Sony HDR-CX7 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by John Neely
Published on May 21, 2007 3:30 PM

 
Intro Performance
Format Tour
Auto / Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity
Other Features Comparisons / Conclusion
Specs and Ratings
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Audio
Audio options on the Sony GDR-CX7 are limited, but it does record Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound natively, via the onboard microphone. Unlike the Panasonic HDC-SD1, this camcorder does not allow you to manually set levels for each channel – but we don’t see that as a great loss given the relatively low audio quality that any onboard mic can muster. The AIS (Active Interface Shoe) does broaden the audio options available to include compatible Sony microphones that attach directly to the shoe, and third-party AIS adapters are available that provide a 3.5mm microphone interface.

Playback
Sony has capitalized on the speed of flash media in providing a dizzying array of playback features on the HDR-CX7. Playback is accessed via the View Images tab of the Home Menu, or by pressing the Playback button in the LCD cavity. The options on the main playback screen include Visual Index (thumbnail display of all files), video- and still-only Index, and Playlist. Upon selecting a given video clip to playback, a VCR-like interface appears on-screen, with additional buttons that enable you to return to the thumbnail display or enter the playback menu. Images can be printed from within the playback menu or displayed as a slideshow at intervals selectable from 3 seconds to 5 minutes. Clips can be deleted by type (i.e. HD), by date, or all at once. Playlists can also be built on-camera by individual clip, date, and type.

Connectivity
The Sony HDR-CX7 offers a selection of basic ports and terminals onboard, and a few additional connectivity options via the Handycam Station cradle. At the rear of the camcorder, to the left of the battery slot, are two plastic port covers. The upper cover conceals an HDMI and AV terminals, and the lower cover protects the DC-in port. Inside the LCD cavity is the Memory Stick DUO Pro slot, hidden by a rigid hinging door along the base of the camcorder. On top of the body, just behind the lens is the AIS (Active Interface Shoe) – a proprietary hot shoe that is compatible with Sony accessories. Third-party adapters can be purchased to allow the connection of any microphone with a 3.5mm jack.

Note the depth of the battery slot
HDMI, AV and DC-in

The Handycam Station is an included accessory that allows you to take advantage of a USB 2.0 port, for connection to a PC, composite video out, and charge the camcorder’s battery. While the Handycam Station is good from the point of view of convenience, it doesn’t help with portability. If you’re going on a long trip, and plan on downloading footage as you go, you’ll forced to bring the cradle with you – there is no onboard USB terminal. We do see the benefits of camcorder cradles like this, but we strongly believe that everything should also be available on-camera.








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