Among Sony’s sleeker models is the HDR-CX7 AVCHD camcorder.  It’s akin to Panasonic’s HDC-SD1 in size.  Both camcorders record in high definition AVCHD to flash media.  The HDR-CX7 uses Memory Stick while the HDC-SD1 uses SDHC cards.  At about $1200 MSRP, the HDR-CX7 exemplifies low-profile, silent-running, rapidly-deployable speed.

The HDR-CX7 records in AVCHD compression, which is a newly developed MPEG-4 codec.  This AVCHD format supports both the 720p and 1080i HD standards and has the ability to record smaller file sizes onto non-tape media.  AVCHD can produce sharp videos, but it can create more noise than HDV and motion trailing.  For professional users, HDV format still delivers higher resolution and an image less compromised by compression.

Sony still uses its proprietary memory card in HDR-CX7, the Memory Stick Pro Duo.  Cost and availability are the only problem of Memory Stick over SDHC of Panasonic.  However, Memory Stick offers durability, reusability and high speed transfer.  A 4GB Memory Stick Pro Duo card can hold approximately 30 minutes in XP recording, 55 minutes in HQ, 65 minutes in SP and 85 minutes in LP.  However, the HDR-CX7 does not ship with a memory card in the box.

Sony introduces the HDR-CX7 with the top-end ClearVID CMOS sensor measuring 1/2.9” with a gross pixel count of 3.2 megapixels and an effective pixel count of 2.28 megapixels.  The HDR-HC7, released earlier, has the same 1/2.9” CMOS sensor.  You will expect that both camcorders will output similar performance and identical resolution.  Using a 1/2.9” CMOS, the HDR-CX7 shows a drop in low light video quality than the HDR-HC3, which uses a 1/3” ClearVID CMOS.

The most obvious drawback of AVCHD video is how it treats motion.  The camcorder shows a much more prominent image trailing.  Though it is minimal, you should be aware of it.  AVCHD format tends to be noisier than HDV especially in severe low light conditions.  However, the AVCHD is still an impressive technology and the HDR-CX7 delivers video performance that is close to that of the HDV camcorders.

Like video, the HDR-CX7 can record stills in resolutions up to 2848 x 2136 (6.1MP) onto a Memory Stick Pro Duo card.  During active video recording, it can also record in 2848 x 1602 (4.6MP) resolutions with options for 2048 x 1536 (3.1MP) and 640 x 480 (VGA).

Just like any other Sony camcorders, the HDR-CX7 comes with the Easy button for ease of use and convenience.  Beginners can easily adjust with this camcorder in full auto mode.  Its menu system offers quick navigation and advantages over traditional scrolling interface as seen on some camcorders.  As seen on the Option Menu, there are five tabs to allow key manual control access like exposure and white balance.  The same manual and automatic controls are available for video recording and still captures.  One drawback is using the touch screen for making manual control adjustments.

There’s nothing to worry about tapes or DVDs.  The HDR-CX7 is a flash camcorder and memory cards are very convenient to bring anywhere with you.  The Memory Stick cards are very small and a larger capacity card will hold more videos and stills.  Though expensive, these cards can store a day’s worth of footage and you can store them in a wallet without worrying the bulge.  You can also slip in the cards onto any computer for playback or transfer.

With the supplied battery, the HDR-CX7 weighs at approximately 450g and is smaller than the Panasonic HDC-SD1 is.  This camcorder has a slight edge when it comes to handling, considering a good balance in your hand and the controls’ placement.  The Active Interface Shoe is another advantage.  It allows you to add compatible Sony accessories, but to use third-party mic, you’ll need to purchase a third-party adapter.

In some ways, the camcorder bears some similarities to the Panasonic.  It has no headphone jack, no rotary ring and a poor manual control interface when it comes to changing focus.

The Option Menu adds up to the ease of use feature of the HDR-CX7.  In any recording mode, this menu is easily available via a button at the lower right corner of its 2.7-inch LCD.  Along the base of the LCD screen, a several-tabbed display appears for image control options.  These options are Focus, Spot Focus, Tele Macro, Exposure, Spot Meter, Scene Selection, White Balance, Color Slow Shutter and Super NightShot on/off.  Other tabs contain Faders, Digital, Picture Effects and record quality settings.

The HDR-CX7 also has the Home Menu, which you can access through the button at the top left corner of the LCD screen.  It also displays a five-tabbed interface that includes submenus for Camera, View Images, Manage Memory Stick, Settings and Others.  These tabbed menus are substitute for the endless scroll found on other Sony camcorders and are a bit more manageable.

The touch screen LCD has a resolution of 0.211 megapixels and a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio.  It’s a good display producing a sharp color reproduction, but this is also the sole display for the menu and manual control interface.  The 2.7-inch size of the LCD screen may not be roomy enough to adjust those controls while on the move.  There’s no viewfinder on this HDR-CX7, so the LCD is the only medium you’ll monitor your images.

The exclusion of the viewfinder may save space and money, yet it can be disturbing to some consumer.  In cases that the LCD is difficult to use, a viewfinder is a much better option.  Viewfinders can save more power thus extending the battery life of the camcorder.  In addition, the screen can accumulate fingerprints that may blur the screen in the end.

The HDR-CX7 has an onboard mic that allows you to record Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound.  However, it does not have the option to set levels for each channel manually.  The Active Interface Shoe can extend its audio option.  The only drawback of the hot shoe, like in most Sony camcorders, is that it only caters to Sony proprietary accessories.

You can find the basic ports and terminals on HDR-CX7.  It has an included accessory, the Handycam Station.  This cradle houses the USB 2.0 port, composite video out and charging terminal.  The cradle has its own benefit but it’s better to have these ports available on the camera especially if you’re going on a long trip.

This HDR-CX7 offers much better still capabilities, an accessory shoe, portability and better price.  An added factor is that AVCHD editing is possible making this camcorder appear on top of the consumer’s must-haves.

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Technical Specifications

Hardware

• Light/Flash : Yes
• Media Card slot : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media
• Docking Station : Yes (Handycam Station® cradle)