Using a Sony HDR-HC7, I have noticed that with long zoom settings I very often get what appear to be jittery looking subjects, not shake from the camera as portions of the scene can look fine, but (and this is about the best way I can describe this) object edges will appear almost as if the pixels themselves are shaking a bit. For instance, if I focus on a telephone pole, the edge of the pole will appear to jitter, not shake like as if from hand movement, but sort of .... well.... jitter. I also use a Canon HV20 and do not see any of this happening. I have a feeling it has something to do with the stabilization but like I said, the Canon does not do it.

Anyway, anyone using this Sony? Is this typical, or does this sound defective?

Using a Sony HDR-HC7, I have noticed that with long zoom settings I very often get what appear to be jittery looking subjects, not shake from the camera as portions of the scene can look fine, but (and this is about the best way I can describe this) object edges will appear almost as if the pixels themselves are shaking a bit. For instance, if I focus on a telephone pole, the edge of the pole will appear to jitter, not shake like as if from hand movement, but sort of .... well.... jitter. I also use a Canon HV20 and do not see any of this happening. I have a feeling it has something to do with the stabilization but like I said, the Canon does not do it.

Anyway, anyone using this Sony? Is this typical, or does this sound defective?

I have noticed that too.

Cannot test at the moment. Remodeling, dam'it.

But it appears that Canon OIS is superior to Sony.

Make sure you keep the digital zoom disabled... that could cause such an effect.

Thanks but it's not the digital zoom, I have never even turned that on yet. I have a feeling galileo is correct, it's not the best OIS in the world. Too bad, I actually prefer the Sony to the Canon in all other respects but unfortunately this one problem is going to make me reject this camcorder in favor of the Canon.

I've also noticed the same problem with my Sony HC3 which has EIS not optical - I think it may be related to the autofocus, not sure...

the sony hdr sr7 does not have this problem.

Good luck!

the sony hdr sr7 does not have this problem.

Good luck!

I disagree. I had the same problem big time. I have been trying to fix since I got it and took it back. All the Sony's have this problem.