Sony HDR-FX7 / HVR-V1

I don't think the FX7 lets you MWB with the assign buttons. I believe the only way is pushing the selector wheel like I did on my TRV900.

The most confounding thing is that their prototype testers reported the problem a few months back. And it didn't get through to the engineers. Which is why I always tell people not to rely on prototype test results, since even the manufacturers don't pay attention.

Ron

You're right about MWB. Interesting Sony puts almost every function but WB. Interesting. I guess you are going to want to wait for a review huh?

I don't know any info but I would say for sure the Endeavour will have a mechanical WB button.

After Wags report on the difference between mechanical and electronic MWB on his Phenom, I hope Amphibico changes this on the Endeavor.

Where to read ?

Wags ?

What, you did not read me review

Have a Look Here

And some more stuff HERE

What, you did not read me review

 

Have a Look Here

 

And some more stuff HERE

Okey, actually I have read it, but forgotten again

Sorry, I am suffering from Alzheimer Light

.....

Ron

You're right about MWB. Interesting Sony puts almost every function but WB. Interesting. I guess you are going to want to wait for a review huh?

Well, I most likely will get a Gates or Amphibico. Mechanical W/B will be a must for me.

A flip diopter will also be high on my list even if it's only available with certain ports. At a minimum I'd like to have a diopter on the camera and flip the filter in and out. My TRV900 housing had the filter so close to the cam this wasn't possible.

Does anyone know if you can put a protective lens on the FX-7 and then be able to put back the sun screen cover on top of that? That is one thing I don't care for about the A1-U, if you put a lens on the cam, you can't put back the sun protector thingamabob

Steve B)

More apparent probs with the V1..

http://www.dvuser.co.uk/content.php?CID=141

Hopefully things will be sorted before I have to make my purchase decision..

Dive safe

DeanB

Does anyone know if you can put a protective lens on the FX-7 and then be able to put back the sun screen cover on top of that? That is one thing I don't care for about the A1-U, if you put a lens on the cam, you can't put back the sun protector thingamabob

Steve B)

No, the lens hood will not fit over a screw on lens.

What are those mental midgets at Sony thinking?

Steve B)

More apparent probs with the V1..

 

http://www.dvuser.co.uk/content.php?CID=141

 

Hopefully things will be sorted before I have to make my purchase decision..

 

Dive safe

 

DeanB

Well Dean all due respect to Nigel and Simon but they missed the "PROBLEM" calling it slightly soft etc etc. It's a bigger problem than that and they didn't call it. So I'd have to say they've both lost a lot of credibility as reviewers.

Still the problem is supposedly a firmware update which is being done. Simon of course claims that it doesn't work. Suddenly he sees with great clarity.

Just chill and wait for Sony to fix it, if you're not in a hurry. The housings won't be out for months anyways.

A few months...Typical..

Oh well..If Sony have 'Sorted' the probs out by then, great...

But the 'upgrades' for the other cams will be in the pipeline by then..

And so the merry go round turns

Dive safe

DeanB

I have just got my FX7E but I don't have a 62mm filter to test it with. However my wife's 62mm clippin lens cap works perfectly with the FX7's lens hood so I think a fliter will be OK as well.

What are those mental midgets at Sony thinking?

Steve B)

Steve, think about it. If they make a lens hood big enough for a WA or TC converter, then those who don't will moan about how stupidly big the lens hood is. Then you have to think about which adapter to fit. Only the Sony HG or other makes? What you should be asking is why lens adapter makers don't include a lens shade designed specifically for the lens.

You Guys must be talking about additional lens, I thought you meant a simple ND filter as protection. I am sure this will fit, but no idea about an additional lens.

You Guys must be talking about additional lens, I thought you meant a simple ND filter as protection. I am sure this will fit, but no idea about an additional lens.

Sorry.

Maybe I misread Steve's question. The lens hood is a bayonet mount. It fits over my Hoya diopters which should be around the same size as a ND or UV filter.

Thanks for clearing that one up for me. With the a1-U, you can't put on a protection filter and the hood at the same time which makes no sence for topside work at all.

Steve B)

Roger,

Just read that you bought the FX7. What do you think? Can you not manually white balance or use one of the assign buttons to take care of that? Give us your review....please.

Steve

Hi Steve,

Ronrosa is correct you cannot link the white balance to an assign button. You manually white balance by turning OFF the auto lock. Then press the white balance button on the rear of the camera. There are two "memory" options (A&B) and two pre programmed options for outdoors and indoors. The menu defaults to "A". Pressing the dial as, you suggested, sets the white balance and it is saved until reset again. As the default is "A" you do not have to rotate the dial to set a white balance just press it. The other controls will remain in auto mode with the lock OFF unless you access their own buttons.

I am no expert on this kind off sophisticated camera, but with just a few hours (on land of course) I am very impressed.

I took it to the Arundel Wetlands centre today, the weather was low midday sun then cloud. The colours are very true, and the viewfinder also gave true colours and was very clear. I prefer to use the finder rather than the screen as the camera is more stable. There was bright sun on the water and geese and ducks of all colours including white, the camera was in full auto mode. It immediately prompted me to apply the ND1 filter ( reduces the light volume to 1/4), the colours remained accurate and the white feathers were clear and textured.

I was particularly impressed with the steadyshot. There are four modes - hard, standard, soft and wide conv. The latter is for use with a wide angle conversion lens. I was on Standard mode. Panning with the swimming ducks was easy and accurate. I was able to hold a full 20x zoom on a distant duck just holding the camera with elbows supported on a fence. The picture was very steady. This bodes well for those difficult shots on shy creatures only possible to film at a distance underwater, e.g. partner gobies and jawfish.

The NP-F770 (middle size battery) fits flush with rear of the camera, and it remains well balanced, the battery gives >300mins after a full charge. With care that should allow 3 one hour plus dives without having to change the battery. I hate opening the housing during a days diving even on a dive boat.

That is probably all I can say at present, but will add more after I have had time to try some of the features. Just ask if there are any burning questions and I will try to give you answers.

Roll on the housings