This Sony HDR-FX7 may at first glance appear to be a professional camcorder, but whether or not it actually is can be debated. Despite having many of the fancy features associated with a professional camcorder, many more were omitted in favor of keeping this a high-end model for the deep-pocketed consumer or prosumer that was looking to record HD video in 2006.
Regardless, I've been on the lookout for one of these HD camcorders that follow the familiar formfactor of something like the venerable Sony VX2000 or Canon GL1. Surprisingly, the prices of older professional, prosumer and even consumer HDV equipment still command more than I've been willing to part with for what is, at this point, equipment that's over a decade and a half old. Much to my surprise, I happened across this well-preserved Sony HDR-FX7 for $40.
The tape mechanism, by some miracle, works flawlessly, with none of the usual quirks and issues that plaque them. It was missing the viewfinder eyepiece attachment, but that's since been resolved with a $20 used replacement acquired online. The only other thing keeping mine from being 100% is the Firewire port--it's totally dead, sadly.
All things considered, despite this being a $3500 consumer camcorder when new, this model still offers plenty of pro-grade functionality and features along with video and audio quality to match, given its age and video format.
00:00 Intro
00:59 Lens
01:48 Microphone
02:13 Accessory Shoe & Audio Input
02:46 Viewfinder
03:11 Zoom, LANC Jack & Power Switch
03:39 Component, Composite & Firewire
04:30 Battery
04:58 Hidden Tally Light & IR Receiver
05:11 Auto Lock Switch
05:33 Buttons, Features & Functions
07:21 More I/O
07:35 Tape Mechanism
08:15 Features
13:04 Tape Test
13:55 Video Test
15:16 Closing Thoughts
#sony #camcorder #camera
