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  • Performance

  • Format

  • Tour

  • Auto / Manual Controls

  • Still Features

  • Handling and Use

  • Audio / Playback / Connectivity

  • Other Features

  • Comparisons / Conclusion

  • Performance
  • Format
  • Tour
  • Auto / Manual Controls
  • Still Features
  • Handling and Use
  • Audio / Playback / Connectivity
  • Other Features
  • Comparisons / Conclusion

Performance

As of this writing, we’ve only observed the video from a pre-production HDR-FX7 model under suboptimal lighting conditions, so we can’t yet comment on the camcorder’s video performance, but we can report on what we think the video will look like given the camcorder’s specs, and its feature set. We expect the video performance of the HDR-FX7 to be quite good, thanks to the 3 x 1/4-inch ClearVID CMOS sensor arrangement. This camcorder is the first HDV camcorder to use a 3-CMOS arrangement, and each sensor produces 1120K gross and 1037 effective pixels in native 16:9 mode.

Based on the stellar performance of the single-CMOS HDR-HC3, which turned in the highest resolution scores we’ve seen in a consumer camcorder to date, we are eager to get this new camcorder into the lab. The single ClearVID CMOS on the HC3 measures 1/3" and has a higher gross (2100K) and effective (1991K) pixel count in 16:9 mode than the HDR-FX7 at 1120K and 1037K pixels respectively, which contributed to its amazing resolution. With three sensors, we expect the HDR-FX7 to turn in better color performance which should provide you with lots of information to work with when picture controls are engaged. ClearVID is a Sony technology that tilts each pixel at a 45 degree angle to improve the perceptual quality of the image, but does not boost actual pixel count.

In its one-sensor incarnation, the CMOS also increases the number of green pixels by a factor of 6 because green is the color the human eye perceives in the most detail. In contrast, the 3-CMOS arrangement gives each color – Red, Green, and Blue – its own sensor. While we would expect better color performance from a 3-sensor camcorder, the EIP’s (enhanced image processor) on the two camcorders also differ, so we’ll have to wait and see how the video images actually compare.

Another worthwhile comparison is the HDR-FX1, the FX7’s 3-CCD counterpart at the top of the Handycam line. While Sony officially refers to both of these camcorders as consumer models, most buyers and market observers place these camcorders at the low end of the prosumer category. Although the two camcorders use different imagers, both come in at 1120K gross pixels, while the FX1 has a slightly higher effective count of 1070 in 16:9, compared to 1037K for the FX7. According to Sony, the three ClearVID CMOS sensors should turn in superior performance in normal lighting conditions, while the three Advanced HAD CCD’s are better in low light. Once again, we’ll need to wait until we get the HDR-FX7 in the lab to take a stance on how the two camcorders video performance actually compares.

Low Light Performance

Low light performance is an area in which the HDR-FX7’s CMOS sensor will not perform quite as well as Sony’s 3-CCD HDR-FX1, in part because of the 72mm diameter lens on the older camcorder. The FX7’s lens measures 62mm, and has a slightly lower light gathering ability. The FX7 has a minimum illumination rating of 4 lux while the FX1 records at 3 lux. A 1 lux difference may seem insignificant, but it’s a consideration for shooters who work in the field, such as ENGs and documentary filmmakers who are often forced to work with available light.

Format

Media

The HDR-FX7 MiniDV or DVCAM tapes for both HDV and SD video recording. The HDR-FX7 also records stills to Sony’s proprietary MemoryStick Duo and MemoryStick PRO Duo memory card format.

Editing

Editing footage shot with the HDR-FX7 should be a breeze. Sony HDV camcorders are widely supported across all major NLE’s, including AVID Express, Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, and of course Sony Vegas.

Tour

**The Front **

Looking back at the DCR-VX1000 celebrating its 11th birthday this year is a potent reminder of the durability of the barrel-shaped form that has carried through to the HDR-FX7. Certain things have changed: the tape compartment shifted to the right side from the left; controls have moved, for example, the Select dial migrated to the back of the camcorder on the VX2100; and the HDR-FX7 has lost the soft, form-fitting eye-piece found on both the VX1000 and VX2100. Yet while handling the FX7, I am reminded of my first DV shoots back in film school when the VX1000 was still king of the hill.

The charcoal grey HDR-FX7 is fronted by a large lens hood that is essentially a scaled-down version of the hood found on the HDR-FX1, which has an integrated 16:9 aspect ratio matte box. The hood has an integrated lens cover in the form of two horizontal barn doors that are mechanically opened and closed by a lever on the left side of the hood. Removing the hood, using the release knob on the hood’s right side, reveals the front end of the 20x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens with a 62mm filter diameter. The lens has an aperture of f1.6-f2.8 and a focal distance of 37.4-748mm in 16:9 mode, and 45.7-914mm in 4:3 mode. Also visible from the camcorder’s front is the business end of the handle-mounted onboard mic, visible directly above and set back from the lens.

The hood is well-designed, and its rectangular opening helps to give the lens surface better glare protection than a hood with a broader opening. I also like the barn door-style lens cover which flips open in a split second, and is integrated so you’ll have one less item to lose. The as much as any other single feature, the hood gives the HDR-FX7 a professional appearance befitting a prosumer model.

**The Right Side **

The main feature of the right side of the HDR-FX7 is the tape compartment and grip area, which bulges out from the main body of the camcorder. Built of a darker plastic from the rest of the body, the grip feels sturdy and I found it nicely molded to the shape of my palm. A standard Sony hand strap – i.e. well-padded - contributes to the comfort of the grip. On the back-facing side of the grip area is the camcorder’s Power/Mode switch. This control is also classic Sony, and downsized and slightly modified versions can be found throughout the company’s consumer camcorder line. The main record button is in the center of the Power/Mode switch. Also on the back edge of the grip area, above the Power/Mode switch is the LANC port, protected by a tiny rubber cover. The tape compartment is located inside the grip area, and hinges at its base. The release switch for the tape compartment is on top of the grip area and employs partially manual design that’s very common. You hold the switch, pull the hatch fully open until it clicks, and the tape is then mechanically raised and ejected.

Also on top of the grip area is the main zoom lever, just behind the tape compartment latch, and the photo button to the rear of the zoom lever. The lever is big and sensitive, allowing for very smoothcontrol over zoom speeds. It is comparable to the grip levers found on many prosumer camcorders, from the DCR-VX2100 to the Canon XH A1.

One of two main port clusters is also on the right side of the HDR-FX7, mounted on a back-facing bulge that extends out from the camcorder body by about a finger’s width. A rigid plastic hatch, hinged vertically protects three ports, with Component Out on top, A/V Out in the middle and HDV/DV (FireWire) at the bottom. This port cover is well implemented to rest flush against the camcorder body when open providing plenty of room for wires. Each port is labeled on the exterior of the cover. The DC-In terminal is below the three ports above, protected by its own rubber port cover.

Above these ports is a metal loop that can be optionally used to affix a strap to the camcorder.

**The Back **

The back of the HDR-FX7 is topped by an extendable EVF (electronic color viewfinder) that also swivels up and down to offer a number of viewing angles. The design of the eyepiece is very similar to those found on the HDR-FX1 and HVR-Z1U making it quite comfortable for long-term use, but not as large and form-fitting as the rubber eye cup on the VX2100 or Canon’s XL camcorders. The dioptric adjustment is on the underside of the eyepiece, and is large enough to allow for easy adjustment. An important upgrade over the HDR-FX1 on this model is the option to use both the LCD and EVF simultaneously, an option engaged in the menu. It’s the kind of control that is you’re likely to turn on and off during a shoot, so it’s a control we think should have been placed externally. Running both screens cuts down on battery life, but offers the flexibility to jump between screens without missing a beat.

Below the EVF is the cavernous battery slot, which occupies most of the camcorder’s back-end real estate. The battery release button is located on the top surface of the camcorder, just ahead of the battery compartment’s top right corner. It’s a convenient placement, and the button is big so high-speed battery changes should be easy. To the left of the battery slot are a number of controls arranged vertically. Beginning from the top is a toggle switch for Auto/Manual/Hold toggle switch. In its center position, the HDR-FX7 is in manual control mode and a line leading from this setting to the controls below indicates that they can only be operated in manual. The manual buttons are Gain, Shutter Speed, and White Balance.

In an interface that carries through from the VX1000, pressing each button brings up the relevant control on-screen and a Select/Push Execute dial below is used to cycle through options. Pressing directly in on the dial selects the highlighted option on the display If you are unfamiliar with Sony’s Select dial, it can take some getting used to, partly because I find it undersized for such an important control – it doubles as the menu navigation tool. I find joystick-based menu navigation more efficient, especially when time is of the essence, because they allow for quad-directional movement but the dial is certainly simple. The Menu button is just above the Select dial.

**The Left Side **

The long, barrel-like shape of the HDR-FX7 when viewed from the left side highlights the camcorder’s body shape similarities with the DCR-VX2100, but most of the controls, aside from the ND filter switch, have shifted or taken slightly different forms on the FX7. Moving back from the front of the camcorder are the two manual control rings with the wider rubber focus ring closest to the lens. The focus ring offers great sensitivity given its large size. The focus assist feature, which enlarges the image on the LCD, is a nice addition to this camcorder. There is also an excellent on-screen focal distance indicator, which appears at the lower left of the LCD screen when you are focusing manually.

The on-screen focal distance indicator is analogous to the feature found on other prosumer camcorders including Canon’s XH A1/G1, and well-suited to the sharpness of HDV. The servo zoom ring is just behind the focus ring, and it performs well. You can easily move through the camcorder’s entire 20x optical zoom range in one smoothmotion. It’s not a mechanical zoom, and at this price point, that’s to be expected – so be prepared to work with a motorized zoom look. In its favor, the zoom has a nice on-screen display that indicates where you are in the zoom range.

Behind the zoom ring is one of this camcorder’s new controls – a manual control dial that’s a larger and improved version of the undersized dial found on the HDR-HC3. The dial’s primary function is exposure control, and a small button above the dial toggles between exposure and iris adjustments. While purists may not like the idea of a small dial as a camcorder’s exposure control, I think this one is well-suited to this camcorder, and I like the fact that it’s very easily accessed. On a camcorder this small, there’s little room for a separate iris ring – and the dial is a nice alternative that some users may find they prefer. Below the dial is a push auto focus button, used to override manual focus.

Moving back along the lens barrel are three of the camcorder’s six Assign buttons, which can be programmed in the menu for any camcorder function. The HDR-FX1 has only three assign buttons, which is a significant upgrade on this model. While the HDR-FX1 has more externally accessed manual controls, the extra buttons effectively make this camcorder more customizable to user preferences and shooting styles. Below the Assign buttons is the 3-position ND filter switch with settings for off, 1 (1/4) and 2 (1/16). The position and design of this control resembles the ND switch on other Sony prosumer camcorders including the HDR-FX1 and DCR-VX2100. The LCD screen hinge is just behind the ND filter switch.

Opening the LCD screen reveals an LCD cavity replete with controls, grouped into four horizontal rows. The top two rows are dedicated to the HDR-FX7’s standard VCR controls. On top from left to right are buttons for stop, rewind, play, fast-forward and slow. In the second row are the pause, record, and record pause buttons. Also in this row, to the left of the buttons, is an inset button used to return the camcorder to factory settings. In the third row are two controls. On the left is a Volume/Memory button, and on the left is the zebra striping toggle switch, a control that Sony has wisely placed on the camcorder’s exterior for quick access. The settings available are off, 70 IRE and 100 IRE.

In the fourth row are four round multi-function buttons, beginning from the left with Display/Battery Info. In camcorder mode, this button toggles the display of data on the LCD and EVF on and off, while pressing it in standby mode shows the battery’s remaining capacity on the screen. The next three buttons are grouped to function as the camcorder’s three remaining Assign buttons in camera mode, and as the play, index and delete buttons in memory card mode. To the left of the controls, in the LCD cavity, is the playback speaker, identifiable as a vertical row of five holes in the camcorder body.

Below the LCD cavity, along the base of the camcorder body, are several more controls and ports. At left is a button that turns the camcorder’s expanded focus feature on and off. Expanded focus is a feature becoming more common on prosumer camcorders, that magnifies the image shown on the LCD screen to enable more accurate manual focus. Just to the right is a button labeled Focus that toggles between manual and auto focus modes.

A rigid plastic port cover that hinges from below protects the camcorder’s Memory Stick Duo PRO slot, USB port and HDMI out terminal. This cover, like the one on the right side of the HDR-FX7, seems to be quite durable and opens wide enough to allow for easy access to the ports. To the left of the ports is the stereo mini headphone jack, protected by a small rubber port cover. The Picture Profile button is next, and brings up a screen that allows you to access this feature. Picture Profile allows you to create two user profiles which are stored on board the camcorder. Unlike Sony’s camcorder’s geared towards professional users, Picture Profile settings for the HDR-FX7 are stored on-camera only, and cannot be saved to MemoryStick. The last button in the row is a status check button.

The Top

The HDR-FX7’s top handle runs from the EVF forward to the onboard microphone in a nearly straight line. On top, right where you’d expect to find it, is a second zoom lever used to operate the servo zoom when the handle grip position is used. Just ahead of the zoom lever is a Record/Start/Stop button. Both controls are positioned for easy operation with your thumb while gripping the camcorder with the handle.

Auto / Manual Controls

Picture & Manual Control
*Automatic Control *

Although Sony places this camcorder at the top of their consumer Handycam line, most, including us at Camcorderinfo.com, consider it a low-end prosumer model based on its $3500 price and robust feature set, including professional options like zebra striping. Another nod to the professional user is the absence of a setting labeled "Easy" like the Easy buttons on Sony’s consumer camcorders. It may be a semantic difference, but on Sony’s decision to go with Auto is another nod to the level of expertise needed to put the HDR-FX7 through its paces. With Auto Lock selected, the camcorder performs adeptly, but we didn’t notice any notable differences from the performance of other Sony’s. In other words, if you are in a situation that’s too fast-moving to deal with manual adjustments, the HDR-FX7 should perform reasonably with the usual caveats: difficulty focusing on low contrast subjects, unpredictable color representation in mixed lighting, a risk of under or over-exposure in high-contrast situations, etc.

What sets this camcorder apart is the plethora of automatic picture control options, though the loss of Sony’s CineFrame 24P-like recording mode is arguably a downgrade.  While most users found CineFrame to be less useful than hoped for, we don’t like to see options dropped, and wonder why Sony elected to do so on this model. True 24P can be found on the next model up, the HVR-V1.

*Overall Manual Control *

The HDR-FX7 is a camcorder that serves up the most essential manual controls in a manner that makes them quickly accessible on the camcorder’s body. While the details of each control may differ from its closest relations – the DCR-VX2100 and HDR-FX1 – their feel is distinctly Sony. The manual focus, servo zoom, ND filter switch and select dial are all similar to those found on its brethren, but there are also notable differences that set this camcorder apart. Some are definitely upgrades, including the six assignable buttons ( as opposed to only three on the HDR-FX1).

Zoom

As a prosumer camcorder, the primary control over the HDR-FX7’s 20x optical zoom lens is the ring control on the lens barrel. It is a servo zoom with an action that is much like other motorized prosumer zooms. With a little practice, you can move through the full zoom range using the ring – but to execute this movement, you’ll be using pretty much your entire range of wrist and arm motion. In terms of speed and sensitivity, this is certainly not a mechanical zoom, so your movements will look and feel motorized. There is also a notable delay in servo response – especially if you’re executing a fast zoom in or out – a quirk that’s typical of motorized zooms.

The HDR-FX7’s zoom lever offers no surprises here – and that’s a good thing. On the grip, you’ll find a standard-issue and nicely tuned lever that’s sized large enough for comfortable two fingered control. The lever is sensitive enough to allow decent control throughout the variable speed capabilities of the servo zoom. The grip zoom cannot be set to a fixed speed, but that option is available on the top handle zoom lever. This lever is smaller, and optimized for thumb operation when the camcorder is gripped using the handle. This zoom can only be operated at adjustable fixed speeds, which can be set from 1 to 7 along a scale in the menu. Alongside this zoom lever is a switch that allows you to select H (high speed), L (low speed) or Off (handle zoom disabled), and both the H and L settings are customizable on the 1-7 scale. We would have liked to see the grip zoom also enabled with fixed speed options – a feature available on the slightly more expensive Canon XH A1.

An important new feature on this camcorder is Digital Extender, a digital zoom that maxes out at 30x, or 1.5x the maximum optical zoom. Video shot using the Digital Extender option looks amazingly good for a digitally "extended" image.

*Focus *

The HDR-FX7 has a wide rubber focus ring mounted on the lens. The action of the control is very smooth, and it is both responsive and sensitive. I found focus adjustments using the ring control to be satisfyingly quick, especially when using the Expanded Focus feature, also found on the HDR-FX1. Expanded Focus temporarily enlarges the image displayed on the LCD screen up to 4x. This allows you to find your focal point very quickly, and helps to improve focal accuracy which is vital when working at HDV resolution.

The camcorder also includes AF Assist, which is an option that allows you to override auto focus. When AF Assist is turned on in the Camcorder menu, the focus ring can be used to "touch up" the camcorder’s auto focus. It’s a handy feature that combines the speed of auto focus with manual precision.

*Exposure (Aperture) *

There are several manual control options for exposure control on the HDR-FX7, including exposure, iris, and AE Shift. All of these brightness settings can be controlled using the new dial, located in-line with the ring controls near the front of the camcorder’s lens. Although the dial is not a dedicated exposure ring, as found on the JVC GY-HD110U and Canon XH A1, I found much to like about the dial. Ergonomically, it’s a nice control to use, allowing for quick and accurate adjustment to the selected setting.

The biggest drawback to the dial is that it’s a multi-function control, so you’ll need to select exposure in the menu – or use one of the six assignable buttons to speed your access to control over the dial’s settings. The option to speed access to dial control options addresses my major issue with the dial vs. a dedicated ring. Exposure can be adjusted on a 24 step scale that links iris and gain, or the iris can be adjusted independently. The camcorder also has an AE Shift adjustment, set in the menu.

Shutter Speed

In manual mode, this offers wide control over shutter speed from 1/4 to 1/10,000 of a second – a range that is close to what’s offered on prosumer camcorders at a similar price point. The dedicated shutter speed button is on the camcorder’s back, allowing very quick access, and you can cycle through shutter speed settings using the control dial. Few camcorders make access to this control as convenient as you’ll find on the HDR-FX7. Bravo.

White Balance

The HDR-FX7 has a standard complement of white balance options: Auto, indoor, one-push, and outdoor. The white balance button is located on the rear of the camcorder, between the menu and shutter speed buttons, making for quick and easy access. White balance options are controlled using the dial – pressing the dial in sets the white balance manually.

Gain

Like the controls above, gain can be accessed by pressing a button on the rear of the camcorder, and adjusted using the dial. The gain settings available are 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18dB, the same options found on the HDR-FX1 and the new professional HVR-V1U.

Still Features

Still Features

The HDR-FX7, unlike the FX1 has a still image capture function. It is not a stellar hybrid performer, but the camcorder can record still photos during video recording at a resolution of 1037K pixels in 16:9 mode (778K in 4:3 mode). The camcorder records stills to MemoryStick Duo and MemoryStick Duo PRO media.

Handling and Use

**

Handling**

The aspect of handling the FX7 that struck me the most was how easy it was to hold – it just felt good in my hand. I attribute this to the fact that for a prosumer camcorder, the FX7 is fairly small and light, and the barrel-like design gives it a nice balance and doesn’t pull so heavily on your wrist that it’s uncomfortable. If I were shooting with this camcorder in the field, I would add an XLR adaptor, wireless receiver, and possibly other accessories that would weigh the camcorder down, despite these additions, I think it would retain much of its pleasing balance. I also found the OIS system (Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization) good enough that the camcorder did not feel too light – an area that has sometimes plagued otherwise strong prosumer camcorders. I found the AG-DVX100’s OIS to be marginally effective, making it a tough camcorder to shoot hand-held, and the Canon XL series camcorders can be awkward given their intermediate size.

I also think Sony has done a good job of keeping the most vital manual controls on the HDR-FX7 both quickly accessible and easy to use. The focus and zoom rings work well, and I like the exposure dial, though it is a multifunction adjustment. Controls for gain, shutter speed and white balance are all at the camcorder’s back, and adjusted using the simple – if undersized – dial controller. Some other important features on the camcorder’s body are buttons for expanded focus and manual focus on/off, on the base of the HDR-FX7’s left side, and the switch for zebra stripes inside the LCD cavity.

The biggest drawback of the HDR-FX7 is probably that many adjustments can only be accessed and set in the camcorder’s menu. This includes everything from exposure dial calibration (AE shift, iris or exposure) to color bars and SteadyShot on/off. Thankfully, this camcorder provides six assignable buttons, and 2 picture profiles (user profiles) which should allow users to streamline the camcorder to their own preferences.

**

LCD/Viewfinder**

The LCD screen on the HDR-FX7 has a location that’s more conventional than the handle-mounted screen on the HDR-FX1. The handle mounted screen has gained a following, and many users appreciate that it can be positioned more in-line with the subject during a shoot. The 3.5-inch LCD screen also has a slightly lower pixel count than the FX1’s screen, with 211K vs. 250K. The EVF (electronic color viewfinder) features 250K pixels, and can extend out away from the camcorder body, and tilt up and down for a comfortable viewing angle. The EVF produces a sharp image, and the eye cup is made of soft rubber making it very comfortable for extended shooting. A large dioptric adjustment lever is on the underside of the EVF.

Audio / Playback / Connectivity

Audio

One of the most notable differences between the camcorders at the top of Sony’s consumer HDV line, the HDR-FX7 and FX1, and the camcorders at the low end of its pro line, the HVR-A1U, V1U, and Z1U, is the absence of XLR audio inputs. All of these camcorders are generally regarded as prosumer units based on their overall complement of features, pros who buy the HDR camcorders generally outfit them with XLR adaptors such as those made by Beachtek.

Without the Beachtek, audio options are sorely limited to a gross volume adjustment that allows you to raise and lower the signal, but does not allow independent adjustment of left and right channels. XLR adaptors vary in price depending on options, but street prices for those compatible with this camcorder range from about $150-$350.

VCR Mode

The VCR controls on the HDR-FX7 are found in the LCD cavity towards the back of the camcorder body. All the standard VCR controls have dedicated buttons: Stop, rewind, play, fast-forward, slow, pause and record. The placement of these controls makes them easily accessible, though if you’re in the habit of reviewing footage in the field, you’ll want to memorize the placement of the VCR buttons since they are an a 90 degree angle to the LCD screen.

Ports

The HDR-FX7 includes a standard complement of inputs and outputs but also includes a port for HDMI video out, an important addition on any HDV camcorder. In addition, the camcorder features a LANC terminal, Analog Audio/Video out, i.LINK and USB DV ports, Component Video out, headphone jack, a stereo mini microphone input, and S-Video out with an optional adaptor cable. The camcorder also includes a MemoryStick card slot.

XLR audio terminals are the most notable omission in terms of this camcorder’s inputs.

*The ports on the rear (above) of the HDR-FX7 include DC power, i.LINK, AV, and component.

One the left side (below), they include HDMI and MemoryStick Duo. *

Other Features

Other Features
*Focus Enhancement - *Focus Enhancement, operated by a button near the handgrip zoom toggle, allows users to zoom in 4x on the LCD, while not affecting playback quality. This can give the user more flexibility in monitoring capture in allowing for detailed examination of depth of field and focal characteristics.

*Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization - *On prosumer camcorders, OIS (optical image stabilization) is a standard feature, but OIS comes in lots of competing flavors. Sony calls the OIS feature on the HDR-FX7 Super SteadyShot – and its among the best I’ve seen, ranking with Canon’s OIS systems in terms of effectiveness.

*Assignable Buttons - *The HDR-FX7 may confine many settings to the menu, but it does serve up 6 external assignable buttons. These can be assigned to govern most of the camcorder’s image control settings, such as digital extender, peaking, or color bars. This adds tremendously to the efficiency of this camcorder, because it essentially gives you 6 shortcuts to the image controls you commonly use.

*Picture Profile - *You also have the option of storing six Picture Profiles in the camcorder’s memory. A Picture Profile allows a user to store manual image control settings and is useful for performing multiple shots under similar conditions, such as lighted interviews, or maintaining a look across multiple shoots. Picture Profile settings cannot be stored to MemoryStick or shared between camcorders – a feature that is available on the HVR-V1U.

*Native 16:9 - *Reflecting what has become today’s prosumer industry standard, the HDR-FX7 is a 16:9-native camcorder, with the ClearVID CMOS sensors, LCD screen, and viewfinder all sized for widescreen.

*Hue and Sharpness Control - *In addition to the great manual control that the HDR-FX7 gives you over the standard areas, it also gives manual control of camcorder hue and sharpness. Although most users won't use this, it's a great 'add-on' feature.

*Contrast Enhancer - *Allows you to boost the contrast in the recorded image. It’s a control that can only be turned on or off.

*SmoothSlow Record - *One benefit of the ClearVID CMOS and EIP is the ability to shoot high-quality slow motion footage for brief spurts of time.  Sony advertises Smooth Slow Record as a good way to analyze golf swings, and it's certainly a cool feature.  This camcorder allows you to record up to 6 seconds of video at 240 fields per second, and that footage can be reviewed after another twelve seconds have passed.

*Shot Transition - *This is a feature that allows you to control the speed at which the camcorder makes transitions for manual picture controls like focus, zoom, iris and gain. Shot Transition allows you to essentially program camcorder moves like rack focus to proceed at a specified pace. These settings for shot transitions can also be assigned to buttons 1, 2, and 3 on the camcorder’s body.

Comparisons / Conclusion

Conclusion

Sony's HDR-FX7 is a very well-designed camcorder, and it fills an important niche in the world of prosumer HDV. For $3500, it would be difficult to find a better camcorder, with terrific video performance, assignable buttons and all the most vital manual controls within easy reach. The Canon XH A1 may well offer more, and includes features lacking on the FX7, such as XLR inputs and some additional manual controls - but it will cost about $500 more. Sony has also shown that there is a strong demand for prosumer camcorders with a slightly scaled back feature set. The HVR-FX1 and the DCR-VX2100 are both popular camcorders and the HDR-FX7 should appeal to a similar group of users who want a camcorder that’s capable of producing professional results – but without the bells and whistles they don’t need. The HDR-FX7 does not shoot progressive scan video, lacks balanced audio inputs, and lacks the extensive gamma controls on camcorders like the HVR-V1U. It is an approachable, portable, and refined camcorder that handles like a typical Sony - and I found it just plain likable.

Meet the tester

John Neely

John Neely

Editor

John Neely is a valued contributor to the Reviewed.com family of sites.

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