Sony HDR-UX7 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on Oct 10, 2007 5:06 PM
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Audio (8.5)
The HDR-UX7 has a great deal of flexibility when it comes to audio input. It comes equipped with a 5.1-channel Dolby Digital stereo microphone mounted to the top of the camcorder. This is only slightly better than the standard stereo mics Sony puts on its other camcorders. Luckily, the UX7 also features a microphone-in and headphone-out jack. In addition, the camcorder sports a proprietary fit Active Interface Shoe (AIS) up top, which is compatible with a number of Sony boom mics and video lights. With all these inputs, you’ll never have to settle for an onboard mic again.
The onboard options for adjusting sound are, unfortunately, lacking. Unlike the Panasonic HDC-DX1, the HDR-UX7 does not offer any control over audio aside from onboard microphone levels that can be set to Normal or Low. The Panasonic HDC-DX1 and HDC-SD1 both offer independent gain control over multiple channels, in addition to a zoom function. Sony doesn’t even throw a wind cut function on the HDR-UX7.
Playback (4.0)
Like any Sony that features the Home menu structure—including the HDR-UX1 and DCR-SR1—playing back recorded video clips and stills could not be easier. This may be the one instance where a touch screen LCD proves a favorable option to a joystick – at least the joysticks on the JVC Everio camcorders. In order to activate the Playback menu, press the playback button in the lower left corner of the LCD screen. There is also a playback button within the LCD cavity.
The Playback screen is characterized by a grid-like grouping of six or 12 thumbnail at a time, alternated by shifting the zoom toggle. Each thumbnail represents a video clip. Along the bottom of the Playback screen is a panel of controls consisting of Video mode, Video Playback, Photo mode, and Video Playback Options, which contains the following selections: Add, Add All (to Playlist), Delete, Delete All, and Divide.
To play a clip, simply touch its corresponding thumbnail and it will begin playing. A handful of playback controls line the bottom half of the LCD screen: Previous Clip, Next Clip, Stop, Rewind, Play/Pause, Fast Forward, and Playback Options. While playing back a clip, the Playback Options now offer Volume and Data Code control. Playing back still images is nearly identical, only the Playback Options are composed of Print, Slideshow, Delete, and Delete All options.
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The video playback screens |
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Connectivity (10.0)
Most of the HDR-UX7’s ports are located along the bottom of the camcorder’s left side. Two thick plastic strips encase the Mic and Headphone jacks and Component and HDMI terminals. Concentrating most of a camcorder’s connectivity within the left side is generally not the best idea. Cables can obscure the LCD screen during playback, and Mic and Headphone jacks must be routed accordingly. We’re quite pleased to see the return of these improved audio options after it seemed they were disappearing from the consumer camcorder landscape.
Around back, a small plastic door flips up to reveal the AV-out terminal and DC-in jack. The door is difficult to access due to the looming battery. To the right of the battery you’ll find the Remote (LANC) jack and USB terminal, both housed by a rugged plastic tab.
The Memory Stick Duo slot is located within the LCD cavity and does not feature a cover other than the closed LCD screen. Cards can be inserted and removed via an internal spring-loaded mechanism.
On top, Sony’s proprietary hot shoe (AIS) is shrouded by a thick plastic square anchored to the body of the camcorder by a flimsy plastic strip. Of course, only Sony products are compatible with the AIS.
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The ports of the HDR-UX7, clockwise from top-left: |
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