By Sony

• Amateur filmmakers can now enjoy High Definition images with the HDR-FX7 camcorder, which was recently voted "Best Professional Camcorder" in 2007 by the TIPA
• Even more compact than its predecessor, the HDR-FX1 (40% smaller and 25% lighter), this device has a revolutionary CMOS sensor system developed by Sony: the 3Clearvid
• What&rsquos more, the HDR-FX7 is able to record full HD images onto mini DV (HDR) cassettes to give you a unique digital experience
• This camcorder comes with a CMOS sensor to control colour and depth with unbelievable accuracy
• In addition, the HDR-FX7 has a SteadyShot optical image stabiliser to reduce the effects camera shake when you're shooting

Who needs a Z1?, 2007-12-19
I've had a PDX10 for about 4 years now and had access to an A1 (Previous to that i'd been using the TRV900) and was thinking of upgrading to an A1 which is a similar price, has similar features and used the same batteries. However while looking for an A1 I stumbled upon the HDR-FX7E on the Sony site.

Feature wise this camera is very impressive you have a much faster lens than the A1, ND (Neutral Density) filter, 6 buttons for your custom settings AND that super smooth record function. The FX7 has lost the touchscreen and put the transport and other features back under the LCD (I hadn't had any problems with the PDX10 touchscreen but I know that some weren't fans) It's solid and feels well balanced when using it Handheld.

For the indie film-makers out there you'll need to work on the sound acquisiton, headphone jack only. The one thing i'll miss are the XLR inputs on the PDX10 and A1 but all is not lost! (See the 1st review for notes on the Beachtek)

Another thing to note is that in Sony's more recent products (the last 2 years approx) the headphone output has been reduced. This is to protect your hearing. While i commend Sony for thinking about my welfare - I don't think anyone who buys a video camera is planning on playing music on it at full blast for extended periods of time - it DOES mean that monitoring the sound out of the camera is actually quite difficult as the headphone levels at full volume are pretty much the same as the ambient sound which might require the purchase of a decent set of noise canceling headphones.

I really recommend sitting down with the camera plugged into a monitor and playing around with the custom settings (the sharpness is set way too high and exposes every blemish on the skin) Also, when you get a Sony out of the box it really rewards the time you spend setting it up. (Especially the LCD viewfinder's Brightness / Colour level settings.)

For those of us that can't quite afford the Z1 or the FX1, this is a very, very good option. With thought given to the lighting, the results i achieved with the A1 were stunning and that had just the one CMOS Chip with this 3 chip, fast lens and level of picture control. I won't be looking anywhere else.

By Sony

• Video Capture: CCD sensor (in pixels) - ClearVid CMOS Exmor 1/3", 5 megapixels / Media - Hard drive / Viewfinder - 27" colour, 123200 pixels / LCD Screen - 3.2" Touch screen LCD display Xtra Fine LCD Technology / Sensitivity (lux) - 5 / Optical Zoom - 12x / Digital Zoom - 24x / Image Stabiliser - Super SteadyShot optical stabiliser
• Photo Mode: Photo Mode - Yes / Maximum resolution on memory card (in pixels) - 3680 x 2070 / Memory Card - Memory Stick Duo Memory Stick Pro Duo / Sound - Dolby Digital 5.1 Built-in Stereo Microphone
• Connectivity: Audio Output - Yes / Audio Input - Microphone input Headphones jack / Video Output - USB port HDMI output Composite outputs / DV in (IEEE1394, FireWire) - No / DV out ( IEEE1394, FireWire) - No / Computer Interface - USB / Wireless Function - Yes
• Misc: Possible power supply - Battery / Accessories included - Mains adapter, battery, remote control, USB cable / Weight (in grams) - 570 / Dimensions - 83 x 76 x 138 / Manual - Information available soon

HD = Highly Delighted!!, 2008-09-04
I bought this camera via Amazon and use it for both business and pleasure. I needed a camera that provided high quality images both still and video for business with detailed views of the environment and macro images for forensic work. I have not been at all disappointed. I have used it in the UK "as is" and got magnificent results with pinpoint clear video and stills. I have also been using it in the Middle East but to protect it from humidity and sand bought the SPK-HCD Sports Pack. Although bulky that performs well. Editing footage is far easier and more rapid than with conventional film to computer transfer methods particularly with the provided "Picture Motion Browser" software. Just attach a USB cable and away you go.But for full HD quality the Sony Vegas Pro 8 software is required. I used a trail version of that and found that I got excellent results. Having the hard drive also means its far easier to decide on footage "on the fly". Overall the camera is an extremely good product and although I am Sony fan anyway I would suggest they may have a market leader with this product.

By UKayed

• UKayed official product sold by internet-uk-shop ONLY
• Smallest movie camera, Perfect for personal investigations
• Use this camera to gather evidence
• Easy to use
• Built in rechargable battery

UKayed Thumb spy camera Made in china, 2008-11-15
deceiving they are. they show real picture but they send you chinese made products. I won't buy from you again. UKayed=== X

By Canon

Canon Triumph, 2003-05-07
I started a few years ago with the Canon XM1, and was taken with its simplicity of operation, and its outstanding results. When the XL1s came out I bought that too, based on my happy experiences with the XM1. Though I use the XL1s much of the time on production shoots, I have a new 'baby' with the XM2. This camera is a 'no nonsense' high performance tool with almost no vices. It is capable of doing about 95% of the work I do with the XL1s, and as a number 2 unit to my XL1s, it has relegated my old trusty XM1 to the 'back up box' (not that has since been needed). The XM2 has to be the best 'under £2000' camera buy I have ever made. The XM2 is noticably sharper, more stable and even easier to use than the XM1.

By Sony

Fantastic!!!! just love it..., 2008-07-04
I've just received this camcorder and can say that overall i am really pleased the camcorder. The quality of this camcorder has just blown me away. I think if you're thinking about buying the Sony HDR-SR12E but don't want to spent that much for a camcorder then go for this one. This camcorder has the same technical specifications as the HDR-SR12E apart from the hard disk drive being 60GB and not 120GB like the HDR-SR12E. It's a little bigger then i would have liked but i think for the quality it's worth the compromise.

By Sony

• Video Capture: CCD sensor (in pixels) - 1-megapixel 1/6" Advanced HAD CCD sensor / Media - MiniDV / Viewfinder - Colour / LCD Screen - 2.7" (6.7 cm) LCD touch screen - 123,300 pixels / Sensitivity (lux) - Day: 8 Night: 0 / Optical Zoom - 25x / Digital Zoom - 2000x / Image Stabiliser - Super Steady Shot digital stabiliser / Focus - Auto and manual
• Photo Mode: Photo Mode - Yes / Maximum resolution on memory card (in pixels) - 1152 x 648 pixels / Memory Card - Memory Stick Duo Memory Stick PRO Duo Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo / Supplied Media - - / Sound - 12/16-bit digital PCM stereo sound PCM audio mixing Sound dubbing Built-in stereo microphone Built-in loudspeaker (adjustable volume) Wind-break filter / Webcam Function/ mini films - No
• Connectivity: Audio Output - Yes / Audio Input - No / Video Output - Yes, S-video / Video Input - Yes / DV in (IEEE1394, FireWire) - No / DV out ( IEEE1394, FireWire) - Yes / Computer Interface - Pictbridge USB streaming / Wireless Function - RMT-831 remote control / Compatible Platforms - PC and Mac / Supplied Software - Picture Motion Browser 2.0.01 software
• Misc: Possible power supply - NP-FH50 / FH70 / FH100 battery AC-L200/L200B mains adapter / Accessories included - Mains adapter, battery, audio/video cable, USB cable, RMT-831 remote control / Weight (in grams) - 390 / Dimensions - 65 x 85 x 114 mm / Other Functions - Easy Handycam function for direct access to camcorder''s main features Spot metering / spot focus (manual focusing and exposure on LCD touch screen) White balance: automatic / indoor / outdoor Automatic gain, iris and expos

Good Camcorder, 2008-03-15
First of all I have to start with a gripe. You get the camcorder and you are instructed to install the software and driver before registering the product via a USB cable. You follow the instruction and guess what? It won't connect. I telephoned Sony technical who were worse than useless. They had no idea what the problem was or how it can be solved. Whilst waiting for a return call from them (which I never got) I managed to solve the problem myself (more luck than judgement) if I am honest. I wish companies would write instructions that is crystal clear that a 2 year old would understand.

Anyway, on to my review of this camcorder now. As you expect with a Sony product the camcorder is stylish and comfortable in the hand. It does what it says on the box and does it well. The LCD display is clear and adjustable. There are a host of adjustments for those who seek perfection in their videos. For those like me who just want to point and shoot the Easy Handycam feature does this automatically.

My main reason for choosing this model is I like to edit my videos on the PC, make DVD`s to view and make a backup copy by copying it back to the camcorder DV tape. I then store it away for safety. To do this you need a camcorder that has DV in and out. This Sony has it and it works beautifully.

I started this review with a gripe but for the price this camcorder is well worth the money. You would be hard pressed to find a better camcorder than this Sony.

By Canon

The XHA1 camcorder is a professional camera that allows you to film in high definition! This device is equipped with a 1.67 million pixel Tri-CCD sensor and a DIGIC DV II processor to guarantee unbeatable results. Budding directors will just love the XHA1, as it gives you total control of all its image settings. In addition, this camcorder has an instant autofocus, making sure that you get only the best digital quality, and it is very practical for handheld filming or video reporting. The XHA1 comes with several audio/video inputs and outputs that can be used anytime, regardless of whether you?re in the studio or not. The XHA1 also saves your personal settings and has a 20x optical zoom and image stabiliser to satisfy all your audio/visual needs!
Amazing but read this, 2008-09-29
Right, its an amazing camera, that me being completely honest.

One thing i ran into and i think you should know is the Pal version doesn't run in 24fps, only 25f and 50i.

other then that buy it, its a great camera

By Panasonic

The Panasonic NV-MD10000 3-CCD Mini DV camcorder is a full-size camcorder and is ideal for those who prefer or are used to the shoulder style as well as for educational and institutional applications. It offers a 10 x optical zoom lens low-light capability has advanced recording and playback functions plus digital effects to meet many diverse applications.---

By Sony

The Sony XDCAM HD system is a highly versatile production tool that offers flexible recording functions including a choice of video frame rates, interlace or progressive modes, recording data rates, and both HD and SD formats. The PDW-F355L XDCAM HD Camcorder features MPEG HD and DVCAM switchable recording with three 1/2-inch HD CCDs. It is capable of recording 1080 video lines of multiple frame rates at a high bit rate of up to 35 Mbps. It also provides four channels of high-quality uncompressed audio. This allows an SD to HD migration path to a complete HD-based environment. Down-conversion output to SD is a standard feature in this camera. Instant random access, replay of clips, IT network capability and the proxy data advantage provide for an exceptional workflow. The PDW-F355L provides excellent picture quality, adapting Power HAD HD CCDs (1440x1080). - Three 1/2-inch-type Power HAD HD CCDs - When used with a lens connector, a 2/3-inch-type lens can be used via the optional lens adaptor - Switchable recording between MPEG HD or DVCAM formats - Both single-layer disc (PFD-23A) and dual-layer disc (PFD-50DLA) support - Four-channel audio recording - 16:9, 3.5-inch (viewable area...

By Sony

The superiority of HDV technology in 1080i picture format gives smoother and clearer digital picture compared to conventional DV. The Sony Handycam(R) HDRFX1E uses MPEG-2 as its compression format to record HD video in affordable MiniDV tapes. This means the exceptional video quality near CD quality sound and high corrective ability. Its HDV/DV switching system offers the flexibility of playback in Standard Definition (SD) monitors. All that with the sheer convenience of a Sony Handycam promise a heightened video recording experience like no other! 3.5 SwivelScreen(TM) hybrid LCD offers 250000 pixels -- the highest resolution of any consumer camcorder LCD -- for accurate viewing under bright lighting conditions Expanded Focus function magnifies the screen twofold to ensure crisp focus Peaking function emphasizes the outline of objects Super Steady Shot eliminates jolting and blurring Manual settings to control focus zoom iris gain shutter and white balance ---
Tough, Reliable, great optics, 2008-02-28
In this day and age why buy an older technology CCD HDV camcorder when there are others with newer CMOS optics? Well right now, the CMOS technology is good but it isn't great, especially in low light. The older triple CCD equipped cameras like the HDR-FX1 and the HVR-Z1 work better in lower light than the newer FX7s.

I've had an FX1 for a while now and must say that I'm very happy with my purchase. The quality of material I've shot is excellent using Sony HDV tapestock and the playback is top end. The camera manual controls are a dream with an excellent zoom ring close enough to the focus ring for the nimble fingered to use one handed, but far enough apart for a separate focus puller to use without getting in the way. The weight of the unit is good, not too much for hand held use. I like the top mounted view screen like the Z1's and I've found the on board mic to be surprisingly good.

I would suggest the purchase of a NP970 (or equivalent) extended life battery - why do Sony ship the orderinary one at all? along with a decent tripod. I've used bith Vinten and Manfrotto tripods with this camera and to be honest can't decide which I like the best, but make sure you get one with a good fluid head suitable for HDV camcorders. The audio in is a 3.5mm minijack but a Beathtek adapter will add a couple of XLR connectors without the expense of having to stump up for a Z1 camera instead.

A great camcorder and I'll have to be seriously impressed with something else before I replace it.