Which AVCHD Camcorder To Buy? Panasonic HDC-SD5 or Sony HDR-CX7

I have been thinking about getting an HD Camcorder for a while now. I am now looking at the solid state AVCHD Camcorders from Panasonic and Sony.

I still can’t decide to get Panasonic HDC-SD5 or Sony HDR-CX7. Each has its own strength and weaknesses. I wish that I could have a combination of both. Panasonic HDC-SD5 uses three (3) CCD sensors, while Sony HDR-CX7 uses one (1) CMOS sensor. Sony HDR-CX7 has the NightShot® Infrared System which I really like and Active Interface Shoe. Based on the specs, Panasonic HDC-SD5 has higher effective pixels, web-cam feature, uses SD-card which is generally cheaper than Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media.

Anyway, I still can’t make up my mind between the two.

3 Replies to “Which AVCHD Camcorder To Buy? Panasonic HDC-SD5 or Sony HDR-CX7”

SPS says:

October 18, 2007 at 8:53 pm

So did you get one – if so which one and how do you like it?

Currently I am leaning toward Sony HDR-CX7, because I like the NighShot feature.

I am also currently adding the new Sanyo Xacti HD1000 into the mix.

I’ll be buying one really soon. As for the quality of the picture, the Sony HDR-CX7 looks pretty good. Panasonic HDC-SD5 looks good too, but as I said it’s a tough call.
SPS says:

October 19, 2007 at 3:16 pm

Yeah just spent an hour with both and still am up in the air. I think I’m going Panny route. I like Nightshot, but don’t really use it on my current cam. Liking SDHC cost over memorystick, plus the Panny is just a bit smaller and not as wide. Let me know what you decide…

Would wait to look at the Sanyo, but vacation is in two weeks 🙂
Rick McCharles says:

October 29, 2007 at 10:23 pm

I am torn between the two as well.

http://rickmccharles.com/?p=2548

One reviewer loves the Panasonic editing on a MacBook in iMovie 8.

But I’ve always had good luck with Sony in the past.

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