Sunday, October 23, 2011

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

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.

Amazon Sales Rank: #8090 in Camera & Photo Brand: Sony Model: HDR-CX7 Dimensions: 2.00 pounds Display size: 2.7 Record high-definition (AVCHD) video direct to Memory Stick PRO Duo media cards 1/2.9-inch ClearVid CMOS sensor; Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens 2.7-inch widescreen hybrid touch-panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display Simultaneous video and 4.6-megapixel still image capture Easy one-touch disc-burn; Handycam Station included

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.

Most helpful customer reviews 98 of 103 people found the following review helpful. Jaw Dropping Quality for it's size + HUGE WOW Factor By Krishna Polina 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

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