Sony HDR-HC7 6.1MP MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom Review
After numerous months of searching, it was down to this and the Canon HV20. The Canon had a higher image quality, but appeared to have issues with the rolling shutter. (Reviews can be found at camcorderinfo.com) In the end, I picked the Sony because of the discount I could redeem from Sony card's points program. I couldn't be happier with this purchase. At the time of purchase, I also considered with new entries of hard drive and flash drive HD camcorders. From the comparison footage, the progressive image could not offset the image compression from the AVCHD format. I'm sure the image quality has improved since then because the bitrate wasn't used to its fullest potential in AVCHD.
I have used the camcorder for the past two years and I like the touchscreen on the Sony, it makes for changing settings pretty quickly. The controls are responsive and I'm happy with the image quality. There is a learning curve to shoot footage in varying conditions. But once you figure out to spend a few minutes before an event to set the white balance and exposure, the footage looks great! I picked up Sony Vegas Studio and the importing the videos from the HDV tapes to computer is simple as pushing record. The footage is easy to edit and compile onto a DVD. The editor has the ability to blend the interlaced frames so the video looks cleaner (without the jaggy lines you would see if you paused the video during a scene with high speed movements for the regular interlaced footage).
I've bought accessories such as the underwater housing (and 2 lbs of lead weights to neutralize buoyancy). This is great for pool videos during vacation as well as handy to record footage at the beach on windy days (to keep sand out), splashing around in the ocean, and in the rain. Additional accessories I picked up include a larger battery (almost 400 minutes of battery life if you use the viewfinder only), the bluetooth microphone (great for recitals), video light, and a UV filter (to provide some protection for the lens). I am considering a wide angle converter lens as the widest angle is narrow for filming in smaller rooms.
I look forward to creating more home videos with this camcorder.
Sony HDR-HC7 6.1MP MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom Feature
- 3-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor; choose between HD & DV recording formats
- 6.1-megapixel still image capture; Super SteadyShot image stabilization
- 2.7-inch widescreen Clear Photo LCD Plus
- Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens; 10x optical zoom/20x digital zoom
- Memory Stick Duo media slot
Sony HDR-HC7 6.1MP MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom Overview
The HDR-HC7 lets you view the world through a professional grade Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens with 10x optical/20x digital zoom and a 1/2.9" ClearVid CMOS Sensor. In addition to pristine quality video, you can capture 4.6 megapixel still images while the camcorder is recording video with the dual record mode feature. Take command of your pictures as you manually control focus, exposure, shutter speed, auto exposure shift and white balance shift. View everything you shoot on the 2.7"2 Wide Clear Photo LCD Plus featuring Touch Panel SwivelScreen technology, so you can swivel from any shooting angle. Super SteadyShot technology and the Super NightShot feature will help you capture videos you'll want to share with the world.
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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 31, 2009 23:00:08
