Hitachi DZ-BD7HA Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Nov 7, 2007 2:15 AM 
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Ease of Use (8.0)
To any point-and-shooter, three different forms of recording media means three different menus and thus, three different playback methods. Fortunately, the DZ-BD7HA (Review, Specs, $0.00) utilizes an intuitive menu structure that is virtually identical in appearance and function whether you record to HDD, Blu-ray, or an SD/SDHC card (for stills). Manual controls are simple – primarily because there are so few of them. Without shutter speed and gain, users only need to focus on exposure and white balance. We’re not saying this is an optimal system by any means (the more manual controls, the merrier), but it narrows down the amount of choices for beginners.
There is, in fact, a “Full Auto” button that places the DZ-BD7HA in a state of autopilot, but it’s no match for Sony’s Easy mode. After all, an Auto mode is only as good as the camcorder’s ability to field constantly changing light conditions. On the plus side, the DZ-BD7HA’s joystick operates quickly and accurately, whether in Recording mode or Playback. The DZ-BD7HA includes a Quick Start button that saves the camcorder’s individual settings and powers on in an instant to catch the action.
Now let’s discuss the most daunting part of the DZ-BD7HA - the Blu-ray format. In order to play back footage recorded to a Blu-ray disc, you need a Blu-ray player, which will generally run you hundreds of dollars. If you opt to shoot to the HDD, which we recommend, you still have to deal with the DZ-BD7HA’s stubborn compression format — newer and therefore even more obstinate than AVCHD. You can only export movies via the provided HD Writer software as 1920 x 1080 H.264 files or 720 x 480 MPEG2 files. These particular H.264 files are not compatible with a lot of playback software. So much for editing “Full HD” video without jumping through significant hoops. In addition, stills can only be captured to an SD card and not the HDD.
Handling (6.25)
Hitachi clearly chose style over performance for the DZ-BD7HA. The camcorder contains curves and shapes reminiscent of a Jaguar XKR convertible, but it sure doesn’t perform like one. With clandestine ports, shiny buttons, and a silver metallic finish, the DZ-BD7HA is one of the hottest-looking camcorders on the market. However, we found its video performance and manual/automatic controls to be abysmal. Can the DZ-BD7HA make up for it in the handling department?
The DZ-BD7HA is a large, heavy machine. It’s akin to the JVC GZ-HD7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1529), sporting a massive lens barrel and wide body. The DZ-BD7HA weighs almost as much as the GZ-HD7, but handles a bit differently due to its tall frame and large disc hatch. The Sony HDR-UX7 (Review, Specs, $0.00) is approximately 26 percent smaller than the DZ-BD7HA, and the Canon HR10 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00) is 42 percent smaller when stacked up against this monster.
Despite the DZ-BD7HA’s intimidating size, it actually feels great in the hand. Those with larger hands will find their fingers comfortably resting atop their designated locations — the thumb blankets the record start/stop button, and the middle, ring, and pinky fingers have plenty of surface area to grab thanks to the voluminous disc hatch. Most shooters will find they have to shift their index finger back significantly to reach the zoom toggle, which compromises the grip a bit. Once you’ve latched the DZ-BD7HA onto your hand you’ll notice how balanced the camcorder feels, due mostly to its heavy, square-shaped frame.
The LCD-mounted joystick functions as smoothly as any JVC Everio, and allows for rapid menu selection and manual control adjustment. Though the DZ-BD7HA’s joystick does not offer the one-handed camcorder operation of a Panasonic or Canon, it beats Sony’s smudgy touch screen interface any day. The DZ-BD7HA also includes exposure and focus buttons embedded in the LCD cavity. While these may seem like advanced perks, most other camcorders within this price range are equipped with either Cam Control dials or Joystick menus, with most manual controls readily available. For $1,600, the DZ-BD7HA should be offering more manual controls, a Cam Control dial/ring, and additional connectivity.
Menu (6.5)
The DZ-BD7HA’s menu structure proves to be one of the camcorder’s few redeeming qualities. The menu is clean, easy to navigate, and responds quickly to joystick operation. Shifting between three different media modes can be overwhelming, but the menu structure is relatively the same across the board. A handful of buttons are embedded within the LCD cavity, which whittles down on-screen menu options. Unlike most camcorders, there is no split between “Main menu” and “Manual Control menu,” perhaps because the manual controls are so few that they do not warrant a separate menu.
The HDD and DVD menus are identical and can be accessed by pressing the menu button in the top left corner of the LCD panel. The menu consists of the following options:
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HDD/ Blu-Ray Video Menu |
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| Camera Functions Setup | Program AE, White Balance, EIS, Digital Zoom, MIC. Filter, Auxiliary Line |
| Record Functions Setup | HD Video Mode |
| Output Functions Setup | Component Output |
| LCD/EVF Setup | LCD/EVF Adjust, EVF Display |
| Date Setup | Date Set, Date Mode |
| Initial Setup | Beep, Power Save, Record LED, Language, Demo Mode, Reset |
Portability (4.5)
In terms of dimensions and weight, this hybrid is no mammoth JVC Everio by any stretch, nor is it a petite Sony HDD. The DZ-BD7HA ranks alongside the JVC GZ-HD3 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1279.00) and GZ-HD7 in size, so if you’re hoping that the world’s first Blu-ray camcorder is easy to tote around, think again. The DZ-BD7HA is a large machine, measuring 80 x 87 x 165mm (3 1/8 x 3 7/16 x 6 1/2 inches) and tipping the scale at 705 grams (1 pound, 8.9 ounces). You’ll need a medium or large camera bag with plenty of room for cables, Blu-ray discs, SD cards, and back-up batteries. Fortunately, Blu-ray discs offer an hour of recording time at the highest quality setting, so that should assuage the financial strain a bit. We’re not really sure why you’d want to shoot on Blu-ray when the DZ-BD7HA’s HDD can accommodate more than four hours of footage, anyway.
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LCD and Viewfinder (6.5)
The DZ-BD7HA is equipped with a 2.7-inch LCD screen that features a 211,200-pixel display. The LCD screen flips out 90 degrees from the body of the camcorder and rotates up to 270 degrees. Hitachi has outfitted the LCD panel with a joystick and menu/playback controls that include menu, select, and stop/exit buttons. Most navigational activity takes place within the LCD panel and the placement of the controls is conducive to rapid selections and adjustments. A display button within the LCD cavity allows the shooter to toggle between an icon-free screen and standard screen. We’re pleased with the DZ-BD7HA’s LCD screen, which is unfortunately one of its few redeeming qualities.
The DZ-BD7HA also features a rubberized color viewfinder that telescopes out approximately 3/4-inch from the back of the camcorder. While we appreciate the effort here, 3/4-inch is not a substantial amount of clearance on a camcorder this large — the arced left side of the rear frame battles with the nose. On the plus side, the rubberized gasket is a nice touch. The dioptric adjuster rests along the top of the viewfinder’s shaft for those with prescription glasses.
Battery Life (10.1)
We tested the life of the DZ-BD7HA’s battery pack by recording continuously in Manual mode with the LCD flipped open and EIS disabled. The DZ-BP14S Battery Pack lasted a total of 100 minutes and 39 seconds (1 hour, 40 minutes, and 39 seconds). This is a truly average performance. The Panasonic HDC-SX5 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00) lasted well over two hours (153 minutes and 34 seconds) and Sony HDR-UX7 held out for a solid 121 minutes and 19 seconds.