Sony HDR-FX7 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by John Neely
Published on Sep 22, 2006 2:00 PM

Intro Performance
Format Tour
Auto / Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use
 Audio / Playback / Connectivity
Other Features Comparisons / Conclusion


Handling
The aspect of handling the FX7 that struck me the most was how easy it was to hold – it just felt good in my hand. I attribute this to the fact that for a prosumer camcorder, the FX7 is fairly small and light, and the barrel-like design gives it a nice balance and doesn’t pull so heavily on your wrist that it’s uncomfortable. If I were shooting with this camcorder in the field, I would add an XLR adaptor, wireless receiver, and possibly other accessories that would weigh the camcorder down, despite these additions, I think it would retain much of its pleasing balance. I also found the OIS system (Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization) good enough that the camcorder did not feel too light – an area that has sometimes plagued otherwise strong prosumer camcorders. I found the AG-DVX100’s OIS to be marginally effective, making it a tough camcorder to shoot hand-held, and the Canon XL series camcorders can be awkward given their intermediate size.

I also think Sony has done a good job of keeping the most vital manual controls on the HDR-FX7 both quickly accessible and easy to use. The focus and zoom rings work well, and I like the exposure dial, though it is a multifunction adjustment. Controls for gain, shutter speed and white balance are all at the camcorder’s back, and adjusted using the simple – if undersized – dial controller. Some other important features on the camcorder’s body are buttons for expanded focus and manual focus on/off, on the base of the HDR-FX7’s left side, and the switch for zebra stripes inside the LCD cavity.

The biggest drawback of the HDR-FX7 is probably that many adjustments can only be accessed and set in the camcorder’s menu. This includes everything from exposure dial calibration (AE shift, iris or exposure) to color bars and SteadyShot on/off. Thankfully, this camcorder provides six assignable buttons, and 2 picture profiles (user profiles) which should allow users to streamline the camcorder to their own preferences.

LCD/Viewfinder
The LCD screen on the HDR-FX7 has a location that’s more conventional than the handle-mounted screen on the HDR-FX1. The handle mounted screen has gained a following, and many users appreciate that it can be positioned more in-line with the subject during a shoot. The 3.5-inch LCD screen also has a slightly lower pixel count than the FX1’s screen, with 211K vs. 250K. The EVF (electronic color viewfinder) features 250K pixels, and can extend out away from the camcorder body, and tilt up and down for a comfortable viewing angle. The EVF produces a sharp image, and the eye cup is made of soft rubber making it very comfortable for extended shooting. A large dioptric adjustment lever is on the underside of the EVF.




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