Sony HDR-CX700V Camcorder Review

Video Sharpness

Let's dig into video sharpness, which is one of the most important scores in our battery of camcorder tests. Since the CX700V has both a 60p and 60i record mode, we had to test the camcorder in both record modes. With 60p recording, the HDR-CX700V managed a horizontal sharpness of 750 lw/ph and a vertical sharpness of 800 lw/ph—both of which represent quality performances.

With 60i recording, the CX700V didn't capture an image that looked quite as sharp. The numbers dropped to 750 lw/ph horizontal and 600 lw/ph vertical. These aren't bad numbers, but the camcorder will clearly produce a sharper and finer picture with its 60p mode. This is the same phenomenon we noticed with the Panasonic HDC-TM900's 60p mode, which was far sharper than its 60i setting. Overall, the Panasonic TM900 produced a sharper image than the CX700, but we're pleased that Sony was able to improve its sharpness over last year's CX550V. More on how we test video sharpness.