Rating: 
Summary: Incredible little package
Review: I've got a lot of toys, but this was truly an incredible buy. I read the other reviews of this camcorder and was hesitant. I have to say that the only reason for the purchase was the Sony name.After checking out the camcorder for myself, I don't know why all the people were making such a fuss. I guess if you are a fanatic and own several camcorders to compare, you might notice some features that the bigger camcorders have (which I do). For people who one camcorder, how would you know the difference? The size is the key. Even with a mini DV camcorder like the Sony DCR-TRV22, you notice the size (especially if you need battery life and have the longer life battery connected). It keeps you from having it by your side. Most of the moments you want to film happen when your camcorder is stored in its bag (Murphy's law #__). Not with this one. It's so small and light that I can carry it around in my hand all the time. As far as the features, I thought it would be lacking. This is not the case. Most of the features I use readily are available and easy to use. Other larger camcorders do have more features, but how many of those do you really use? How many of us are going to go through the process of changing this and that to capture 10-20 seconds worth of film? This is the camcorder I was waiting for. I don't know why it is discontinued. Perhaps sales were not that great due to the price... I liked it so much, I bought a second one. Some things are worth the money and the DCR-IP7BT camcorder(s) was definately one of my best buys.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, Useful, Easy, SMALL!
Review: I've had my MicroMV for two months and love it. I put off buying a replacement camcorder for a few years as the technology seemed to be in a constant flux - it still is but I took the plunge with the Sony product as it has all the features I was looking for. The size is the amazing thing. My only problem is getting my "sausage" fingers to work the buttons! So far, the videos (digi-tape) I've taken are excellent. I find the camera easy to use and of the same quality I've come to expect from Sony. I found an extra-capacity battery, 128MB mem-stick and Sony wide-angle lens and filter kit on eBay and these have made the camera a joy to use. Videos taken on a recent London vacation are tremendous and it was easy to whip out the camera and take a quick digi-tape or "quickie" MPEG on any moment's notice. The VGA stills are only good for 4x6 prints (in good light) or wallets. They're really only useful for emails. If you want framed stills, use your 3.3MP digi-camera or your trusty 35MM. I've been happy with Sony "Movie Shaker" and have edited a few MPEGs and clips from the tape to my BusLink USB HD. Bluetooth registration was a bit of a puzzle but I made it through in about 45 minutes (whew!). I haven't tried my SoNet uploading yet as I haven't had a need to. All in all, this purchase has to last another 3-5 years and I think I'll be very happy with this little wonder.
Rating:
Summary: Love the small size- can carry it anywhere
Review: Personally not a big digital picture fan- but as a camcorder, I love this product. It is my first camcorder, and I've been very happy with it. The picture is great, the small size is outstanding, and I think for most people, the features are enough.
I took it on my honeymoon, and was able to carry it in the smallest of purses out to dinner, on tours, etc. If I had a larger camcorder, with large carry-bag, it would have stayed home, and I would have missed lots of great filming opportunities.
Rating:
Summary: Love the small size- can carry it anywhere
Review: Personally not a big digital picture fan- but as a camcorder, I love this product. It is my first camcorder, and I've been very happy with it. The picture is great, the small size is outstanding, and I think for most people, the features are enough.
I took it on my honeymoon, and was able to carry it in the smallest of purses out to dinner, on tours, etc. If I had a larger camcorder, with large carry-bag, it would have stayed home, and I would have missed lots of great filming opportunities.
Rating: 
Summary: Great idea - horrible implementation
Review: Pros: Incredible small size; can literally be carried in your pocket; Cons: Video quality mediocre at best (740x320); transferring data files from IP7 to PC has been a nightmare. Literally 25-30 hours of work with varying degrees of usefull tech support (Sony drops the ball on this one) - Formats available are MPG1 and a form of MPG2 called TR - File must then be translated- this is explained in the following website http://134.102.55.200/haupt/SonyIP7_to_MPEG2-PS.htm In summary, I would wait at least another year or two, when the kinks have been knocked out. This leaves to much to be desired.
Rating:
Summary: Great convenience
Review: So many capabilities and image quality in such a tiny device is unbelievable. Incredible. And on top of it, the usual connectivity and user-friendliness of all Sony electronics (the bluetooth technology is not that relevant but a fun extra gadget)
Rating: 
Summary: ultraportable, still capture, but microMV is not for all
Review: the dcrip7BT is for the early adopters among us. it has "wow" written all over it but make sure you're ready for the limitations of the microMV format. it improves on the ip5 by adding still capability and bluetooth. pros:
- small size, and lightweight: 1.88"W x 4.0"H x 3.13"L weighing 12 oz. this is the main selling point of this camcorder.
- 10x optical zoom.
- Super SteadyShot image stabilization - and sony's system works.
- delivers vibrant colors when shooting in daylight.
- still photo capability (low res only).
- connectivity options: firewire, S-video, composite, bluetooth, USB. cons:
- microMV format is proprietary and may go the way of betamax.
- microMV video quality is noticeably worse than MiniDV.
- microMV also uses a different data-compression scheme than MiniDV, which means that it may be incompatible with your DV-editing software.
- low-res still photo capability suitable only for email or posting on web.
- no video light.
- not Mac compatible.
- very bad ergonomics - a small camcorder will have small buttons and consolidated controls.
- as with most sony products, you pay a premium, pushing up the price.
- battery life could be better.
- only 2.5" LCD.
- non-intuitive menu system.
- no headphone or mic input jack.
- no accessory shoe. given the limitations of the microMV format, a smaller camcorder is the only reason to use it. and a tiny camcorder is what sony has delivered and that's why this is a four star product for me. but if you can stand a slightly bigger camcorder, check out other miniDV options. these are more affordable, better supported, and almost as portable. i hope this helps your buying decision. peace.
Rating:
Summary: ultraportable, still capture, but microMV is not for all
Review: the dcrip7BT is for the early adopters among us. it has "wow" written all over it but make sure you're ready for the limitations of the microMV format. it improves on the ip5 by adding still capability and bluetooth. pros:
- small size, and lightweight: 1.88"W x 4.0"H x 3.13"L weighing 12 oz. this is the main selling point of this camcorder.
- 10x optical zoom.
- Super SteadyShot image stabilization - and sony's system works.
- delivers vibrant colors when shooting in daylight.
- still photo capability (low res only).
- connectivity options: firewire, S-video, composite, bluetooth, USB. cons:
- microMV format is proprietary and may go the way of betamax.
- microMV video quality is noticeably worse than MiniDV.
- microMV also uses a different data-compression scheme than MiniDV, which means that it may be incompatible with your DV-editing software.
- low-res still photo capability suitable only for email or posting on web.
- no video light.
- not Mac compatible.
- very bad ergonomics - a small camcorder will have small buttons and consolidated controls.
- as with most sony products, you pay a premium, pushing up the price.
- battery life could be better.
- only 2.5" LCD.
- non-intuitive menu system.
- no headphone or mic input jack.
- no accessory shoe. given the limitations of the microMV format, a smaller camcorder is the only reason to use it. and a tiny camcorder is what sony has delivered and that's why this is a four star product for me. but if you can stand a slightly bigger camcorder, check out other miniDV options. these are more affordable, better supported, and almost as portable. i hope this helps your buying decision. peace.
Rating:
Summary: ultraportable, still capture, but microMV is not for all
Review: the dcrip7BT is for the early adopters among us. it has "wow" written all over it but make sure you're ready for the limitations of the microMV format. it improves on the ip5 by adding still capability and bluetooth. pros:
- small size, and lightweight: 1.88"W x 4.0"H x 3.13"L weighing 12 oz. this is the main selling point of this camcorder.
- 10x optical zoom.
- Super SteadyShot image stabilization - and sony's system works.
- delivers vibrant colors when shooting in daylight.
- still photo capability (low res only).
- connectivity options: firewire, S-video, composite, bluetooth, USB. cons:
- microMV format is proprietary and may go the way of betamax.
- microMV video quality is noticeably worse than MiniDV.
- microMV also uses a different data-compression scheme than MiniDV, which means that it may be incompatible with your DV-editing software.
- low-res still photo capability suitable only for email or posting on web.
- no video light.
- not Mac compatible.
- very bad ergonomics - a small camcorder will have small buttons and consolidated controls.
- as with most sony products, you pay a premium, pushing up the price.
- battery life could be better.
- only 2.5" LCD.
- non-intuitive menu system.
- no headphone or mic input jack.
- no accessory shoe. given the limitations of the microMV format, a smaller camcorder is the only reason to use it. and a tiny camcorder is what sony has delivered and that's why this is a four star product for me. but if you can stand a slightly bigger camcorder, check out other miniDV options. these are more affordable, better supported, and almost as portable. i hope this helps your buying decision. peace.
Rating:
Summary: terrible color and picture quality....
Review: The size of the DCRIP7 is fantastic. Great to
hold, really slides into your pocket, and all the knobs
are quite functional given the size of the camcorder. However, no matter what the form factor, the bottom line
on any camcorder is the color and picture quality. If
it were not for the form factor, I would give this a
rating of zero! The color, focus, and clarity [stink] big time. Make sure you
project the output of the camera directly onto a computer
or TV set, and not make a judgement based on the image
on the LCD screen. I took my unit back and demonstrated
what I was talking about with the unit on the floor.
Same thing. Red objects look different, focus is terrible,
(so much for the CZ lens), and the image is grainy. Very disappointed!!
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