Looks like the sleuths at the SonyHDVInfo forums have stumbled upon a possible HD upgrade to the popular Sony VX2100. The Sony HDR-FX7 is rumored to be released later this year. It will likely bridge the gap between the consumer HC3 and the professional-end Z1U. Here are some of the purported specs (as lifted straight from FresHDV):
3 CMOS imagers (three imagers means no need for bayer pattern filter)
HDV 1080i on MiniDV tape
20x optical zoom
Same LCD position as the VX2100, with a 1″ larger screen
Larger, 62mm filter threads
Firewire, USB, and HDMI out, but no XLR connections (
3 custom assignable buttons, much like the FX1.
2-position built-in ND filters, like the VX2100
Expanded Focus button, like the FX1
Slightly more ergonomic hand grip than VX2100 (angled forward)
Seperate zoom and focus rings, most likely servo
Roughly the same size/weight as the VX2100, with smoother lines.
The main thing I find interesting is the possibility of 3 CMOS sensors. As with all rumors, this could coalesce into an actual digital camcorder release from Sony, or into nothing at all.
