Sony HDR-CX7 AVCHD Camcorder
Tapeless
Entertainment
CX7
by Brandon Pinard
The HDR-CX7 is the
first Sony camcorder to
record AVCHD video di-
rectly to Sony’s Memory
Stick PRO Duo.The CX7
is very small and fits in
one hand easily.With
a collection of other
features, like its 1/2.9"
ClearVid CMOS sensor
and dual record mode,
the HDR-CX7 unveils a
new type of camcorder
functionality.
Sony Electronics, Inc.
1 Sony Drive
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
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Tech SpecS
Format AVCHD(HD), MPEG2-PS (SD)
Number of CCDs 1
Size of CCDs 1/2.9" ClearVid CMOS sensor
Pixels on CCD 3200(k)
Sony HDR-CX7 AVCHD Camcorder
The 10x optical zoom rocker is located on the top rear of the
camcorder, right in front of the on/off switch, which also chang-
es the camcorder from video to still mode. There is a Photo but-
ton present between the zoom rocker and the on/off dial. This
button can capture a still image while the CX7 is recording video
in either high definition or standard definition. The CX7 can
capture a digital still image of 6.1 megapixels in photo mode.
The images we captured turned out looking good, with nice
color saturation and clarity, even while zoomed in and moving
laterally. A hot shoe adapter located on the top-front of the lens
barrel is useful for attaching an external microphone or light.
Located on the back of the camcorder are the HDMI port, the A/V
out, the DC in and the Record button. The dock included with
the CX7 connects to the bottom of the camcorder. The docking
station includes a one-step disc burn button (functional with ap-
propriate software on your PC) and has numerous ports to con-
nect to a computer, printer or television. The dock also acts as a
battery-charging station while your camcorder is parked. While
most docking stations for camcorders serve as an added acces-
sory, the CX7 dock is a necessity. The docking station supplies
the USB 2.0 and component connection to the HDR-CX7. This
alone makes it an essential component, unless you plan to use
only your HDMI output.
Video Effective Pixels 2,280,000k
Focus Full-range auto/manual (dial, touch panel)
Shutter Speed Auto
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/500
Minimum Shutter Speed 1/2
Lens f-stop f1.8-2.9
Program Exposure Modes Touch panel (24 steps)
Optical Zoom 10x
Focal Length 40-400mm
Image Stabilization Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization system
Manual White Balance Auto, Indoor, One-push, Outdoor
Viewfinder N/A
LCD Monitor 2.7" (211k pixels) wide (16:9) Touch Panel-Clear
Photo LCD Plus
Progressive Scan N/A
HD Modes 1080 (60i) AVCHD
Video Out USB 2.0 (dock only), Component (dock only),
HDMI, composite
Mono/Stereo Recording 5.1 Stereo
Microphone In No
VU Meters No
Manual Audio Level
Controls No
Headphone Jack No
Speaker Yes
Still Shot Media JPEG
Memory Card included No
Flash Yes
In Focus
There is a Smooth Slow record mode that is ideal for high-
speed movement, such as a golf swing or aerial acrobatics. This
mode is easily accessible on the LCD screen by selecting the
home icon and then Smooth Slow record mode. We tested this
feature on a number of golfers, and the CX7 displayed smooth
images. However, the CX7 auto focus had a hard time getting a
sharp focus on the subject. Once manual focus is selected us-
ing the touch screen navigation, focusing can be performed on
the LCD screen.
Wireless Remote Yes
External Battery
Charger Provided No, camcorder only
Battery Type InfoLiTHIUM
Tape Loading
Configuration N/A
Onboard Video Light No
Accessory Shoe Active interface shoe
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Sony HDR-CX7 AVCHD Camcorder
The AVchD format's problems
with motion artifacts seems to
be a thing of the past, and the
Audio
The CX7 comes equipped with a built-in 5.1-channel onboard
hDr-cX7 is evidence of this new
microphone. We tested the CX7’s onboard microphone in a
variety of sound scenarios, from a quiet golf course to a crowded
baby shower party. We were pleased with the overall perfor-
mance of this camcorder’s built-in mic. Even at very close range,
semi-loud voices were not very muffled or distorted. When we
tested the microphone outdoors, again we were pleased with the
microphone's performance in picking up both ambient noise
and the sounds created by the golfer's swing and golf shot. We
were not able to hear the camcorder motor while recording in a
quiet setting. For picking up good-quality voice, the best results
were from in front of the camcorder and about 4 to 6 feet away.
direction for Sony camcorders.
CX7 still performed fairly well, with a slightly slower auto focus
and increased digital noise. Low-light conditions will definitely
be your biggest enemy in maintaining pristine images. Over-
all, we were pleased with the smooth motion of our recorded
images under indoor conditions. We tested the CX7’s image ca-
pabilities in a more difficult task with an ocean sunset, moving
along a freeway, and found the motion to be very smooth with
no visible artifacts, the auto focus quick and sharp and the color
vivid and accurate.
Format
The AVCHD format's problems with motion artifacts seems to
be a thing of the past, and the HDR-CX7 is evidence of this new
direction for Sony camcorders. Testing the CX7’s motion com-
pensation turned out great results with very few compression
artifacts and little ghosting. Under daylight conditions, the CX7
showed very sharp and smooth images. We were very pleased
with color reproduction. Under indoor lighting conditions, the
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Sony HDR-CX7 AVCHD Camcorder
STrengThS
• record AVchD to memory stick
• capture stills while recording video
• Smooth Slow record mode
• compact and lightweight
• high-quality hD video with accurate color
WeAkneSSeS
• no viewfinder
• Manual controls embedded in
touch screen navigation system
Tapeless revolution
The HDR-CX7 is the first AVCHD camcorder to record to a Memory Stick. The
Memory Sticks we used were each 1GB and stored 7 minutes of HD video.
While the docking station makes it relatively easy to transfer and store video
and images to a computer, changing tiny Memory Sticks becomes a bit cum-
bersome. The immediate option is to purchase a Memory Stick or two of a
larger capacity. This seems to be the best option, unless you want to change
Memory Sticks every few minutes or download your footage after each use.
Recording to a Memory Stick saves time and money if you frequently pur-
chase tapes and spend hours capturing your footage to your computer.
SuMMAry
• A sleek and compact AVchD
camera that records great-looking
video/still images directly to Memory
Stick, is relatively easy to use and
includes features that will appeal to
the consumer-level videographer.
conclusion
With a positive step in the tapeless direction, Sony has produced a good-
looking and super-compact first-of-its kind consumer-level AVCHD cam-
corder that is relatively user-friendly and produces great-quality HD video.
This would be a great camcorder for anyone who wants to do handheld
video of almost any kind and great for a vacation or traveling where space
is limited.
prIce
• $1,200
Brandon Pinard is Videomaker’s
video production assistant.
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