Cheap Digital Cameras For Sale: Sony HDR-CX7 AVCHD 6.1MP High Definition Flash Memory Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom Review

Average Reviews:
4.0 out of 5 stars

(More customer reviews)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.

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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-inch wide Clear Photo LCD Plus display featuring touch panel SwivelScreen technology helps make sure you capture great-looking video.