Saturday, July 21, 2007

Sony HDR-HC7 6.1MP MiniDV High Definition Camcorder Review


Sony's Super SteadyShot optical technology and Super NightShot feature help the HDR-HC7 capture the highest quality high-definition video possible on a MiniDV cassette. The assignable dial gives control over focus, exposure, shutter speed, AE (Auto Exposure) shift and WB (White Balance) shift. The HDR-HC7’s still image capture mode takes photos up to 6.1 megapixels, and up to 4.6 megapixels while recording video.


HDR-HC7 Highlights


3.2-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor The 1/2.9-inch ClearVid CMOS sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (1080 lines of resolution in HD mode or 530 lines of horizontal resolution in SD mode) and 6.1 MP still image performance. Unlike traditional CCD imagers, CMOS sensors require less power and provide better battery performance.
Switchable HD/DV format recording The HDR-HC7 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video recorded on a standard MiniDV cassette.
Real-Time HD Codec engine Sony developed a Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system with reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. This engine 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 MiniDV cassettes as are used for SD recording.
x.v. Color x.v.Color can capture or display nearly twice as many (1.8x) viewable colors than currently possible. This provides a more accurate and vivid color range, for a more natural, lifelike overall experience.
10x optical/20x digital zoom The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, the Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.
Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario- Sonnar T* lens Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfectg renditions of subtle tones. The additional T* coating on the lens further reduces unwanted glare and flare.
2.7-inch widescren hybrid touch-panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display The 2.7-inch 16:9 LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 211K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.
Smooth slow record By increasing the record rate from 60 fields per second (fps) to 240 fps for 3 seconds allowing you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. This is great for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, record an audio track to narrate what is being seen in the video.
Memory Stick Duo media slot Capture still images up to 2848 x 2136 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick Duo Media for easy trasfer to PCs for emailing, printing or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick media compatible devices.
Dual record While recording video in high definition, you have the ability to capture a 4.6-megapixel still image directly to Memory Stick Duo media.
Super SteadyShot image stabilization system Picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera "shake" without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems.
Cinematic mode Perfect for creating your own movie masterpieces, the HDR-HC7 Cinematic mode lends 24 frame film-like effect to your recordings.
i.LINK interface (IEEE1394) A high-speed, bi-directional digital video/audio communication between two compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs.
Tele Macro function Useful for shooting close up shots, but without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocused so that the subject stands out.
Active interface shoe Provides a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.
Additional Features
Built-in intelligent flash
Super NightShot infrared system
Scene Selection modes
Picture effects
Fader effects
InfoLithium battery with AccuPower
Meter system
Stamina battery power management System
On Screen Zoom and Record Buttons
Easy Handycam
One Touch Wide Angle Shooting
Manual Focus
Multi-Language Menu


Sony's HDR-HC7 High Definition Handycam(R) Camcorder places the pinnacle of high definition in your hands. It's never been easier to capture the highest quality, high definition video possible on a MiniDV cassette. View the world through a professional grade Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens with 10x optical/20x digital zoom and a 1/2.9" ClearVid CMOS Sensor. Take command of your pictures as you manually control focus, exposure, shutter speed, auto exposure shift and white balance shift. View everything you shoot on the 2.7" Touch Panel SwivelScreen. Super SteadyShot(R) technology and the Super NightShot(R) feature will help you capture videos you'll want to share with the world. 2.7 widescreen 16 - 9 hyrbid LCD touch panel -- rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles Smooth Slow Record - Increase the frame rate from 60fps to 240fps, capturing smooth slow motion Super SteadyShot(R) compensates for camera shake without compromising picture quality Record an audio track to narrate what is being seen in the video Cinematic Mode adds a frame film-like effect to video -- perfect for creating home movie masterpieces Tele Macro Function handles close-ups without casting a shadow on your subject One-touch wide angle shooting; manual focus; on screen zoom & record buttons Dual Recording - While you record high definition video, you can also capture 2.3 megapixel still images directly to a Memory Stick(R) Duo (up to 2304 x 1728 resolution) i.LINK (IEEE1394) interface for easy connection to camcorders, digital VTRs, capture cards and PCs Built-in intelligent flash InfoLithium battery with AccuPower(TM) Meter System Manual focus Multilanguage menu Measurements - 3-1/4 x 3-1/4 x 5-1/2 (82 x 82 x 138mm) Weight - 1 lb. 6 oz. (650g) with tape & battery


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