Sony Handycam HDR-CX7
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: HDR-CX7
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- As the flash-memory-based equivalent of the HDR-SR7, the Sony Handycam HDR-CX7 serves up the same pleasing performance and quality as its hard-drive cousin.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Sony Handycam HDR-CX7 price range: $999.95
- Reviewed by: Philip Ryan
- Reviewed on: 08/09/2007
The good: Excellent video and performance; impressive still photos for a camcorder; adequate manual controls; docking station included.
The bad: No wind filter; USB on dock only, not on camcorder; doesn't include Mini HDMI cable; no viewfinder.
The bottom line: As the flash-memory-based equivalent of the HDR-SR7, the Sony Handycam HDR-CX7 serves up the same pleasing performance and quality as its hard-drive cousin.
Join me, if you will, along the slow march toward the obsolescence of tape in video. We've definitely got a long road ahead of us, but it's fun to notice how much camcorders have changed already. On the one hand, tapeless camcorders such as Sony's Handycam HDR-CX7 give product designers the freedom to make smaller, sleeker camcorders. On the other hand, we've yet to see a model that records in the AVCHD format, as this one does, match the quality of the footage we've seen from tape-based models using the HDV format. However, for an AVCHD camcorder, this does produce very nice video, and will likely blow your socks off if you're used to a standard-definition camcorder.
Though it's been on the market in various camcorders for a while now, the AVCHD format has been slow on the uptake in software for editing and playback. Lori Grunin's recent blog post outlines which software titles are compatible and notes whatever glitches she has found when using those programs. Ultimately, the easiest way to watch your HD video is still a direct connection to your HDTV, but there is a modest, and slowly growing, list of software out there if you like to watch on your computer or edit your footage.
Sony's designers definitely made the most of the fact that the HDR-CX7 records its video to MemoryStick Pro Duo cards. The camcorder is little more than a lens and LCD screen in terms of size, though that's both a positive and negative thing. Sure, you can fit the CX7 into almost any bag, and even a large jacket or sweatshirt pocket, but the ergonomics of the grip are a little off. It's certainly more comfortable to hold than Panasonic's SD-based HDC-SD1, but since there's no eye-level viewfinder, I often found myself holding it higher than I would some camcorders, and at a slightly odd angle. Also, since your hand basically covers the right side and top of the CX7, Sony was forced to put a handful of buttons on the left side, behind the LCD screen. That's never a very good move, since you can't readily see that spot when you're shooting, and if you do need to use one of those buttons while capturing video, you'll likely shake the camera horizontally while pressing it. Of the buttons placed there, the backlight compensation button is probably the most worrisome, since it's highly likely you'll use it on the fly, while most of the others would be used before or after shooting.
As usual, the HDR-CX7's main interface is its LCD touch screen. Even though the LCD is 2.7 inches in size, it still felt a bit small as a touch-screen interface. The main virtual buttons are big enough, but ancillary buttons, such as the OK button in the upper-left, or the X (cancel) button in the upper-right of some screens are rather tiny. On more than one occasion, I accidentally hit one of the bigger buttons when trying to hit the tiny ones. Combine that with the fact that the touch screen requires such an extensive tree of submenus, and the thrill of a touch-screen interface starts to wane pretty quickly. Still, some people say they like this kind of interface, so make sure you try it out in a store first to see if you like it before you buy.
Following a recent trend in camcorders, the CX7 doesn't include a minijack microphone input. If you want to add an accessory mic, you have to use one of Sony's in the CX7's Active Interface Shoe (aka proprietary hot shoe), which provides an interface and power for accessories. You have two options to send video to your TV directly from the camcorder. You can either use a mini-to-full-size HDMI cable, or use the composite AV breakout cable included with the CX7. Given that they are rather rare right now, it would've been nice for Sony to include the special HDMI cable, as Canon does with the HG10. A third option is to use the dock, which has the same composite AV out as the camcorder, as well as a component output (also via a breakout cable), and a Mini USB jack to connect to your computer. I was surprised that Sony didn't include a normal-size HDMI jack on the dock. It would've been a really nice touch.
Sony did include some great features though, such as the automatic lens cover, flash for still photos, and a nice complement of manual controls. While it doesn't include the SR7's shutter speed control, the CX7 does have the same exposure shift; manual, indoor, outdoor, and auto white balance; Spot Focus and Spot Metering; Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization; and Super NightShot infrared mode for shooting in the dark. Since the CX7 doesn't include Sony's CAM CTL dial (as the SR7 does), you have to adjust focus on the touch screen, which isn't quite as nice as the dial, but works well nonetheless.
Since the HDR-CX7 records its video to a MemoryStick Pro Duo card, you should plan on buying at least one high-capacity card. On a 4GB Pro Duo card, the HDR-CX7 can fit 32 minutes of best-quality, HD video. Stepping up to an 8GB Pro Duo ups that to a little more than an hour. By contrast, the HDR-SR7 can fit up to eight hours of the same level footage onto its 60GB hard drive.
Footage from the CX7 is very nice. The camcorder's Zeiss T lens is very sharp and Sony's Super SteadyShot does an excellent job of taming hand shake. Its 10X optical zoom might seem tame next to the 30X+ zooms now finding their way into lower-end models, but at a 400mm 35mm-equivalent on the telephoto end (in 16:9 mode), it's got plenty of reach. Plus, by keeping the optical zoom range within reason, you get more reliable stabilization across the entire zoom.
Both the autofocus and metering systems perform quite well, adjusting quickly to changes in subject, lighting, and environment. I was particularly impressed with the autofocus' ability to keep up with changes in zoom and quick changes between near and far subjects. The camcorder's white balance does a very good job. While colors aren't quite as neutral as I've seen in some other models, it's still very close and colors are well saturated and look realistic. Still images are definitely above average for a camcorder. Depending on the shooting conditions, you should be able to get pleasing letter-size or smaller prints.
As long as you don't mind the limited software compatibility and added cost of buying a few high-capacity Pro Duo cards, Sony's Handycam HDR-CX7 is a really nice AVCHD camcorder. As software catches up and flash memory prices continue to drop, it will only become that much more attractive, and the smaller physical size that goes along with a flash-based camcorder will wow your friends and make it more practical to have your camcorder with you when you want it. If Mini-DVDs appeal to you more than flash-memory cards, Sony also makes the HDR-UX7, which can record AVCHD video onto 8cm DVDs and is very similar to this model, though not quite as small in size.
User reviews
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after capturing the video, it's down hill
by dwayn3 on August 14, 2007
Pros: great hardware
Cons: trapped into using Sony's software
Summary: I purchased this and immediately hit a road block... I edit video and need to convert file formats for different programs, but Sony doesn't give you this options for ...
Summary: I purchased this and immediately hit a road block... I edit video and need to convert file formats for different programs, but Sony doesn't give you this options for the HD format. They allow me to convert to a smaller sized mp4, but that's it. The software also crashed my computer, so I had to uninstall it. What's wrong with using a shared file format, which would give the user freedom. This is poor user oriented design, and I'll stay away from Sony because of it. Apple is another company that operates with similar business objectives. Both are over priced and eliminate the right to choose.
18 out of 33 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Tiny best quality video I have ever had from a video camera
by dreward on July 24, 2007
Pros: Tiny, Great video, shoots in low light (and total darkness), High speed mode, easy to transfer data
Cons: Uses sony memory sticks, a viewfinder would have been nice
Summary: Purchased this for a recent trip to Hawaii. Video is amazing I can almost smell the frangipane. Ulead Video studio handles the output like a champ and will burn a ...
Summary: Purchased this for a recent trip to Hawaii. Video is amazing I can almost smell the frangipane. Ulead Video studio handles the output like a champ and will burn a HD-DVD compatable dvd. Highly recommended
8 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Amazing video quality. Great for beginners.
by berden36 on December 9, 2008
Pros: great video, nice bundle, easy to use
Cons: wind filter is a hindrance, but not cripling. boot up time is slow, a standby feature would be nice for reserving battery without having to pwr off.
Summary: I'v been rely on cnet's editor reviews and consumer reviews when it comes to researching electronics. I value this cause, and therefore it's time for me to ...
Summary: I'v been rely on cnet's editor reviews and consumer reviews when it comes to researching electronics. I value this cause, and therefore it's time for me to contribute.
I was relucant to buy the CX7 because of the pro duo memory stick it recorded to. I was holding out for the 100 gig high def model. I didn't want to worry about having enough space to record a long event, and I wasn't sure how the quality would be on the duo sticks.
I was perusing Best Buy and couldn't help but notice the clearance price on the HDR-CX7 camcorder. They were closing out their supply,making room for the new model. The price was just under 500 and it was an impulse buy.
I have no regrets. I love this camcorder mainly for its video quality. It is a consumer product, not meant for professional use, so if you don't mind the on screen controls for auto focusing, setting the exposure etc, then it shouldn't bother you. If you want all the manual focusing mic input etc, then you should look at the EX1, the camera I do long to have :)
The 6.1 mp photos it takes, in my humble opinion is just an added feature. I didn't buy this camcorder with taking still shots in mind, however it delivers very nice on that front as well.
If you are considering this as a gift to yourself or someone else, you can't go wrong. Go for it.
btw - I use sony Vegas to edit the videos I take with this camcorder. It works wonderful. here's a video i made with this camera: http://vimeo.com/24205051 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great video (with a few caveats)
by cheezr on March 8, 2008
Pros: Highest quality video is exceptional
Cons: no viewfinder
Summary: best camcorder i have owned, 3 complaints:
1. OIS not cutting it at far tele end. (i fixed this by discovering that the sony default is to lower the shutter ...Summary: best camcorder i have owned, 3 complaints:
1. OIS not cutting it at far tele end. (i fixed this by discovering that the sony default is to lower the shutter speed, turned this off and now cx7 keeps shutter 1/60 or more and raises the iso instead, OIS is now 100% effective.
2. Indoors must keep lens in widest position or risk focus hunting. not much i can do about this but i find that indoors i rarely zoom so it is not a big deal.
3. no viewfinder, very sad as a) no diopter adjustment means reading glasses to use cx7 and b) harder to hold cx7 steady with lcd door open, on cam's with viewfinder i can close the door and hold very steady w/both hands.
overall, dont hesitate to buy this, the video is shockingly sharp and clear (compared to SD cams) and easy to edit (at least in iMovie). Also easy to take stills while filming..
however stills do have a lot of shadow noise...1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very small with stunning HD, great stabalizer, slow motion record, A+
by Mistafixit on December 18, 2007
Pros: Size, great Optical stablization, battery life, Picture looks better then HDR-HC1!!
Cons: Duo card 4gb costs $70 on sale. Thats 1 hour HD footage. No usb jack on camcorder,
Summary: I bought this camcorder from Circuit City open box for 700. and very glad i did. I also have the HDR-HC1 minidv hd camcorder and the video looks more clear ...
Summary: I bought this camcorder from Circuit City open box for 700. and very glad i did. I also have the HDR-HC1 minidv hd camcorder and the video looks more clear on the cx7. I an very impressed with the Optical stablization seems that when i watch the video i can pause into a great snapshot picture. The downside to this camera is the memorycard space. 4gb is about an hour. Carrying a backup hdd or extra cards is a good idea. Battery life is excelent at 75 min with lcd use. It feels and looks compact and lite compared to hdd camcorders. I would recomend camcorder if upgrading to hd or from most other hd camcorders, this one is hard to beet!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent video and inexpensive, high quality accessories
by Snootpelt on November 5, 2007
Pros: Few moving parts, excellent video quality and easy to use playback software
Cons: Its only 1440...not 1920. Zoom speed is twitchy.
Summary: This camcorder produces awesome videos both in good lighting and dim lighting. The still shots are very good as well...almost as good as a good digital camera.
However, its ...Summary: This camcorder produces awesome videos both in good lighting and dim lighting. The still shots are very good as well...almost as good as a good digital camera.
However, its not full HD (1440x1080 not 1920x1080) but from what I can tell in my research on these machines most of the 1920 consumer cameras achieve that resolution by further compression of the video stream for a picture that may not be any better than a 1440 capture. I don't think the average home videographer could be disappointed with this product.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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very nice camcorder, feels and looks very professional
by bill42758 on November 3, 2007
Pros: I like the memory stick, less moving parts should mean less problems in the future
Cons: I can't find a way to date stamp my still pictures, also a view finder and better instructions would be nice
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Wonder sony has this substandard product on their line and cnet rated it 8
by cnet_Ajit on April 9, 2008
Pros: decent still quality, ability to watch pictures on hidef tv in full resolution, good accompanying software, ease of transfering media to pc
Cons: data error in XP mode, grainy picture in low light, washed out picture without enough colors, uncomfortable to hold and use with one hand, auto focusing issues
Summary: I am first time writing a camera review. I wanted to let others know how it's frustating after finding the best model availalbe and then get disappointed with it'...
Summary: I am first time writing a camera review. I wanted to let others know how it's frustating after finding the best model availalbe and then get disappointed with it's performance. Also how other reviews are misleading.
I wanted the best flash memory based HD camera which is compact. purchased this camera after reading a lot and found out that it fails short of many expectations.
On very second day the camera started giving me buffer overflow data error message after recording for 30 seconds.
probably this happens when recorded in XP mode. The easy mode also did not generate error. I formatted the memory stick which is a high speed sony brand pro duo but still the error did not go away. There was no way I could record, I took it back to store where after taking long time and demonstrations to convince their technicians that the camera is defective I was able to return it without restocking fee. I had seen couple of reviews about data error but I thought it could be related to their media or happening rarely and decide to buy.
The camera is not very easy to operate with one had. My earlier dcr pc105 was so good to hadle with one hand without any shaking.
With this model you have to use other hand not to let it shake, Then you have to fumble looking for zoom and picture button.
auto focus is not fast. My pc105 was lot better in autofocusing. This model takes long before it can focus. picture appears washed out without enough color depth.
Andy awfully grainy in low light.
The picture quality is marginally better than SD take camera in day light. Night shots are better with old SD tape cameras.
I was very much in favor of Sony being the best brand out and all my old purchases were sony brand. However this model has disappointed me a lot. I will now start looking for Canon.
data error in XP mode, grainy picture in low light, washed out picture without enough colors, uncomfortable to hold and use with one hand, auto focusing issues2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Small, affordable consumer HD Flash camcorder.
Pros: Great range of accessories(lenses, batteries, tri-pods, lights & mics)
It is 2.5 yrs. old now, but if you can get one for around 700$ then go for it.
AVCHD format works great on my computers.
Small and light; fits in your baggy pockets.Cons: Nightshot switch - not actually nightvision but gives the effect of nightvision. Weird.
Has no wind-filter.
13 sec. start up.
Not really good indoors;u will need lighting
Needs mics for you filmmakers out there.
USB only through station -
Terrible on hand shake
by Doloma on June 25, 2009
Pros: Its HD or is it, nothing more to say really.
Cons: Tried it on a bike and when i reviewed the video it was absolutely terrible. The hand shake is almost non existing am afraid.
Compared to a Canon FS100 on this matter, the Canon is miles ahead.
Holding is not that convenient.Summary: I would not tell anyone to buy this camera, since you can find many HD on the market today with less money.
Sorry but i am selling it and staying ...Summary: I would not tell anyone to buy this camera, since you can find many HD on the market today with less money.
Sorry but i am selling it and staying with my Canon.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: HDR-CX7
- Description: For the first time ever, record high definition directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo media. The compact size of this camcorder combined with its minuscule recording media make the HDR-CX7 high definition Handycam camcorder a joy to use. Ultra-lightweight and easy to carry, it features a professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens and Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization for stunningly sharp high definition video. Plus, its large, 2.7" wide Clear Photo LCD Plus display featuring touch panel SwivelScreen technology makes it simple to view what you're recording - at almost any angle.
General
- Product Type Camcorder - 1080i
- Digital Zoom 20 x
- Optical Sensor Size 1/2.9"
- Optical Sensor Type ClearVid CMOS
- Min Illumination 0 lux
- Digital Video Format AVCHD, MPEG-2
- Special Effects Sepia, Pastel, Monotone, Old Movie
- Image Stabilizer Optical (Super Steady Shot)
- Digital Scene Transition Black fader, White fader
- Min Shutter Speed 1/2 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/500 sec
- Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Beach, Candle, Sunset, Sunrise, Fireworks, Landscape, Spotlight, Portrait mode, Sports lesson
- White Balance Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Indoor, Outdoor
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
- Camera Flash Built-in flash
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
Main Features
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 3.2 megapixels
- Camcorder Effective Video Resolution 2.3 megapixels
- Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 3 megapixels
- Camcorder Interpolated Still Resolution 6.1 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Still Image Format JPEG
- Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory Flash - Memory Stick PRO Duo
- Media Type Flash card
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 5.4 mm - 54 mm - F/1.8-2.9
- Focal Length 5.4 mm - 54 mm
- Lens Aperture F/1.8-2.9
- Optical Zoom 10 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 5.4 mm
- Lens Manufacturer Carl Zeiss
- Max focal length 54 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Filter Size 37 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Digital Still Camera Function Yes
- Additional Features PictBridge support, Accessories hot shoe, Touch-screen control, USB 2.0 compatibility, Progressive shutter system, Takes photos while movie recording, Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording
- Remote control Remote control - Infrared
- Software Drivers & Utilities, Sony Picture Motion Browser
- Included Accessories Docking station
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7 in - Color
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type Composite video/audio output, USB, Component video output, HDMI output
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x Memory Stick PRO Duo
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Surround
- Microphone Technology Electret condenser
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows Vista, MS Windows XP Home Edition, MS Windows XP Professional, MS Windows 2000 SP4 or later
- Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included A/V cable, Component video cable, USB cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Battery
- Supported Battery Sony NP-FH60
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 211,000 pixels
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2.7 in
- Depth 5.1 in
- Height 2.6 in
- Weight 15.9 oz
Manufacturer info
- Sony
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
