New Sony FX7 announced

Sony just announced the successor to their popular HDR-FX1; the HDR- FX7 (and don’t ask us where the FX2 through 6 went…Sony doesn’t know either). After speaking with Sony representatives, we were impressed with the many new features this camera will be sporting. The most significant is the use of three 1/4” CMOS Sensor (Gross: 1.12M pixels, Effective: 1.04M pixels). This is a first. A list of other key features includes:

- CZ Vario-Sonnar T (filter diameter now 62mm, was 72mm on the FX1)
- 20x Optical Zoom
- Optical Image Stabilizer
- Dual Rec (Movie & Photo) (1.2M stills)
- Multi Down Convert Function
- 0.54” 250K Color VF
- 3.5” Type 211K Wide Clear Photo plus LCD (Hybrid)
- InfoLITHIUM L Series Battery, approx. 8 hrs (1.5 hours longer than FX1)
- Cold Shoe
- Memory Stick Duo Slot
- 6 seconds of Smooth Slow Rec (captures at 240 fields per second, and plays back at the standard 60)

Two features missing from this model over the previous FX1 are analog inputs and direct access of audio levels (the latter is still available but is now menu driven).

As this model is reported to be 25% smaller and 40% lighter, obviously something had to go. Also the FX7 lost a little light sensitivity primarily due to a smaller lens, going from 3 to 4 lux. However some very cool new features have been added making this an appreciably valuable upgrade. These include:
- Three-function Selectable Exposure Dial
- Auto Focus Assist
- Peaking Color/Level Setting
- 1.48x “digital extender” (extends focal length at any zoom level)
- Simultaneous use of LCD & EVF
- 3 different color bars
- Histogram
- Quick record
- Guide frame

Shipping of the HDR-FX7 is expected at the end of October and we hope to get one of the first review models so we will be sure to check out all these new enhancements and will report back in the magazine and online.