I've had this camera since July, so I might as well make a review of it, especially after I've posted some photos. Prior to this camera, I had a Sony T70, but it started having some major issues (shaking) so I got a new one.
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| Old (T70) vs New (TX7) |
There are many things I really like about this camera, and there are a few things I wish were better. So I've compiled a list of the positives/negatives that real people would care about.
Positives:
- 3.5" touch screen. No buttons on the back. Amazing, I love it. I use a screen protector to prevent scratches.
- Slim. And sexy.
- HD video. It can record 720p mp4 files at 30fps, as well as 1080i AVCHD files (which I haven't found a free way to convert to something usable).
- Handheld Twilight Mode. Takes six images quickly & combines. Makes for good pictures in dimly lit settings.
- Panoramas. Capture landscapes easily.
- HDR setting. Takes two images at different exposures & combines. Makes better pictures in high contrast situations.
- SD card compatible. Finally, I'm not required to use Sony's proprietary memory sticks! But it takes those too, if you have one.
- One year warranty. For when it gets sassy. Fortunately, I haven't had to use that yet.
Negatives:
- Battery charge time. Battery life is alright, but it takes a little while to charge it.
- Self timer settings. Once you've taken a picture with the self timer, you have to select the self timer setting again if you want to take another one. I'd like it if it just kept being a self timer until I told it not to.
- AVCHD video compatibility. The videos look great, but I can't find a way to edit .MTS files together, or a converter that doesn't suck for this.
You can view the full list of specifications at
Sony's website if you're interested. I can say as much as I want about specifications, but what it comes down to is what the camera puts out. So, with that being said...
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| Macro mode. Those are always fun. |
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| Panoramas. |
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| Handheld twilight mode. |
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Auto mode vs HDR. The tree outside is more visible in the second shot.
I should probably have a better picture of this. |
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| Normal pictures. |
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The above video is an example of a 1080i AVCHD .MTS file. Watch in 1080p for best results.
Okay, all done with that. Overall, this camera is a definite improvement from my previous Sony camera. I can't really compare it with other cameras on the market right now because well, I don't have those.
Hope you guys are enjoying the snow. Wisconsin sure is!
