The DCR-DVD7 camcorder by Sony looks more like a CD player than a camcorder. Unlike most DVD camcorders that hold a traditional camcorder shape the DCR-DVD7 is thick and round and could easily be mistaken for a Discman.
Positive Aspects of the DCR-DVD7
When you pull out the DCR-DVD7 at your child’s soccer game, chances are people are going to turn around and take notice. The camcorder has a truly unique look to it that is bound to catch a few eyes. The camcorder is extremely easy to operate and can be an excellent camcorder to use with children. There is an “easy mode” built-in to the camcorder that can make shooting a family movie as easy as pointing your camcorder at the action and pressing record. Once you are done shooting your video there are no wires to connect, no buttons to push, you can simply take the DVD out of your camcorder and play it back in your DVD player.Drawbacks to the DCR-DVD7
One of the hugest drawbacks to DVD camcorders in my opinion is your record time. At normal quality each DVD can only hold thirty minutes of video, meaning that you will have to switch out DVDs, and interrupt recording, if you ever want to record an event longer than thirty minutes. The DVD’s in DVD camcorder are not compatible with every type of DVD player and are generally not compatible with Macintosh computers. Depending on your home equipment, your camcorder may not work with your DVD player or computer. The video files saved on your disc are also not compatible with most video editing software packages, while Sony does include some basic editing software, if you want to use another video editing program you will have to change the format of the files into something the program can read first. The built-in digital still camera in the DCR-DVD7 is not of a high enough resolution to actually print out photographs, and with it’s size and price tag you compromise on features like a threaded lens, and the quality night-shot Sony has become famous for.Media
The DCR-DVD7 records video onto DVD-R and DVD-RW discs. At the highest recording quality you can only fit 20 minutes of video on a single disc. At normal recording quality you can fit thirty. If you choose to use DVD-RW discs then you can use the same disc over and over again to record your video. If you record video on DVD-R disc, you will have to finalize the disc before you can play the video back in your DVD player, and once finalized no other information can be added to the disc.Battery Life
With the included battery (NP-FA50) you will be able to record around 40 minutes before you will need to switch batteries. The battery can last up to 90 minutes on a full charge, but it is always good to gauge your recording on the low end of your potential battery power. With the optional long-life battery (NP-FA70) you can expect to get somewhere between 80 and 170 minutes of record time. I always recommend carrying around a spare battery when ever you plan on using your camcorder.Compare Prices for the NP-FA50 Standard Battery for the DCR-DVD7
Compare Prices for the NP-FA70 Long-Life Battery for the DCR-DVD7
