[Wheels496]

About to treat myself to a new camcorder. Currently seriously contemplating the Sony HC7-high definition etc.

Actually until yesterday I'd sort of ruled Sony out because I'm physically disabled with poor coordination, which seemed to exclude touch screens. However tried the HC5 in Comet and was surprised how well I managed it.

Anyway I'm going for the HC7 over the HC5 for two specific reasons and would appreciate whether others agree with my reasoning.

Firstly owing to my coordination, it seems logical to opt for the model with optical image stabilisation.

Secondly, because of the increased quality in stills. On this point, I've made the mistake nearly 3 years ago trying to purchase a camcorder that's does good quality stills as well (Panasonic gs200), how good are the stills on this camcorder. Anyone fancy posting or sending me samples?

Finally tempted to buy from PurelyGadgets.

Thanks

[redsox_mark]

Yes, your reasoning makes sense.

I don't have a HC7, but from what I have heard the stills are very good. Not like a high end digital SLR, but comparable to a compact 6 MP digital camera.

Hopefully a new HC7 user can post some stills.

[dr no]

I bought one couple of weeks ago. I've played with for few minutes here and there due to limited free time. First impressions - very impressed. The stills are as you would expect a 6MP compact camera. And the video quality is excellent. But this is the only HD camcorder I've seen or used. It comes with basic sofware which will edit HDV ( though I've not tried this). The image stabilisation is noticeable in use. I know image stabiliser makes life so much easier on my Digital SLR. Therefore one assumes it will do similar job for video.

[redsox_mark]

Wheels496,

Some further thought. I still agree that the HC7 is a better choice than the HC5, but having re-read your post I feel I must give a caution.

The OIS is "better" than the EIS as it doesn't tradeoff resolution to do the stabilisation like EIS does. But in terms of the ability to eliminate shake I don't think there is much difference.

And with all HD camcorders, the high resolution quality actually makes shake more noticable than with SD camcorders, even with stabilisation turned on.

Use of a tripod and/or monopod or steadycam device can help. Not wanting to assume, but combining your post with your login name - if one was shooting from a wheelchair a monopod would be a great help.