Sony HDR-CX7 Camcorder

As much as I love the appearance, build quality, size and comfort of this unit, I can not give it 5 stars. The only issues that bug me are first and foremost the suckie software. I even tried "Ulead Video 11" after trying over and over to work with the stock software. Unlead (despite what they say) is far too complicated, cumbersome and in many ways not compatible. Further, I hate using the dock to connect to my lap top. The video picture images are nothing short of amazing. Overall, the camera is very good once I figure out the software it will be just short of perfect.

I've had this camera for a few months now after upgrading from a tape based Sony pistol-grip style camcorder. Aside from the wacky avchd codec that is not particularly standard, this is a nearly perfect fusion of form and function. I did debate between this and the TG1, but in the end I decided I couldn't live without Nightshot. I don't use it much, but I'm used to having it and I know I would miss it. Get a mini-hdmi -> hdmi cable and the camera works as a terrific player on any hdtv (w/ an hdmi in, of course). Buy with confidence. This is a terrific camera.

I bought this about two weeks ago and couldn't be happier. My first experience, I took it to my daughter's dance and took some outstanding HD videos. Playing it on my 50" HD plasma you can't believe your eyes. It is as you are watching a broadcast sports event. Still pictures are outstanding and the look and feel of this camera is awesome. The only thing I would suggest is to get yourself a cable to go HDMI. Sony should have included this but it's not that expensive to buy one. If you are looking for a video camera that is portable and easy to use, this is definitely the one.

The camera works great, but it does not work very well with a Mac. Sony's software is only for PC, which is hard to believe in this day and age. There is a way to make it work in iMovie, but I hope you have a few hours to download your video. Anyway, like I said, I'm not complaining about the camera itself (which is great), but I am very frustrated that this is even an issue.

I chose Sony HDR CX7 over Panasonic HDC-SD5, Samsung HMX10A and Canon HG10 after an extensive research. I want a camcorder that can record both in HD and SD format, using Flash memory card, and taking decent still pictures. The reasons why I bought it are listed in THE GOOD section. After using it for 3 weeks, I hate it in some areas. They're listed in THE BAD and the UGLY SECTION. THE GOOD BEAUTIFUL VIDEO QUALITY It records beautiful and sharp video even in SD format. The color is vivid and attractive. BEST STILL PICTURES It takes pictures in 6 and 4 mega pixels. The color are lively and bright. All the competitors take pictures in only 2 mega pixels. They look very bad compared to Sony's. Still, these pictures do not look as sharp as a digital point and shoot camera. No pictures taken by any camcorders look as good as the ones by cameras. NIGHT SHOT FEATURE You can shoot video in the dark by turning on the built-in infrared light. No competitors have... Read more