Hitachi DZ-BD7HA Blu-ray Disc Hybrid High Definition Camcorder
-
Discontinued
Hitachi's DZ-BD7HA Blu-ray Disc Hybrid High Definition Camcorder with a built-in 30GB Hard Disk Drive satisfies those who long for Blu-ray while providing for those in the HDD and DVD camps. The DZ-BD7HA can store up to four hours of footage when recording to the hard drive at 1920 x 1080 HD and up to eight hours when recording at 1440 x 1080. Hitachi also gave this hybrid in-camera one-touch dubbing for burning video from the HDD onto Blu-ray or DVD.
The DZ-BD7HA also features 1-second quick start, photo capture from recorded video and LSI image enhancement. 8 cm BD-RE, BD-R, DVD-RAM,
DVD-RW and DVD-R discs are all compatible with this camcorder. If you're looking for a true hybrid camcorder the DZ-BD7HA is your answer.
- 8cm BD-RE/-R/DVD Drive
- The 8 cm BD/DVD drive works with the following discs: BD-RE/-R, DVD-RAM/-RW/-R.
- 30GB Hard Disk Drive
- Record up to 4 hours of full 1920 x 1080 HD video utilizing the 30GB HDD. You can record eight hours of 1440 x 1080 video.
- 5.3Mp 1/2.8" CMOS Sensor
- The 5.3Mp 1/2.8 CMOS sensor records 1920 x 1080 video and still images at 2400 x 1800 pixels.
- Hitachi Exclusive High Resolution Image Processing LSI
- LSI reduces noises and improves color by analyzing data captured by the CMOS sensor giving you improved image quality.
- One-Touch Dubbing
- Burn recorded video from the HDD to BD using the in-camera one-touch dubbing feature.
- Photo Capture
- You can save any frame from your video recordings and print it out as a 2.07Mp still photo. Save the image to an SD card for easy printing or for uploading to the internet.
- 1-Second Quick Start
- When the DZ-BD7hA is in standby mode you can start recording in less than a second with the Quick Start feature while saving battery life at the same time.
- Transcoding
- Transcoding enables you to burn video from the HDD onto SD DVDs via the one-touch dubbing feature.
- Built-In Interactive Guide
- Hitachi gave the DZ-BD7HA a built-in program for guiding new users through the camcorder's setup, connections, and overall use.
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 5.3Mp 1/2.8" CMOS sensor |
| Lens |
HD Lens (12 elements in 9 groups, 18 surfaces multicoated lens) Focal length=5.0-50mm f-stop/1.8-3.0 |
| Zoom |
10x optical 500x digital |
| Filter Size | 43mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Format |
Video HDD: 30GB HDD (embedded) 1920 x 1080 BD: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, 1920 x 1080 DVD: MPEG-2, 720 x 480 Still: JPEG (2400 x 1800, DCR/EXif 2.2) |
| Audio | 2 Channel Stereo Dolby Digital |
| Image Stabilization | (EIS) Electronic Image Stabilization |
| Lux | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Recording Media |
Blu-ray disk (BD-RE/-R) 30GB Hard Disk Drive DVD Disk (DVD-RAM/-RW/-R) |
| Recording Time |
30GB HDD HX: 4 hours HS: 8 hours
Blu-ray Disk
DVD Disk |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Display Size | 2.7" |
| Viewfinder | 0.2" color (approximately 200,000 pixels) |
| Camera Features | |
|---|---|
| Manual Controls | Focus, white balance, exposure |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - No Flash - Yes |
| Digital Still Mode | |
|---|---|
| Still Recording Media | SD/SDHC memory card |
| Resolution | 4.3MP |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | Microphone input |
| Output |
HDMI Component video USB 2.0 Composite A/V S-Video PC connection terminal (connected to PC USB port) |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Languages | English, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese (simplified) |
| Compatible Operating Systems | Windows XP, Vista |
| Power Requirements | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.15 x 3.43 x 6.5" (80 x 87 x 165mm) |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs (630g) (without battery and disk) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
80%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Great features (5)
- Comfortable to operate (4)
- Great picture quality (4)
- Simple controls (3)
- Versatile (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Low light can be better
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
Comments about Hitachi DZ-BD7HA Blu-ray Disc Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
I love this camcorder!!!! if you want high definition blue ray disc quality video , the dz-bd7ha is what you need, i went ahead and purchased a led accessory light bc in low light places the video quality was not up to its optimum. other than that IT IS A GREAT PRODUCT!!!
Pros
- Great Features
Cons
- Low-Quality Recordings
- Uncomfortable
Best Uses
Comments about Hitachi DZ-BD7HA Blu-ray Disc Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
I used this camcorder for one time only, I was very disappointed. The resolution is extremly low. The device does offer good features and easy to handle but, my very old Sony camcorder (early generation camcorder) provides a better resolution than this "bluray" camcorder!
I called Hitachi support and they said there must be an internal defect.
I had to return it by mail and still waiting for the refund.
I just went to a local electronics store and bought Sony SR10 high definition camera, it offers a superior quality so far.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Low-Quality Recordings
- Software provided
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Outdoor use
Comments about Hitachi DZ-BD7HA Blu-ray Disc Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
Although, low-light videos are a challenge, in my experience they are a challenge with most consumer model camcorders. With experience most of you will learn how to take good indoor videos.
This camcorder really excels outdoors. The video is crisp and will simply amaze you with the clarity and detail. One review stated that they notice issues with their outdoor videos but I have not encountered the same issues.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Easy access manual contro
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Focus wavers in low light
Best Uses
- Family
- Special Events
- Sports
- Travel
Comments about Hitachi DZ-BD7HA Blu-ray Disc Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
I have a home Blu-ray player, and wanted a good HD camcorder. This Hitachi Blu-ray camcorder surprising does a nice job of recording. I was skeptic at first, but it is a quality Blu-ray video camera recorder.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Placement of SD card
Best Uses
- Family
- Sports
- Travel
- Weddings
Comments about Hitachi DZ-BD7HA Blu-ray Disc Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
I use the camcorder 85% of the time during family and vacation times. The other 15% during weddings, sports events and some plays. Its flexability of use and features if used correctly the camera works an performes great, I can only speak for myself and I have had it since November of 2007.
The HDD and Blu-ray is excellent there is no loss of guality dubing from HDD to the Blu-ray disk. As for low light well its fine and again if you know what you are doing, focusing is somewhat slow but your timeing and patient will sovle that. Use the tricks of the trade go manual and there again if used correctly works I experienced quality pictures in doors or out useing the right settings.
The design and appearence of the camera is great, even though I am able to overcome the lowlight focusing there is alot to to be improved on there.
a hint to the wise your tripod is your best friend.
- How long have you owned it:
- One-to-three months
- Recommended:
- External mic and support bracket, On camera light, Tripod
Comments about Hitachi DZ-BD7HA Blu-ray Disc Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
Well, I was fortunate enough to receive the Hitachi DZ-BD7HA as a gift. What a huge disappointment. The quality was so bad I had to return the unit. Low light performance was absolutely terrible. Your probably thinking a very dark room wrong. I am talking about an average lit room! The image was grainy with very dark shadows, etc. Furthermore, if your fortunate enough to have a very bright day you end up with a clear picture with noticeable artifacts. This camcorder should never have left the factory. I bought a HD camera for quality movies and this camera could not deliver. I can't stress enough to wait for another model or manufacturer to come out with a good blu-ray camcorder. P.S. If you still want this camcorder I say good luck on trying to find any 8cm BDR discs. Practically non-existent in the US.
Expertise: Expert
Problems Encountered: Very poor video quality. See review.
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Sony Camcorder
Displaying reviews 1-6
- Instruction Manual (PDF 4.1mb)
Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
- Price: $27.95
- GBP 17.63
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $21.59
- GBP 13.62
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect by adding a filter.
- Price: $27.00
- GBP 17.03
Lenses & Adaptors
Capture the right view with a conversion lens.
- Price: $92.50
- GBP 58.35
External Microphones
Enhance the quality of your audio recording with an external microphone.
- Price: $74.99
- GBP 47.30
On-Camera Lights
Adjust the lighting for virtually any indoor and many outdoor applications.
- Price: $24.22
- GBP 15.28
What's in the Box
- Battery DZ-BP14S (Lithium-ion 1360 mAh)
- 8 cm BD-RE Disc
- USB Cable
- PC Software for Video Authoring
- Multi-connector A/V Cable
- Remote Control & Remote Battery
- Disc Cleaning Cloth
- Instruction Manual
- Quick Start Guide
- 1-Year Parts & 90-Days Labor Warranty
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