Sony HDR-CX7 AVCHD 6.1MP High Definition Flash Memory Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

by Sony

Product Details

• Item Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000PQHMGO
• Item model number: HDR-CX7
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,132 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 18, 2005

Product Description

Manufacturer Description

For the first time, record High Definition directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo media card. The HDR-CX7 includes a professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens and Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization, so you can capture the detail and clarity of high definition. Plus, you can take still images and video at the same time, all with exceptional battery life so you're sure to capture every moment.

HDR-CX7 Highlights

3.2-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor The 1/2.9-inch ClearVid CMOS sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (1080 lines of resolution in HD Mode; 530 lines of horizontal resolution in SD Mode) and still image performance (6.1-megapixel). Unlike traditional CCD imagers, CMOS sensors require less power, providing better battery performance.

Switchable HD/SD format recording The HDR-CX7 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video recorded on Memory Stick PRO Duo media (sold separately).

x.v.Color Technology x.v.Color technology can capture or display nearly twice as many (1.8x) viewable colors than currently possible. This provides a more accurate and vivid color range, for a more natural, lifelike overall experience.

10x optical/20x digital zoom The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, the digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario- Sonnar T* lens Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones. The additional T* coating on the lens further reduces unwanted glare and flare.

2.7-inch widescreen Hybrid touch-panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display The 2.7-inch 16:9 LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resoltuion. The 211K-pixel screen also rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

Smooth slow record By increasing the record rate from 60 fields per second (fps) to 240 fps for 3 seconds allowing you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. This is great for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, record an audio track to narrate what is being seen in the video.

Memory Stick PRO Duo Media slot Capture still images up to 2848 x 2136 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick PRO Duo Media for easy trasfer to PCs for emailing, printing or shairing with other compatible Memory Stick PRO Duo devices.

Dual record While recording video in High Definition you have the ability to capture a 4.6-megapixel still image directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo media.

Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization system An advanced form of Sony's SteadyShot Image Stabilization system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies. This optical stabilization system achieves an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of vide like some digital stabilization systems.

Tele Macro function Useful for shooting close up shots, but without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocussed so that the subject stands out.

Active Interface Shoe Provides a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.

Built-in intelligent flash For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows.

Super NightShot infrared system With Sony's NightShot infrared system, capture video in total darkeness (0 lux) up to 10 feet away. Super NightShot mode automatically adjusts the shutter speed to increase picture brightness and clarity. Color Slow Shutter mode allows you to record in low light situations with full color detail by slowing down the shutter speed.

Scene Selection modes Scene Selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, and Sunrise & Sunset.

Product Description

The HDR-CX7 lets you store high definition video on Memory Stick PRO Duo media, for the ultimate in small size and light weight. The 6 megapixel still image mode, 3 megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor, and professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens deliver stunning images, while a 10x optical/20x digital zoom gets you close to the action. You can use the Dual Record Mode to capture still images and video at the same time, while Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization helps ensure clear images. Even the 2.7 wide Clear Photo LCD Plus display featuring touch panel SwivelScreen technology helps make sure you capture great-looking video.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

99 of 104 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jaw Dropping Quality for it's size + HUGE WOW Factor, August 16, 2007

By 

Krishna Polina (Leesburg, VA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony HDR-CX7 AVCHD 6.1MP High Definition Flash Memory Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I happened to own Canon HV20 Camcorder briefly until I saw this camcorder with my friend. I loved everything about HV20 except it's cheap(call it ugly) design and build quality. Also, I didn't like the concept of tape anymore after having over 30+ MiniDVs that are collecting dust.

I've owned a MiniDV Camcorder now for over 8 years and it still works great. But, I could never transfer 30+ tapes I have taken so far to any media except the first one. Why?

Tape based vs Flash Media
The DV Tape capture is a nightmare process. Takes forever to capture to PC, edit and burn DVD. With flash media, I can delete any scene I don't like right on camcorder and later don't have to deal with it while editing. Also, when I shoot silent scenes (which is very rare), I can hear the tape motor sound. I noticed this even on the new Canon HV20. Also, sometimes we want to delete some scenes we recorded earlier on the tape. That is practically useless on tape as that space on tape is wasted. With flash memory, you delete a scene and the memory available increases right away.
Some reviewers say Flash memory is expensive. While true it can't be too expensive for someone who sheds 1K on a camcorder. Moreover, their prices are falling faster than the real-estate prices in Northern Virginia. You can get couple of 4GBs and one Portable Storage Device(PSD) like WOLVERINE DATA FlashPac 7-in-1 Memory Card Reader and 60 GB Storage Device 7060 and you are done with buying any more flash memory. PSD can also be used as a backup device for all your photo and video collection if can buy HyperDrive Space, 160 GB Memory Card Backup Storage Device for 18 Types of Memory Cards.

Now to the video quality:
I wasn't expecting CX7 to be as good as HV20 because of its miniature size. But, I was thrilled to see both look exactly the same. At least to my eyes when I blew the picture in my Home Theater with 12 feet wide screen played from Panasonic AX100U Front Projector. I played CX7 by inserting the memory stick in my PS3. I tested some shots taken in dark conditions and in bright outdoors. Both are great camcorders. I saw no noise in either of them with basic indoor lighting from recessed lights. I also shot with my Old Mini DV Camcorder in Standard format and it looked terrible on 12 foot screen as expected. I felt it was worth the upgrade after comparing all three.

Audio:
CX7 shines here. It was able to create a surround sound effect when a flight flew above me when I was shooting. That made the recording feel more realistic. Also, CX7 definitely has the advantage of not having a motor running close to it like the tape based models have.

The digital pictures are also of decent quality. I would say as good as any compact 4 to 5+ MP cameras out there.

Sony did a wonderful job with the design of this camcorder and it's great they didn't skip on active shoe that can be used to attach external video light/flash and microphone.

What should Sony do to their next model?
I think they can increase the camcorder size slightly and add a viewfinder.

Must buy accessories:
SanDisk 4 GB Ultra II Memory Stick PRO Duo (SDMSPDH-4096-901, Retail Package)
Sony NPFH70 H Series Actiforce Hybrid InfoLithium Battery for most Sony Camcorders
Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light (3-Watt) for DCR-PC55, DCR-SR80, SR100, SR200, HDR-HC3, HC5, HDR-UX1 & UX5 Camcorders
Sony BCTRP Battery Charger for DCR-HC, DCR-DVD, HDR-HC3, HC5, HC7, HDR-UX5 & UX7 Camcorders
Mini HDMI cable from Monoprice dot com which costs around $6.

I will try to update my review after I shoot with it for couple of weeks on my India Trip!

Updated after my return from India Trip.
First, thanks to amazon for price matching my purchase with the new price which is $60 less than what I paid almost 5 weeks back.
Now, my opinion about the camcorder after extension use in India. I recorded over 3 hours in FullHD. I took a cruise on River Godavari which takes me through valleys, and villages and across islands with temples. I got my full camcorder's worth with that trip recording. When I came home I watched it in my 12 foot wide 2.35:1 screen using PS3. I can say video quality looked as good as any HD programming (even though my recording style was not of professional style). It's noise free and the video stabilization worked excellent and it shows when I used the zoom way too much at times.
I also recorded a wedding which is indoors with less lighting. Since I used Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light, the video looks like HD. Sometimes, I had to record without the Video light and in very dim lighting. Those recording had good amount of grain. But that is expected from such compact version camcorder. I recommend anyone who buys this camcorder to also get the Video light. I was able to record upto an hour without having to change the battery. Unless you plan to record over an hour of video at once or plan to use video light a lot, you can manage without an extra battery.

Now, can't wait to order Sony VRDMC5 DVDirect DVD Recorder to convert my recording on to DVD in AVCHD format so I can play on my PS3.

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great and TINY camcorder, July 12, 2007

By 

John Reynolds (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony HDR-CX7 AVCHD 6.1MP High Definition Flash Memory Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I love this camcorder! I received it in the mail today, so this review is still fresh, but so far, I like what I am seeing. The camera is incredibly light and small, even more so than I originally thought it would be. In fact, it's almost so small that my hand wraps all the way around it which in and of itself isn't such a great thing given that the wrist wrap doesn't really serve that much of a purpose anymore. I find that when holding it, I prop it up with my right hand and balance it with my left. The LCD screen is quite large for how small the camcorder is, which is nice, and all of the buttons, while taking a bit of time to figure out, are easy to use and hit with your finger. The memory stick pro duo slot is small and I can see how it might be easy to damage a duo card, especially when transferring cards in/out if you are doing a lot of filming, but in general it's not so bad. I haven't tried the HDMI port since apparently it's one of those mini-HDMI ports Sony seems so fond of these days, but I have hooked the camera up to my 60" Sony SXRD via component (via the included Handycam base station). The picture on HD (SP) -- the default HD video mode, looks really good, even in low lighting conditions, though I found the footage to be a little bit grainy. When upping the picture quality to XP (highest quality), any and all colors just POPPED out onto the screen, and a bit of the graininess was eliminated. Easy and fun to use, small (great for travelling) and a great picture, I give this one 4 stars not 5 only because of small faults in the picture quality and because of the need and current cost of buying extra components such as extra memory stick duo cards, avchd players for home media setups, etc.

July 26th:

--Still liking the camera. I bought the NPFH70 battery as an extra battery--the battery that comes with the camera doesn't really last that long (long enough for at least one full HD shooting onto my 8GB memory stick, but not two full shootings).

--The AVCHD format is really growing on me because of its size and manageability from a home media standpoint. Personally, I don't NEED cinema quality HD, and the HD this camcorder provides is pretty darn impressive as is. Basically, I am willing to sacrifice SOME (small) loss in quality for the huge gain you get in compression.

In addition, the software support for AVCHD is growing. You're starting to see the major software editing suites add some support one way or another. Final Cut Studio for example now has an AVCHD transcoder capability, and on Windows, there are plenty of $50-100 software programs out there that will do conversions and burn to CD, as well as editing software that currently supports it or plan to support it in the near future (Pinnacle Studio, Ulead, Sony's Vegas software). But, in general, I wouldn't recommend EDITING in this format to begin with. It's way way too compressed for fast editing from what I hear, and you'd do better if you're doing professional editing to convert it to another format using any of the above software suites first.

I think it's a great format and camera for high-end consumer/home camcorder use which is what this camera is meant for, but definitely not for an avid professional who's a serious video/audiophile--if that's the case, plop down a few more bucks and get the features you're looking for.

45 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Don't expect perfect quality and you'll probably be happy..., August 31, 2007

By 

Patrick Niemeyer (St. Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony HDR-CX7 AVCHD 6.1MP High Definition Flash Memory Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Having not seen any HD video from a camcorder I was expecting something more than I got... In the right lighting it is very sharp and nice, but in anything other than perfect lighting the video is *very* grainy... This is not HD video of the kind you see on t.v... it's sharp, but has extremely poor color depth. The "X.V Color" that they advertise seems to mean "crank up the saturation artificially to a ridiculous level"... which sometimes is ok, but really just overcompensates for the poor color depth... People's faces are flat pancakes of orange tone... and in general colors are only passable when lighting is great.

The features are nifty and overall the form factor is nice. I'm just not sure that the image quality is worth giving up a 3CCD minidv standard def for... it's a really tough choice.

One more minor thing - the "240 fps" super slow mode is neat, but they don't mention that it records in very low def for some reason... not terribly usable on a hi-def output.

Again, I am not comparing this to other HD camcorders because I have not seen the output of those... And everything I"ve read about this cam says that the HD quality is good or great. But from an objective viewer who's not used to anything but t.v. HD the quality is borderline at best...

I'll probably keep it until something better comes along and then upgrade. I'd be very curious to know if the quality is a limitation of AVCHD or just this camera.


thanks,
Pat

UPDATE:

I'm adding this update after having used the camera for several months - reasonably happy with the camera.

I'm finding that the quality is actually pretty good, especially if you do any further compression. E.g. I can scale the video down to 1280x720 at medium quality and it still looks great... in fact smoother and more natural... I can get an hour of video down to about 1.5Gigs this way (using Final Cut on my Mac) for presentation (I still keep the originals of course).

My biggest complaint right now is the incredibly slow startup time of the camera. It takes at least *10 seconds* from turning the knob to being able to hit the record button. This means that if you're not really prepared you'll miss a lot of priceless baby moments :) And if you do hit the record button prematurely you may not notice that you're not recording at all and totally blow it... This has happened to me several times.

I was going to bump up my star rating to 4 based on getting used to the video quality and overall happiness with the product, but I'm going to leave it at 3 because of this glaring defect of the slow startup time.


Pat