Sony Handycam HDR-UX7

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.