Sony DCR-IP7BT (Bluetooth)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: DCRIP7BT
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you're always on the go, the superportable DCR-IP7BT is an enticing but expensive choice.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Sony DCR-IP7BT (Bluetooth) price range: $999.99
- Reviewed by: Rob McGee
- Reviewed on: 09/22/2002
- Released on: 03/15/2002
The good: Very small and portable; relatively high coolness factor; wireless Bluetooth connection and network features.
The bad: Some controls awkward to operate; pricey; first-generation model; incompatible with some video-editing software.
The bottom line: If you're always on the go, the superportable DCR-IP7BT is an enticing but expensive choice.
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 The MicroMV cassette inside the camcorder is like a bonsai version of a MiniDV tape. |
The camera's extreme portability comes at a price, however. There's not a lot of free real estate, which means that the physical controls are shrunken and consolidated.
Our biggest beef was with the tiny wide/telephoto toggle that zooms the 10X Carl Zeiss lens; manipulating it requires slender fingers and a certain amount of practice.
The five-way control button behind the 2.5-inch LCD on the other side of the camera was easier to use as we navigated menus, but we found ourselves wishing for a separate Select button.
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| Small controls can be bad news for fumble-fingered users. | The zoom lens uses a tiny toggle. |
We can hardly imagine a less convenient way to type an e-mail message than using the camera's four-way switch to move a cursor over an onscreen mock-up of a cell phone's dialpad. Fortunately, the camcorder saves not only the addresses that you've entered but also the subject line and the messages, so it takes just a few button-pushes the second time you want to mail Grandma a digital still with the message "Hving fun, will call 2nite." You can save still images and Web-quality video clips on a Memory Stick, then e-mail them or upload them to a free account at Sony's ImageStation site.
 You can save still shots and MPEG video on the included Memory Stick. |
 A remote control and wireless Bluetooth adapter come with the camera. |
Cumbersome text entry aside, the Bluetooth features worked as advertised; once you've done the initial setup, just plug the Bluetooth transceiver into any phone jack for Web and e-mail access right on the camcorder's LCD.
 Built-in memory on each of the tiny MicroMV cassettes stores a thumbnail index of your video clips. |
 Input/output ports. |
The camera also offers plenty of shooting features through the LCD menus, including effects presets for shooting different types of scenes, manual exposure and focus, and a way to combine video footage with stills in-camera.
In VCR mode, the camera allows you to search a thumbnail index for the footage you want--a convenient perk made possible by 64K of built-in memory on each MicroMV cassette.
There's a cost to the MicroMV format's small size: it needs to compress the video more than MiniDV. While MiniDV footage is compressed within each frame, MicroMV adds the frame-to-frame compression of MPEG-2. This means that objects that don't move or change are recorded once, then played back for as long as they remain stationary. To the user, this translates into a theoretical drop in quality when compared to MiniDV, with the likeliest problem being motion artifacts--blocky, pixelated footage that occurs if your subject is moving too fast, if there are a lot of sudden color changes, and so forth. That said, we didn't notice any such problems.
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 Automatic exposure doesn't match that of MiniDV models. |
Overall, the IP7BT's video quality was difficult to distinguish from that of Sony's DCR-PC110 MiniDV camcorder, which we used for comparison. The major difference between the two was that the autoexposure function of the IP7BT was a bit less reliable. We had to manually adjust exposure when shooting footage of buildings against a broad swath of sunlit sky, whereas the MiniDV model yielded acceptable results in auto mode.
User reviews
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Small enough for travel. Worthless stills.
Pros: Size is definitely a nice feature for a person who wants 1 hour mini DV AND still pic option. Supports sony's memory-sticks and MiniDV both of which can record stills or video. Nifty remote lets you take pics of yourself WITH your family. Viewscreen f
Cons: Lots of bla-bla about "CARL ZEISS" lenses, but with 1 megapixel stills looking more like they are from "CARL's JR" lenses. You can barely print out a grainy postcard with these pics...maybe ok for internet. Forget any pics with low lighting, they look l
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Incompatible and Poor Video Quality
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: This camcorder is worthless! It is incompatible with every video editing software other than Sony's own pitiful Movie Shaker software. The video quality (i.e. resolution) is substandard as ...
Summary: This camcorder is worthless! It is incompatible with every video editing software other than Sony's own pitiful Movie Shaker software. The video quality (i.e. resolution) is substandard as well. If you like an incompatible camcorder with poor video quality then this is the camcorder for you! Otherwise check out the DCR-PC120BT.
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OK camera
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: Great quality of video- part, but don't expect much of the still pictures! And the night shot is horrible! Otherwise the camera is the coolest out there, and excellent ...
Summary: Great quality of video- part, but don't expect much of the still pictures! And the night shot is horrible! Otherwise the camera is the coolest out there, and excellent quality of the MPEG 2 when there is enough light.
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Uh... Apple... Do people use Macs to edit video?
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: This camera is very cool... but what is movie shaker? I think Apple computers are pretty lame for most applications, but I do use them for editing video and music. ...
Summary: This camera is very cool... but what is movie shaker? I think Apple computers are pretty lame for most applications, but I do use them for editing video and music. However Sony has decided to not support Macs with this product. Hmmm. Interesting marketing choice.
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Broke a week after purchase
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: Bought 11/02 telephoto broke less than a week later. Paid to ship to Sony. Got back a month later. Now find that Sony-supplied VideoWaveIII incompatible with IP7 and MovieShaker ...
Summary: Bought 11/02 telephoto broke less than a week later. Paid to ship to Sony. Got back a month later. Now find that Sony-supplied VideoWaveIII incompatible with IP7 and MovieShaker incompatible with Win98SE. Only Sony solution "upgrade operating system." Photo quality no better than other cameras. Pocketsize until battery added. Control buttons on camera clumsy to operate. Haven't tried bluetooth yet. Can't wait for that adventure.
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Sony says: "DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA"
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: Bought the IP7 last week went back to the Sony Centre to ask a few questions about recording to DVD and before I could tell them that I had already ...
Summary: Bought the IP7 last week went back to the Sony Centre to ask a few questions about recording to DVD and before I could tell them that I had already bought the camera they told me not to buy it because the MicroMV was too new and Sony have not got it anywhere near working properly, and this was a Sony Store! Basically this is why: - Movie Shaker (supplied software) is riddled with bugs and won’t convert to DVD format. - Does not connect to MAC firewire. - Still pics are bad quality. - Terrible picture quality in low light and no night shot - Who is going to browse the net on a camera with 45mins battery life (using blue tooth and the screen)? - Bad firmware results in 1 sec freeze frames between scenes - Despite all this Sony still have still not released any firmware or software updates and it’s been over a year! I still have time to take mine back, if you bought one over Christmas its probably not too late, take it back now!
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It is a wonderful camcorder in this market.
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: It is a best choice for all camcorder hunters! So far, I am very happy to own this neat one in SONY's quality and reputation. I'd recommend this ...
Summary: It is a best choice for all camcorder hunters! So far, I am very happy to own this neat one in SONY's quality and reputation. I'd recommend this to who are looking for smallest and multi-function (BlueTooth, etc.)camcorder.
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one dang thing missing!!!
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: The only thing missing is the nightshot features. I overead somebodies rating and they said that sony was going to make a better improved one this small so if i ...
Summary: The only thing missing is the nightshot features. I overead somebodies rating and they said that sony was going to make a better improved one this small so if i were you, i would wait!!!!
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Great Video, Poor Stills
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: I bought this with the hope of replacing my digital camera too. No chance. The stills are lousy....but overall I am still very happy. The pluses: Mini Thumbnails to ...
Summary: I bought this with the hope of replacing my digital camera too. No chance. The stills are lousy....but overall I am still very happy. The pluses: Mini Thumbnails to view camcorder scenes....- being able to snap photos to memory card while viewing videos to send to friends.... - small size is great The minuses - digital camera pics suck suck suck... - audio playback from the unit is very quiet...... - steady cam? what steady cam...
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Excellent Camcorder
Pros:
Cons:
Summary: I bought the Sony DCR-IP7 three months ago and I am very happy with it. It is small, practical, and very efficent. However, the still images are very poor quality, ...
Summary: I bought the Sony DCR-IP7 three months ago and I am very happy with it. It is small, practical, and very efficent. However, the still images are very poor quality, specially indoor. In addition, it is too pricey. All in all, it is the best camcorder I've seen in a longtime. Cool!!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: DCRIP7BT
- Description: The Sony DCR-IP7 employs a newly developed recording format MICROMV that records MPREG2 with a high data transfer rate. It achieves 60 minutes of continuous recording with DV equivalent image quality while reduces the media size to 30% of miniDV tape. Additionally, it employs a high capacity IC that enables users to search and edit video clips easily. The Sony DCR-IP7 comes equipped with Bluetooth functionality and users can access the Internet through either a Bluetooth compatible modem adaptor, BTA-NW1 (sold separately) or a Bluetooth compatible mobile phone. It also allows users to exchange data stored in a Memory Stick via email software or edit and browse a digital album posted on a web site without using a PC. By using the DCR IP7 users can send and receive pictures (JPEG), video clips (MPEG1) and text based emails stored on the Memory Stick wherever they are: anytime anywhere. A maximum of 50 names and addresses can be stored and up to 50 messages can be saved on Memory Stick (sold separately). Web sites can be browsed via the DCR-IP7 2.5" monitor. There are two "Viewing Modes" to display web pages. Normal view shows a part of a web page at its real size. Shrunk view shows the whole web page by reducing its size. Up to 30 bookmarks can be registered on the camera. Sony's original web site, ImageStation is pre-registered in the camera so that users can enjoy editing and sharing pictures with the others.
General
- Product Type Camcorder
- Enclosure Color Silver
- Localization English
- Digital Zoom 120 x
- Camcorder Media Type Micro MV
- Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Min Illumination 7 lux
- Analog video format NTSC
- Digital Video Format MPEG-2
- Special Effects Monotone,
Old Movie,
Negative Art,
Sepia,
Solarization,
Stretch,
Slim,
Trail - Image Stabilizer Electronic (Super Steady Shot)
- Digital Scene Transition Monotone fader,
Bounce fader,
Black fader,
Mosaic fader - Min Shutter Speed 1/4 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/750 sec
- Shooting modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Sunset & moon,
Beach & ski,
Spotlight,
Portrait mode,
Landscape - White Balance Automatic,
Presets,
Custom - White Balance Presets Outdoor,
Indoor - Exposure Modes Program,
Automatic - Camera Flash None
- Media Included Qty 1
- AV Interfaces S-Video,
Component video Lens System
- Type Carl Zeiss 10 x x Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 23 mm - F/1.7-2.3
- Lens aperture F/1.7-2.3
- Optical zoom 10 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 2.3 mm
- Max focal length 23 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Filter Size 30 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 44 - 440 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual,
Automatic - Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- DV input Yes
- Additional Features Progressive scan CCD system,
DPOF support,
Built-in speaker,
Digital noise reduction,
Date/time stamp - Remote control Remote control - Infrared
- Software MGI VideoWave,
MGI PhotoSuite,
Sony MovieShaker - Included Accessories S-Video cable,
Lens cap,
Hand strap,
FireWire cable,
IR remote control,
Cleaning tape,
USB cable,
Power adapter,
Bluetooth adapter,
Audio / video cable Display
- Type 2.5 in LCD display
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB,
1 x Composite video/audio (input/output),
1 x S-Video input / output,
1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK) - Memory Card Slot Memory Stick card
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type LCD
- Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.44 in
- Viewfinder Resolution 180,000 pixels
Memory / Storage
- Media type Micro MV
- Included Memory Card 8 MB Memory Stick
- Image Storage Fine JPEG 640 x 480,
Standard JPEG 640 x 480
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
- Microphone technology [Aug 27, 2010 from CDS: Audio Input] Electret condenser
Power
- Mfr estimated battery life 80 min
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Features Rotating
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Labor - 90 days,
Limited warranty - Parts - 1 year Expansion / Connectivity
- Wireless connectivity Yes (Bluetooth)
Physical Characteristics
- Width 1.9 in
- Depth 3.1 in
- Height 4.1 in
- Weight 0.7 lbs
Product series
-
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: CCD,
None,
0.7 lbs,
3.1 in,
4.1 in,
10 x x Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 23 mm - F/1.7-2.3,
Sony Handycam DCR-IP5 - Camcorder - Consumer - Micro MV,
1.9 in -
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: CCD,
None,
0.7 lbs,
3.1 in,
4.1 in,
10 x x Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 23 mm - F/1.7-2.3,
Sony Handycam DCR-IP7 - Camcorder - Consumer - Micro MV,
1.9 in -
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: CCD,
Pop-up flash,
0.9 lbs,
5 in,
2.9 in,
10 x x Zoom lens - 3.7 mm - 37 mm - F/1.8-2.0,
Sony Handycam DCR-IP55 - Camcorder - Consumer - Micro MV,
2.4 in -
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: CCD,
Pop-up flash,
1.1 lbs,
5.4 in,
3 in,
10 x x Zoom lens - 4.5 mm - 45 mm - F/1.8-2.1,
Sony Handycam DCR-IP220 - Camcorder - Consumer - Micro MV,
3.9 in -
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: CCD,
0.4 lbs,
2.7 in,
3.6 in,
10 x x Zoom lens - 3.2 mm - 32 mm - F/1.8-2.3,
Camcorder,
Sony Handycam DCR-IP1 - Consumer - Micro MV,
1.5 in
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Sony
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
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