The DCR-DVD7 is a uniquely styled DVD camcorder from Sony, and its eye-catching circular design is not much larger than one of the DVD-R, DVD-RW, or DVD+RW mini discs to which it can record video and stills.

The battery pack is cleverly hidden beneath the handhold on the right of the unit. To save even more space, Sony has dispensed with the usual foldout LCD monitor and built a 2-1/2-inch touchscreen into the back of the DCR-DVD7, much like a digital stills camera. This also negates the need for a viewfinder. As well as providing a means of framing shots and reviewing footage, the hybrid touchscreen provides access to the camcorder's simple-to-navigate menu system.

Sony has included a Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar lens on the DCR-DVD7, along with a 1/6-inch CCD and 10X optical/120X digital zoom function. The overall picture quality is solid, with crisp images and good resolution in favorable lighting conditions.

Sony's Super SteadyShot digital picture stabilization system does a fine job eradicating unwanted camera shakes during handheld shooting. This is particularly important as the compact body of the DCR-DVD7 can take a little while to get used to.

 The DCR-DVD7 automatically makes quick and accurate adjustments to shutter speed, exposure, white balance, and focus. Manual control is somewhat less efficient and is accessed through the camera's touchscreen. Manual adjustments can be made to aperture, white balance, and focus.

As a digital stills camera, the DCR-DVD7 captures images at standard (640X480) or fine image quality settings. The standard setting is sufficient for e-mailing or posting on the internet. However, the DCR-DVD7's true selling points are its ease of use, portability, and very cool design. The unit even includes a USB 2.0 jack for connecting to a computer for video editing.

The Sony DCR-DVD7's automatic controls are excellent, making this a great choice for point-and-shoot recording.

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts