Sony HDR-UX7 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by Matt Culler
Published on Jan 10, 2007 3:00 PM

Intro Performance
Format
 Tour
Auto / Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use Audio / Playback / Connectivity
Other Features Comparisons / Conclusion
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Compression
The HDR-UX7 employs AVCHD compression, an advanced flavor of MPEG-4 H.264. While AVCHD has a theoretical bit rate ceiling of 24 Mbps, this model tops out at 12Mbps in HQ+ mode, 9Mbps in HQ mode, 7Mbps in SP mode, and in 5Mbps LP mode. IS THIS ACCURATE? These rates are the same as seen on the HDR-UX1. Interestingly, the HDR-SR1 – Sony’s only HD-based AVCHD camcorder currently on the market, has a slightly higher 15Mbps max bit rate. However, we found the images it produced to be nearly identical to the 12Mbps UX1. This illustrates the unresolved issues regarding how good AVCHD can get even at higher bit rates.
 
Media
AVCHD format camcorders are compatible with DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD+R DL (Dual Layer) discs. This means that shooters familiar with DVD media should find these new-format camcorders approachable since they have been around in standard definition camcorders for years and are readily available. Dual Layer discs were introduced this past summer with the launch of the UX1 and boast recording times about 40% longer than conventional single layer discs. 
 
Editing
The AVCHD format still has no credible product for editing natively. We – and scads of consumer videographers complained about this when the HDR-UX1 hit the market, and the problem still stands. While major players have signed on to the AVCHD format, the best advice we can give would-be UX7 editors is to wait for broader AVCHD NLE support, or drown your sorrows on the many forums (including our own) that have turned into defacto AVCHD editor support groups. There are, however, several AVCHD players that can read your footage and burn it to Blu-Ray disc, like Corel’s new WinDVD 8.  
 
The HDR-UX7 ships with the same included software as the HDR-UX1: Picture Motion Browser ver. 2.0. It will allow you to import your footage and burn it to DVD, but it is not much more than a stop-gap footage transfer solution.



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