Customer Reviews

Sony DCRIP7BT MicroMV Digital Camcorder w/ 2.5" Hybrid LCD, 8MB Memory Stick, MPEG Movie, & Network Capability

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

The size of the DCRIP7 is fantastic. Great to
hold, really slides into your pocket, and all the knobs
are quite functional given the size of the camcorder.

However, no matter what the form factor, the bottom line
on any camcorder is the color and picture quality. If
it were not for the form factor, I would give this a
rating of zero!

The color, focus, and clarity [stink] big time. Make sure you
project the output of the camera directly onto a computer
or TV set, and not make a judgement based on the image
on the LCD screen. I took my unit back and demonstrated
what I was talking about with the unit on the floor.
Same thing. Red objects look different, focus is terrible,
(so much for the CZ lens), and the image is grainy.

Very disappointed!!

As a devoted Sony customer and a contented user of the DCR-TRV11, I had high hopes for the smaller DCR1P7BT. The size and fucntionality of the DCR17BT was superb, but its utility is plagued by its video downloading difficulty. Several different programs have to be installed. After installing Movieshaker, Quicktime, DirectX8a and an upgrade driver for Windows 2000, the camera still would not download using a FireWire connection. I have attempted downloading on FOUR SONY PCs (2 running Windows 2000, and two running XP and failed every single time. I returned the camera to Circuit City after 24 hours of frustration. My TRV11 downloads flawlessly. The last thing I need with a videocamera is downloading problems. With firewire devices, downloading should be nearly effortless.

First of all, the Bluetooth feature is absolutely useless. You can only use it to upload to Sony's website using a 56k dialup. Forget about using it to upload videos.

Second, it uses a Sony proprietary video format called MicroMV. As such, can only use the bundled MovieShaker to import and edit your video footage. This doesn't seem to be a big deal except that MovieShaker is extremely slow.

Do yourself a favor, do a search on the web for reviews of this unit. I returned mine ...

the dcrip7BT is for the early adopters among us. it has "wow" written all over it but make sure you're ready for the limitations of the microMV format. it improves on the ip5 by adding still capability and bluetooth.

pros:
- small size, and lightweight: 1.88"W x 4.0"H x 3.13"L weighing 12 oz. this is the main selling point of this camcorder.
- 10x optical zoom.
- Super SteadyShot image stabilization - and sony's system works.
- delivers vibrant colors when shooting in daylight.
- still photo capability (low res only).
- connectivity options: firewire, S-video, composite, bluetooth, USB.

cons:
- microMV format is proprietary and may go the way of betamax.
- microMV video quality is noticeably worse than MiniDV.
- microMV also uses a different data-compression scheme than MiniDV, which means that it may be incompatible with your DV-editing software.
- low-res still photo capability suitable only for email or posting on web.
- no video light.
- not Mac compatible.
- very bad ergonomics - a small camcorder will have small buttons and consolidated controls.
- as with most sony products, you pay a premium, pushing up the price.
- battery life could be better.
- only 2.5" LCD.
- non-intuitive menu system.
- no headphone or mic input jack.
- no accessory shoe.

given the limitations of the microMV format, a smaller camcorder is the only reason to use it. and a tiny camcorder is what sony has delivered and that's why this is a four star product for me. but if you can stand a slightly bigger camcorder, check out other miniDV options. these are more affordable, better supported, and almost as portable.

i hope this helps your buying decision. peace.

All of the negative reviews are un-warranted. If you want to buy this unit, make sure you understand what it was designed for.

I saw a Sony Exec talking about it at a marketing show; she was discussing their ad strategy for it. The Exec stated that it was designed for a business traveller who wanted a TINY camcorder to take some "hobby" shots while on the road.

I bought this unit for a BUSINESS trip to Hong Kong. For this purpose this camera was PERFECT. It easily fits in your briefcase. Until you own this thing, you have no idea what a leap it is in terms of size. On my trip, I would routinely just stick it in my (bulging) pocket.

For this size comes a tradeoff. The camera opeates on MPEG2. The CCD has a lower than normal resolution. Both of these are okay; the larger problem is, at this size, you can get a lot of camera shake (even with the stabilzer feature). Overall, the picture quality is fine.

I would not own this as your only camcorder. I would not use this for any "movie making" or run of the mill home vidoes. I would however HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to anyone that wants to take videos on a business trip and not look like a tourist; or needs to grab some video to show their spouse who didn't get to go.

You can't beat this camera for portability! I have owned this camera for almost a year now and have been pleased with its performance. I chose to buy this camera for its small size because I was going on a trip to Europe with my best friend. I kept this camera close at hand in my purse the whole time. It was great to be able to take out this camera and record at the drop of a hat!

I had traveled to Europe before with another friend and he took a normal sized camcorder. When I travel to Europe, I don't like to stick out as a tourist and I was constantly embarrassed when he would take out his regular camcorder and take video because it was so obvious that we were tourists.

With my Sony DCR-IP7BT on my most recent Europe trip, I was able to take tons of video without anyone noticing! When people did notice that I had a camera out, they thought it was only a still camera because it was so small.

I have used the video editing software with much success. :) Granted, it takes a while to edit your video, but it is so simple and there are so many effects you can add, I don't think the average person will be disappointed. I have edited our vacation video and really enjoyed being able to do the editing on my laptop computer and adding in the special effects.

I have really enjoyed owning this small camcorder. It was so useful and I will never again take a normal sized camcorder on vacation. I'm sure you could get better video and still picture resolution on another camera; but because this camera is so delightfully compact, I can't complain.

This camera is perfect for someone who is concered about size and portability. It is not cheap, but I have no regrets when I watch video of priceless memories from my trip to Europe.

From buying this totally waste of technology. Call up any Good Guys / Circuit City and ask them what the most returned camera has been in the last few months - it'll be the new MicroMV cameras. They are all awful. The resolution is awful - all you have to do is look at footage on a TV and you'll see what i mean.

Another HUGE disadvantage - MPEG2 encoding - NONE, I MEAN NONE, of the software NLE's (non-linear editors) support MPEG2 - so therefore, you can't use Premier, Final Cut Pro, etc...you are forced to use this 2-bit software app that Sony put out. It's awful. I tried it. It's painful. Premiere says they will NOT support MPEG2 until more camera makers adopt it - not likely in the near future.

DON'T take a chance on such new technology, unless you're the guy who also owned the Sony mini-disc camcorder (discontinued after 6 months).

I've got a lot of toys, but this was truly an incredible buy. I read the other reviews of this camcorder and was hesitant. I have to say that the only reason for the purchase was the Sony name.

After checking out the camcorder for myself, I don't know why all the people were making such a fuss. I guess if you are a fanatic and own several camcorders to compare, you might notice some features that the bigger camcorders have (which I do). For people who one camcorder, how would you know the difference?

The size is the key. Even with a mini DV camcorder like the Sony DCR-TRV22, you notice the size (especially if you need battery life and have the longer life battery connected). It keeps you from having it by your side. Most of the moments you want to film happen when your camcorder is stored in its bag (Murphy's law #__). Not with this one. It's so small and light that I can carry it around in my hand all the time.

As far as the features, I thought it would be lacking. This is not the case. Most of the features I use readily are available and easy to use. Other larger camcorders do have more features, but how many of those do you really use? How many of us are going to go through the process of changing this and that to capture 10-20 seconds worth of film?

This is the camcorder I was waiting for. I don't know why it is discontinued. Perhaps sales were not that great due to the price... I liked it so much, I bought a second one. Some things are worth the money and the DCR-IP7BT camcorder(s) was definately one of my best buys.

Personally not a big digital picture fan- but as a camcorder, I love this product. It is my first camcorder, and I've been very happy with it. The picture is great, the small size is outstanding, and I think for most people, the features are enough.
I took it on my honeymoon, and was able to carry it in the smallest of purses out to dinner, on tours, etc. If I had a larger camcorder, with large carry-bag, it would have stayed home, and I would have missed lots of great filming opportunities.

Doesn't work with my MAC. Nightmare trying to download on PC. Sometimes works w/ an i.Link port on a Sony computer. Now it doesnt' even do that. Sometimes worked on a 3rd party FireWire card for my PC, but I had to pull card out and re-install everytime to try to get it to capture. Now that doesn't even work. MPEG2 bites, must convert w/ DOS program. MovieShaker is the worst. I hate this camera w/ a passion. I'm going to throw mine ($$$$!) away or sell it on [other online site]. Anybody want mine? I'm going to get one that plugs directly into my iMac.