Sony Rolls Out HDR-FX7 HDV Camcorder: Smaller, Lighter, Cheaper

Charlie White — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 08:37:00 EDT

Sony added another HDV camcorder to the higher end of its consumer line today, the HDR-FX7, which uses three CMOS imaging sensors rather than the three CCDs of its FX1 brandmate while carrying 40% less weight at a 25% smaller size. It's not intended as a replacement of the venerable FX1, but it's positioned as a lower-cost addition to Sony's HDV camcorder line. Even so, the 3.63-pound high-definition camcorder does have tons of updated features such as an HDMI port, smooth slow motion recording and more-sensitive low-light performance.

In keeping with its consumer-oriented heritage, pro audio features are lacking on the HDR-FX7 (could a pro version be waiting in the wings?), with its RCA audio inputs rather than the professionally-oriented XLR audio inputs, and its two audio channels are not independently controllable. Nor does the FX7 have the FX1's native 16:9 capture, instead horizontally stretching each pixel. While the FX7 camcorder will retail for $3500 when it ships in October, we're thinking its price should drop quickly, especially since that higher-end Sony FX1 currently has a street price of around $3200. – Charlie White

Sony Announces Smaller Less Expensive HDR-FX7 with 3 CMOS Chips [camcorderinfo.com]

Canon XH G1 and XH A1 HDV Camcorders

Charlie White — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 09:20:23 EDT

Canon rolled out two high-definition camcorders, the XH G1 ($6800, pictured above) and XH A1 ($4700), aimed at the lower-end professional market and high-end consumer space. Both are capable of 1080i HDTV recording using the lower-cost HDV recording format that's revolutionizing high definition video production. Each is equipped with an image-stabilized 20x optical zoom lens that isn't interchangeable (unlike their higher-end brandmate, the Canon XL-H1 HDV camcorder), a 2.8-inch LCD viewscreen, and both are using three 1/3-inch CCD imagers.

Except for the XH G1's ability to output professional-level signals using HD/SD-SDI output, genlock and time code input/output (features important to television stations and production pros), the two camcorders are remarkably similar. Both record in 60i, 30F, or 24F, which Canon calls "Cine Look" but isn't the coveted 24p craved by film converts. The two HDV camcorders will ship October 2.

Additional camcorder porn after the jump. – Charlie White

Canon XH G1 and XH A1 HDV Camcorders [Digital Camcorder News]

Gizmodo: hdv camcorders

Sony Rolls Out HDR-FX7 HDV Camcorder: Smaller, Lighter, Cheaper

Canon XH G1 and XH A1 HDV Camcorders