Sony HDR-FX7 Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Dec 27, 2006 7:00 AM

Intro Performance
Format Tour
Auto/Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use Audio/Playback/Connectivity
Other Features
 Comparisons/Conclusion
Specs/Ratings  
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Widescreen/16:9 Mode (10.0)
The HDR-FX7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $2599) shoots in HDV, which is natively 16:9, as well as 16:9 and 4:3 standard definition DV. When in 4:3, the camcorder simply produces pillar boxes to cut off part of the picture. The 3.5” LCD is also of a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Scan Rates/24p (0.0) The Sony HDR-FX7 records video in 1080/60i and480/60i, the broadcast standards for HDV and DV, respectively. Unlike Sony’s HVR-V1U, Panasonic’s AG-HVX200, JVC’s GY-HD110U (24p, 30p), and Canon’s XH A1 (Specs, Recent News, $3279.99) (24F, 30F), the FX7 does not support progressive frame rate recording modes. Video captured by CMOS sensors originates as full-frame progressive video, which is then converted to 60i (60fps interlaced video) by the camcorder’s processor. In practical terms, the fact that the FX7’s video originates on the ClearVID CMOS sensor as progressive video will have no bearing on workflow since you’ll only work with the interlaced output. However, CMOS sensors do enable manufacturers to beef up their feature set, adding to a camcorder’s onboard image enhancement suite in large part due to the speed of CMOS sensors, and their full-frame progressive nature.   

Other Features (9.0) Smooth Slow Record – Heavily marketed but of dubious value, the Smooth Slow Record feature can capture up to 6 seconds of video, then stretch it out to play at about 4x slower. The video quality is actually pretty good, but with only six second bursts, this is not an on-the-fly feature. Your shots will have to be set up and timed just right.  

SteadyShot – The optical image stabilization (OIS) can be set to four levels of strength. The Hard setting provides the most stabilization; Standard is the default setting; Soft allows for a little bounce and jiggle in the image. Finally, the Wide Conversion setting should be chosen when a conversion lens is attached.   Color Bars – Up to three types of color bar patterns can be displayed.  

Guide Markers – A crosshair pattern, or a 9-field grid, or both can be displayed on the LCD and EVF.  

Index Mark -  Index signals can be created to help you quickly find specific places on the tape.



 



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