Sony's HDR-HC5 Camcorder

I want to buy a video camera before our Singapore trip next week. When we last had an out of the country vacation, my cousin was with us and he brought his video camera to capture all the memories of that vacation. When we got back, he even edited it and gave each one of us a DVD copy so we can watch it anytime we like. Our Hong Kong DVD was one of Bela’s favorite DVD to watch since she loves seeing all the Disney characters again. So for our Singapore trip, I want capture everything too so Bela can always watch it and recall our fun family vacation.

I have been checking Sony’s website and I’m really interested with their High Definition Video Cam HDR-HC5. Here is a quick preview of its features:

* Record in Full High Definition Video 1080i
* ClearVid CMOS Sensor
* x.v.Colour
* Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens
* 2.7" WIDE Clear Photo Touch Screen LCD
* Spot Focus and Metering
* Super NightShot
* Super SteadyShot
* Easy Handycam® Button
* Dual Record 2.3 Mega Pixels Still Image in "MOVIE" Rec Mode
* 4.0 Mega Pixels Still Image Capture
* Record / Zoom Button on LCD Frame
* HDMI Output
* High Quality 16:9 Widescreen Recording
* Smooth Slow Record with sound
* Actiforce H Series Battery

What I like about this handy cam is that it still uses Mini DV which is the media type that my cousin recommends. According to my cousin who is a videographer, he doesn’t recommend video cam that saves directly to a hard disk or a DVD. The disc for the DVD type video cam is expensive compared to mini DV and it not editable. As for the hard disk, he said that an 80 GB of hard disk can only store up to 7 hours of video. This means after 7 hours of recording, I have to download it to my PC or replace the hard disk of my camera.

I am convince that mini DV is the way to go so I called he shops in Quiapo yesterday to inquire if they have stocks and to my disappointed, all of them carries high end video cams and video cams that saves directly to a hard disk and DVD. Their stock for mini DV type of video cam might be available next week.

Oh well, Howell will be dropping by at Quiapo later to look at the other shops in Quiapo and hopefully he will be able to find one.