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7.6 out of 10

Sony HDR-FX7

 

Information found in: from 103 sources in 28 countries

Great Deal: $1,729.00

  • User Score (235)
    9.1 9.1 from 235 reviewers
  • Expert Score (5)
    7.6 7.6 from 5 reviewers
  • Design (4)
    6.5 6.5 from 4 reviewers
  • Value for money (6)
    7.0 7.0 from 6 reviewers
  • Ease of use (13)
    7.1 7.1 from 13 reviewers
  • Sound quality (8)
    7.6 7.6 from 8 reviewers
  • Picture quality (4)
    7.4 7.4 from 4 reviewers
  • Video quality (4)
    7.4 7.4 from 4 reviewers
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  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(2)
7-8
(2)
5-6
(0)
3-4
(1)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(162)
7-8
(50)
5-6
(13)
3-4
(2)
1-2
(3)

  • Expert Reviews

  1. Camcorder Info

    Camcorder Info
    27 December 2006

    Comparison Sony HVR-V1U The Sony HVR-V1U is the "professional" version of the "consumer" HDR-FX7. In essence, this means that these camcorders share their core imaging specs and are built around the same compact chassis. Both camcorders feature three ¼" ClearVID CMOS sensors and a 20x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*, F1.6 – 2.8, 62mm filter diameter lens. At first glance, the camcorders seem similar. However, the V1U adds XLR terminals and a black exterior that makes Read more

  2. etechreviews.net

    etechreviews.net
    19 December 2010

    Sony Handycam HDR-FX7 is different from its sibling, the HDR-FX1 and in terms of optics and sensors which make it an altogether different camcorder. A lot of changes here make the device a consumer-friendly or consumer sales friendly model. For example, the HDR-FX1 comes with practical 12x zoom lens having a great 32.5mm (35mm-equivalent) wide angle start. Read more

  3. CNET

    CNET
    8.0/10
    30 January 2007

    The Sony Handycam HDR-FX7 is an excellent high-definition camcorder from a video perspective, but it's less satisfying if you're an audio control freak. Read more

    • Excellent overall video quality; responsive focus and zoom.
    • Menu navigation doesn't circle back; useless manual; anemic audio support.

  4. Videomaker

    Videomaker
    26 October 2007

    High definition video, lightweight sturdy design, reasonable price tag... sounds like a winner to us. Read more

    • Light weight, Good low light performance, 20x optical zoom
    • Auto focus searches a little, Iris control automatically switches to gain, No XLR inputs

  5. gadgetheaven.co.uk

    20 November 2011

    The Sony HDR FX7E High Definition Camcorder Capture and enjoy exceptional quality videos with Sony’s HDV camcorder, featuring a new 3clearVid CMOS Sensor system for higher resolution shots and enhanced colour reproduction. Teamed with an Enhanced Imaging Processor and the incredible Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 20x optical zoom lens, this camcorder produces High Definition pictures [...] Read more

  6. TechRadar UK

    TechRadar UK
    9.0/10
    12 December 2007

    It's also great to have a 'minutes left' number in relation to the remaining battery life. Again, not necessarily appreciable when comparing camcorder specifications, but it makes all the difference when actually using the FX7 in the field. Read more

    • Refined and simple to pick up and use, Slow motion feature
    • Poor menu, Disappointing 1/4in CCD

  7. REVIEW STREAM

    REVIEW STREAM
    9.0/10
    29 November 2007

    I like the Sony PS3 Bluetooth Headset because it offers extreme clarity and sound. I use it to chat with multiple friends at once, and I can hear them all perfectly. I like the feature where it offers you to mute your mic but you can still hear the people you are chatting with. It is also a very easy device to pair, because it works over bluetooth . There is a mini-usb port on the end of the headset , allowing you to pair it to your PS3 with the included wire. Read more

  8. CNET

    CNET
    8.0/10
    6 February 2007

    The Sony Handycam HDR-FX7 is an excellent high-definition camcorder from a video perspective, but it's less satisfying if you're an audio control freak Read more

    • Excellent overall video quality, Responsive focus and zoom
    • Menu navigation doesn't circle back, Useless manual, Anaemic audio support

  9. Digital Producer

    Digital Producer
    1 January 2007

    Overall, Id opt for the extra dollars and get the Canon XHA1 as the twin XLRs make the difference to me, but if this is not important to you, then the FX7 certainly deserves a long hard look and play to see if it suits your needs. Read more

  10. TrustedReviews

    TrustedReviews
    26 October 2007

    The HDR-FX7E is a beast of a camcorder, and its price will be well beyond most people's budgets. However, if you're serious about your videomaking it could make a wise investment. Note that the price for this camcorder varies widely depending on the vendor, from around £1,500 including VAT to nearly £2,000 plus VAT. At £1,500 inc VAT, despite our caveats about its performance in low light, the HDR-FX7E is an absolute bargain. Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. Great product

    Amazon
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: A. Alex, Amazon
    3 August 2011 See Product at Amazon ($1,999.99)

    Has been using this camera for a few days now, I noticed that picture quality is much better than a handheld video camera I used before. my advice 1) get a battery with bigger capacity. The one comes with the camera will last you only 1 hr or less. 2) I am a little disappointed with video quality at the low light. you may consider buying a lighting equipment if you shot indoor. Read more or see product

  2. i would recomend this to everyone

    Adorama
    10/10
    Reviewer: rony13, Adorama
    12 January 2011

    product was easy to use, has great video quality only thing is that if you go mobile its heavy but other then that it was worth it. Read more

    • Easy to Use, Good Image Stabilization, Great Picture Quality, Great Zoom, Large Clear LCD, Zoom range/performance
    • To heavy

  3. "Beautiful Picture in the Day, Terrible Picture at Night"

    CNET
    6.0/10
    Reviewer: joshcrabbe, CNET
    29 July 2010

    This camera can do some great day time shooting at a park or maybe of the kids but once the lights go down, the picture can just be way to dark. The control interface is not that wisely designed for manaul shooters. Overall I would not recommend buying this camera. Read more

    • Shoots beautiful picture in the sunlight and is extremely easy to use
    • Does extremely poorly in low light

  4. Best value for semi-pro camcorder

    ABT Electronics
    10/10
    Reviewer: Cam-a-lot, ABT Electronics
    23 February 2009

    For under $2000 you cannot get better than this in a non-linear (tape based) HD camcorder (Sony also makes great HDD camcorders). The FX7 rocks, It's light, easy to use and best for weddings and other apps like this. Only semi-pro cam better than this is the HDR-FX1000. Read more

    • Best value for money, Durable, Great Features, Great Picture Quality, Simple Controls
    • Needs IRIS ring as FX1000

  5. Excellent Choice

    Dell
    10/10
    Reviewer: zosodp, Dell
    5 January 2012 See Product at Dell ($1,998.00)

    This video camera is being used for video analysis of a bowling team and works perfectly with the specialized software we use. The video quality is excellent. Read more or see product

  6. Awesome camcorder, so happy to have it!

    Ebay
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: poct87, Ebay
    22 May 2011 See Product at eBay ($1,499.99)

    I love this camcorder, i use it for filming skateboarding and is amazing! this is the first semi-pro camcorder i have ever bought or used and it was well worth it. Read more or see product

  7. One of the greatest semi-pro camcorder..

    B&H Photo
    10/10
    Reviewer: eXcelon, B&H Photo
    8 January 2009

    I am using this camcorder to record, edit and broadcast. Pros. -Very easy operation, works great on low light area, bright display, and one of the best camcorder for the money. Cons.- Comes with low capacity Battery, does not come w/ stand-alone battery charger, AV input/output plugs look and feel very weak and fragile. Read more

    • Comfortable to Operate, Great Features, Great Picture Quality, Simple Controls, Versatile
    • AV Cable connectivity, No stand-alone charger, Poor Battery Life, Small Battery

  8. Nice Compact, Lightweight Pro Level High Definition...

    PriceGrabber
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: TechnoGuru, PriceGrabber
    11 August 2007

    The FX-7 feels good in your hand, and considering most of my work involves hand held shots, this is very important for me. It’s back to front and side to side balance are superb, especially with an extended battery installed. For those who shoot from the hip a lot (as I do), the top handle is also perfectly balanced, you never have to think about keeping the camera even because it just naturally hangs perfectly horizontally from your hand. Read more

    • Pro level 1080i HD camera in a light-weight, well balanced package. Good manual control, EXCELLENT auto white balance.
    • Low light performance is weak, as is low light focus performance. Manual controls not as well laid out as the FX1 and competitor’s products. No 24p/30p modes.

  9. Great corder if you know what your doing

    Newegg
    10/10
    Reviewer: Damon, Newegg
    26 August 2007

    The color on this camera is simply amazing! I have even taken "dark" light(at complete night) footage. I simply adjusted the gain in the camera to +9 which kept the noise down. Alot of people say that the FX1 is soo much better in low light, but I tested out the FX1 in low light and the footage side by side(done via PIP in editing software and export) showed no more noise with the FX7! Read more

    • Excellent image, full set of manual controls, energy efficient even with batter that comes with it. A good step up from a first camcorder and will last you a while. Ex...
    • The dark light image has to be adjusted with the gain, but that is just like any other camera in this near or even above price range.. If I had to say something bad ab...

  10. Sony HDR-FX7. How Sony got its groove back.

    8.0/10
    Reviewer: drick, epinions.com
    27 October 2007

    As the owner (and reviewer) of Sony's flagship prosumer enthusiast camcorders - the VX2100 and FX1 ( Read more

    • Beautiful image quality, Carl Zeiss T* 20X lens, Lightweight, 3.5' LCD, intuitive interface, straightforward operation
    • Looks like a 90's VX1000, Below Average in lower lighting, Expensive

  • WikiFreak Description

The Sony HDR-FX7E is equipped with a ClearVid CMOS sensor, a professional 62 mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, and Wide 3.5-inch Hybrid touch screen clear photo LCD display.

The Sony HDR FX7E is a high definition compact camcorder that has the innovative 3 ClearVid CMOS sensor. These sensors have 1,120k effective pixels which control color and depth with great accuracy to provide stunning detail and clear video and still-image performance. In addition, the HDR-FX7E has a SteadyShot optical image stabi…

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The Sony HDR-FX7E is equipped with a ClearVid CMOS sensor, a professional 62 mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, and Wide 3.5-inch Hybrid touch screen clear photo LCD display.

The Sony HDR FX7E is a high definition compact camcorder that has the innovative 3 ClearVid CMOS sensor. These sensors have 1,120k effective pixels which control color and depth with great accuracy to provide stunning detail and clear video and still-image performance. In addition, the HDR-FX7E has a SteadyShot optical image stabilizer to reduce the effects camera shake when you’re shooting. Its Carl Zeiss lens provides 20x optical zoom which maintains image clarity without the unwanted flare and ghosting effect. The HDR-FX7E offers up to 155 minutes of quality recording and playing back both high-definition and standard-definition video recorded on standard MiniDV cassettes. The HDR-FX7E is compatible with Memory Stick Duo cards and lets you transfer your images via its USB port as easy as 1-2-3.

Review Summary

The Sony HDR-FX7 is the perfect high definition camcorder for both amateurs as well as aspiring professionals. Even though it is priced high at $3,500, you will surely get your money’s worth with this model. The FX7 has a very high level of features and sophistication which are sure to live up to the expectations of even the most demanding videographer.

If you could only know about one benefit of the FX7, you would want to learn about the CMOS sensor that replaces the CCD that is used in most of the competition. This sensor allows for better color in a variety of different situations, as well as more range. While this may not be reason enough to purchase the FX7 instead of a camcorder from the competition, it is definitely a benefit that makes this model top of the line.

A 20x optical zoom is also included on the FX7. This allows the user to get good shots from far away. And in addition to getting good image shots from a distance, this high quality zoom lens ensures that you do not lose any quality while doing so.

When it comes to downfalls, the main issue is that the FX7 does not fit in with people who are simply looking for a point and shoot camcorder. This model is too big for that, and casual users will find it cumbersome to handle for long periods of time. Luckily, Sony offers other options for people who are only interested in easy to use, point and shoot camcorders.

The Sony HDR- FX7 is sure to satisfy a wide range of consumers from beginners to those looking to shoot with more precision and quality. There are many features that make this a top choice, and not too many drawbacks to speak of.

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  • Manufacturer's Description

Shoot like a pro with the HDR-FX7 high definition Handycam® camcorder. Capture amazing video and still images in high definition with the HDV 1080i 3 CMOS sensor consumer-level camcorder and player. The three (3) - 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 record still images at the same time that you’re shooting video…

Ask the community

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Questions asked: 2 Answers: 0

Previous questions about this product

  • Sony hdr fx7 3

    I'm an indie film maker and I just purchased as my first camera the Sony hdr fx7 3. I'm getting mixed signals regarding using this camera for full length films and I'm slightly nervous about going forward. As an indie film maker money is tight and I want to know if I made the right choice in choosing this camera for that purpose.

    (No answers yet. Write an answer!) 2009-12-06

  • Can you take still images during playback mode?

    Can you take still images during playback mode?

    (No answers yet. Write an answer!) 2009-01-07

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