• Record high-definition (AVCHD) video direct to Memory Stick PRO Duo media cards
• 1/2.9-inch ClearVid CMOS sensor; Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
• 2.7-inch widescreen hybrid touch-panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display
• Simultaneous video and 4.6-megapixel still image capture
• Easy one-touch disc-burn; Handycam Station included

The compact size of this camcorder combined with its miniscule recording media make the HDR-CX7 high definition Handycam(R) 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(R) optical image stabilization for stunningly sharp high definition video. Its large, 2.7-inch wide Clear Photo LCD Plus display featuring touch panel SwivelScreen(TM) technology makes it simple to view what you're recording at almost any angle. Record and play back both high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) video recorded on standard 3-inch (8cm) DVD media. Optical stabilization achieves a higher level of smoothness without the video degradation that mars some digital stabilization systems. Shoot ultra-close ups without the camcorder casting a shadow on your subject in exceptional still pictures and video with stunning detail and clarity (1080 lines of resolution - HD Mode or 530 lines of horizontal resolution - SD Mode). Scene Modes - Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, and Sunrise & Sunset InfoLithium with AccuPower(TM) Meter System (NP-FH60) Battery Type 35mm Equivalent Optics/Lens - 40-400mm(16 - 9 Camera Mode), 49-490mm (4 - 3 Camera Mode), 40-400mm (16 - 9 Memory Mode) and 37-370mm (4 - 3 Memory Mode) Shutter Speed - Auto, 1/2 - 1/500 Inputs and Outputs - Analog Audio/Video Output, USB Port, Digital Audio/Video Input & Output, HDMI, Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output and S-Video Output Dimensions - 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 x 5 1/4 inch (69 x 67 x 129mm) Weight - 15 ounces (450 grams) with supplied battery

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 this feature.

SHOOTING VIDEO IN BOTH HD AND SD FORMAT

Only Sony and Panasonic camcorders have this feature.
I want mine to be able shoot movies in both HD (AVCHD) and SD (Mpeg2) formats. It's because I and the majority of my friends have regular TVs and DVD players. We think the price of HD equipment is still too high.

HIGH-CAPACITY EXTRA BATTERY
The battery that comes with my camcorder lasts only 1 and 1/2 hours. I bought an extra one, NPFH100 H Series Actiforce Hybrid InfoLithium Battery. It lasts approximately 7 hours. That's more than enough for me.

NOISELESS RECORDING
Because it uses flash memory card, the camera makes no noise. As a result, my video recording does not have any sound made by the camcorder. The same thing goes for any camcorder that uses the same technology

AFFORDABLE PRICING
At $700, it's cheap for a high definiton, flash card camcorder. You can't go wrong with that

THE BAD and THE UGLY

SUPPORTING ONLY 8 GB of FLASH MEMORY

The highest capacity of the memory sticks supported is only 8 GB. If you're recording in SD format, it will record for 4 hours. That's good enough for casual users. If you're recording in HD format, it lasts only 2 hours. That is short. I resolve this problem by using 2 memory sticks of 8 GB each. That gives me 4 hours of HD video or 8 hours of SD video. This is good enough for me. I wish it supported 16 GB memory stick.

PROPRIETARY INTERFACE AND HARDWARE
This is one of the reasons I don't like Sony merchandise. It's because it costs me much more in the long run. Further more, I'm not able to use many better accessories made by other companies. For example, if I could use Sandisk Compact Flash card, it would cost less.

SLOPPY ACCESSORIES
Sound quality is not good unless you stand about 1 feet away from the object. It has too much echo. This is typical problem of all consumer camcorders made by all companies. So, I bought an external microphone, ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Microphone. I ended up returning it to the store. It's because it's not better than the built-in one. It also looks and feels like a toy. If the camcorder did not use proprietary Active Interface Hot Shoe, I would be able to use pro external microphones made by other companies to produce excellent sound.

Now, there's no way to record better sound with this camcorder. It does not have a line-in for microphone. If I want it, I'll have to buy pro -level camcorders which cost minimum $6500!

BAD SOFTWARE SUPPORT
I misplaced the software disc that came with the camera. So, I could not install the software browser to view HD video and picture files. I could not find full version of the software on Sony website! They have only the upgrade version. Luckily, I just found the original disc.

In short, this is the best camcorder in its class which meets my needs. If only it used standard interface, then it would be an excellent equipment.

The avchd software does not work with vista 64 bit PC's. The camcorder is very good.