HD Handycam® Camcorder
Model number:
HDR-FX7
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
Turn your memories into masterpieces with the HDR-FX7 Handycam® camcorder. Record videos and stills in stunning true high definition.
ADDITIONAL IMAGES:
- Position 2 Features
- Position 3 Specifications
- Position 5 Reviews
- Position 6 Accessories
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. So no matter what the occasion, the HDR-FX7 is the perfect camcorder for the situation.
Three - 1/4" ClearVID™ CMOS Sensors
Three - 1/4" ClearVID™ CMOS Sensors with 1,120K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 1080 lines of resolution - HD) and still image performance. The Megapixel technology enhances your digital videos and digital still (1037K - 16:9 mode) photography performance.
Real-time HD Codec Engine
A Sony developed Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system with reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. 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.
3.5" Wide (16:9) Hybrid Clear Photo™ LCD plus Display (211K Pixels)3
Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 211K pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The Hybrid LCD Screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light, virtually eliminating the "washout" common with traditional LCD Screens.
Selectable Exposure/Iris Control
Allows you to adjust the amount of light entering the lens. By adjusting Exposure; brightness of the image is adjusted in accordance with the Iris and gain (shutter speed is locked). The Iris control allows the volume of light to be adjusted (Shutter Speed and Gain are adjustable).
Assignable Buttons
Six buttons on the exterior of the camcorder are user-assignable so that they can be set to the options most commonly utilized, for ease of recording.
Dual Record
While recording video in High Definition you have the ability to capture a 1.2 Megapixel still image directly to Memory Stick Duo™ Media.
Battery Information
At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. The display will show how much the battery is charged, in 10% increments and the approximate recordable time left when using the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
Switchable HDV/DV Format Recording
The HDR-FX7 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition and Standard Definition video recorded on standard MiniDV cassettes.
Digital Extender
The Digital Extender mode is available throughout the entire zoom range and will digitally enhance the zoom up to 1.5 times the current position.
Manual Zoom and Manual Focus Ring
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.
Picture Profile
Allows the user to set manual adjustments for a scene (color, sharpness, white balance, etc) into any one of six presets, so they can be called up at just the touch of a button. Useful when shooting under the same conditions repeatedly, as options do not have to be re-set each time. Settings for various shooting conditions are offered as defaults.
Shot Transition
Allows for a smooth automatic scene transition. Settings for focus, zoom, iris, gain, shutter, and white balance can be set to the Assignable Buttons 1, 2 and 3 which will create a smooth transition and will take place according to the set time and transition. This function enables the focus to gradually shift from the front of the screen to a deeper part of the screen. Thus the iris enables a smooth change of depth of field.
Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Duo™ Media4
Capture still images up to 1440x810 (16:9 Mode) resolution, directly onto Memory Stick Duo™ Media for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick™ devices.
HDV Recording Format
From the innovators in camcorder technology, Sony’s HDR-FX7 camcorder is the world’s first HDV1080i consumer level camcorder and player to include 3 CMOS Sensors (as of September 7, 2006). Now you can record all your memories in Full HD 1080.
20X Optical Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T Lens
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.
Super SteadyShot® Optical Stabilization System
An advanced form of Sony’s SteadyShot Image Stabilization system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies. This optical stabilization system achieves an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some digital stabilization systems.
Expanded Focus Indicator
The camera‘s LCD image is magnified, temporarily, up to 4X its original size without any loss of distortion. This allows the user more finite control while focusing the camera for greater detail and clarity.
i.LINK®2 HDV/DV 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.
Smooth Slow Record
By increasing the record rate from 60 fields per second (fps) to 240 fps for 6 seconds allowing you to capture fast motion and which will play the video back in 24 seconds. This is great for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight.
Multi-Language Menu
Change the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian French, Latin American Spanish or Brazilian Portuguese.
Product Specifications
Exposure System
- Exposure Settings : 24 Steps (Menu)
- Scene Mode(s) : TBD
- White Balance Mode : Auto, Indoor, One-push, Outdoor
- Minimum Illumination : 4 Lux
Power
- Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM® with AccuPower™ Meter System (NP-F570)
- Power Requirements : 7.2V (Battery Pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)
- Power Consumption (in Operation) : HDV: 5.9W/5.9W (VF/LCD); DV: 5.7W/5.7W (VF/LCD)
Imaging Sensor
- Imaging Sensor : 3x 1/4" ClearVID™ CMOS Sensors
- Pixel Gross : 1120K
- Effective Picture Resolution : 1037K Pixles (16:9), 778K Pixels (4:3)
Optics/Lens
- Lens Type : Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T
- Aperture : 1.6 - 2.8
- Optical Zoom : 20X
- Focal Length (35mm equivalent) : 37.4-748mm (16:9 Camera Mode), 45.7-914mm (4:3 Camera Mode)
- Filter Diameter : 62mm
Drive System
- Shutter Speeds : Auto: 1/60-1/2000; Manual: 1/4-1/10000; Smooth Slow Record: 1/250 - 1/2000
Focus Control
- Focus System : Full Range Auto/Manual (Ring)/One Touch
Advanced Features
- Image Stabilization : Yes (Optical)
Convenience Features
- Manual / Auto Lens Cover : Manual
- S/S & Zoom button on LCD : Yes (Zoom Seesaw/ Ring/ Handle seesaw)
- Fader Effect(s) : TBD
Recording
- Media Type : MiniDV Cassette, Memory Stick Duo™ Media, Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media (sold separately)
- Still Image Mode : JPEG
- Still Image Max Effective Resolution : 1 megapixel
- Video Format : HDV (MPEG2) / DV (AVI)
- Video Resolution : 1440x1080
- Video Actual (Pixel) : 1037K Pixels (16:9), 778K Pixels (4:3)
- Video Signal : NTSC color, EIA standards
- Recording and Playback Times : SP: up to 60 min. (HDV /DV); LP up to 90 min. (DV)
- Dual Record : Yes
- Audio Format : MPEG1 Audio Layer 2 - Stereo (HDV); PCM (DV)
- Microphone/Speaker : Yes (Built-in)
Weights and Measurements
- Weight (Approx.) : 3 lbs 10 oz (1.6kg) with supplied battery and lens hood
- Dimensions (Approx.) : 5 3/4" x 6 1/4" x 12 3/4" (145 x 156 x 322mm) with lens hood attached
Viewfinder
- Type : Wide (16:9), Color (252K Pixels)
Service and Warranty Information
- Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Parts; 90 Days Labor
LCD Display
- LCD Type : 3.5" (211K Pixels)3 Wide (16:9) Touch Panel - Clear Photo LCD Plus™
In the Box
- Remote Commander® Remote Control (RMT-831)
- Lens Hood
- Power Adaptor/ In Camera Charger (AC-L15)
- Component Video Cable
- USB Cable
- InfoLITHIUM® Rechargeable Battery (NP-F570)
- Stereo A/V Cable
- Large Size Eye Cup
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Handycam® Component Video Cable
$49.99
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High Grade Multi-connect A/V Cable
$39.99
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InfoLithium® L Series Battery
$149.99
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InfoLITHIUM® L Series Battery
$59.99
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InfoLithium® L Series Battery
$99.99
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4.9" i.LINK™ Cable (4-pin to 6-pin)
$39.99
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4.9" i.LINK™ Cable (4-pin to 4-pin)
$39.99
Product Reviews
Write a review( Rated 4.4 out of 5 Stars AVERAGE RATING | 9 REVIEWS Ratings Snapshot)
8 of 9 (88%) customers would recommend this product to a friend
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Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: spicer411 (Wartburg, Tennessee)
Date: Oct 31, 2009
I've had this product for 1-3 months
15of 16 people found this helpful
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featured REVIEW
Great Camera for Filming Sports
Pros: Excellent zoom control, great color, sensitive mic, many outputs, easy to use.
Cons: Manual could provide a bit more information about features and how to use some of them.
I looked at comparable Canons and Panasonics but found the Sony HDR-FX7 to be the best match for what I needed. I film College and High School basketball games and this camera is absolutely perfect for the high speed action. The 20x optical zoom is perfect for getting in tight with the action while the adjustable shutter speed prevents the camera from getting "in sync" with sodium or fluorescent lights. The HD is out of this world with extremely clean and clear detail even in fast action while zoomed in close. I'm glad I found this camera. It has met my needs far beyond any expectation I could imagine. After 8 years of filming, I finally have a camera that performs they way I needed. I can output my video directly to my video editing software on my laptop while recording. I really swallowed hard at the price but have since decided that this jewel is well worth the money.
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: PlaidLeapord (Atlanta, GA)
Date: May 13, 2009
I've had this product for 1-3 months
88of 89 people found this helpful
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Don't second guess this camera
Pros: Great price for HD and great quality.
Cons: None yet.
Buying this camera was a hard choice for me. I was really looking at a Canon XL, but the HD version is crazy priced. This camera is HD, but I had not heard a lot about Sony's HD camera and this one for the price seemed to good to be true. Well, I've used it for several weeks not and let me tell you, I am glad I didn't spend the money. This camera is great. Outstanding video and quality. The ILink works great with my MAC and import video into iMovie and Final Cut easily. All I can say is, if your looking for an HD camera with out blowing the nest egg, you won't regret buying this one.
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: Charlietheclown (Augusta, GA)
Date: May 7, 2010
I've had this product for 1-3 months
2of 2 people found this helpful
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Best Video purchase ever
Pros: Great video, very good sound, easy to use, Awesome
Cons: None yet
I have used my new FX7 now and am completely satisfied with it. I was a pro videographer at a Medical school for 32 years and also had my own video business for 15 years. I used Sony cameras in both cases. Now I have the FX7 and love it. I shoot railfan videos and the onboard sound is great. I was amazed at the lack of wind noise shooting on windy days. I usually shoot in the automatic mode but this camera has all the bells and whistles for manual settings for any situation. It has a very smooth and around the lens manual focus and zoom rings. I could have bought a less expensive video camera and got great HD video but I wanted the 20:1 zoom lens and Tape. I use fire wire from the camera into a Toshiba DVD recorder and got great looking and sounding DVD-s of my HD video. My editing system is a Mac. The camera has a HDMI output to view the HD video on a TV. I have a Sony remote control tripod video handle I put on my Bogen tripod and nothing could be easier to operate. I bought the Sony tripod and remote handle years ago when the tripods were light weight affairs. Now I see the Sony tripods are good heavy weights and sturdier. I would highly recommend this setup for anyone using a tripod for shooting. If it were not for the fact the FX7 does not XLR audio inputs this would be labled a pro-camcorder. It has all the features otherwise. I will sum up by saying "It's a Sony"! Nuff said.
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: Cameraman (South Carolina)
Date: Jan 3, 2010
I've had this product for less than a month
6of 6 people found this helpful
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Great Camera!!!!
Pros: Easy to use, great HD Picture, great sports camrea
Cons: None, yet!!!!
I got this camcorder for christmas, I have always been a fan of the handycams, I originally owned a small, discontinued handycam, but needed something new for college. This camera is a major step up from my old one, but after reading the manual, it was like I was a pro using it. The manual explained everything, it was so easy!!!!! Thanks Sony for another great camcorder, keep up the good work!!!!!!
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: couchpatater (New jersey)
Date: Dec 14, 2009
I've had this product for 1-3 months
4of 5 people found this helpful
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Worth the money!!!!
Pros: great picture quality. Like shows you see on t.v.
Cons: i had to get a firewire port installed in my computer.
this camera takes such great videos without an hd tape in. You dont even need to spend the extra money on hd tapes because the clarity of the camera is just so wonderful. Its got the best quality i have ever seen. its also very easy to use because it is very modern. The screen is also the perfect size cause it is big. but not too big that it gets in your way. I film sports both indoor and outdoor and it works amazing in both environments. Definitly worth the money. Dont think you cant afford it because you are too young. I bought this camera on my own and I am only 17. I got a job and worked hard and it paid off
Rated 1.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: ARKUZ (SF, CA)
Date: Jun 24, 2010
I've had this product for 6-12 months
3of 4 people found this helpful
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I woul I never buy the HDR FX-7 if I knew better.
Pros: Cheaper than other nicer camcorders
Cons: Total problematic and the most unseccessful product I ever owned
I bought two HDR FX7s and never thought that my excitement will be killed with the sad disappointment. Anything that is less than sun light turns into 29 lowest quality 0.1 mega pixel shots per second. I am using AVID MEDIA COMPOSER. No wonder why this camcorder is not supported by professional software. Every footage that is shot in the less than average lighting is total disaster for the clients and hurts me to edit it. My HDR-SR11 does better job than HDR FX7. Windows does not recognize the HDR FX7 at all. Cassette compartment has intermittent problems. HDV signal from Cannon and other more professional camcorders is totally not compatible. I only wasted $4,000.00 I am totally dissatisfied with the quality of my camcorders in any room with any light what so ever. I am sending them both to the repair facility in Texas.
Rated 4.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: aeden (Stuart, FL)
Date: Nov 5, 2009
I've had this product for 3-6 months
7of 9 people found this helpful
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I love this camera
Pros: The video quality is so good. I also like all of the features that it comes with.
Cons: see below
The only con is, that when I hook it up to my laptop to edit the footage, my computer is not picking up that the camera is plugged in. I called Sony and talked to them about but they said I would have to send it in. very strange thing that happened to it. (i plugged a GL2 into my laptop and it picked it up no probelm....) but besides that I love it. I would buy a shotgun mic to put on top of the camera for better audio.
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: NikoInAK (Anchorage, AK)
Date: Dec 7, 2009
I've had this product for 6-12 months
3of 3 people found this helpful
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Great Camera! Worth the money.
Pros: Nice interface. Great quality. Smooth zoom. Good mic W/ in and out ports. Great design. Cool feature: Slo motion videos.
Cons: No hot shoe, just cold. No XLR inputs.
This camera is a great semi-pro camera, or an awesome camera for the person getting introduced to film making. It is very simple to use and has many good features that are also found on higher-end products. It works great outdoors, or with nice lighting, and even if you have a very low light situation. I suggest this camera wholly. I just wish that the slo motion video that it took was longer than 6 seconds.
1.Actual battery life may vary based on product settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions. Designed for use with compatible Sony InfoLITHIUM® batteries.
2. i.LINK is a trademark of Sony, used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connector. All products with an IEEE1394 connector may not communicate with each other.
3. Viewable area measured diagonally.
4. Available storage capacity of Memory Stick and Memory Stick PRO media may vary. A portion of the memory is used for data management functions. Actual available memory in MBs is: 8=7.5, 16=15, 32=30, 64=61, 128=123, 256=220, 512=460, 1GB=940, 2GB=1.85GB.
5. Image size and file size may vary based upon the type and complexity of the image recorded.
©2006 Sony Electronics Inc.
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. Sony, AccuPower, Advanced HAD, Clear Photo, ClearVid, Handycam, i.LINK, InfoLITHIUM, like.no.other, Memory Stick, Memory Stick logo, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Remote Commander, SteadyShot and SwivelScreen are trademarks of Sony. Carl Zeiss and Vario-Sonnar are trademarks of Carl Zeiss. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Features and specifications subject to change without notice. Non-metric weights and measures are approximate.
Screen Images Simulated