i didn't know where else to put this, so i figured here. has anyone tried out the new cx7? i'm guessing it shoots full 1920x1080 to the memory card, which appeals to me, along with no capturing time. anything would be great. thanks
here's a link
https://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665089063

i don't think CX7 shoot 1920X1080

CX7 is virtually same as SR7/SR8 except its memory stick duo media. So it should also shoot 1440 x 1080 .

Definately 1440 x 1080. I ordered one today, largely based on the sample footage I downloaded from here:

http://www.hdr-cx7.blogspot.com/

I wish that blogspot had more quicktime or windows media player video samples. This is the only camera nipping at the heels of the HG10 for me to get this xmas. I'm planning to shoot short films and then family stuff as well... and being an artist I want to edit everything i can.

Since these are the same price and the 24p is included in the canon I'm leaning on the HG10 for now.

Great link though, I'd love to hear more comments from users!

What I don't understand with the CX7 is that you need to buy memorysticks and each 8GB memorystick (1 hour HQ video I presume) cost more than $150.
So seems very expensive even for short recordings.

Why would you need more than one or two 8GB Memory Sticks?

Also... they're expensive only if you use them one single time...

The 4GB Memory Stick Pro Duo holds 55 minutes of HD video at HQ quality (2nd best compression mode).

You only need enough memory stick memory for however long you need to be able to shoot before dumping the memory to your laptop. That or you can dump to DVD using one of these:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&productId=8198552921665185948&langId=-1

i have from my photo work a portable hdd rack, it has batteries and card reader for all types of cards. it's a small and quick way to carry 200gb in your pocket. when i got the rack was i think ~140 euro. you should be able to transfer 60-80gb until batteries need charging.

Why would you need more than one or two 8GB Memory Sticks?

Also... they're expensive only if you use them one single time...

The 4GB Memory Stick Pro Duo holds 55 minutes of HD video at HQ quality (2nd best compression mode).

Why not a HDD? If you ever need to record more than 55 minutes on a day you have a problem... Since then you have to wait first to empty it (quiet a hassle). I guess it's not for vacation videos.

Plus you now also have to add the costs of a backup device. Now if Sony would have chosen cheap Compactflash (which will never happen of course), plus you could get 16GB.

Why not a HDD?Well, if you want an HDD camcorder, Sony already makes several of them... such as the HDR-SR8 with a 100GB hard drive, the HDR-SR7 with a 60GB hard drive, or the HDR-SR5 with a 40GB hard drive, to name a few. All are AVCHD High Definition camcorders.

Recording media for AVCHD can be either disc-based, drive-based or flash memory. Sony makes all three kinds of camcorders. The CX7 records to flash memory, but if you prefer to record to a hard drive, then you have several other choices of Sony AVCHD camcorders. It's all about knowing what you want and choosing the model that's right for you.

I can see where one of the hard disc models would be the best choice for many people.

I just got my CX7 today though and I really wanted something solid state. I like several things about it. One is that I rarely capture that much footage in a day when I'm not on a formal shoot.

I have an HVR-A1 that I use mostly for outdoor event type shooting that works wonderfully, but even then, I rarely shoot more than two or three tapes in a day.

The CX7 is not for formal shoots though. It is a tiny camera that I can take with me when I play with my kids in the park, for birthday parties, family events, and just general clowning around. It really is perfect for this. It shoots both stills and video, the image is absolutely stunning, and when you're done you can stick it in your pocket and forget about it. For that type of casual shooting, 65 minutes at the highest quality is more than enough.

When you want to look at the footage, you just pop the SD card in the PS3 and you can thumb through and watch all the pictures and video. It really is the perfect camera for casual applications. At the same time, the image is really incredible quality. I just love it.

To be honest, I could easily use it on a real shoot. I have one 8 gig card. I would just need two more. That would take me through any of the days I've shot so far. The biggest problem would be that it's not that great in low light and the fact that it really looks like a consumer grade camera. It would make people think twice about paying you professional rates. Then again, that tiny "regular home camera" look is exactly what I need much of the time.

The low light thing is not that big a deal to me. When it gets dark I go home anyway. To someone shooting wedding receptions though, it could be a real deal killer. Anyway, I love my CX7 so far. To have such a great image in such a small and easy to use camera is really amazingly cool!

Anyway, I love my CX7 so far. To have such a great image in such a small and easy to use camera is really amazingly cool!


My feelings exactly. For such a low price, this small package delivers. I can't wait to get my hands on the Canon as well.

I have a psp, ps3 and sony cyber shot camera that all use memory stick pro duo. I only have 2-1gig sticks though, and would have to invest in some more memory if i go with this instead of the canon HG10.

If I were planning to shoot and edit short films (mostly in the daytime) would this one really get the job done? I'm starting to think that any HD footage will be useable with the right lighting, story and framing when it comes to indie films.

I also am very interested in green screen work with the CX7 vs HG10. You guys sound pretty pleased with your CX-7s.

Editing AVCHD footage can be a bit of a pain. I use Vegas and I can edit one of two ways. I can convert the footage into Cineform or I can generate proxies with the VASST Gearshift script and edit them (though the Gearshift script needs some minor work for a smoother workflow with MTS clips). You could find yourself having a tough time editing the footage in Premier or FCP though.

Wolfgang has some comparison clips of CX6 (which I think is the same as CX7?) and HV20 here: http://www.fxsupport.de/24.html

Different concept of camcorders but still interesting to compare.

Wolfgang has some comparison clips of CX6 (which I think is the same as CX7?) and HV20 here: http://www.fxsupport.de/24.html

Different concept of camcorders but still interesting to compare.

the cx6 and cx7 are the same. except that the cx7 supports usb IN and the cx6 not. but if you put your memorystick in a cardreader you have the same feature.

I learned a lot from reading the posts about ACVHD on this forum and just want to add my experience of the CX7 which I have been using in the field for about a month now for cable TV shooting. Apologies in advance for the length of this post but I hope some of my observations will help others who are wondering what camera to buy, what the format can be used for, etc.

Unlike some others, I found the camera quite passable in low light (night time) though oddly enough in a moderately well lit hotel lobby with little contrast, an interview I did showed signs of noise. But shooting in a night time market, the image quality was great.

Although I don't particularly like Sony's insistence on touch screen menu driven controls (on my HVR A1U for example), I could live with it in the CX7. What helped was the grouping of the camera controls into three main tabs so it's easy to jump from white balance to exposure etc without having to scroll through endless menus.

The real advantage of the CX7 is its small form factor (it fits in the palm of my hand and I don't have big hands!) and its black body color which really helps me get the shot in candid situations - more than any technology, that's what it's all about. People just do not seem to notice it, and if they do, they think I'm just a tourist and ignore me.

The big disadvantage is a lack of headphone jack as I have no way of monitoring the sound (but see below), and the lack of a viewfinder. As I continue to use the camera, the latter becomes more of a noticeable problem that I hope will be fixed in a future version.

To partially overcome the headphone jack problem, I use a Sony bluetooth microphone. Its receiver box (that fits into the AIS shoe) actually has a headphone jack. The mic is not that great (it could be more directional for a lav type mic) but I also back it up when needed (usually interview situations) with a Zoom H2 and sync it up in post. I also carry a wired lav which I can connect to the CX7 through the Sony mini plug adapter that fits into the AIS shoe (alas it does not have a headphone jack on it like the bluetooth otherwise it would be almost perfect!). I read on another thread that it may be possible to adapt one of the CX7 outputs to fit a headphone jack and if so that could be a workable solution.

I read somewhere (probably not on this forum) a negative review of the Century optics wide angle adapter. I have a couple of these and I use the small 0.55 on the CX7 with great results. You can't zoom with this (it loses focus) but it is as slim as a filter and helps keep the discreet form factor of the camera.

I read some discussion about memory stick cards and how many you need etc. If you're going to use this camera for serious shooting, then it's sensible to invest in the media. I have five 4GB mem sticks which is good enough for a day or two shoot. I transfer them to a WD portable hard drive (USB 2) through my ASUS EEEPC when I am on the road - the complete file structure. I can then re-name the files according to my shoot schedule. This is a great way of digital labelling (no more scribbling on mini DV tape labels!) and helps in the editing process. I have thought about the 8gb memsticks but for the time being I find the 4 gb sticks with shoot times of around 40 to 50 minutes pretty adequate.

I spent a lot of time working out what type of support (tripod etc) I would need for this small camera in order to reduce handheld shake and to maintain portability. I finally settled on the Manfrotto modo series - I use the small monopod with the tilt head addition, a great set up as I can also attach a flat bracket to hold the camera and a Rode mic (plugged in through the Sony AIS adapter) when needed. And more recently I have been using the Manfrotto modo steady, their version of the smaller steadicams. The advantage of the modo steady is that unlike the monopod, it folds up (to about 7 inches) and fits into the small bag I keep the CX7 in when shooting. It can also be converted into a shoulder brace, and also as a table top tripod (not that useful but you never know).

I use a Mac and Final Cut Pro 5.1.4 (not the latest FCS 2 which has FCP 6 that can transcode ACVHD files) and grappled a lot with post/editing issues. I read a lot about it on various forums. I first tried Votaic which converts the mts files to Quick Time movies. But it was painfully slow both on my Power PC G4, and my intel Macs. So I looked into 1:1 HDMI transfer but when the Black Intensity card I ordered failed to arrive I went out and bought iMovie 08 for my Intel Macs. Having read some posts about its difficulties in recognizing cameras and files etc, I did not have high expectations but I was pleasantly surprised. iMovie 08 recognized the CX 7 and files straightaway and converted the files to QT painlessly. I did not time it but it was less than 1;1 in my experience. What I am now working on is how to get iMovie to recognize my portable hard drive (with all its mem stick file copies) as a camera and to batch process them all into QT movies that I can then import into FCP for editing.

This is a great camera for shooting and despite some sound issues, I'd recommend it highly. The post/editing issues now seem improved over a few months ago and are manageable. All in all, anyone who has logged many miles lugging various sizes of camera and sound equipment over the years and who is looking for a much more portable set up should consider this camera as a possible option.

Thanks for reading!

Thank you very much Roger.
Very informative

Having just acquired the CX7 just about 6 weeks ago, I'd first like to thank Roger for his excellent post on this amazing (yet seemingly underrated) camera.

I agree with everything Roger says and have a few things to add...

1. I copy my end of the day shooting to an external portable WD hd - on my mac book pro via usb 2.0 - from the camera, thru the computer, to the drive and it's an excellent way to back up the files for future editing. I takes about 1 minute per gig to back up - so a 4 gig memory stick takes less than 5 minutes.

2. I use FCS 6.01 to log and transfer the video files from the WD hd to an external firewire 800 portable 7200 rpm, 200 gig, hd. FCS transcodes the AVCHD hd files to whatever video file type I like. Lately I've been using Apple's Prores and I can see no loss in image quality and it edits beautifully. It is a bit of a space hog (about 1 gig per min) but I tend to work with shorter projects so it's not too big of a deal. You can also batch process these files - so I chose the ones I want to use, push a button and walk away. FCS 6.01 takes care of the rest.

3. I was recently on a fan type speed boat in the bayous near New Orleans and shot with the camera (hand held - using the highest quality compression) as we sped through these amazing areas. Upon returning home I popped the memory sticks into my PS3, which I can monitor in hd on my JVC home theater projection system - with a 10 foot wide screen (no lie!). I just about fell off my couch - the quality was AMAZING with no obvious blocking or artifacting. And on the boat we were MOVING at high speeds with many twists and turns. If I had doubts about the quality of AVCHD images - they were put to rest. No it's not a varicam or cinealta - but I think it rivals an HV20 (a camera I highly respect).

4. The size of the camera, lack of motor noise (no moving parts except for the zoom - which I can't hear on the tracks) and the ease of use IMHO more than make up for the agreed upon limitations of the camera (limited manual controls, sound monitoring, etc.) as very fairly reviewed in Roger's previous post.

5. I have left tape behind!!! I do not miss it. My next camera will be one of the new high end Sony's that use the new type of higher end memory sticks. Someday I want to own a RED camera. It is a new age of film communication!!!

6. Yes I wish the CX7 had a 24 frame choice - but at the end of the day I can use FCS 2.0 with a few other plug ins and through the magic of post production - make it look very close!

7. The build quality of the CX7 far exceeds the HV 20 - FWIW.

My thoughts so far.

Cheers!
Chuck

Thanks Chuck. I have now installed FCS2 on my Mac Pro and I tried to log and transfer the CX7 files from my WD USB portable drive (that I use for downloading on the road). I could not get this to work and I wonder if you could advise me how you do it! Thanks.

First a comment about what I have learned - after much testing with the camera - that video files you intend to back up must come from the camera (in it's dock) via the usb connection. You cannot successfully use a memory stick reader to transfer the video files and get FCS2 to recognize them. You must also be using FCS2 ver. 6.01 or higher for it to read AVCHD files.

That said - I place the cx7 in it's dock, connect the dock/camera to my mac book pro via usb cable, put the camera in "computer mode", then connect my WD portable hard drive to my mac via another usb cable.

On the desk top I open the WD hard drive and in the top window create a new folder and give that folder a name that relates to the video files I'm about to copy over.

Back on the desk top again you will see the memory stick icon (from the camera). I double click this open, then select everything in this open window, and drag all of these files over to the newly created folder on the hd.

When the computer has finished copying the files over, I close the memory stick window and drag the memory stick icon into the trash to safely eject the camera/memory stick from my desk top.

If I have more than one memory stick to back up, I power down the camera, swap out stick, put the camera back in it's dock, power up the camera and repeat the above process - creating a new folder on the hd for each memory stick I want to copy. It is much faster and easier than it may sound.

To import into FCS2 - I open the program with an external firewire drive attached to the mac as the media drive. The WD usb drive is also attached to the mac. Make sure your FCS2 media capture drive is the external firewire drive and set your project presets for the file type you want to transcode to (such as prores, etc.)

I then chose "Log and Transfer" from the "file" menu and navigate my way over the WD usb drive (using the file icon button in the upper left hand corner of this window) and drag the files I want to transfer into the bottom window. (You can also look at any video clip at this point just by clicking on it.) FCS2 will transcode the AVCHD files into any format you have the pre-set set up for. Works great for me. Let me know how it goes!

Another note:
Also you can successfully back up camera files - in the same manner as described earlier) to DVD's (I don't even bother with toast - I just let the mac finder do the burning) and then later in FCS2 import these files from the burned DVD. The DVD replaces the WD hd in this situation. Remember the video files must come from the camera and NOT a memory stick reader (though I don't know why - but it will not work).

Cheers,
Chuck

Chuck -
I use a PC with Windows XP, and have found similar things, at least with longer clips (short ones smaller tan approx 2G in file size seem to transfer from a MS OK). The dock and the software are pretty integral to this camera... not exactly a "universal format" like MiniDV just yet...

One possible workaround if you need to archive the contents of a memory stick - image the WHOLE stick file/directory structure, not just the .mts files, then you can re-image the whole file structure back to the MS and the result should be that the video files should be intact - apparently the files in the other folders are used in the cam to identify the .mts clips.

Don't know if the Sony software works on Macs for importing, but it's interesting that the PMB software "reassembles" long clips (exceeding 2g file size) as it imports - without it, the first 2g .mts file can't be read by anything... so you lose the first 15-17 minutes... there's some sort of 2G file size limit apparently in AVCHD (another thread is reporting this with the Canon HG10...), and so there are some interesting issues!

Still need the dock though if you're using a 8G stick, unless you've found a reader that reads them (I haven't... and I've tried...). Sony can't figure this out either... guess it's up to us to figure it out in the field!

With regards to the mac question, I recorded a single 65 minute clip the other day filling my 8Gb card. I duplicated the entire memory stick to my desktop and Final cut imported the footage just fine as a single clip from the folder structure on the desktop.

I don't think this issue is happening on the mac, at least not with Final cut.

regards

Paul.

Another option for backing up for the HDR-CX7:

The Sony vrd-mc5.

http://b2b.sony.com/Solutions/product/VRD-MC5

Apparently you can archive full 1080i AVCHD to regular inexpensive DVD's (4.7GB DVD+R/+RW and 8.5GB DVD+R Double Layer Discs). Since they are H.264 format, the disk can then be played back on most all Blu-Ray players.

Seems like a nice mindless use system: just burn two disk easily; use one to view on your HD TV via a PS or other Blu-Ray player or even put into your computer to edit, then place the other disk in a safe place for archive.

Plus, it's only $199 from B&H Photo.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505213-REG/Sony_VRDMC5_DVDirect_MC5_Multi_Function_DVD.html

Has anyone tried this combo or used this thing? Any problems with this kind of setup or system that I'm missing?

Thanks,

Mark

Mark,

I own the Sony vrd-mc5 and it does work well and is very easy to use. One odd limitation is that you can only back up AVCHD files to single layer DVD's. These DVD's do play well on my PS3.

Unfortunately you can only use dual layer DVD's for the analog inputs (s video, etc.) It is a very easy way to back up older VHS, hi8 and mini DV tapes onto dvd.

So at the end of the day, if you only want to back up your AVCHD files and you use a lot of 8 gig memory sticks, you may be better off just to use your computer to burn dual layer dvd which can hold the full contents of the larger memory sticks.

I have not yet tried to play a dual layer DVD AVCHD disk on my ps3, but will give this a shot shortly and will report back.

Cheers,
Chuck

Mark,

I own the Sony vrd-mc5 and it does work well and is very easy to use. One odd limitation is that you can only back up AVCHD files to single layer DVD's. These DVD's do play well on my PS3.


Cheers,
Chuck

Are these files in the same format as on the memory sticks?

So you could suck them into Pinnacle Studio 11+ with no problem?

[QUOTE=Chuck Martinez;791002]First a comment about what I have learned - after much testing with the camera - that video files you intend to back up must come from the camera (in it's dock) via the usb connection. You cannot successfully use a memory stick reader to transfer the video files and get FCS2 to recognize them. You must also be using FCS2 ver. 6.01 or higher for it to read AVCHD files.

Thanks Chuck, I'm going to try your method. Your comment above explains a lot to me - I copied the entire mem stick file structure to the WD portable HDD using a mem card reader NOT the camera so it was not recognized by FCS2. However copying the file structure back to a mem stick and then running it through the camera again worked but was kind of time intensive! I will need to experiment too. This thing seems a little temperamental : )

Chuck,

Thanks for the great information. It seems really curious that DL isn't supported for the AVCHD files, but it is supported for SD DV, VHS, 8 mm, etc. The DL disk at 8.5 GB would seem a really ideal solution for this little camera using 8 GB memory sticks.

I've broken the LCD on my HC3 (it and my D200, a bunch of lens, and flash were packed inside a LowePro Nova 4 and fell from inside our SUV). Although there is no external sign of damage, the screen is severely shattered and doesn't come on. Fortunately the rest of the gear faired better with only the flash hinge of the D200 otherwise broken. Anyway, the HC3 is pretty useless as I can't adjust anything (although it will still record and I can play back via a remote) .

So I'm looking at the CX7 as a possible replacement and was curious about this recorder for a possible workflow/ archive solution in going tapeless. It is such a tiny little cam that I could take it most everwhere. I hope the video is as good as the HC3.

Please do let us know if you can use DL disk after you test with the PS3.

Thanks again,

Mark

Much better image quality than the HC3...

Very light and portable. Almost too light without a monopod or brackets to help stabilize when handheld, although when moving this seems to be an advantage, almost no mass to bounce around!

On the PC, I've had no problem whatsoever just pulling smaller files (less than 2G) right off the 4G memory stick onto a hard drive, and onto Vegas timeline... Longer files and 8G sticks have proven more challenging, needing the dock and software to import correctly.

I'm intrigued by the MC5... will have to check one out, as it sure would provide a convenient archive method, at least for smaller files... that single layer limitation is disapointing...

Your comment above explains a lot to me - I copied the entire mem stick file structure to the WD portable HDD using a mem card reader NOT the camera so it was not recognized by FCS2.

I seems to work fine for me. I put my 8Gb card into the card reader on the side of my dell monitor and the drive mounts as 'untitled 1'. I right click it (yes we do have right buttons on macs now!) and choose 'duplicate'. Once the copy is complete the 'log and transfer' utility in final cut can be pointed at that folder and it see's the clips inside just fine.

regards

Paul.

Mark - I burned a full 8 gig memory stick, from the camera to my mac, to a DL dvd, then popped it in the PS3. It played perfectly (takes the PS3 about a minute to sort the clips before it will play properly - after that, it's great!)

Also, the dual layer DVD also works fine as a way to bring these files into FCS. So it seems the dl will be my archiving system for 8 gig sticks, and sl dvd for 4 gig sticks.

Paul - I'm very curious about how you are getting the files to be read w/o going thru the camera. I have tried many times - as have others on these boards - and cannot get the files to be properly recognized by FCS unless they are copied from the cx7 in it's usb dock.

I've tried to bring these files in directly from the memory stick in a usb memory stick reader - with no luck. I will try your technique of copying the files first from the memory stick to the hard drive and then try to import them.

Cheers,
Chuck

Paul - I tried your technique and it worked! Thanks so much for this excellent shortcut. Who knew you had to do a "double click duplicate" in order to get the files to copy over properly on a mac? (Well... obviously you did...)

Cheers,
Chuck

Paul and Chuck:

Thanks - I tried Paul's technique and it seems to work well! I did a straight drag and drop (not duplicate) of just a AVCHD folder from a copy of a 4GB mem stick (entire file structure and mem stick info etc) on my WD portable HDD (connected by USB) into an "untitled" folder on the desktop. FCP 6.0.2 recognized the clips straightaway. I am away from my MacPro at the moment and using an intel iMac (2.16 Ghz processor, 2GB RAM) and found that adding clips to the queue causes FCP to crash. I don't know if this is because the computer is not powerful enough or something else? I don't know if anyone else has experienced this problem.

Other than this, thanks Paul for the technique which works great. Now I don't have to carry that camera dock (and charger) when traveling!

Roger

"Also, the dual layer DVD also works fine as a way to bring these files into FCS. So it seems the dl will be my archiving system for 8 gig sticks, and sl dvd for 4 gig sticks."

Chuck: I don't have this DVD burner...yet. If I burned a sl dvd of my 4 gig stick, will FCS recognize the DVD in log and transfer when I pop it into the DVD tray of my Mac? (I don't have blu ray or PS3). I like the DVD way of archiving. Thanks.

I spent a lot of time working out what type of support (tripod etc) I would need for this small camera in order to reduce handheld shake and to maintain portability. I finally settled on the Manfrotto modo series - I use the small monopod with the tilt head addition, a great set up as I can also attach a flat bracket to hold the camera and a Rode mic (plugged in through the Sony AIS adapter) when needed. And more recently I have been using the Manfrotto modo steady, their version of the smaller steadicams. The advantage of the modo steady is that unlike the monopod, it folds up (to about 7 inches) and fits into the small bag I keep the CX7 in when shooting. It can also be converted into a shoulder brace, and also as a table top tripod (not that useful but you never know).
Thanks for reading!

Hi Roger

I really enjoyed reading your post. One area that caught my attention was regarding camcorder stability. Reading many posts consumer reviews about the CX7, stability can be somewhat of a difficulty based on the fact the the CX7 is small and because of the high def compression, it has a hard time dealing with stability. SD camcorders of the past fared much better in this area.

I have looked into various methods from the Merlin, varizoom flowpod, steadystick, and the manfrotto modo steady 585, which is I believe you referred to.

I have contemplated taking the CX7 back in exchange for the Canon HG10, but I just love this little guy. It takes incredible video, the build quality is outstanding, and I much prefer flash memory over hard drive. Hard drives can crash (heaven forbit half way into a vacation), plus you don't have to contend with the noise that can be picked up from hard drive units.

Stability is a prime concern for me. The little jiggles you get trying to hand hold the CX7 can be a bit annoying. The merlin and the varizoom flowpod use a devise called a gimble. Aparently it affords great stability, but at a high price. The merlin runs for around $800 and I believe the varizoom flowpod is about $500. The Manfrotto modo steady 585 seems like a good choice for much less money. I would like you thoughts please regarding it's ability to iliminate those little jiggly motions you get while hand holding. Does it work as well as it's advertised? Thank you for you help.

I spent a lot of time working out what type of support (tripod etc) I would need for this small camera in order to reduce handheld shake and to maintain portability. I finally settled on the Manfrotto modo series - I use the small monopod with the tilt head addition, a great set up as I can also attach a flat bracket to hold the camera and a Rode mic (plugged in through the Sony AIS adapter) when needed. And more recently I have been using the Manfrotto modo steady, their version of the smaller steadicams. The advantage of the modo steady is that unlike the monopod, it folds up (to about 7 inches) and fits into the small bag I keep the CX7 in when shooting. It can also be converted into a shoulder brace, and also as a table top tripod (not that useful but you never know).
Thanks for reading!

Hi Roger

I really enjoyed reading your post. One area that caught my attention was regarding camcorder stability. Reading many consumer reviews about the CX7, stability was somewhat of an issue based on the fact the the CX7 is small and because of the high def compression. SD camcorders fare much better in this area.

I have looked into various methods from the Merlin, varizoom flowpod, steadystick, and the manfrotto modo steady 585, which is I believe the one you referred to.

I have contemplated taking the CX7 back in exchange for the Canon HG10, but I just love this little guy. It takes incredible video, the build quality is outstanding, and I much prefer flash memory over hard drive. Hard drives can crash (heaven forbit half way into a vacation), plus you don't have to contend with the noise that can be picked up from hard drive units.

Stability is a prime concern for me. The little jiggles you get trying to hand hold the CX7 can be a bit annoying. The merlin and the varizoom flowpod use a devise called a gimble. Apparently it affords great stability, but at a high price. The merlin runs for around $800 and I believe the varizoom flowpod is about $500. The Manfrotto modo steady 585 seems like a good choice for much less money. I would like you thoughts please regarding it's ability to eliminate those little jiggly motions you get while hand holding. Does it work as well as it's advertised? Thank you for you help.

Wayne: Thanks. I think that whatever support device one uses, it's important to practice and find the most comfortable positions for hand held shooting while realizing that you probably should not hold the camera for the most part as you would a heavier camera etc.

For actual handholding, for example, I often cradle the camera in my left hand (thumb on the AIS cover and the body of the camera in my palm). I rarely hold it up to my eye level (an almost sure recipe for shake because the camera doesn't have an eye piece and it's a kind of an unnatural position to hold the camera up and look at the screen) and when I do I make sure my elbow is pressed into my body. I am also conscious of my body position (it's not only in the hands and arms but the whole body is a kind of tripod). For more "static" shots I look for support such as leaning against a wall etc). I think we are all aware of these techniques (I learned mine from still photography) but using the light-weight CX7, it pays to remind oneself of them : )

Before using the Modo Steady (and the Modo monopod which I also recommend), I did not notice the jiggles that have been mentioned in posts. They are most likely there but probably in lesser number because I have been practising hand holding positions.

Yes I'm using the Modo Steady 585 and unlike the Merlin, it doesn't have a gimble but it does have adjustable weights. There is some minor shake but with short practice I have managed to reduce it. I tried the Modo for about 10 minutes before having to shoot with it and I was pleasantly surprised at how steady the sequences were. This has to do with some experience of using the camera and knowing how to handle it but also of course with the Modo itself. I did not try really complicated moves with it - just walk intos and out ofs the subject, pan from one person to another (I was filming an interview) - no high shots, no low shots, and it was all usable. I subsequently did some more walking shots, high and low shots (basically raising my arm up and down!) and those also seemed OK to me. I think if one is aware of what the Modo can and cannot do then it will serve your camera well. (I think you can't turn and twist it around etc like a Merlin - but my experience of the Merlin is very limited.) As far as I can see you probably would not get the really smooth gliding shots etc of a Steadicam but you can walk with it and you do get a fairly comfortable and good support for the CX7. In part I also realize this is because the Modo 585 adds some weight and a "pistol grip" to the camera that must add to its stability.

If you can it's worth trying out the Modo first in a camera store before buying to see if it fits your style. And if that is possible, bring your camera with you for the test as well!

Sony has been talking about 16GB and 32GB Duo-sized Memory Sticks in the next year. Does anyone know if the CX7 would accept them?

The DvMultiRig Pro is nice for use with the CX6 too. I have the rig for may larger cameras but it definitely makes a big difference with the little CX6 too.

I've attached some pics.

http://www.dvmultirig.com/

PS: It's good fun using the sub-machine gun configuration, although you might want to refrain from that near any airports or other sensitive areas!

Wayne: Thanks. I think that whatever support device one uses, it's important to practice and find the most comfortable positions for hand held shooting while realizing that you probably should not hold the camera for the most part as you would a heavier camera etc.

For actual handholding, for example, I often cradle the camera in my left hand (thumb on the AIS cover and the body of the camera in my palm). I rarely hold it up to my eye level (an almost sure recipe for shake because the camera doesn't have an eye piece and it's a kind of an unnatural position to hold the camera up and look at the screen) and when I do I make sure my elbow is pressed into my body. I am also conscious of my body position (it's not only in the hands and arms but the whole body is a kind of tripod). For more "static" shots I look for support such as leaning against a wall etc). I think we are all aware of these techniques (I learned mine from still photography) but using the light-weight CX7, it pays to remind oneself of them : )

Before using the Modo Steady (and the Modo monopod which I also recommend), I did not notice the jiggles that have been mentioned in posts. They are most likely there but probably in lesser number because I have been practising hand holding positions.

Yes I'm using the Modo Steady 585 and unlike the Merlin, it doesn't have a gimble but it does have adjustable weights. There is some minor shake but with short practice I have managed to reduce it. I tried the Modo for about 10 minutes before having to shoot with it and I was pleasantly surprised at how steady the sequences were. This has to do with some experience of using the camera and knowing how to handle it but also of course with the Modo itself. I did not try really complicated moves with it - just walk intos and out ofs the subject, pan from one person to another (I was filming an interview) - no high shots, no low shots, and it was all usable. I subsequently did some more walking shots, high and low shots (basically raising my arm up and down!) and those also seemed OK to me. I think if one is aware of what the Modo can and cannot do then it will serve your camera well. (I think you can't turn and twist it around etc like a Merlin - but my experience of the Merlin is very limited.) As far as I can see you probably would not get the really smooth gliding shots etc of a Steadicam but you can walk with it and you do get a fairly comfortable and good support for the CX7. In part I also realize this is because the Modo 585 adds some weight and a "pistol grip" to the camera that must add to its stability.

If you can it's worth trying out the Modo first in a camera store before buying to see if it fits your style. And if that is possible, bring your camera with you for the test as well!

Hi Roger

From what you say, It's apparent that I'm holding the camera wrong. I have been holding it high like one would most cameras. Sounds like I need to hold it down closer to the waistline with the elbows tucked in like you mentioned.

I did a fig/rig using two camera brackets. It looks somewhat like the unit Paul shows in his post. The combo is long enough where I can tuck one handle tight against my shoulder and hold the other handle with my right hand leaving the left hand free to use the remote control. If I use my left hand on the camera controls I end up moving the camera enough to add those little jiggles. The camera bracket combo seems to work ok, but does require more practice.

I would like to try out the Modo Steady, but I can't locate one in my area. It seems that the only way I can get one to try is to order it online, but I don't want to go through the process of ordering something and having to return it if it doesn't work for me. Because the item is relatively new, it might take a while before the camera stores here carry it.

I think you are right, no matter what method you use, you have to spend time practicing with it to get it right.

Thanks for replying Roger.

I'm very confident it will accept 16, but don't know about 32. I'd imagine it would also manage 32.