SONY HDR-CX7 Open box

Few years ago, I want to get a camcorder for recording some off-road and night time desert driving. I was hopping for some setup that allows me to do it, but before that I got to get a camcorder. So I look at few manufactures to see any that would be good for my usage, also should last for a long time. I search some info here and there and find there are some good some bad about every camcorder.

Options are very important to me, this is my first digital camcorder, and I would need to use it for long time. Since I would like to check out some stuff at night time and once a while I took cool picture at night, so a good night vision or some kind will be good. Of course some kind of anti-shack will be needed since there will be off-road recording.

The main criterias are functionality, media, recording time, and battery life. first of all, there are different manufacture that will do the same as the others on function, so that’s pretty easy to find. Then the media options are Mini DV, HHD, DVD, or 8MM. recording time and battery life are also hard to decide. After hours of search I finally found it Sony HDR-CX7. Here it is Sony’s HDR-CX7 specifics. Following are from Sony Website back in the day, it’s old, but I just want to bring it back up for review.

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For the first time ever, record high definition directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo^® media. The compact size of this camcorder combined with its miniscule recording media make the HDR-CX7 high definition Handycam^® camcorder a joy to use. Ultra-lightweight and easy to carry, it features a professional-quality Carl Zeiss^® Vario-Sonnar^® T* lens and Super SteadyShot^® optical image stabilization for stunningly sharp high definition video. Plus, its large, 2.7″ wide Clear Photo LCD Plus^® display featuring touch panel SwivelScreen^® technology makes it simple to view what you’re recording at almost any angle.

With the PLAYSTATION^®3 system software update scheduled in summer 2007, playback of contents recorded with the AVCHD Memory Stick Camcorder will be available on PLAYSTATION^®3.

3.2 Megapixel (Gross) ClearVid™ CMOS Sensor

1/2.9″ ClearVid CMOS Sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (1080 lines of resolution – HD Mode or 530 lines of horizontal resolution – SD Mode) and still image performance (6.1 Megapixel). Unlike traditional CCD Imagers, CMOS Sensors require less power, providing better battery performance.

Switchable HD/SD Format Recording

The HDR-CX7 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video recorded on Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately)

x.v.Color™ Technology

x.v.Color technology can capture or display nearly twice as many (1.8x) viewable colors than currently possible. This provides a more accurate and vivid color range, for a more natural, lifelike overall experience.

10X Optical / 20X Digital Zoom

The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, the Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T Lens

Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones. The additional T coating on the lens further reduces unwanted glare and flare.

2.7″ Wide⁴ (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ Display (211K Pixels)

The 2.7″ Wide (16:9) LCD screen provides exceptional viewing clarity with improved resoltuion. The 211K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

Smooth Slow Record

By increasing the record rate from 60 fields per second (fps) to 240 fps for 3 seconds allowing you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. This is great for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, record an audio track to narrate what is being seen in the video.

Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media Slot

Capture still images up to 2848×2136 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media (sold separately) for easy trasfer to PCs for emailing, printing or shairing with other compatible Memory Stick PRO Duo™ devices (sold separately).

Dual Record

While recording video in High Definition you have the ability to capture a 4.6 Megapixel still image directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media.

Super SteadyShot® Optical Image Stabilization System

An advanced form of Sony’s Super NightShot Infrared system from Sony that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies. This optical stabilization system achieves an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of vide like some digital stabilization systems.

Tele Macro Function

Useful for shooting close up shots, but without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocussed so that the subject stands out.

Active Interface Shoe

Provides a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.

Built-in Intelligent Flash

For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows.

Super NightShot® Infrared System

With Sony’s NightShot® infrared system, capture video in total darkeness (0 lux) up to 10 feet away. Super NightShot mode automatically adjusts the shutter speed to increase picture brightness and clarity. Color Slow Shutter mode allows you to record in low light situations with full color detail by slowing down the shutter speed.

Scene Selection Modes

Scene Selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, and Sunrise & Sunset.

Picture Effects

Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony’s Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia. Effects available in Playback mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia.

Fader Effects-2

Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black and White.

InfoLITHIUM® Battery with AccuPower™ Meter System¹

Charge the battery at anytime because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony’s rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening “Memory Effect”. Sony’s exclusive AccuPower™ meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Stamina® Battery Power Management System

Using the optional NP-FH100 InfoLITHIUM® Battery, the HDR-CX7 can continuously record up to 5 hours (LCD) on a single full charge, providing extra long battery life.

On Screen Zoom and Record Buttons

For additional control of the camcorder, the HDR-UX7 features Zoom and Record buttons on the frame of the LCD screen. This allows the user more flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.

Easy Handycamui button

Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people, so with a press of the Easy Handycam Button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are “locked out” leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.

One Touch Wide Angle Shooting

Easily switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios for shooting, with just the touch of a button.

Manual Focus

Allows the user to manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder’s auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.