The super-small and lightweight Sony HDR-CX7 HD Handycam  gives you grand performance on a small scale. Recording directly to a Memory Stick PRO Duo (sold separately), the HDR-CX7 is capable of recording and playing back both High (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video.

With a 2.7″ wide, 211K pixel LCD display that rotates up to 270 degrees with touch panel SwivelScreen® technology, you can view what you’re recording at almost any angle. With sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots easy.

The HDR-CX7 features a built-in flash and a professional-quality Carl Zeiss(R) Vario-Sonnar(R) T* lens. Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. The additional T coating on the lens further reduces unwanted glare and flare. The 20x digital zoom supports a 10x optical zoom. Additionally, the Digital Zoom Interpolation feature means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

The 3.2 Megapixel 1/2.9″ ClearVid CMOS Sensor provides 1080 lines of resolution in HD or 530 lines of resolution in SD recording and captures 6.1 Megapixel JPEG still images. Unlike traditional CCD Imagers, CMOS Sensors require less power, providing better battery performance. You can capture 4.6 Megapixel still images (up to 2848×2136 resolution) while recording video.

One interesting feature is the Smooth Slow Record mechanism that allows you to increase the record rate for slow-motion playback. Another is Sony’s NightShot(R) infrared system that allows you to capture video in total darkness up to 10 feet away. The Super SteadyShot(R) Optical Image Stabilization feature controls shake and vibration. Use the Tele Macro Function for shooting close up shots without shadows or distorted focus.

The user interface of the Sony HDR-CX7 provides several helpful features to improve your recording capabilities. You can switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios with the one-touch wide-angle button, and use the manual focus feature to control the focus no matter the situation. Use scene selection modes like Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, etc. to improve your shot. Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony’s Picture Effect Modes, including monotone, pastel, sepia and the black or white fade effect.  For additional control, the HDR-CX7 features Zoom and Record buttons on the frame of the LCD screen. For an ultra-simple user experience, use the Easy Handycam Button, to lock out most of the advanced features and leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational. It is also possible to change the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian French, Latin American Spanish or Brazilian Portuguese. The HDR-CX7 comes with its own docking station.

The HDR-CX7 uses a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, and remaining battery is displayed in minutes on either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. Using the optional NP-FH100 InfoLITHIUM(R)     Battery, the HDR-CX7 can continuously record up to 5 hours (LCD) on a single full charge, providing extra long battery life. The HDR-CX7 features an Active Interface Shoe, a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories. Recording time, when using 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media is as follows: High Definition: XP = up to 30 min., HQ = up to 55 min., SP = up to 65 min., LP = up to 85 min. Standard Definition: HQ = up to 55 min., SP = up to 80 min., LP = up to 160 min. The handset weighs approximately 15 oz. with the battery and is 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″ x 5 1/4″.
Playback of contents recorded with the AVCHD Memory Stick is available on PlayStation3.

The Sony HDR-CX7 Handycam will serve all of your video recording needs, whether you are a skilled videographer or just learning the cinematic ropes.