suggestions:buying PANASONIC HDC-SD5 CAMCORDER

[ajex]

Hi,

I have been in search for HD camcorder and had advertised here as well and have now probably found the right one..

My Mate's neighbour has PANASONIC HDC-SD5 CAMCORDER which he wants to get rid of as he is moving abroad..

I am thinking of buying the same as it meets my budget ..( LOL i think I can talk him down to 300 quids..) Have ploughed the web and am happy with the reviews..

I used to have sharp mini dv camcorder for quite a while..

I am going to his place to have a look and buy it ..

Any pointers on things to be checked/make sure will be most appreciated..

As once he is gone I won't have any recourse to him..

Many thanks in advance

Ajex

[rogs]

Two points --good camera -- £300 is too much!

Although the SD5 cost well over £500 when new, it is now two generations adrift, and things have moved on, with prices falling.

I've had my SD5 for 18 months, and have been very pleased with it, but it does have a couple of minor things that you need to be aware of:
The battery is internal, and AFAIK, only the Panasonic VW VBG 130 battery will fit, and they are quite expensive (about £60 from Jessops, for example.).
The later models, like the SD9 and later models, had external battery locations, and some of the cheaper 'clone' batteries can be made to work - but not on the SD5

Second thing to check. The SD5 has an internal fan for cooling. Make sure it is not too noisy, or it will be picked up by the camera microphone. Should be OK - mine is not too bad.

Later models do not have a fan.

Also the SD5 won't record progressive footage like the later models. That's not usually a problem, but you need to be aware of it.

So - a good camera overall, but not worth more than about £200 second hand (IMHO of course!)

[ajex]

@rogs..

Many thanks for the pointers and the comment about the price and fan issue .. Much appreciated..

I have searched and searched and have not found old one selling for 200 odd quids but feedback from you a owner is precious..

Any more comments and pointers are certainly most welcome..

Ajex

[ajex]

bump!!!

Guys please help me !!!..

Ajex.

[A n d r e w]

Originally Posted by ajex

bump!!! Guys please help me !!!..

With what, exactly? Rogs has pretty much run you through the pros and cons. The only thing I'd add is that you may want to confirm that it's a UK / Euro model, and not an imported model. £300 is definitely too much for an SD5 that is out of its warranty period, but only you can decide how much you're willing to pay.

[ajex]

Thanks ..

what was looking for is general tips - what I all things I should check technicaly before parting with money..

Had a word with a seller and have already talked him down in price so will update u guys when i pick it up..

Ajex

Originally Posted by A n d r e w

With what, exactly? Rogs has pretty much run you through the pros and cons. The only thing I'd add is that you may want to confirm that it's a UK / Euro model, and not an imported model. £300 is definitely too much for an SD5 that is out of its warranty period, but only you can decide how much you're willing to pay.

[ajex]

Thanks for your replies..

Picked it up yesterday and happy so far!!


Ajex