other difficulties, I think I would have to drop my rating to a 2 out of 5 stars.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome picture quality on SD or HD, September 7, 2007

By	D. Trikha "TechiMan" (Chicago) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I moved from Hi8 directly to this so have not seen the difference in quality between Hi8 and MiniDV but if compared to this one, I was totally blown away with the clarity and colors. This is an awesome camera for anyone looking for budget HD camera in market for average user. Though kit battery life is not that great so probably I will buy another one soon but otherwise I have no issue till date. Go for it guys!!

33 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Great picture, but AVCHD format prevents editing, December 11, 2007

By	CodeView (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

The picture quality and features on the camera are great, BUT...

Sony shot itself in the foot when it decided to push the AVCHD video format. You are forced to use Sony's substandard software tools; there is no good conversion story if you want your video in MP4. WMV, or any other format. So, Adobe Premiere (which I use for all my home editing) is useless, as is Edius, Ulead VideoStudio, or anything else.

After reading about the quality, I bought this camera to take video of my son's wedding. Now, about all I can do is make a raw video onto DVD of the footage and give away copies, as opposed to putting together something nice for them.

If all you're going to do is shoot video, and play video from the camera to a TV, then go ahead and buy it; if you have any intention of bring the footage into a computer, then avoid this camera like the plague.