Sony HDR-SR7 AVCHD 6.1MP 60GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
by Sony
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SonyModel: HDR-SR7
Product features:
- Record high-definition (AVCHD) video directly to a 60GB HDD
- ClearVid CMOS sensor; Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
- 2.7-inch widescreen hybrid touch-panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display
- Simultaneously capture video and 4.6-megapixel still images while recording. 6.1 megapixel still images as camera only
- Includes Handy Cam station; one touch AVCHD disc burn with optional accessory
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to Mini-B Cable (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to A-Female Extension Cable (3.3 Feet/1.0 Meter)
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to A-Female Extension Cable (9.8 Feet/3.0 Meters)
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male Cable (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)
- AmazonBasics 3RCA Component Video Cable (6 Feet)
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony HDR-SR7 AVCHD 6.1MP 60GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
Customer Review: Blu Ray AVCHD for the best in memory retention
Summary: 5 Stars
I first purchased the first HiDef HD 30gb version of this camera (HDR-SR1) when it was released last year. As my son was born I wanted the absolute best video we could obtain as we only have one chance to film these wonderful early years.
Sony also has a HDR-SR5 camcorder which is basically a HDR-SR1 (same sensor) but with less features such as no view finder and no manual focus so the HDR-SR5 was not in contention for my next camera.
The camcorder itself is very compact and sturdy; very portable for such a powerful little camcorder. The item is pricey and value is always subjective depending on one's budget.
Image quality is superb to say the least which is my primary reason for the purchase. There are several modes to record in for video quality though I only keep it at the best setting. The 60gb hard drive holds 8 hours of video at the highest setting so there are no worries there however I highly recommend picking up 2 or more extra batteries as they get drained long before the hard drive capacity is met.
The image quality in well lit areas is simply superb ,however in low lit areas this camera suffers as the more pixels crammed onto the sensor makes for more noise which is very evident. The HDR-SR1 is truly better than this newer bigger brother in terms of low light recording.
The video in hi-def mode is recorded in AVCHD format and herein lies the largest caveat of mine and most others on these cameras which is the after market software support.
For one year there was really nothing on the market that allowed for proper editing of this hi-def video. Sony does supply software but it is very limited in features and scope and honestly for a $1200.00 camera is a bit disappointing. Finally Nero released their latest support for AVCHD videos and this is a pretty good start. Lastly, Nero just released their new package which so far has little in way of hangups for AVCHD editing. Stay away from prior versions of the software as they are very buggy.
Go with Nero 8 Ultra. Now if you really want to take things to the next level Sony has added AVCHD support in Vegas which is a $500.00 piece of software. A 30 day demo is available.
Another feature I enjoy is the fact that the video from this camera is supported by my PS3 which is also my Blu-Ray player on my primary 58" plasma TV in the entertainment room. One can simply just record the AVCHD movie from the PC directly to a standard DVD (no BD required) and play it on the PS3. The resulting video is stunning. Or better yet just burn it to your PS3 network drive for access anytime. The simplest option is to just plug this camcorder directly into your TV via HDMI and watch it directly on the TV. Of course at some time you want to transfer the video to your computer to make BD DVDs or regular DVDs.
Keep in mind that camcorders are known as the most unreliable electronics product sold so if you intend to hold onto it for a while consider an extended warranty. As I upgrade annually it is not something I consider but worthy for others.
Cables supplied are good though for some reason Sony changed their full size HDMI port to a mini version which pretty much sucks for lack of a more technical term as this makes for using their own proprietary cable a pain but the cables can be had for only $30 for a quality one.
The camera also sports a nice smooth record mode which basically takes 3 seconds of video and stretches it out to 12 seconds resulting in a nice video.
Low light to zero light video mode is awesome. My backyard is very large and yet this camera has no problem with picking up the edge of the backyard from my upstairs window. This is in night mode or super night mode, both of which are great. But again, in dim light the noise level is very high and something to consider.
This Sony has electronic Image stabilization which is good and works as it should for steady video even at zoom range.
The built in digital camera is not bad for a CMOS camcorder though far from my Canon 40D. For quick convenient shots it is pretty decent. It is 4 megapixel in video mode and 6.1 otherwise-the highest available for a camcorder. Keep in mind that megapixel count is only half of the equation when it comes to quality pics.
PROS:
Awesome video in Blu-Ray AVCHD
Excellent zero light mode-night mode.
Fast focus
Large hard drive
Large LCD screen
Awesome smooth record mode.
CONS
Poor after market software support-only Nero so far
Drains batteries quick
Very pricey so don't drop it
Mini HDMI port vs full size HDMI port on my HDR-SR1
Noisy low light video.
Well worth the price in my book an the excellent video of my son are well worth the admission price.
I have owned the HDR-SR1, SR7, and now the Canon HG-10.
For image detail whether night or day the Canon HG-10 is far and above better than the Sony series. The Sony units have strange motion blurs with AVCHD and Canon has seemed to correct this. Night video is much better in the Canon vs the Sony.
For audio the Sony units take the cake as the Canon places the mic in a strange location and something does not pick up everything clearly. Not bad, just not as clean as the Sony.
The Sony units do come across as better in terms of having a better body vs the Canon.
After owning and review each I would rate them as:
Canon HG10>SR1>SR7>SR5, yep, I rate the first Sony HD camcorder-the SR1 over the SR5 and 7. The SR5 not even in contention. The SR1 simply has a huge 3.5" LCD and manual focus ring plus better night video vs the SR7.
All are great cameras and produce stunning daylight HD video, just the Canon has some advantages that make for a nicer camera IMO.
Also, Sony will be releasing their new line of cameras in March 2008 so again I will be checking those out to see if they can topple the Canon though early reports indicate they may not.
More Sony HDR-SR7 AVCHD 6.1MP 60GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom reviews:
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Description of Sony HDR-SR7 AVCHD 6.1MP 60GB High Definition Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
Shoot in unrivaled high definition clarity directly onto a 60GB hard drive with the ultra-compact HDR-SR7 high definition Handycam(R) camcorder. The HDR-SR7 lets you record remarkably clear and detailed high definition video onto its convenient 60GB internal hard drive using a professional grade Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens. A 10x optical, 20x digital zoom easily brings the action extra close, while Super SteadyShot(R) optical image stabilization reduces blur from camcorder shake. Take command and get creative with manual control for focus, exposure, shutter speed and white balance. View your shooting on the 2.7-inch wide Clear Photo LCD Plus display, featuring touch panel SwivelScreen(TM) technology. Shoot and view exceptional video, with stunning detail and clarity (1080 lines of resolution, HD Mode or 530 lines of horizontal resolution, SD Mode). The CMOS Sensor requires less power for longer battery performance. The HDR-SR7 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video recorded on the built-in 60GB Hard Drive. Optics/Lens - 35mm Equivalent, 40-400mm (16 - 9 Camera Mode), 49-490mm (4 - 3 Camera Mode), 40-400mm (16 - 9 Memory Mode) & 37-370mm (4 - 3 Memory Mode) Shutter Speed - Auto, 1/2 - 1/500 (Scene Selection Mode) Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens Type Wide (16 - 9) 123K Pixels Viewfinder PictBridge Inputs and Outputs - Remote Jack Stereo Mini, Analog Audio/Video Output, USB Ports 2.0, Digital Audio/Video Inputs & Outputs, HDMI, Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output and Headphone & Microphone Input Dimensions - 3 x 3 1/4 x 5 7/8 inch (75 x 81 x 149mm) Weight - 1 pounds 6 ounces (610 grams) with supplied batteryCamcorders
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