Sony HDR-CX7 vs Panasonic HDC-SD5; choosing HD Sony SR5, SR7, SR300, JVC GZ7, GZHD3 it’s better to look at memory card models: CX7 and SD5

Comparing HD camcorders, I cannot help saying about Sony Handycam: HDR-CX7, SR7, SR5, SR200E and SR300E etc. It uses 1 CMOS sensor instead of Panasonic’s 3CCD, the same 10x optical zoom lens and some Sony’s favorite features. However, there are no expensive extrapixels as SR300E’s 6MP in these SX7 and SR7 models. What is more, there is my favourite feature - recording to a memory card (HDR-SX7), which allows building a firm camcorder without moving parts. For more Sony HD models look through 7 new 1CCD HD camcorders from Sony – any reasons to buy some or to wait for 3CCD cams
Sony Handycam HDR-CX7
The Sony Handycam HDR-CX7 is a small and lightweight AVCHD high-definition camcorder with a 3.2 MP CMOS sensor, an optical image stabilizer and a great Carl Zeiss lens. It can record nearly three hours of full HD 1080 video on an 8GB Memory Stick PRO Duo media card in LP mode. Its weight and dimensions are close to Panasonic HDC-SD5, maybe a little bigger. It has one sensor system, but HDR-CX7 true 3.2 megapixels are the same what you need for a good capturing 1080i HD movie. The camcorder has an optical image stabilizer, which is a very useful feature, especially for a big 10x optical zoom. Sony CX-7 costs about $860-1100 and if you like Sony image colors this camcorder can be a good alternative for Panasonic HDC-SD5, although SD5 is a little cheaper ($740-820) and smaller. For more details about Panasonic's HD cams look through Panasonic HDC-SD5 vs HDC-SX5 or JVC GZ-HD3: choosing 3CCD HD camcorder
Sony HDR-CX7 features
- 1/3" CMOS Sensor (3200K Pixel)
- Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 10x Optical Zoom Lens
- 35mm Equivalent Optics/Lens: 40-400mm (16:9 Camera Mode), 49-490mm (4:3 Camera Mode), 40-400mm (16:9 Memory Mode) and 37-370mm (4:3 Memory Mode), f/1.8-2.9
- Filter Size: 37mm
- 20x Digital Zoom
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 2 lux (0 lux with NightShot mode)
- 252,000 Pixels (16:9) 2.7" Wide LCD Display
- HD Video: AVCHD; SD Video: MPEG2; Still Images: JPEG
- Audio: Dolby Digital 2/5.1 Channels
- Inputs and Outputs: Analog Audio/Video Output, USB Port, Digital Audio/Video Input and Output, HDMI, Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output and S-Video Output
- Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.8 x 5.3" (6.9 x 6.7 x 13.1 cm)
- Weight: 15 ounces (450 grams) with supplied battery
Sony Handycam HDR-SR7
The Sony HDR-SR7 AVCHD HD camcorder can record more than 22 hours of full HD 1080i video on its built-in 60GB hard disk drive, while the HDR-SR5’s 40GB hard drive can hold nearly 15 hours in LP mode. As the HDR-CX7, the Sony HDR-SR7 has a 3-megapixel sensor for full HD 1080i video and 6-megapixel for digital still photos and the same other features. In comparison with the HDR-SR5, which only has a 2-megapixel sensor for full HD video and a 4-megapixel for photo, Sony 7-series is much more preferable.
Sony HDR-SR7 features
- 1/2.9" 3200K Pixels CMOS Sensor
- Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 10x zoom lens
- 35mm Equivalent 4:3 Camera Mode: 50.5-594mm, Memory Mode: 37-370mm; 16:9 Camera Mode: 41.3-485mm, Memory Mode: 40.4-404mm, F=5.1-51mm, f/1.8-2.9
- Filter Size: 37mm
- 80x Digital Zoom
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 2 lux (0 lux with NightShot mode)
- 2.7" 211K Pixels 16:9 Wide Hybrid Touch Panel
- HD: AVCHD, SD: MPEG2
- Composite, Component, USB 2.0 (via Handycam Station), mini HDMI
- Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.3 x 6.5" (78 x 84 x 165mm)
- Weight: 1.9 lbs (720g) with Battery
Conclusion
Comparing Sony HDR-CX7 with HDR-SR7 I would prefer a camcorder with a memory card. I have already written about using a HDD in camcorders. As for 60GB size, in my opinion it is a little complicated to record so many videos during a two-week trip. You will have to look through the camcorder instead your eyes all the time. Then SR7’s 3MP sensor is a little better than SR5’s 2MP. We need only 1980 x 1080 = 2 mega pixels for capturing a full HD movie, but some pixels are not superfluous for camcorder electronics. While, it seems to me that Panasonic HDC-SD5 with a smaller than Sony SX7 price, lightweight and advanced 3CCD system is a little better purchase. However, in comparison with expensive JVC HD camcorders such as JVC Everio GZ7 and JVC GZHD3, the Sony HDR-CX7 is a bit more attractive. As for JVC GZ7, look at Puppet Sanyo Xacti HD2 vs clever Canon HV20 or groovy JVC GZ-HD7: it's time to buy a HD-camcorder or wait?