Digital Trends

Sony HDR-HC7 June 24th, 2007 | by David Elrich

Features and Design

The Sony HDR-HC7 looks like so many other camcorders with its horizontal configuration and silver-toned body with black accents. In fact, it looks similar to the Canon HV20 except the tape compartment is slightly more compact. The two companies are fierce rivals so the look-alikes must come from different factories, right? The HC7 measures 3.25 x 3.25 x 5.5 (WHD, in inches) and tips the scales at 23.2 ounces including battery and Memory Stick Pro Duo card. Tiny it isn’t but it feels very substantial.

The front is dominated by a 10x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* optical zoom with a reasonable 20x digital zoom; still we suggest you disable the digital zoom since quality drops a bit from pure optical. Below the zoom is a stereo mic and next to it is an input for optional microphones that fit in the hot accessory shoe. You’ll also find an infrared port that beams light when you’re in the NightShot mode. With this feature you can record subjects in complete darkness but they’re a monochrome green. My cat’s eyes looked pretty cool but this is best used for sleeping babies or you can use it as a light walking in the dark, checking things out on the LCD screen! Next to the Nightshot sensor is an auto pop-out flash for still images.

The left side has a bunch of decals proclaiming the format (HD HDV) and a few less obtrusive markings including one that states this is a 6.1-megapixel camera. How does Sony take a 3.2MP camcorder and capture 6.1MP images? With interpolation, naturally, a software enhancement that bumps up native resolution. Does it work? We’ll let you know on the next page. This side is dominated by a 2.7-inch widescreen swing-out LCD monitor rated 211K pixels. This is a touch screen so you have to tap it to access the menu system. I used it a lot and didn’t have any problems with smudging. I did have a problem with some the weird spelling contractions—guess it’s just the old English major in me. Connect has an “o,” not CNNECT and picky stuff like that. And the adjustments could be better organized. More on this in a bit. On the left screen bezel are controls to adjust the zoom (wide/telephoto) and to start/stop recording.

On the lens barrel, you’ll find a key to enter manual mode and a dial to scroll through those adjustments. There’s also a Back Light key and another switch to turn NightShot on or off. On the body, under the LCD is a compartment for the various inputs/outputs including LANC, Firewire, component, A/V and a headphone jack. The HDMI out is on the rear, in case you’re wondering. When the LCD is open, on the body you’ll find a USB out, a slot for Pro Duo cards and a button for the Easy Handycam setting (basically full auto) and a Display/Battery info that removes any clutter on the screen; when on you’ll see how much life is left in your battery to the minute, a terrific real-world feature.

The right side has a comfortable strap, the tape compartment and a key to adjust the flash (on/off). On top is the hot accessory shoe cover, tape eject button, wide/tele zoom switch and a dedicated button for taking stills. 

The back of the camcorder has the mode dial (tape/still recording/playback), the record button, HDMI compartment and DC-in for recharging the battery. The battery fits neatly into a slot so it doesn’t protrude (similar to the HV20). Unlike that one, it has a pull-out viewfinder with a comfortable eyecup that can be adjusted with the diopter control. On the bottom are the tripod mount and the battery release switch. All in all, this is a compact, attractive camcorder.

The HDR-HC7 comes with the basics including an AC adaptor, battery, remote, A/V, component, USB and (surprisingly) FireWire cables. You also get a 115-page Owner’s Manual. The software bundle is limited with Picture Motion Browser Ver. 2.0.02 that’s geared for very basic editing of stills and video. Fortunately there are many affordable packages available for editing HDV footage, if you’d like to go that route.

Once the battery was charged, tape and card loaded, it was time to test this baby out.

Image Courtesy of Sony