-
"Awesome HD MiniDVD Video Camera, but needs better Mac support!" on by Doug_Schmidt
Pros: 1080i video quality, 16:9 aspect ratio, Plays on Blu-Ray, Strong battery life with included battery, Excellent viewing screen, Cool touchpad navigation
Cons: 5 second-ish startup time, Plays only on Blu-Ray DVD players, Bad Mac support due to AVCHD codec (as of this writing)
Summary: I am writing this review for one reason, to let the Mac users out there know that this camera WON'T work UNLESS you have video editing software that supports AVCHD format (Sony's own, as usual). I am told that Toast 8 and Apple iLife '08 have the proper codecs to read AVCHD formatted video files, but this is not yet confirmed until I _buy_ and _install_ these products.
Else, this camera is undeniably fantastic, and if you're really smart you'll figure out how to get it for *free* by using your American Express Rewards points! ;0)Updated
For the record, AVCHD is a codec championed by Sony AND Panasonic, not just Sony. And as far as support for AVCHD DVD's in iMovie '08 -- you can forget about it.
This article on Apple.com tells one story:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306171
Here Apple says that they fully support and have tested the AVCHD DVD format in iMovie '08 and this specific camera model (HDR-UX7). Thus, it should work...but it DOES NOT. The camera is not recognized by the Intel-based Mac and iMovie '08.
After looking in the HELP application in iMovie '08, it says that they do not support AVCHD DVD's! This is VERY unfortunate...for me, and anybody who thinks they're going to make movies on their expensive Mac with their expensive Sony HD DVD camcorder.
Here's what the Help file says:
"You can import video from USB camcorders that record to DVD or hard disk drive (HDD) storage media, or from flash-based devices, such as digital still cameras that record video.
These devices are also called random access devices (RAD) because you can access and import video clips by selecting them randomly. You can preview video clips on the device, but you don’t have to wait for the video to play through as it imports.
NOTE: An Intel processor is required for AVCHD video support. AVCHD DVD camcorders aren't currently supported."
You see, that very last sentence is the key. AVCHD DVD camcorders ARE NOT currently supported.
Maybe you'll have better luck with the hard disk drive models.
For now (as of 11/12/07), we'll all have to wait impatiently.
Apple has lost a lot of street cred with me today. It's a sad day for Apple. -
"Perform the Job for what was meant" on by danielgarces
Pros: Image Quality
Cons: User Interface
Summary: I been in the market quite a while for a mini DVD high definition consumer camcorder. Price was holding me down, since I could not find a decent HD camcorder under a $1,000.oo dollars tag to justify my immediate needs. Until I get across this camera. Even better I got it for under $900.oo from one of Cnet authorized merchants. At that price I can say I got an excellent value and every dollar is worth it (I would be thinking different if paid MSRP). I been playing with this camcorder a couple of weeks already and this are my first impressions:
For those whom know about “cameras”, the final result of a picture or recording is not done entirely by the max resolution of a device, but for the combination of many factors.
The Carl Zeiss T* lens was placed in this camcorder for a reason…. And I am really enjoying it while watching my recordings.
At standard definition mode, color and detail are reach. This camcorder has not disappointed me at low light settings. The overall picture quality is excellent. The Image stabilizer of this camera performs above the average.
I’ve never seen a video camera that satisfies me on the still images side. Probably because I own professional level Still Cameras and I have drawn that particular line to high. Saying this, I am a bit surprise, and may give it a chance.
Recording at high definition… well, to be fair, I don’t have a point to compare, since is my first HD camera, but… It will be absurd from my side to relate to the image of HD broadcasting or HD-DVD or Blue Ray… People!!! that is done with Professional grade HD cameras that cost many thousands dollars and the images are edited and prepared for a final result!
From a consumer perspective the image of the HD mode of this camcorder is Sharp and very refreshing. Something totally new, and have already caught the attention of few friends. The HD images out of this camcorder do not have to ask any favors to many of the 3CCD camcorders available. The HDMI connectivity is a “must have”. I would not expend money in any audio or video device that I am thinking in keeping for a while without HDMI connection.
The 5.1 Surround conversions do the job for the audio part. I may have to invest few more bucks on an external microphone, since the one built in get lost at long distances. But once again… This is a consumer grade camcorder.
I thing the Menu’s interface could it be better, but is not difficult. -
"Don't believe Sony's video resolution claims" on by neilfraser9
Pros: Nice manual controls & mic input
Cons: Not able to record 1920x1080 video
Summary: I bought this camcorder (HDR-UX7) because I believed that it would output a full HD video resolution of 1920x1080 pixels i.e. 1920 times 1080 equals 2,073,600 pixels or 2.07 megapixels. The reason I thought this was that Sony's advertising information for this camcorder would lead any reasonable person to the same conclusion. In fact this model can only record 1440x 1080i as this is the only resolution supported by the AVCHD "standard".
The specifications on the Sony web site at:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=11039209
say:
Pixel Gross
3200K
....
Video Actual
2280K Pixels (16:9), 1710K Pixels (4:3)
Now I am no math wizard but I doubt 1440 times 1080 makes 2,280,000.
I talked to level 1 tech support at Sony and they also expected that my camcorder should output 1920x1080 based on the specs. They eventually referred me to level II where I was told that:
"... you have 2280000 sensors creating the 1440x1080 image" and that this would, among other things provide "higher detail". Frankly, I think that the level of detail recorded is fixed at 1440x1080 regardless of the size of the internal chip.
I wondered if Sony's specs on still image resolution would show similar disparity. Strangely they did not. The unit is rated at 6.1 megapixels and it did output 6.1 megapixel images.
I think the term "Video Actual" in Sony's specifications is misrepresenting the capabilities of this product.
Write a Review
Online Stores
| Store | Promotions | In Stock | Price | Total Cost | Initial Sort Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | No | Yes | Tax: TBD Ship: TBD | $799.99 Shop Now | |
| See all prices | |||||
