Sony HDR-UX7 6MP AVCHD DVD High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

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Product Details

• Item Weight: 4.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000M3HYTA
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,819 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #49 in	Camera & Photo > Camcorders > Digital DVD
  #91 in	Camera & Photo > Camcorders > High Definition

• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 18, 2005

Product Description

Manufacturer Description

The ultimate home video recording experience is the Sony HDR-UX7. Record high-definition video straight to DVD-R/- RW/+RW/+R DL (Dual Layer) media formats. This includes 5.1-channel surround sound, Super SteadyShot optical technology, an active interface shoe, 10x optical/20x digital zoom, and an assignable control dial, to name just a few of the HDR-UX7’s multitude of features.

HDR-UX7 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 or 530 lines of horizontal resolution in SD mode) and 6.1-megapixel still image performance. Unlike traditional CCD Imagers, CMOS sensors require less power and provide better battery performance.

Switchable HD/SD format recording The HDR-UX7 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video recorded on standard 3-inch DVD media.

Real-Time HD Codec engine Sony developed a Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system with reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. This engine provides efficient MPEG2 compression, and recording and playback of clear HD images at the same bit rate of the DV format, so that High Definition video can be recorded on the same MiniDV cassettes as are used for SD recording.

x.v. Color x.v.Color 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.

DVD format video recording The DVD recording format, in both MPEG2 (SD) and AVCHD delivers digital picture and sound quality comparable to that of MiniDV and High Definition, but on DVD. Playback of these DVDs couldn't be simpler (depending upon the playback device used). After finalizing the disc in the camcorder, the disc can play back in most DVD Players (SD), computers, Blu-Ray Disc players and even PlayStation 3 video game consoles.

DVD-R/-RW/+RW and +R DL (Dual Layer) compatible The HDR-UX7 is compatible with a variety of DVD formats allowing the easy of use and simplicity found in DVD media. With DVD+RW media there is not a need to finalize the disc (minimum recording time required). Simply remove the finalized disc and insert the media into a compatible Blu- Ray Disc Player.

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 perfectg renditions of subtle tones. The additional T* coating on the lens further reduces unwanted glare and flare.

3.5-inch widescreen touch-panel Clear Photo Plus LCD The 3.5-inch 16:9 LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with imporoved resoltuion. The 211K-pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, and 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 Duo media slot Capture still images up to 2848 x 2136 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick Duo media for easy trasfer to PCs for emailing, printing or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick media 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 Duo media.

Super SteadyShot image stabilization system Picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera "shake" without compromising picture quality like some other 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 unfocused so that the subject stands out.

Additional Features

• Built-in intelligent flash
• Super NightShot infrared system
• Scene Selection modes
• Picture effects
• Fader effects
• InfoLithium battery with AccuPower meter system
• Stamina battery power management system
• On-screen zoom and record buttons
• Easy Handycam button
• One-touch wide-angle shooting
• Manual focus
• Multi-language menu
• DVD format video recording

Product Description

The HDR-UX7 3.2 Megapixel High Definition DVD Camcorder records straight to a 3-inch DVD-R, -RW, +RW & +R DL (Dual Layer) media formats. This includes 5.1ch surround sound, Super SteadyShot(R) Optical technology, Active Interface Shoe, 10x Optical/20x Digital Zoom and an assignable control dial. Unlike traditional CCD Imagers, CMOS Sensors require less power, providing better battery performance. 1/2.9-inch ClearVid CMOS Sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video, 1080 lines of resolution in HD Mode or 530 lines of horizontal resolution in SD Mode. The HDR-UX7 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video recorded on standard 3-inch (8cm) DVD media. The 3.5-inch Wide (16:9) LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution which rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier. The Image Stabilization System controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies. Super NightShot(R) Infrared System Recording Media - DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R DL (Dual Layer) Memory Stick(R) Duo Media, Memory Stick(R) PRO Duo Media Scene Modes - Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, and Sunrise & Sunset LANC Terminal - Stereo Mini Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output Headphone Jack Microphone Input HDMI Connection Output / USB Built-in Stereo Microphone Dimensions - 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch (82 x 82 x 138mm) Weight - 1 pounds 6 ounces (650 grams) with disc and supplied battery

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Overall...very satisfied with this camcorder, June 12, 2007

By	A. Laksana (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Pros:

1. Built like a tank. Very sturdy and comfortable to grip
2. AVCHD recording gives beautiful, breathtaking pictures. It captures more color than my eyes can. Outdoor shootings are incredible, even with just HD SP setting. Indoor is OK.
3. Big LCD
4. Nice NP-FH70 battery included
5. Downconverted AVCHD to Std Def DVD Video using the supplied software is incredible and retains the DD 5.1 sound as well. It matches or even surpasses the quality of the Sony top of the line std def DVD camcorder DCR-DVD508.
6. AVCHD can be recorded on a regular DVD-R media. We can combine multiple mini-DVD into one DVD-R for at least 1 hour video in AVCHD. Once the next generation HD player like Blu-ray becomes affordable, you can watch incredible HD picture using the regular DVD blanks.
7. Mini-DVD doesn't require you to connect the camcorder to PC when transferring the video to PC

Cons:

1. Recording time. This is the trade-off of choosing Mini-DVD. One Mini-DVD can record only about 14 minutes at HQ setting and 18 minutes at SP. I haven't tried the highest HQ+ setting, I'm thinking like a Hummer gas mileage.
2. Heavier than average DVD-Camcorder. This is the trade-off of having very large CMOS sensor.
3. AVCHD playback options are very limited right now. Only the camcorder itself and Blu-ray player can play it.
4. Downconverting AVCHD to Std-Def DVD takes a lot of your PC muscle. I left it overnight and it was completed in the morning.
5. TOUCH SCREEN!!! Sony please get away from this very annoying feature. The beautiful glossy LCD screen is full of smudge from my fingerprint. Playing back to my TV using HDMI, I still have to open the LCD to press the play button, and the HDMI cable gets on the way when I try to open and close the LCD.

Besides those cons I've mentioned above, it is still a great camera. I don't regret at all of choosing DVD. The decision of using tape vs. mini-DVD vs. HDD is yours. Every media has its own pros and cons, but you can't go wrong to go with HD camcorder right now.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best value, Best Camera, June 19, 2007

By	Rob Robinson "Pastorob" (Northern Arizona) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was looking for a hard drive High Def camera. I purchased the JVC GZ HD7 and took it home. The camera was $1,800 and rated at much higher resolution but the picture quality was nothing compared to this Sony HDR UX7.

Everyone complains about the 15 minute recording time in full High Def but I don't think that is a problem. If you think aboit it, how boring are home movies anyway! Short scenes, short clips for 15 total minutes is plenty of time to look at a home movie. If you need more time, say 30 minutes or more, just use two DVD-R's or a DVD+R DL.

With the $1,800 Sony I had to buy another $400 DVD burner to get my movies onto DVD, with this little Sony, as soon as I finish shooting, the DVD is done!

With the expensive JVC, the indoor recordings were terrible, with this little Sony they are stunning!

I have done alot of research and spend alot of time at many elecronic stores, this Sony Camera is the Best Value for the money out there. If you just want to be able to record High Def movies fast and be able to have them on a DVD, this is the Camera for you. Don't worry about AVCHD format, very soon there will be many software programs to edit this format. I own 5 Macs and I know that in the next 2 months there will be at least 2 programs to edit AVCHD.

The touch screen is awesome, very intuitive and easy to navigate. Despite the negative comments about getting finger prints on the screen, I like this function. Hey with clean hands the screen doesn't get that dirty!

Quality and construction of this camera is the best I have seen. It is solid and feels awsome in your hands.

You can buy this camera under $1,000 here at Amazon, don't bother with Electronic Stores.

Happy recording, with this awesome camera.

Rob

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressed by ease of use and quality, May 31, 2007

By	Ramana Bhamidipati (Limassol, Cyprus) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Firstly I am impressed by this camcorder. I will tell you why and what 'more' I would I have loved if it were there!

I was shopping for a camcorder - and had loads to choose from - DVD, HDD, HD, from various manufacturers and various features. I had earlier TRV820 from SOny for last 7 years which I enjoyed thoroughly. But lost patient over time to capture the video, edit and then burn it on a DVD and then watch.. as Tapes are very difficult to maintain and over a period of time take space and are prone to loosing the data.

This time I was looking for simple but one of the best camcorders - as all I wanted was best of features and quality and as simple as take the DVD out and watch it on a home theatre with no what-so-ever headaches of editing and reburning! UX7 achieved that for me.

Very easy to operate, high quality images and video, nice touch screen that responds very well, menu options are very few - but thats what all you need, very well thought about and provided inputs / outputs. And 5.1 mic works excellent!! Overall I will recommend any one to go for it. HDD I avoided as again I need to capture back and edit and burn DVD's! a NO - NO for me!

What is miss - Firewire (USB does very well on UX7 though)so no complaints, Capture a video frame while playback as a jpeg image (this feature is very handy where you shoot the video and while playing back you want to capture an image of a scene - this I loved on my TRV820 - alternatively I use the software while playing back to capture this which negates my requirement of doing away with editing), and the third is the viewfinder could have been bigger - though I seldomly use it.

This camcorder - UX7 indeed is a great piece, excellent and easy to handle, and its looks and feel do impress.