CNET has rated and reviewed the Sony HDR-FX7, Sony’s midrange prosumer HDV model. The reviewer found it an excellent camcorder with a few flaws and plenty of room to grow both in and of itself and also moving up models (and spending more money). Audio was the main concern since the HDR-FX7 only has a mini-jack and cold accessory shoe. One volume control is used to set line volume and cannot control stereo channels independently.
Because of its weak audio options, as well as a lack of time-code controls and other editing-friendly essentials, I wouldn’t recommend the Handycam HDR-FX7 for budding indie filmmakers, despite the attractive price for those users … But if you want lots of video adjustment options and have only basic audio needs, the HDR-FX7 will can make a great HD starter camcorder for early-stage wannabes.
