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The Sony HDR-HC7 is a handheld camcorder that records high-definition video (1920x1080i) onto miniDV tapes. Part of Sony's 2007 lineup of camcorders the HC7 comes near the top of the line for the miniDV offerings. The cylindrical form-factor accommodates the large Carl Zeiss lens with 10x optical zoom. Similar to many modern camcorders the HC7 acts as both a video camera, and still digital camera. Images are captured using the 3.2MP CMOS sensor, with still photos stored on memory stick duo cards up to a resolution of 6.1MP, though this is achieved through interpolation. Controlling the camera is achieved through the 2.7" LCD monitor that is also a touchscreen and is used to navigate through the menus.

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Pros & Cons

Pros:
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Great video quality
+2agreedisagree

Good battery life (2 hours)
+2agreedisagree

Configurable manual focus ring is useful
+1agreedisagree

Good form factor
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Cons:
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USB1.1 interface is crazy
+2agreedisagree

Have to use Sony Memory Stick cards
+2agreedisagree

Small control dial
+2agreedisagree

Difficult menu system
0agreedisagree

Competing products

Sony Handycam HDR-HC7 is ranked 3rd.  See the top picks in Camcorders

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More information

Specs

  • 10x optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens
  • 3.2MP CMOS sensor
  • up to 1080i video recording
  • miniDV tapes for storage
  • 2.7" LCD touch screen monitor, 211K pixels
  • Internal lens cover mechanism
  • Records video with x.v.Color (need a compatible TV to view)
  • Data ports: USB1.1, Firewire
  • Video ports: Component, S-Video, HDMI

Transferring capture video to a computer is accomplished through the USB1.1, or Firewire interfaces. USB1.1 is significantly slower than USB2.0 so keep that in mind if you don't have a Firewire port on your computer. You can also playback recorded material directly from the camera onto your television with the built-in video output ports.

The HC7 has a "dual record mode" where you can be filming video to the DV tape and snap a still picture at the same time that saves to the memory stick. A built-in flash is also available that is triggered automatically in low-light situations. In near-pitch black conditions the camera has a night-vision mode that records video in a monochromatic green.

A hot-shoe is found on the camera that lets you connect a light or microphone and uses a Sony proprietary form factor. The shoe offers both power and two-way communication between the camera and accessory, but accessories are limited to Sony-specific parts.

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Key Features:

Manufacturer Sony
MSRP $1,399.00
Product Line Handycam
Release Date Jan. 1, 2007

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Product page stats

531 views and 26 edits (see all)
4 contributors -  Omar, tyguyone, jojojohehe, goaltend2000
Created: 01/14/2008 - 17:03
Modified: 08/27/2008 - 23:41
Model # variations:

HDR, HC, 7, HDRHC, HC7, HDRHC7