Sony HDR-FX7 vs HV20

[ixlor8]

Does anybody have any experience with using the Sony HDR-FX7? Low light usage? Bright sunlight? Image quality?

Good or bad?

I am able to purchase a Sony HDR-FX7 for $2300 with 4 year Mack warranty.

I shoot mostly outdoor auto races and car shows.

Many thanks

[Dennis Vogel]

Not trying to chase you away but there's lots of folks at this site http://www.sonyhdvinfo.com/ that can probably answer your questions.

Good luck.

Dennis

[ixlor8]

Thanks Dennis.

I am looking for a little better low light camcorder. The HV20 has been great for outside shooting.

[Avene]

Have you considered the Canon XHA1? The trouble with Sony cameras is the image quality. They use some kind of sharpening that produces some serious noise. I've noticed this in footage from pretty much all their cameras from the consumers up the the semi pro EX1. Compare the footage to anything shot on the HV20, and you'll see the difference. I've seen some great looking footage from the XHA1 though, and know that it's quite an impressive camera in low light.

[DaFireMedic]

Does anybody have any experience with using the Sony HDR-FX7? Low light usage? Bright sunlight? Image quality?

Good or bad?

I am able to purchase a Sony HDR-FX7 for $2300 with 4 year Mack warranty.

I shoot mostly outdoor auto races and car shows.

Many thanks

If you can get the FX7 for $2300, I'd say go for it. I'd certainly take the XH-A1 over it, but it'd cost you a full $1000 more.

Camcorderinfo.com is the place to check for its performance.

[Kyleman]

If I was to save up that much money, I would just save another $1000 or so and get the XH-A1. If it's worth doing, it's worth over doing.:hv20-smilie77:

[ronscuba]

I just got my HV20, so I haven't done any comparisons yet to my FX7.

What has impressed me about the FX7 is the color range. In low light situations, the colors still seem to come through even though the overall picture is a little dim.

I shoot underwater scuba videos with the FX7 and I'm pretty impressed. I have some high resolution samples on Divx Stage6 and low resolution ones on youtube if anyone wants to see them.

[DaFireMedic]

I just got my HV20, so I haven't done any comparisons yet to my FX7.

What has impressed me about the FX7 is the color range. In low light situations, the colors still seem to come through even though the overall picture is a little dim.

I shoot underwater scuba videos with the FX7 and I'm pretty impressed. I have some high resolution samples on Divx Stage6 and low resolution ones on youtube if anyone wants to see them.

Hey, it's ronscuba from Scubaboard, welcome!

I'm glad to see you got the HV20, I think you'll be happy with it. Impressive videos with the FX7 by the way.

[ixlor8]

I purchased the HDR-FX7. For the autocross and automotive events, I would never used the 24P found on other more expensive camcorders. $2300 with 4 year Mack warranty. I thought, what did I have to loose?

I have shot some quick video indoors. The low light is tremendous vs the HV20.

I can't wait to shoot more video tomorrow. I would guess that the HV20 and FX7 image quality will be closer in bright sun light vs low light.

Thanks

[ixlor8]

ronscuba

How would I see the video's on Stage6? What is the name I should look for?

[DaFireMedic]

ronscuba

How would I see the video's on Stage6? What is the name I should look for?


Under ronscuba :hv20-smilie03:

I've had it bookmarked for a while:
http://www.stage6.com/Belize-Scuba

[ronscuba]

Thanks for the welcome. This board is loaded with good info.

I got the HV20 to serve as a topside camera for scenery and interviews. I had an HV10, but it lacked a mic input and the on cam mic didn't work too well on interviews.

Have you taken your HV20 underwater yet ? The Ikelite housing looks decent and I believe it has access to manual white balance.

[DaFireMedic]

Have you taken your HV20 underwater yet ? The Ikelite housing looks decent and I believe it has access to manual white balance.


No, I haven't even been diving in many months. I did recently sign back up with my dive club, so its a matter of getting a buddy and heading down to the beach.

I "built" my own housing, as I couldn't yet justify the cost of the Ikelite (as inexpensive as it is) until I know that I want to do underwater videography.

My "Budget" Underwater Video Housing (http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=2593&highlight=underwater)

[ronscuba]

Looks like a nice way to try out UW video before really jumping in. I'm really anxious to see some UW footage from the HV20. The size weight combo of my FX7 and housing is not exactly easy to transport.