The size of the DCRIP7 is fantastic. Great tobrhold, really slides into your pocket, and all the knobsbrare quite functional given the size of the camcorder.pHowever, no matter what the form factor, the bottom linebron any camcorder is the color and picture quality. Ifbrit were not for the form factor, I would give this abrrating of zero!pThe color, focus, and clarity [stink] big time. Make sure youbrproject the output of the camera directly onto a computerbror TV set, and not make a judgement based on the imagebron the LCD screen. I took my unit back and demonstratedbrwhat I was talking about with the unit on the floor. brSame thing. Red objects look different, focus is terrible, br(so much for the CZ lens), and the image is grainy.pVery disappointed!!

As a devoted Sony customer and a contented user of the DCR-TRV11, I had high hopes for the smaller DCR1P7BT. The size and fucntionality of the DCR17BT was superb, but its utility is plagued by its video downloading difficulty. Several different programs have to be installed. After installing Movieshaker, Quicktime, DirectX8a and an upgrade driver for Windows 2000, the camera still would not download using a FireWire connection. I have attempted downloading on FOUR SONY PCs (2 running Windows 2000, and two running XP and failed every single time. I returned the camera to Circuit City after 24 hours of frustration. My TRV11 downloads flawlessly. The last thing I need with a videocamera is downloading problems. With firewire devices, downloading should be nearly effortless.

As a devoted Sony customer and a contented user of the DCR-TRV11, I had high hopes for the smaller DCR1P7BT. The size and fucntionality of the DCR17BT was superb, but its utility is plagued by its video downloading difficulty. Several different programs have to be installed. After installing Movieshaker, Quicktime, DirectX8a and an upgrade driver for Windows 2000, the camera still would not download using a FireWire connection. I have attempted downloading on FOUR SONY PCs (2 running Windows 2000, and two running XP and failed every single time. I returned the camera to Circuit City after 24 hours of frustration. My TRV11 downloads flawlessly. The last thing I need with a videocamera is downloading problems. With firewire devices, downloading should be nearly effortless.

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.ppros:br- 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.br- 10x optical zoom.br- Super SteadyShot image stabilization - and sony's system works.br- delivers vibrant colors when shooting in daylight.br- still photo capability (low res only).br- connectivity options: firewire, S-video, composite, bluetooth, USB.pcons:br- microMV format is proprietary and may go the way of betamax.br- microMV video quality is noticeably worse than MiniDV.br- microMV also uses a different data-compression scheme than MiniDV, which means that it may be incompatible with your DV-editing software. br- low-res still photo capability suitable only for email or posting on web.br- no video light.br- not Mac compatible.br- very bad ergonomics - a small camcorder will have small buttons and consolidated controls.br- as with most sony products, you pay a premium, pushing up the price.br- battery life could be better.br- only 2.5" LCD.br- non-intuitive menu system.br- no headphone or mic input jack.br- no accessory shoe.pgiven 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. pi hope this helps your buying decision. peace.

All of the negative reviews are un-warranted. If you want to buy this unit, make sure you understand what it was designed for. pI saw a Sony Exec talking about it at a marketing show; she was discussing their ad strategy for it. The Exec stated that it was designed for a business traveller who wanted a TINY camcorder to take some "hobby" shots while on the road.pI bought this unit for a BUSINESS trip to Hong Kong. For this purpose this camera was PERFECT. It easily fits in your briefcase. Until you own this thing, you have no idea what a leap it is in terms of size. On my trip, I would routinely just stick it in my (bulging) pocket.pFor this size comes a tradeoff. The camera opeates on MPEG2. The CCD has a lower than normal resolution. Both of these are okay; the larger problem is, at this size, you can get a lot of camera shake (even with the stabilzer feature). Overall, the picture quality is fine.pI would not own this as your only camcorder. I would not use this for any "movie making" or run of the mill home vidoes. I would however HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to anyone that wants to take videos on a business trip and not look like a tourist; or needs to grab some video to show their spouse who didn't get to go.

You can't beat this camera for portability! I have owned this camera for almost a year now and have been pleased with its performance. I chose to buy this camera for its small size because I was going on a trip to Europe with my best friend. I kept this camera close at hand in my purse the whole time. It was great to be able to take out this camera and record at the drop of a hat! pI had traveled to Europe before with another friend and he took a normal sized camcorder. When I travel to Europe, I don't like to stick out as a tourist and I was constantly embarrassed when he would take out his regular camcorder and take video because it was so obvious that we were tourists. pWith my Sony DCR-IP7BT on my most recent Europe trip, I was able to take tons of video without anyone noticing! When people did notice that I had a camera out, they thought it was only a still camera because it was so small. pI have used the video editing software with much success. :) Granted, it takes a while to edit your video, but it is so simple and there are so many effects you can add, I don't think the average person will be disappointed. I have edited our vacation video and really enjoyed being able to do the editing on my laptop computer and adding in the special effects. pI have really enjoyed owning this small camcorder. It was so useful and I will never again take a normal sized camcorder on vacation. I'm sure you could get better video and still picture resolution on another camera; but because this camera is so delightfully compact, I can't complain. pThis camera is perfect for someone who is concered about size and portability. It is not cheap, but I have no regrets when I watch video of priceless memories from my trip to Europe.

From buying this totally waste of technology. Call up any Good Guys / Circuit City and ask them what the most returned camera has been in the last few months - it'll be the new MicroMV cameras. They are all awful. The resolution is awful - all you have to do is look at footage on a TV and you'll see what i mean. pAnother HUGE disadvantage - MPEG2 encoding - NONE, I MEAN NONE, of the software NLE's (non-linear editors) support MPEG2 - so therefore, you can't use Premier, Final Cut Pro, etc...you are forced to use this 2-bit software app that Sony put out. It's awful. I tried it. It's painful. Premiere says they will NOT support MPEG2 until more camera makers adopt it - not likely in the near future. pDON'T take a chance on such new technology, unless you're the guy who also owned the Sony mini-disc camcorder (discontinued after 6 months).

From buying this totally waste of technology. Call up any Good Guys / Circuit City and ask them what the most returned camera has been in the last few months - it'll be the new MicroMV cameras. They are all awful. The resolution is awful - all you have to do is look at footage on a TV and you'll see what i mean. Another HUGE disadvantage - MPEG2 encoding - NONE, I MEAN NONE, of the software NLE's (non-linear editors) support MPEG2 - so therefore, you can't use Premier, Final Cut Pro, etc...you are forced to use this 2-bit software app that Sony put out. It's awful. I tried it. It's painful. Premiere says they will NOT support MPEG2 until more camera makers adopt it - not likely in the near future. DON'T take a chance on such new technology, unless you're the guy who also owned the Sony mini-disc camcorder (discontinued after 6 months).

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.pAfter 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?pThe 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.pAs 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?pThis 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.

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.brI 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.

Doesn't work with my MAC. Nightmare trying to download on PC. Sometimes works w/ an i.Link port on a Sony computer. Now it doesnt' even do that. Sometimes worked on a 3rd party FireWire card for my PC, but I had to pull card out and re-install everytime to try to get it to capture. Now that doesn't even work. MPEG2 bites, must convert w/ DOS program. MovieShaker is the worst. I hate this camera w/ a passion. I'm going to throw mine ($$$$!) away or sell it on [other online site]. Anybody want mine? I'm going to get one that plugs directly into my iMac.

Lousy camera. Small and portable but lousy picture, hard to find micro tapes, and it broke in three different ways within a short period of time.
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br /It's discontinued I've heard. Sony should refund full purchase price to all buyers of this piece of...malfunctioning mess.
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Pros: Incredible small size; can literally be carried in your pocket; pCons: 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.htmpIn summary, I would wait at least another year or two, when the kinks have been knocked out. This leaves to much to be desired.

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)

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!pSo 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. pVideos 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.pI'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.pAll in all, this purchase has to last another 3-5 years and I think I'll be very happy with this little wonder.

I have had this camera for about a month and it is the best investment i have made in a while. Using it as a camera and a video recorder is a big plus. The bluetooth is also great you can send a picture by e-mail with out having a computer. I would recommened this camera to anyone that is looking for one.

This camera was a gift, and it was so bad, that I returned it to a store that it wasn't purchased from, and traded for a camera that is ... less but works better. Sony neglected to inform Mac users that this camera doesn't work with Macs. The box says that it is Mac compatible, but upon further review, you see that it is only compatible for Mac if you are trying to download pictures, not video. If that's all I wanted it for, I'd have bought a digital camera. The TRV27 works much better, is more ergonomic, has a bigger LCD screen, and is compatible with most if not all home computers. To the makers of Sony - why come out w/micro mv if there isn't any supporting hardware/software? As far as I'm concerned, the IPB-7T is merely a ... paperweight!!br P.S. All of you PC users out there, GO GET A MAC!!!

This camera was a gift, and it was so bad, that I returned it to a store that it wasn't purchased from, and traded for a camera that is ... less but works better. Sony neglected to inform Mac users that this camera doesn't work with Macs. The box says that it is Mac compatible, but upon further review, you see that it is only compatible for Mac if you are trying to download pictures, not video. If that's all I wanted it for, I'd have bought a digital camera. The TRV27 works much better, is more ergonomic, has a bigger LCD screen, and is compatible with most if not all home computers. To the makers of Sony - why come out w/micro mv if there isn't any supporting hardware/software? As far as I'm concerned, the IPB-7T is merely a ... paperweight!! P.S. All of you PC users out there, GO GET A MAC!!!

this is the best thing i bought in my whole life--i found it very handy due to the size and waight---of course everything has advantages and disadvantages--the problem with this camcorder is that it's way too expensive and really not worth the money---i was also angry when i found out that it doesn't have a mic socket nor an earphone socket---other than that it's fantastic----i take it everywhere with me in my pocket----and basiclly shoot anything interesting i see in this case i give this cam a superbly good buy.