Sony HDR-CX7 Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Sep 10, 2007 10:00 AM

Intro Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features
 Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity Other Features
Comparisons / Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings  
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Still Features (8.75)
The HDR-CX7 (Specs, Recent News, $1199) (Review, Specs, Recent News, $769.95) records digital stills to Memory Stick PRO Duo cards in the following sizes: 6.1MP (2848 x 2136 in 4:3), 4.6MP (2848 x 1602 in 16:9), 3.1MP (2048 x 1536 in 4:3), and VGA (640 x 480 in 4:3). Thanks to the Dual Record function, the HDR-CX7 can snap stills up to 4.6 MP while recording HD video. Images can be recorded in fine or standard quality, and all automatic and manual controls are available in Photo mode.

The HDR-CX7 also includes a red-eye reduction feature to help eliminate devil eyes from subjects. Zebra stripes are also available to indicate overexposed areas, along with guide frames for fine tuning the composition. The HDR-CX7 includes a flash mounted to the side that can be set to manual or automatic.

Still Performance (8.94)
The Sony HDR-CX7’s still photos were tested for performance by shooting an industry standard GretagMacBeth Color Chart at an even, bright light. We then ran those stills through Imatest imaging software to determine the color error, noise, and saturation. At best, the HDR-CX7 was able to produce a color error of 6.71, which is good for a camcorder. Sony seems to be hitting better marks in accuracy, though the noise tends to be higher. In this case, noise made up 1.6975 percent of the image, with a 108 percent saturation. The noise can be seen by the eye. In order to get this best score, we had to lower the exposure a couple notches. The only exposure control on the camcorder is the “exposure” option in the menu. However, the EXIF data reveals what the camcorder is actually doing. The Auto mode had the camcorder set at f/3.4 with a 1/60 shutter speed. The best score closed the aperture down to f/4.0.

In practical shooting, the stills have a great sharpness. The quality matches that of a decent point-and-shoot camera. However, there is some discoloration in the noise, which is a frequent problem with Sonys.

Still Resolution (22.33)

In order to test resolution, we turn the Sony HDR-CX7 on an Applied Image ISO 12233 resolution chart, then run the stills through Imatest imaging software. At best, the Sony HDR-CX7 was able to produce a horizontal resolution of 1511 lw/ph – with a 1.78 percent clipping and a 4.02 percent undersharpening – and a vertical resolution of 1195 lw/ph – with a 1.26 percent clipping and a 9.18 percent undersharpening.

This best score was obtained by raising the exposure one notch using the “exposure” control in the menu. The EXIF data revealed the auto settings for this shot were f/4.8 with a 1/90 shutter speed. The exposure bump slowed the shutter speed to 1/60. Of course, you have no control over the aperture or the shutter speed directly.

These resolution scores compare favorably with similarly priced camcorders, around the same scores as the Sony HDR-HC7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1128.56) and DCR-SR300 (Review, Specs, $761.95), and much higher than the Panasonic HDC-SD1 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1119.99) and HDC-DX1 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1119.99).

 

 

 

 



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