Sony HDR-CX7

Sony announced the HDR-CX7 MemoryStick AVCHD camcorder in late April, and it is among the sleeker models we’ve seen in a while – so sleek in fact that we could not help but be reminded of another svelte camcorder we recently gave the once-over: Panasonic’s HDC-SD1. Both camcorders record high definition AVCHD footage to flash media – proprietary MemorySticks in the case of the CX7 and SDHC cards in the case of the SD1. They are also both camcorders that emphasize the benefits of solid state media, saving on the space occupied by drive and transport mechanisms in HDD-, DVD-, and MiniDV-based camcorders. Rather than overload the $1200 (MSRP) CX7 with anything unnecessary, this cam epitomizes low-profile, silent-running, rapidly-deployable speed. We like the concept, and we like the look – but before this hot little number seduces you into forking over your American Express card, there are a few things you should know.