Sony HDR-UX7 6MP AVCHD DVD High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Pros:
1. Built like a tank. Very sturdy and comfortable to grip
2. AVCHD recording gives beautiful, breathtaking pictures. It captures more color than my eyes can. Outdoor shootings are incredible, even with just HD SP setting. Indoor is OK.
3. Big LCD
4. Nice NP-FH70 battery included
5. Downconverted AVCHD to Std Def DVD Video using the supplied software is incredible and retains the DD 5.1 sound as well. It matches or even surpasses the quality of the Sony top of the line std def DVD camcorder DCR-DVD508.
6. AVCHD can be recorded on a regular DVD-R media. We can combine multiple mini-DVD into one DVD-R for at least 1 hour video in AVCHD. Once the next generation HD player like Blu-ray becomes affordable, you can watch incredible HD picture using the regular DVD blanks.
7. Mini-DVD doesn't require you to connect the camcorder to PC when transferring the video to PC
Cons:
1. Recording time. This is the trade-off of choosing Mini-DVD. One Mini-DVD can record only about 14 minutes at HQ setting and 18 minutes at SP. I haven't tried the highest HQ+ setting, I'm thinking like a Hummer gas mileage.
2. Heavier than average DVD-Camcorder. This is the trade-off of having very large CMOS sensor.
3. AVCHD playback options are very limited right now. Only the camcorder itself and Blu-ray player can play it.
4. Downconverting AVCHD to Std-Def DVD takes a lot of your PC muscle. I left it overnight and it was completed in the morning.
5. TOUCH SCREEN!!! Sony please get away from this very annoying feature. The beautiful glossy LCD screen is full of smudge from my fingerprint. Playing back to my TV using HDMI, I still have to open the LCD to press the play button, and the HDMI cable gets on the way when I try to open and close the LCD.
Besides those cons I've mentioned above, it is still a great camera. I don't regret at all of choosing DVD. The decision of using tape vs. mini-DVD vs. HDD is yours. Every media has its own pros and cons, but you can't go wrong to go with HD camcorder right now.

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The HDR-UX7 3.2 Megapixel High Definition DVD Camcorder records straight to a 3-inch DVD-R, -RW, +RW & +R DL (Dual Layer) media formats. This includes 5.1ch surround sound, Super SteadyShot(R) Optical technology, Active Interface Shoe, 10x Optical/20x Digital Zoom and an assignable control dial. Unlike traditional CCD Imagers, CMOS Sensors require less power, providing better battery performance. 1/2.9-inch ClearVid CMOS Sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video, 1080 lines of resolution in HD Mode or 530 lines of horizontal resolution in SD Mode. The HDR-UX7 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video recorded on standard 3-inch (8cm) DVD media. The 3.5-inch Wide (16:9) LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution which rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier. The Image Stabilization System controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies.Super NightShot(R) Infrared System Recording Media -DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R DL (Dual Layer) Memory Stick(R) Duo Media, Memory Stick(R) PRO Duo Media Scene Modes -Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, and Sunrise & Sunset LANC Terminal -Stereo Mini Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output Headphone Jack Microphone Input HDMI Connection Output / USB Built-in Stereo Microphone Dimensions -3 1/4 x 3 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch (82 x 82 x 138mm) Weight -1 pounds 6 ounces (650 grams) with disc and supplied battery