Sony HDR-FX7 3-CMOS Sensor HDV High-Definition Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

I researched many cameras & kept coming back to this one. I loved my old Sony TRV-30 but it was time for an upgrade.The camera is easy to use. Probably larger than you think but for high quality pro-sumer or low to mid end corporate this camera is perfect size.I loved the Super SteadyShot Optical Stabilization System - truly this feature is a must. Camera can get a bit heavy after holding it up alot...it's not a on-the-shoulder camera so the SteadyShot is a must.Haven't seen the results of HD on MiniDV tapes yet but the transition between 4:3 & 16:9 and SD & HD appears to be simple.Also, haven't tried the movie quality features yet either but I'm in it for corporate shooting so it's not a make or break for me.The custom pre-sets you can set up are a nice feature.Great camera for the price.Added Comment 2/20/2012After few years camera quality still excellent - nice HD shots. Two biggest problems are 1) recording to digital tape (MiniDV). I now would prefer tapeless. 2) Audio - the stereo audio is via mini plug versus XLR. I knew this going in but the mono part is just fine...the stereo gives me way to much "hiss" or noise. I would now downgrade my rating of this produect solely based on the face that recording anything in stereo can at times leave me with a very noisy channel of audio.

everything works fine the only thing is the hdv/dv port does NOT work making the camera practically pointless if you can't even download the videos.

Canon VIXIA HF10 Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 16 GB Internal Flash Memory and 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom[[ASIN:B0017NYOWY Panasonic AG-HMC70PJ AVCHD 3CCD Flash Memory Professional Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom  Sony HDR-SR11 10.2-MP 60GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom]]. These are the three Cameras I bought and returned before settling on the Sony HDR-FX7. The runner up was the Panasonic. This camera has outstanding picture quality outdoors. It has reasonably good picture quality indoors in low light. It doesn't have XLR inputs, but the standard mic is considerably better than the standard mic on the Panasonic. I like the size( about the size of two hand-held camcorders which is not easy to find in the pro-sumer style cameras) and ease of use. I like the video quality. I would like to have a built in light or supplied light for the price of this camera. I would also prefer tapeless recording, but you have to spend an extra $1000-1500 to get tapeless in this size camera. 5 stars if it was tapeless for the same price.

You won’t find a more duarable beast than the FX7. Mine is 14 years old and still going strong! I replaced the eye piece and lcd screen myself with zero experience. I didn’t store it properly and that is the reason it was damaged.The only downfall is cassettes tapes, but if you can get past that, it’s a great beginner camera for the price! Easy to use, simple settings and plenty of tutorial videos online.I use it for sports, both indoor and out. It is pretty lightweight and has great battery life! The quality is far and above similar cameras from the time period.Companies I have worked for are still using these alongside brand new $5-$6000 cameras if that tells you have durable and these babies are.It’s one of the few cameras I would I recommend to anyone starting out on budget.

I have gotten many hours out of this camera since purchasing it. There is high quality, small in size but powerful in it's ability. My only drawback seen with this camera is that I would have liked to have had a more powerful zoom lens. I have found that the 20X zoom will not get me closer to the subject when shooting at a distance. I shoot many sporting events and it is perfect for following the action on a play by play basis.My biggest problem deals with Sony's technical support. I have contacted them via their 800 number, their email and even went to Orlando, Florida to the Sony outlet for technical with the camera and their editing software. They cannot or will not answer your questions. The Sony Store in Orlando advised me that they only service or give technical support when their product is purchased from "their store" It seems that Sony would be more receptive of the concerns of the small businesses? Oh yeah, I even wrote to their main office to all their top brass, still no response.I suggest that if you purchase Sony you have the support of someone who has used and are familar with their equipment or software otherwise you will not get it from Sony technical..... "and that's my review and I am sticking to it"

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 advice1) 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.

I was expecting to get the cables needed to connect to the camcorder, the cables that came with the camcorder didn't come with the order. HDMI, The Firewire cable and a few other that should have been included in the order. One cable was included but it was for a kodak product. I would not recommend this vendor.