OT: Any HC5 owners?

farss wrote on 4/11/2008, 4:45 PM

Been offered some at a very good price (AUD 700) and could be good as a crash cam. Not many reviews around on this camera. I don't care about the audio but just what exposure control it offers is a bit of a mystery. It seems shutter speed can be indirectly controlled by Scene Selection?

Bob.

Comments

John_Cline wrote on 4/11/2008, 5:01 PM

I've used one in a point & shoot situation, but didn't get too deep into it. This may answer your questions:

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-HDR-HC5-Camcorder-Review-33709.htm

John

farss wrote on 4/11/2008, 5:47 PM

Thanks John. I think I found that review before but ignored it because the pages were taking so long to load. Now that I've persisted with it all questions are answered.

Bob.

Spot|DSE wrote on 4/11/2008, 6:17 PM

I own one, it's here at NAB w/me if that helps.

farss wrote on 4/11/2008, 6:34 PM

Thanks, but stuck in Sydney this NAB minding the shop :(

Bob.

riredale wrote on 4/12/2008, 10:00 AM

I have the HC3, its immediate predecessor, and like the camera a lot. Not quite as sensitive as my FX1, but otherwise a very nice image.

There is no external mic in on either camera. There is/was an adapter available (VMC-K100) through B&H, but they've been discontinued just in the past month.

Last year about this time, realizing the relative scarcity of these little $20 adapters, I bought 10 of them from B&H, thinking I would make a killing on eBay. I put one up for auction, and there was absolutely zero interest, so I sent 9 of them back to B&H a few weeks later. The irony is that I note there is presently an adapter up for auction on eBay. Current bid: $170!

Damn.

farss wrote on 4/12/2008, 10:59 PM

For my application an external mic and headphones is not needed as the camera will be on the outside of cars and planes but I'll keep my eyes open for one or two of the adaptors, could come in handy.

The other very handy gizmo from Sony is the RM-VD1 LANC controller. Pretty useless as it comes however pulled apart and with a little soldering it can be used for all manner of things.

Just picked up a HC5. If you're in Oz Sony Central have them for $699 but be warned they're going very fast. Nice to see a Sony shop with more customers than salespersons for a change.

Bob.