Sony DCR-DVD7 DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
By: Sony Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 15
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 On: 2008-09-19
This videocam has excellent picture and sound quality. The basic instructions are easy to understand and implement, and because all you have to do is take the dvd out of the camera and put it into a dvd player ( including a playstation 2 ), it makes for ease of use. You really wont believe the quality. The camera itself is easy to hold in your hand and because it looks like a cd player, you wont have to worry about theft as much. The cost is very reasonable. The one thing i will say that you need to keep in mind is that while you can pick up the mini dvd at Wal-Mart and other stores, you may have trouble finding them in Europe. I found some in Paris at a Virgin Records store, but had trouble finding any in Berlin, and found only a few in Amsterdam.
 On: 2008-03-29
Ok Ive had this two years also, its still working, but I havent used it so very much yet. Its now been on a cruise and to a couple air shows. It does take good video, Ive not tried it in still picture mode because I have a way better kodak camera for that kind of thing. Its handily small, not horribly weighty and its easy enough transferring the data from the camcorder to your computer. I will say however it is TERRIBLE in video taking at the air shows. The LCD viewfinder is HORRIBLE when used for looking up into a sunny sky with little or no frame of reference around the object of video taking, also the LCD can be hard to see into with full on bright sunshine. With it having no other viewfinders on it, I wouldnt recommend it much for such a use. Sonys design on the model is nice, but it really needs a viewer on it that you can use you own eyes with. Also I highly recommend getting a backup battery.
 On: 2007-09-29
Had this little guy for almost 2 years....
Then one day it just wouldnt turn on.
Sony wants over 200 dollars just to look at it and the problem is probably a 10 cent resistor.
Also the still photos are terrible. However the videos were good though though sometimes the sound of the spinning disk is recorded and can be heard on playback.
I cant help but wonder if there are better cameras out there at a better price.
On: 2007-08-16
2 years and many great movies later, I still love it. All the grandkids have their own special movies with slide shows and music to boot. I use Nero software along with the Picture Package. So what if the mini DVDs are only 30 minutes? Thats a good place for a break, or another chapter. NO dull movies here! Now Grandma gets invited to all the kids events so she can make a movie of it. This little camera doesnt look like the other camcorders, and has been discriminated against...what a shame. I think it is just ahead of its time!Sony DCR-DVD7 DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
 On: 2006-02-28
Extremely easy to use. Price on Amazon was terrific vs. Circuit City Offering. Like the way you can view immediately in the DVD player. Picture quality in sunny conditions is not good and grainy digitial picture taking.
On: 2006-01-20
Id like to share the reasons why I bought this camera and strongly recommend it:
1. Innovative design and size. I absolutely love the design and compact size of this camera. As any other innovative products, the form factor of this camera received mixed reviews. I think it is perfect, I have no problem handling and holding the camera when filming. You have to give credit to Sony: there is no other DVD camcorder in the market this compact, even after a year in the market.
2. Media support. This should be the number one criteria when buying a DVD camcorder. I have read several reviews from other DVD camcorders complaining about issues finalizing the discs or playing them on standard DVD players. I have had no issues whatsoever with discs burned with this camera, and finalizing the discs is a very smooth process: one click and a few minutes. This camera supports DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW. Most DVD players will play all of these formats. The DVD+RW format allows you to view the disc in most DVD players without finalizing the disc, while the DVD-RW format allows you to edit and delete scenes from the disc when used in VR format (though this format is typically supported by DVD recorders only); both rewritable formats can be formatted and reused as many times as youd like. Note that the capacity of the discs is 30 minutes in SP mode (or 60 in LP mode); this is a limitation of the size of the discs, not the camera. You can buy double-sided discs which will allow you to record 60 minutes in SP mode, but you have to manually swap the disc, so it is equivalent to using 2 different discs.
3. Its a Sony camcorder. I have to mention that I have not owned other brand of camcorders, just because Ive been extremely satisfied with Sony camcorders. They not only have a cool design, but they are also the best in terms of ease of use and reliability. I cannot vouch for the quality of this camcorder yet, but I expect this to last, it seems well built. It also comes with a Carl-Zeiss lens, which are among the best in the market.
4. Other nice features worth mentioning:
* USB cable allows you to copy any or all of the recorded scenes to your computer, even if the disc hasnt been finalized.
* Almost all the functionality is driven by the touch panel, and the main menu is programmable which allows you to add only the features you use the most.
OK, so this camera is not perfect, it has some areas for improvement:
1. If you are buying this camcorder to take still pictures as well as recording video, this is not your camera. The resolution of the stills is only 640x480 (less than 1MP), the quality is so poor that it is not even worth using it for stills.
2. Poor low-light filming and no NightShot feature included.
3. No upgradeability, because of its compact size there is not a lot of room for attaching typical add-ons: microphone, flash, or headphones (though you can use an adapter on the A/V cable). The battery provided lasts for about 90 minutes, however you can buy a larger battery, the NP-FA70 which will lasts up to 180 minutes.
4. At the original MSRP of $699, this camera is expensive, if you pay less than $500 for this camcorder, you are getting a good deal. If youre willing to pay over $600 for this camcorder and youre not crazy about its design/size, you might be better off buying the DCR-DVD203, at least youll get a 1MP digital camera.
On: 2005-11-22
If you are looking for a still shot digital camera ok.. but why buy this monster for that? I have a T1 that does the trick there and gives 5MP.
Ok, so maybe video? ok, but then why do I want a dvd with nothing but raw footage? cant edit it without a lot of work. (where is the firewire port, or even the ability to edit an mpg file?) geeez..
anyway.. I am taking mine back. it is totally useless to me as I already have a still shot camera.. save your money.. dont do it..
On: 2005-07-26
I absolutely love this DVD Camcorder. Its so super small and user friendly I cant explain. It is very simple to use.
My only complaint and frustration is that my Sony VGC-RA710G VAIO PC and the USB software for the Sony DCR-DVD7 dont get along. I thought for sure a Sony would be compatible with a Sony, especially since both are less than one year old.
Best I can tell Windows XP professional wont recognize the USB connection to the Camcorder because the software isnt digitally signed or something. Plus everytime I try just about any installation variation my pc gets hung up...something that it NEVER EVER EVER does. So until Sony can answer why a Sony wont talk to a Sony I cant give the product 5 stars.
This camcorder does hook up easily to a tv, and once you finalize your recordings, they will play on anything. I cant comment on the editing software because I have only been trying to hook up the camcorder to the pc via the USB cable. My hopes and assumptions are that I can use the software from my finalized DVDs.
P.S. If any other users are experiencing this same problem or can offer any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
On: 2005-07-23
This camcorder is very easy to use, light, and takes good video as well as decent stills. My only complaint would be the disk length - the DVD still only holds 30 minutes of video. I have found some that hold 60, but only on the Web, not in stores.
On: 2005-07-22
I bought this last month when the price was $549....what a difference a month makes.
This is a great small and compact camcorder. Has great audio and video and the DVD is very convienent. Im extremely pleased with the recorder. The included software works, but to really get into the video editing mode, youll need some professional software.
All in all, great product and I would buy again. Good luck!
On: 2005-07-07
Ive been using this for about 2 weeks now and I love it! It is very user friendly with touch-screen controls. I only wish the DVDs could last longer than a half hour, but for the size of this model I can over look that.
On: 2005-07-06
Works very well with little instruction. Camera is grainy in low light, crisp in daylight. Video is crisp, audio good. Easy touch screen application makes this camcorder a delight to use.
On: 2005-06-15
The video is great. Even at the LP setting the quality is good. Being able to put 5,100 stills on one DVD is great. I always carry one DVD for video and another for stills.
Small, compact and easy to use. What more could you want?
On: 2005-06-14
The video is great. Even at the LP setting the quality is good. Being able to put 5,100 stills on one DVD is great. I always carry one DVD for video and another for stills.
Small, compact and easy to use. What more could you want?
On: 2005-06-11
We needed an easy to use, lightweight, quality video camcorder that anyone could use. The Sony DCR-DVD7 is GREAT. Worked excellent on vacation, our beach video images are excellent - the "EASY BUTTON" makes the whole experience of shooting video a snap. When we reviewed the video the quality was surprising very good for the price of this camcorder. We have a JVC camcorder that we paid double the price for which I find difficult/complicated and too heavy to use.
NOTE: The DVD7 is so easy to use - for example; I was holding one dog (7 month old wiggly puppy)in one arm, and using our DVD7 with the other hand to capture our other dog playing tag with a sand crab, and the video images turned out steady, focused, and clear.
As for digital still images - I did not purchase this device for still images. If all I wanted was still images, I would use a disposable camera for on the beach, and our Sony digial camera for other times.
Now for the software: easy and fun to use.
**Battery - really does last a full hour! And I was using it for video, and play-back of the video, not still pictures.
Overall impression: I wanted a point & shoot camcorder with great video images. Here is all you do: insert the DVD, turn on the power, touch the "EASY Button", and shoot. If you want a lightweight, easy to use, excellent video images, and a battery that lasts a full hour, the DCR-DVD7 is exactly all these things.
On: 2005-05-17
Review for the Sony DCR-DVD7.
Last week I found myself about 2000 miles from home and needed an easy to use, lightweight, and small camcorder. I found the DCR-DVD7 and decided to try it. It worked well for my needs except in the area of digital stills.
I noticed this camera at first because of its shape. It looks like a digital camera - not a camcorder. It is small enough (if you have big pockets) to fit into your pocket.
The camera is very easy to use and even has an Easy button to make taking video a snap.
Pros
The pluses of this camera are that it is small and takes acceptable video. Has a good feel and form factor. The camera has quick and smooth focus. It turns on and is ready to shoot in a very short time even for a DVD based camcorder. All the I/O ports work good (USB and Video-out). It has a nice bright LCD display. It can take literally thousands of digital images. When you finish shooting video, you have a ready-made DVD to show friends and family. You also have a long lasting archive of your images that you can edit later.
Cons
For me the biggest downside of this camera is that it takes terrible digital still images. The pictures have visible pixels and the color is not as rich as with Sony still cameras. A unit of this price should take at least acceptable still images. Some of the pictures I took with the camera look worse than the old Apple Quick-take cameras of 10 years ago could produce. The camera has no Firewire port. As an Apple computer user, this camera is unfriendly when it comes to editing-no Apple supported software and it is a difficult task to put your video into iMovie for editing. For all these lacking areas it is a bit pricey.
(Comments: - JUST IN CASE SOMEBODY FROM SONY READS THIS STUFF - This camera has a great form factor and has huge potential. IF it had a headphone out-jack, you could have a portable DVD player and MP3 Player that could be watched/listened to on a plane or any other type of trip. IF it took better digital, stills it would be good buy because it could replace a digital camera and camcorder. Some other reviews I have read criticize this unit because of the video quality of this unit but I found it to be acceptable for home use. Great concept I wish that Sony would make some small improvements and this unit could be a fantastic product. )
Conclusion
Overall, if you need an easy to use camcorder that is small this camera would be a good choice. (DVD archiving is also a big plus for those who shoot video but do not always edit it right away.) If you are looking for great quality images and size does not matter look elsewhere.
On: 2005-05-16
Review for the Sony DCR-DVD7.
Last week I found myself about 2000 miles from home and needed an easy to use, lightweight, and small camcorder. I found the DCR-DVD7 and decided to try it. It worked well for my needs except in the area of digital stills.
I noticed this camera at first because of its shape. It looks like a digital camera - not a camcorder. It is small enough (if you have big pockets) to fit into your pocket.
The camera is very easy to use and even has an Easy button to make taking video a snap.
Pros
The pluses of this camera are that it is small and takes acceptable video. Has a good feel and form factor. The camera has quick and smooth focus. It turns on and is ready to shoot in a very short time even for a DVD based camcorder. All the I/O ports work good (USB and Video-out). It has a nice bright LCD display. It can take literally thousands of digital images. When you finish shooting video, you have a ready-made DVD to show friends and family. You also have a long lasting archive of your images that you can edit later.
Cons
For me the biggest downside of this camera is that it takes terrible digital still images. The pictures have visible pixels and the color is not as rich as with Sony still cameras. A unit of this price should take at least acceptable still images. Some of the pictures I took with the camera look worse than the old Apple Quick-take cameras of 10 years ago could produce. The camera has no Firewire port. As an Apple computer user, this camera is unfriendly when it comes to editing-no Apple supported software and it is a difficult task to put your video into iMovie for editing. For all these lacking areas it is a bit pricey.
(Comments: - JUST IN CASE SOMEBODY FROM SONY READS THIS STUFF - This camera has a great form factor and has huge potential. IF it had a headphone out-jack, you could have a portable DVD player and MP3 Player that could be watched/listened to on a plane or any other type of trip. IF it took better digital, stills it would be good buy because it could replace a digital camera and camcorder. Some other reviews I have read criticize this unit because of the video quality of this unit but I found it to be acceptable for home use. Great concept I wish that Sony would make some small improvements and this unit could be a fantastic product. )
Conclusion
Overall, if you need an easy to use camcorder that is small this camera would be a good choice. (DVD archiving is also a big plus for those who shoot video but do not always edit it right away.) If you are looking for great quality images and size does not matter look elsewhere.
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