topic HX7V - Type 3b mutli use connector in Cyber-shot compact cameras

HX7V - Type 3b mutli use connector

gazz1e — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:55:02 GMT

Just picked up my HX7V a few days ago. Bought this camera to replace my aging Minolta 5D (too big), Panasonic FX9 (no HD video), and Sony HDR-SR12E (too big). On the whole I'm impressed with the camera, but have two niggles...

1) The automatic flash is a bit too sensentive for my liking. I had a similar issue with the flash on the Sony HDR-SR12E. This is a minor issue compared to...

2) Why oh why has Sony put it's own proprietary multi-use terminal connection (type 3b) on the camera. When travelling, I like to carry the bare minimum - like one micro usb charging cable for my phone and the same cable for my camera. Not possible with this camera. In addition, while most micro usb cables cost ~£2, the Sony charging cable has other builtin connections which I do not want, and especially do not want to take on holiday with me - and it costs £35!

In my opinion, if you buy a 16MP camera with 1080i video, you'll only ever need a USB and HDMI connections. Not a cable with composite connections.

Anyone know of where I can buy a charging cable like the one supplied out of the box? Or better still, a small adaptor that converts a micro USB connection into a Sony Multi use connector (type 3b)?

I was about to congratulate Sony for adapoting SD cards rather than the proprietary memory stick, but they're still clinging on to their proprietary background.

Thumbs up for the rest of the camera though

Message was edited by: gazz1e

HX7V - Type 3b mutli use connector

blaireau_photo — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:24:01 GMT

Hello gazz1e

If you take a look at Amazon and search for "HX7V Cable", you will see some compatible leads available for your camera. It would all depend on your preferred setup when travelling i.e. would it be sufficient to have a USB lead to charge through a laptop PC when you are away from home?

Thanks,

Simon

HX7V - Type 3b mutli use connector

gazz1e — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:50:23 GMT

Hi Simon,

I'm usually a bit cautious when buying 3rd party cables when Sony recommend to only use their own cables. Yes, just a USB cable for charging would be ideal. Then I could use the my laptop for charging, or the same USB charger that my mobile phone uses.

My camera came with a USB cable for charging, but I can't determine the model number of the cable to order another one. Do you know the model number of this cable?

Thanks.

HX7V - Type 3b mutli use connector

blaireau_photo — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:45:39 GMT

Hello again

The VMC-MD3 is the cable that is supplied with the camera and as you say, the official one is £35.99:

http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dcc-docking-stations---cables/vmc-md3

If you have a look around on Google, you will see a variety of compatible and official versions of this cable:

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=vmc-md3&hl=en&tbm=shop&aq=f&oq=&aq=f

Thanks,

Simon

Message was edited by: blaireau_photo