Before you decide on any third party imaging tool make sure that the recovery disk works with your setup. Most of these are Linux disks which can have problems locating your backup drive. I have had this problem with Macrium Free although others have had no trouble. It all depends on your setup.
If you own a WD or Seagate HD you get a free copy of Acronis premium cloning/imaging app on either of their Support Downloads webpages. This is the best one I've found short of their paid versions.
The others all have limitations, but Win7 backup imaging should be tried to see how it suits you. We are hoping it evolves from it's infant state. If I can find members of it's Product Team here at the MVP Global Summit I will pass along the shortcomings that have been laid out most fully in SevenForums.
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