Sony HDR-FX7 3-CMOS Sensor HDV High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom

Shoot like a pro with the HDR-FX7 High Definition Handycam(R) camcorder.

Capture amazing video and still images in high definition with the first HDV 1080i 3 CMOS sensor consumer-level camcorder and player in the world. The three – 1/4″ ClearVID CMOS Sensors provide stunning detail and precision, while a 20x Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Lens maintains image clarity. Since the HDR-FX7 records video in high-definition, you can dual record still images at the same time. So no matter what the occasion, the HDR-FX7 is the perfect camcorder for the situation.

A Sony developed Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system with reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. This provides efficient MPEG2 compression, and recording and playback of clear HD images at the same bit rate of the DV format, so that High Definition video can be recorded on the same cassettes as are used for MiniDV recording. From the authority in lens technology, the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens provides a high-quality 20x optical zoom which maintains image clarity and color while reducing glare and flare.

Dual independent zoom and focus rings provide precise and detailed control over the amount of zoom and the overall focus of the image with just a turn of the rings. Fast, intuitive framing when zooming, and finely detailed focusing is easy with the natural “feel” of the rings. Easily adjust the amount of light entering the lens by adjusting exposure brightness in accordance with the iris and gain. The Iris control allows the volume of light to be adjusted (shutter speed and gain are adjustable).

Though not small enough to carry with you to Disney, this camcorder opens up new opportunities for serious amateur and semi-professionals to record videos suitable for play on new widescreen HDTV sets. An IEEE1394 iLink port is provided for easy transfer to a PC or Macintosh for professional editing applications.

Technical Details

Record and play back HDV 1080i video; switchable recording in standard definition
ClearVid CMOS sensor; 20x optical zoom
Wide 3.5-inch Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display
Capture 1.2-megapixel stills to Memory Stick Duo
Professional 62mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens
List Price: $1,999.99

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Sony HDR-FX7 3-CMOS HDV Camcorder 20x Zoom Customer Reviews

This is an amazing piece of equipment. Get the large battery for better balance and OVER EIGHT hours of taping. Broadcast quality. You will rarely NEED to go off “auto” unless you have special needs or are in a totally controlled studio situation where you can control lighting and movement. Pricey but worth every penny. The HD is as good as Discovery HD Theater’s, and the std. DV recording (due to the new chips) is better then other 3-chip cameras I have owned.

You can complain about what this camera does not offer (XLR ins, and it is menu driven), but those are advertised. Don’t buy this camera if those are deal breakers for you. What it does do it does well. And the battery life with the cmos chips is worth some of the trade offs with ccd cameras. I easily shoot two and a half hours without plugging in (on the OEM battery that comes with it). That is amazing to me. I can position for best shot of the event, instead of hanging with the others by the plugs.