Camcorders(658)
Camera Lenses(927)
Digital Cameras(6,293)
Digital Photo Frames(290)
Memory Cards & Readers(1,405)
Reviews Home >
Cameras & Camcorders Reviews >
Camcorders Reviews >
High-Definition Camcorders Reviews
Customer Reviews for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
This product is no longer available. Continue shopping at Best Buy.
Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Model: HDR-CX7
SKU: 8374528
UPC: 027242720282
Capture all the details of family vacations, sporting events and dance recitals with this high-definition camcorder that preserves memories in vivid, true-to-life color. Optical image stabilization compensates for camera shake, delivering fluid video.
Average Customer Rating:
4.2
out of 5
(19 Reviews) 19
Rating Snapshot 19 reviews
5 stars
9
4 stars
6
3 stars
3
2 stars
1
1 star
0
84% of customers would recommend this product to a friend
(
16 out of
19)
Customer Reviews for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Review 1 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Great multi-use camcorder!
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: AtHomePA
from Waynesburg, PA
on 07/20/2008
What's great about it: HD for the consumer/amateur videographer.
What's not so great: No Vista 64-bit software support. No decent editing software included.
Purchased as an overdue replacement to an old Hitachi VHS camcorder. A well spent $1099 (in December 2007, now $899, and even on sale for $699 in July '08 at Best Buy). I use this as a still camera and video camera.
I usually use the SD mode because my playback venues are mostly SD level, though the HD is great looking on the right equipment.
The 6.1 MP photos are outstanding. I would like a few more flash options. And, you lose the flash when you attach filters or lenses to the camera.
Vista 64-bit will not install the Sony software, but you can transfer using USB cable and the camcorder as a hard drive. The Memory Stick Duo card can also be used to transfer media files, but was extremely slow on my HP Elite MM Intel 6700 PC.
I use Sony Vegas Movie Maker and Muvee's Reveal to put together some nifty photo/video montages with minimal effort.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 2 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Great for football games
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: tr123456
on 07/19/2008
What's great about it: Zoom works well to get detail
I used this product for our local high school games. It's light weight and has a great picture.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 3 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
not macintosh compatible
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: videomannia
from Louisiana
on 05/29/2008
What's great about it: shoots great, lightweight, takes good stills, easy to use
What's not so great: auto focus is frustrating sometimes, docking station sucks
I have to say shooting with the camera is fun and easy, but I was so mad when I got to my mac computer and realized that sony had not made software to work with my computer. It was a nightmare to find a converter, and then pay for it after I already bought a $900 camera. If you have a macintosh don't wast your money with this camera, get a canon or something that is mac compatable until sony steps into the 21st century and recognizes that macs are everywhere.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 4 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Delighted in Cincinnati.
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: ert829
from Cincinnati, OH
on 05/26/2008
What's great about it: lightwight, great picture
What's not so great: limited to 8GB memory cards, no mini hdmi cable.
.
Awesome camcorder with great picture quality!
.
I was able to record at the highest bit rate (15Mbps) onto a Sony memory stick pro duo 2GB (MSX-M2GS), which I bought last year for another Sony still picture digital camera.
.
Playback from this non-high-speed memory stick was good. I do not yet have a high speed memory stick, but I am pleasantly surprised by the qualtiy my "old" memory stick delivered.
.
My pc and graphics card (AMD dual core 3800+/ ATI radeon 1650X) do not appear fast enough to playback raw (i.e. unrendered .MTS format) video recorded at any bit rate. The picture is choppy and processor load meter is pegged to max. When the CX7 is connected to my hi-def tv with the supplied component cable (i.e. red, blue, green), the picture quality looks perfect. I guess that I will have to get a new HD graphics card to offload the main processor on my PC to watch this. (at least that is what the HD graphics card manufacturers advertise these cards do).
.
The playback I refer to above is on my pc within the Sony Vegas video editing software with display settings at 1920x1080, full, half, or quarter screen,and at quality setting = good. 1440x1080 looks just fine.
.
When I rendered (i.e. re-encoded) the video with Sony Vegas 8.0d Platinum with the Main-Concept MPEG-2 codec usinng template HDV 1080-60i (i.e. 1400x1080), the playback on my pc looks very good, but not as sharp as on my hd-tv connected directly to the CX7. Still, the video from the CX7 is much better on my pc than the video from my old (circa 2002) MiniDV camera.
.
By the way, I think you need the platinum version of Sony Vegas 8.0 to do the hi-def video work. This might not be true. Check the web site. I do liike this video editing software. The tutorials are good, too.
.
The CX7 displays on its screen that the 2GB card can record 16 min at 15Mbps, 29 min at 9 Mbps, 35 min at 7Mbps, and 45 min at 5 Mbps. I think the video at 5Mbps is great! I read a lot online about this camcorder and saw reports of pixelization. I have not observed any. I used the camcorder yesterday at a 500 mile race in Indianapolis and am very pleased with the results.
.
The still photos look OK. I did a quick back yard test. They are comparable with my 7.1 MPixel Sony camera.
.
Also, I did not intall any of the software that came with the CX7. My Vista PC recognized the CX7 as a USB device, and I manually copied the MTS files to my harddrive.
.
Lastly, the included owners manual does verify that "a memory stick pro duo of up to 8GB has been confirmed to operate correctly with this camcorder".
.
I hope this layman/owner test helps you decision.
.
Full recommendation!
Awesome camcorder with great picture quality!
.
I was able to record at the highest bit rate (15Mbps) onto a Sony memory stick pro duo 2GB (MSX-M2GS), which I bought last year for another Sony still picture digital camera.
.
Playback from this non-high-speed memory stick was good. I do not yet have a high speed memory stick, but I am pleasantly surprised by the qualtiy my "old" memory stick delivered.
.
My pc and graphics card (AMD dual core 3800+/ ATI radeon 1650X) do not appear fast enough to playback raw (i.e. unrendered .MTS format) video recorded at any bit rate. The picture is choppy and processor load meter is pegged to max. When the CX7 is connected to my hi-def tv with the supplied component cable (i.e. red, blue, green), the picture quality looks perfect. I guess that I will have to get a new HD graphics card to offload the main processor on my PC to watch this. (at least that is what the HD graphics card manufacturers advertise these cards do).
.
The playback I refer to above is on my pc within the Sony Vegas video editing software with display settings at 1920x1080, full, half, or quarter screen,and at quality setting = good. 1440x1080 looks just fine.
.
When I rendered (i.e. re-encoded) the video with Sony Vegas 8.0d Platinum with the Main-Concept MPEG-2 codec usinng template HDV 1080-60i (i.e. 1400x1080), the playback on my pc looks very good, but not as sharp as on my hd-tv connected directly to the CX7. Still, the video from the CX7 is much better on my pc than the video from my old (circa 2002) MiniDV camera.
.
By the way, I think you need the platinum version of Sony Vegas 8.0 to do the hi-def video work. This might not be true. Check the web site. I do liike this video editing software. The tutorials are good, too.
.
The CX7 displays on its screen that the 2GB card can record 16 min at 15Mbps, 29 min at 9 Mbps, 35 min at 7Mbps, and 45 min at 5 Mbps. I think the video at 5Mbps is great! I read a lot online about this camcorder and saw reports of pixelization. I have not observed any. I used the camcorder yesterday at a 500 mile race in Indianapolis and am very pleased with the results.
.
The still photos look OK. I did a quick back yard test. They are comparable with my 7.1 MPixel Sony camera.
.
Also, I did not intall any of the software that came with the CX7. My Vista PC recognized the CX7 as a USB device, and I manually copied the MTS files to my harddrive.
.
Lastly, the included owners manual does verify that "a memory stick pro duo of up to 8GB has been confirmed to operate correctly with this camcorder".
.
I hope this layman/owner test helps you decision.
.
Full recommendation!
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 5 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
It's no HDR-HC1 HDV, but still good.
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: AllenInIowa
from Des Moines, IA
on 04/20/2008
What's great about it: No tapes, easy to archive footage to DVD-R, tiny!
What's not so great: SLOW video importing, no viewfinder, poor low-light.
My modern camcorder history has been a 1999 Sony Digital8 ($900), then a 2006 era Sony HDR-HC1 HDV recorder ($2000). I now have racks of hundreds of 8MM and DV tapes, and with Digital8 going away, I really don't want to go down the same road of collecting hundreds of hours of footage on media that may just "go away." My Digital8 is dying, and a few tapes have been eaten, so I really think getting away from tape makes sense.
I looked in to hard drives and DVD-Rs, and may eventually go with a hard drive camera, but DVD-R is out. Those micro discs won't work in most trayless (ie, modern and not cheap) DVD drives. Plus, recording time is far too short compared to, say, a 16GB memory card.
I wanted to go flash memory so I could quickly copy footage. Previously, importing HD required at least 1-to-1 time. On a slower computer, bringing in 1 hour of HD could take up to four hours due to conversion. My Core Duo 2 iMac could import and convert HDV in real time. I figured for the type of interview shows I do, the AVCHD format would be good enough, and I'd save tons of time just importing files from memory cards.
I went with Sony because, although Memory Stick is more expensive, I already have plenty of Sony accessories that will work with the CX7, and if I went with the Panasonic SDx model I wanted to get, I'd have to rebuy everything.
As it turns out, importing and converting AVCHD is WAY SLOW even on my fast machine. It takes 2X (or longer) to bring in footage from the card. If I had known that, I may have held off purchasing. But, the video turns out to be good enough (but awful in low light; grainy on my HDTV). The overall convenience is just unbelievable. I even didn't use my Fuji digital camera at a weekend event I attended since the still pictures from the CX7 are "good enough" for my uses.
I don't like that it only takes 3 images max while rolling video (the HDR-HC1 could take as many as you had memory for; I'd take constant stills while recording a parade or fireworks show at Disneyland, for instance). I also don't like that there is no viewfinder, meaning I have to consume more battery to have the LCD open to see what it is doing. There are a few other features I like on the HC1 that are missing here, but, overall, it's good enough for my uses and for a home user, I think it would be a great camera. Unless you shoot alot of indoor footage in low light.
I've only had mine a week and a half, but I've already shot several hours of video and posted a number of projects to YouTube. It works well and it's just so convenient I can overlook many of the places where it lacks. AVCHD looks great on the big screen when using bright footage, but I have yet to test high motion stuff (other than seeing that footage shot through the side window of a moving car looked just fine). There are definitely artifacting issues at lower quality settings in low light, though.
It's worth checking out.
I looked in to hard drives and DVD-Rs, and may eventually go with a hard drive camera, but DVD-R is out. Those micro discs won't work in most trayless (ie, modern and not cheap) DVD drives. Plus, recording time is far too short compared to, say, a 16GB memory card.
I wanted to go flash memory so I could quickly copy footage. Previously, importing HD required at least 1-to-1 time. On a slower computer, bringing in 1 hour of HD could take up to four hours due to conversion. My Core Duo 2 iMac could import and convert HDV in real time. I figured for the type of interview shows I do, the AVCHD format would be good enough, and I'd save tons of time just importing files from memory cards.
I went with Sony because, although Memory Stick is more expensive, I already have plenty of Sony accessories that will work with the CX7, and if I went with the Panasonic SDx model I wanted to get, I'd have to rebuy everything.
As it turns out, importing and converting AVCHD is WAY SLOW even on my fast machine. It takes 2X (or longer) to bring in footage from the card. If I had known that, I may have held off purchasing. But, the video turns out to be good enough (but awful in low light; grainy on my HDTV). The overall convenience is just unbelievable. I even didn't use my Fuji digital camera at a weekend event I attended since the still pictures from the CX7 are "good enough" for my uses.
I don't like that it only takes 3 images max while rolling video (the HDR-HC1 could take as many as you had memory for; I'd take constant stills while recording a parade or fireworks show at Disneyland, for instance). I also don't like that there is no viewfinder, meaning I have to consume more battery to have the LCD open to see what it is doing. There are a few other features I like on the HC1 that are missing here, but, overall, it's good enough for my uses and for a home user, I think it would be a great camera. Unless you shoot alot of indoor footage in low light.
I've only had mine a week and a half, but I've already shot several hours of video and posted a number of projects to YouTube. It works well and it's just so convenient I can overlook many of the places where it lacks. AVCHD looks great on the big screen when using bright footage, but I have yet to test high motion stuff (other than seeing that footage shot through the side window of a moving car looked just fine). There are definitely artifacting issues at lower quality settings in low light, though.
It's worth checking out.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 6 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Tiny package great performance
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: fludog63
from Colorado
on 02/20/2008
What's great about it: size, menus, convenience
What's not so great: no eyepiece or AV Input
If you're looking for a high quality image and a low maintenance device, this little camera is the ticket.
I bought this camera in desperation after having a horrible experience with the JVC Everio. Anyway, this little 1080i AVCHD works great. Excellent image, stabilization, and no mechanical issues with an internal HD. You have to have a number of Sony's Pro Duo disks though. I'd recommend the 8 GB, so you don't have to download data right away. Also the image quality of the stills are really quite good.
I have a Mac based editing system and when I plug this camera into the included doc, iMovie just automatically pulls up all the thumbnails. It's pretty slick. You can import what you want, or download the whole disk. If you want to just burn a DVD, you should probably get the VRD-MC5 DVD burner to go along with this. I got one of those for dumping tape of soccer games to disc, but honestly I don't use it that much because I like to have menus on my DVDs. The nice thing about the AVCHD format is that you can burn and play Blu Ray quality discs on PS3 and Blu Ray. I used the VRD device to take the contents of the camera to disc (AVCHD) then walked into best buy and popped it in a Blu Ray player and it looked great. Have not tried playing it on PS3 yet but I'm told it's the same drive mechanism.
The only thing I don't like about the camera is that you have to use the LCD panel. There is no eyepiece. That took some gettin' use to. Also there is no AV input for an external mic other than the hotshoe. I have to go buy the Sony Shotgun mic now instead of the one I already have. If you want a camera you can stuff in a pocket, that tapes in 1080i, and your sick of dealing with MiniDV tapes, I'd recommend this one. Stay AWAY from the JVC Everio HD. It truly sucks.
I bought this camera in desperation after having a horrible experience with the JVC Everio. Anyway, this little 1080i AVCHD works great. Excellent image, stabilization, and no mechanical issues with an internal HD. You have to have a number of Sony's Pro Duo disks though. I'd recommend the 8 GB, so you don't have to download data right away. Also the image quality of the stills are really quite good.
I have a Mac based editing system and when I plug this camera into the included doc, iMovie just automatically pulls up all the thumbnails. It's pretty slick. You can import what you want, or download the whole disk. If you want to just burn a DVD, you should probably get the VRD-MC5 DVD burner to go along with this. I got one of those for dumping tape of soccer games to disc, but honestly I don't use it that much because I like to have menus on my DVDs. The nice thing about the AVCHD format is that you can burn and play Blu Ray quality discs on PS3 and Blu Ray. I used the VRD device to take the contents of the camera to disc (AVCHD) then walked into best buy and popped it in a Blu Ray player and it looked great. Have not tried playing it on PS3 yet but I'm told it's the same drive mechanism.
The only thing I don't like about the camera is that you have to use the LCD panel. There is no eyepiece. That took some gettin' use to. Also there is no AV input for an external mic other than the hotshoe. I have to go buy the Sony Shotgun mic now instead of the one I already have. If you want a camera you can stuff in a pocket, that tapes in 1080i, and your sick of dealing with MiniDV tapes, I'd recommend this one. Stay AWAY from the JVC Everio HD. It truly sucks.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 7 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
great photos and great video!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: skee
from titusville florida u.s.a.
on 02/13/2008
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
What's great about it: manual or auto exposure is great! has every thing!
What's not so great: so small u need 2 hands to work it..lol
super great photos and great video!
wait till u see the macro! crystal clear!
now i don't have to carry a camera and a camcorder.. just what i needed! has all the bells and whistles .
top of the line! love it! software is easy to run the videos and pics on.
wait till u see the macro! crystal clear!
now i don't have to carry a camera and a camcorder.. just what i needed! has all the bells and whistles .
top of the line! love it! software is easy to run the videos and pics on.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 8 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Many good features.
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: Hatchman
from Suffolk, VA
on 01/18/2008
What's great about it: Intergrated AVSHD HD video formatting for Sony components.
What's not so great: Limited use video editing using non Sony components.
Having mostly Sony components and careful review of many technical reviews (always good to study first) this model fit my component interface need. If your looking for a non professional HD camera for private use this camera fits the bill. 1080i video and 6.1 or 4.6 still shots in dual mode. Found it execellent in most lighting conditions. Video formatting in AVCHD compatable with Sony components and most likely the next formatting standard that supports BlueRay. Won't sync with non AVCHD. Memstick storage OK but costly. However, allows quick transfer of files to PS3, 80GB only with mem slot where Sony devise compatability kicks in mentioned above. 6.1 still photo allows for enlargement of graphic (2848 x 2136) to @ 52 inch screen without pixelation using PS3 controller right joy stick zoom function. Actual still at 2256, supports jpeg format, with slide show capability. Viewfinder limited so it takes a little practice capturing subjects. Bad news for me is Sony full 1080P just around the corner (March) with improvements so I know what's on my wish list!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 9 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Excellent HD Camcorder
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Toll
from Apple Valley, MN
on 01/08/2008
What's great about it: Size, built in still camera, ease of use
What's not so great: Memory sticks pricey, camcorder almost too small
This camcorder takes fantastic quality HD video and good quality still pictures. The optical image stabilization makes the video smooth and easy to watch. I also have a dvd camcorder and will probably never use it again, I can simply pop out the memory stick (why can't Sony go to SD or XD like everyone else) and put it in the reader on my computer and drop the files on my hard drive. I am very happy with the purchase.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 10 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
I love it, technology can be easy
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: LowTechie
from Austin, TX
on 01/04/2008
What's great about it: small, easy to use, video quality seems good to me (last camcorder was a Hi-8, so this is my first digital camcorder)
What's not so great: none found yet, slow in burning to DVD on my old computer
I bought this without any initial research, glad I did cause I love it and may not have purchased it due to the numerous negative reviews that I found on-line later. I just grabbed my 10% off and 18 months no interest coupons and hit the local Best Buy. The salesman did not steer me wrong, in fact everything he said came true. 30 min on highest resolution with 4gb memory stick, would burn DVD's fine on my older (slower) XP computer, and playback could be performed on my PS3. Many complaints I suppose from higher end users, I just wanted quality HD in a simple small camera (I haven't tried the editing software, though).
My main concerns were addressed one by one:
1) Memory stick works on PS3, check one
2) DVD's will burn through my old home computer (Athalon, XP, 256MB internal memory), slow burn, but check two
3) Movies will playback on home computer from hard drive, choppy, but check three (not gonna view them much there anyway)
4) DVD's playback on PS3, check four (same quality as from memory stick)
5) Movies can be saved to the PS3 hard drive: alright, hold it, this is the deal maker, this feature is so awesome it almost makes DVD burning unnecessary, check five!!! (store all your favorites on the PS3, and back up the full library on the computer)
1) Memory stick works on PS3, check one
2) DVD's will burn through my old home computer (Athalon, XP, 256MB internal memory), slow burn, but check two
3) Movies will playback on home computer from hard drive, choppy, but check three (not gonna view them much there anyway)
4) DVD's playback on PS3, check four (same quality as from memory stick)
5) Movies can be saved to the PS3 hard drive: alright, hold it, this is the deal maker, this feature is so awesome it almost makes DVD burning unnecessary, check five!!! (store all your favorites on the PS3, and back up the full library on the computer)
Get this camera, and get a PS3 (get the 80GB PS3, the 40GB does not have the memory stick input), finally make sure and download the latest PS3 version update on your PS3 (very easy) so the AVCHD movies will play. I'm tellin you, I am a low techie and this setup is very easy, and the movies can be played anytime straight from the PS3 hard drive without the camera or memory stick. Awesome!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 11 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Looks Good but...
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: TomThumb
from West Covina, CA
on 12/27/2007
What's great about it: Compact, Lightweight, Looks Cool
What's not so great: Interface
Agree with a previous reviewer. You are at the mercy of Sony as far as movie software, conversion, editing goes.
I downloaded the included software but having problems importing my videos from the camera to computer. Sony has no on-line support for this product so I need to call them...drag, I'm sure I'll be on hold for hours, not to mention being passed on to the appropriate person who can help me. I just purchased this video camera as a xmas gift to myself and it looks like I'll be sending it back to sony for a possible defect...double drag. I think the HD videos I shot are clear, although for $1000 Sony doesn't include an HDMI cable. I was also considering the canon and panasonic, now I'm thinking I made the wrong choice. Don't get caught up with the Sony hype or looks of this beautiful videocam.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 12 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Sony HD
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: JSail
on 12/27/2007
Great Camera - The most important thing to know is that the software supplied with the camera will not work with other memory cards. You can only use Sony memory in order for all of the automatic software features to work.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 13 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Good Compact HD Recorder but...
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: texansfan5
from Houston, Texas
on 12/15/2007
What's great about it: Lightweight, Compact, Easy to Use
What's not so great: No Mini HDMI Cable included, No Viewfinder
I purchased this camera making the big jump from an 8 year old Sony Camcorder. I have children and recently purchased a new 52" Sony HD TV (XBR4) so I wanted to take the chance and buy a camera that would work well with the system I already have in place at my house while having a camera that would provide quality pictures and recordings. So far, so good.
I have had the camera for a couple of weeks now and it seems very user friendly. The camera is extremely lightweight and fits easily into the palm of my hand as well as my wife's hands. The on screen touch buttons are easy to use and not having to bother with tapes or a hard drive is kind of nice as well. Using the camera and watching the videos on my tv was easy to do as long as you have the right cables. I will discuss that later on below in the "Cons" section.
Another item I have enjoyed is being able to take the memory stick out of the camera and connect it directly to my computer, my TV and my PS3. On the PS3 (80 GB version), there is a built in Memory card slot that allows you to watch your video and pictures without using any wires from the camcorder.
Some of the cons related to the camera are:
Due to not having a hard drive, you will need memory sticks. Right now, a 4 GB memory stick used with the camera provides about an hour of recording (the cost of a Sony memory stick 4 GB was around $90). So if you plan on taping more than an hour, you will need more than one 4 GB memory stick. This is where costs can start adding up.
One thing that was a little tough to get use to is not having a viewfinder. If you want to see what you are taping, you have to flip open the LCD screen on the side. If you plan on filming without the use of the LCD screen, you pretty much have to guage what you think you are filming until you have had enough experience to know. This has been challenging so far but should be a non issue eventually. Again, that is only if you want to not use the LCD while recording.
One other item that I wanted to note is the HD camera does not come with an HDMI cable. Since you are paying a large amount of money for an HD camera, I would have expected Sony to provide the appropriate HD cable. Unfortunately, this was not provided and sells separately. It comes with RCA cables and component video cables but if you want the quality of an HD picture, you need HD cables.
One last thing - I didn't realize it until the sales associate pointed it out but this camera also takes crystal clear still photos as well. This may help you when determining if you should get this camera as it basically is a Sony handheld camera and a Sony camcorder built into one.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 14 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
okay
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: jocandres
from north hills ca
on 11/03/2007
What's great about it: good quality in good lighting and 1080i
What's not so great: horrifying low-light videos on a 1080p tv with a mini-hdmi
it's a really good camera provided your subject/scenery is well lit. indoor at night is not a good time to use this. i bought the sony mini-hdmi as well thinking that it will give me the best picture quality. i just filmed our recent halloween gathering and hooked this camera up on a samsung 1080p 61 in lcd projection using a mini-hdmi, and the picture was horrible! the "snow" was very prominent and the colors were so bad - an old fashion anaolog video camera would even be bearable! i hooked it up on a 1080i/720p tv and played the same video and it came out better. not sure if it was the tv. i popped the ms on a ps3 and it came it good too. the hd videos are only on avchd format too - i hope more company will start supporthing this. for now i can only view the videos in my computer, ps3 and directly from the camera to the tv. i wish someone will comeout with a regular dvd player that can play avchd.
still i like it knowing that it's so easy to carry when i travel and take hi def videos at the same time. i still have my sony hd dv (hcr-1 I think, i don't remember the model - the first portable consumer hi-def camera) but it's still tough to carry around.
a little expensive on the media too as you don't have any choice but to record on a memory stick - no choice but to get at least 2 4 or 8 gig to keep which is really costly.
overall though it is a fun camera.
still i like it knowing that it's so easy to carry when i travel and take hi def videos at the same time. i still have my sony hd dv (hcr-1 I think, i don't remember the model - the first portable consumer hi-def camera) but it's still tough to carry around.
a little expensive on the media too as you don't have any choice but to record on a memory stick - no choice but to get at least 2 4 or 8 gig to keep which is really costly.
overall though it is a fun camera.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 15 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Superior Product
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: msteward
from SC
on 10/18/2007
Very Lightweight. Picture quality outstanding. Easy to use. Night Vision extremely clear.. I would recommend this camera.
I would recommend this to a friend!
-2points
0out of 2found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 16 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Great Purchase
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: ProudMom36
from Oceanside, CA
on 10/08/2007
What's great about it: Great High Quality Video; Easy Video transfer
What's not so great: Needs a tripod to capture truly high def video
This is a great camera for first time videographers! I use it to capture video of My son playing Pop Warer Football and it works great. I would definitely recommend getting a tripod to ensure top quality video. Video transfer is a snap... not sure what problems other reviewers were having. Just load the software and it's a snap!
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 17 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Awesome
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: MoneySpenderGA
from GA
on 09/23/2007
Has great HD Video, I was amazed. The 6.1mp camera also takes good pictures but I didnt buy it for the photos. I had no problem editing the videos with the included software and then burnt the video to a normal DVD, with no loss of quality. I have been told that several people have returned these because they think the HD means hard drive.... this records on a memory stick and they are rather expensive. I bought the 8GB mem stick with this also, about 15 minutes of video on the highest quality took up less than 1 gb along with about 30 or so pictures. This also has the nightshot mode that I was unaware of until purchase, video and pictures on nightshot are not as good but still a neat little feature.
May not be the best one on the market, but I am pleased with the outcome.
May not be the best one on the market, but I am pleased with the outcome.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 18 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
Buyers Beware
Customer Rating
2.0
Posted by: VidDev
on 09/20/2007
This HD camcorder has great clear video capture and is very light weight. That's pretty much all the pros. I forgot to look at the avialable interfaces. This HDDV camcorder has no computer sync. If you are looking to make video editing, this is NOT a good camera to use. It uses Sony propriety software. It lacks IEEE connection to interface with your computer. USB is only used to extract videos to your computer using Sony's software. The USB connection is ONLY on the base unit! Which means your camcorder will have to sit on the base to connect to your computer. Currently I have not found a way to connect to my computer to use it as web cam to capture blue screen videos. Videos that are taken with the camera will need to be CONVERTED to mpeg or avi. In this process, you loose the audio quality. If you don’t have a fast computer, it will take you hours to convert the videos! After converting, your video editing software will need to convert it again to be able to burn to a DVD. You CAN’T burn the videos directly to DVD. This DV recorder is just a high price camcorder. Thanks Sony!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-1point
1out of 3found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 19 for Sony High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD - Black
A Splurger's Dream
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Numba1Gator
on 09/12/2007
SONY has always been my favorite when it comes to cameras/camcorders. HD is all the craze these days and this camcorder fuels that craziness to another level. You enjoy HDTV for your favorite programs, right? Then why not the same treatment for your loved ones, your kid's birthday, your dad's retirement, and my all time favorite, your honeymoon!!! This is not a camcorder for the weak pocketed and are there better camcorders for this amount out there? Probably. But, this camcorder is for the free spirited and the weak willed individual who likes to splurge. It has absolutely everything you could ever dream of. HD, huge touch panel screen, show stopper design and no shaking! I gave this to my little 5 yr old niece and the video came out perfect with no shakes!
It is absolutely mind blowing! Even if you dont purchase it I would absolutely recommend atleast trying it out at the store and feeling the difference, the SONY Experience!
It is absolutely mind blowing! Even if you dont purchase it I would absolutely recommend atleast trying it out at the store and feeling the difference, the SONY Experience!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Share this review:
