Sony DCR-IP7 Network Handicam

Richard Price
12 November 2001

The Sony DCR-IP7 Handicam is a triumph of miniaturisation over operational functionality and reminds me of something Q may have designed for James Bond.

At 47 x 103 x 80mm and 370g it easily fits in the palm of the hand. But Sony may as well have shrunk a brick --- it’s not very ergonomic!

On the other hand it houses state-of-the-art technology. The DCR-IP7 incorporates the new MICROMV format employing MPEG2 compression, which is used in digital broadcasting and DVD videos.

In spite of fumbling with the controls, I was impressed with the quality of the images and video which compares well with the MiniDV format.

It is possible to operate the camera with one hand but I found it awkward to hold the camera steady and use the Zoom button.

There are really only 3 buttons to worry about. The Stop/Start, Zoom and Photo buttons are located on the side of the camcorder and are operated by whichever finger feels comfortable.

Auto-focusing is sharp, with both foreground and background subjects in focus. Manual focusing is possible using the Control button and menus.

The Zoom button is marked W and T for wide angle or telephoto. In the W position, it is possible to focus on objects about 1cm away for some neat close ups as I discovered when my finger obscured the Carl Zeiss optical lens.

Other functions are menu driven and accessed via the LCD monitor and Control Button.

The DCR-IP7 features Electronic Super SteadyShot, digital noise reduction, auto non-flicker, automatic/manual focus, automatic white balance, exposure control and automatic gain control.

Special effects can be applied while filming. Standard titles can be superimposed or users can create their own. Anyone capable of typing out SMS messages while blindfolded will find it a breeze.

The DCR-IP7 also includes a Memory Stick slot. Using MPEGMOVIE AD it is possible to store 82 minutes of MPEG1 footage onto a 128MB Memory Stick.

The DCR-IP7 incorporates Bluetooth technology allowing radio transfer of footage to a PC.

With a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone (like an Ericson T39) and the network capabilities of the DCR-IP7 it is possible to email video clips immediately after they are shot without the need for a PC.

The DCR-IP7 can also be used for browsing the Internet or keeping in touch via email, but I found the LCD screen on the Handycam too small for searching Google.com.

MovieShaker and MGI VideoWave software for editing images are included with the DCRIP.

Getting the images onto a PC is more complicated. A USB connection is needed to get images from the Memory Stick, while an iLink (Firewire) port is needed to access images recorded on the MICROMV cassette.

If Sony is serious about miniaturisation they could save a few mm by only using an iLink port.

The two manuals --- one for the camera and one for network functions --- are clear and concise.

At AU$4,699 the DCR-IP7 will pinch the hip pocket but fit snugly into a Christmas stocking.

Price AU$4,699
www.sony.com.au

By Richard Price, Editor, EnergyME.com

For information on getting a product reviewed email richard@energyme.com