Sony HDR-UX7 Camcorder Review

-AC Adapter
-Power Cord
-Component Cable
-A/V Cable
-USB Cable
-Wireless Remote Commander
-NP-FH70 Rechargeable Battery Pack
-CD-ROM: Handycam Application Software
-Operating Guide (Manual)

This is a standard set of components for a $1,000 AVCHD camcorder. For the serious videographer, an external mic, large backup battery, and plethora of DVDs should do the trick. Though with 15 minutes of recordable time per disc in the highest HD quality setting, be prepared to lay down some significant cash.

Other Features (4.0)
Super NightShot Infrared System - In order to see things that go bump in the night, Sony created Super NightShot. When plain old NightShot is activated via the NightShot switch on top of the camcorder, recorded footage will don a greenish tint that offers more detail than could otherwise be captured. When the Super NightShot setting is activated from within the Home menu, the HDR-UX7 emits an infrared beam, offering an even brighter (green) image. Either way you slice it, NightShot is a niche tool with limited practical use.

The Super NightShot mode in action

Digital Effect(s) - Digital effects are generally lame on any consumer camcorder, and are no different here. Just press the D. Effect button in the Options menu and you’ll see a whole bunch of … wait a minute. There’s only one digital effect and it’s Old Movie. This casts a sepia tone and slows the shutter speed. Not very useful.

The Old Movie mode

Picture Effects - At least Sony provides more than one picture effect, which are Photoshop-like filters that can be set before recording footage. Your options are Sepia, Black and White, and Pastel.

The Picture Effects menu

Smooth Slow Record - If you want to record some truly awesome slow motion clips, take advantage of Sony’s Smooth Slow Record feature. When Smooth Slow Record is selected, video is recorded at a quadrupled 240 fps for some buttery, fluid action. The downside to Smooth Slow Record is that it can only handle three seconds of recording. These are immediately rendered in-camera and outputted as 12-second clips – four times slower. In this mode, video quality suffers a great deal, creating grainy, dark pictures.

Fader - Sony includes this transition tool that allows you to fade in and out of clips each time you hit the record button. Choose between black or white.

Data Battery - When the HDR-UX7 is turned off, press the display/battery info button in the LCD cavity. A screen appears featuring a horizontal battery life meter measured in percentages. The display also provides the remaining recording time when using the viewfinder and the LCD screen.

Backlight Compensation (BLC) - When a subject is underexposed due to strong backlighting, activate the BLC control and the HDR-UX7 will boost the exposure.