The HDR-FX1, Sony's first consumer high-definition camcorder

JVC came out with the first consumer high-definition camcorder last year, but Sony has just one-upped them with the HDR-FX1, their new HDV camcorder which records at 1080i and has one of those coveted 3 CCD sensor (P.S. - we should probably mention at some point that HDV is the name of the standard for consumer high-def camcorders). The would-be cineastes in the house should note that the HDR-FX1 doesn't have an option to record at 24P, a high-def format which records at 24 frames per second and is supposed to give more of a cinematic look to digital video (or you could just keep it old school and stick to 35mm).

[Thanks to everyone who wrote in with this one]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Ah, if only it could shoot 30p & 24p I would SO be Sony's bitch... but, alas, I must now return to my waiting...

And, I must say, HD with rectangular pixels? That's soooo retro.

Won't SOMEBODY release "THE" camera?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Gotta love that artificial market segmentation.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Does it somewhat related to High-Definitions DVD?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

It's hi-def picture may be impressive but it lacks true progressive scan 24p recording and no XLR audio input. I would wait a couple of years for a future model of this camcorder. Now I am happy with my VX2000 and DSR500.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Hello. I am going to be shooting wedding video, and storm footage ie tornado, severe storms. Should I go VX2100 which is going to be a little better low light, which I can get financed for 2540, or is the FX1 worth a thousand dollars more??

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

It looks like a good camera but I think there are some features lacking. I think we will soon look forward to many more (and better) high-definition camcorders.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

~This camera seems to have only one attribute (HD). I was so excited when I first heard about it, and heart broken when looked it up. It's like being announced about winning a lottery.... which totals smth which sounds like $5.65 or $13.50 (or smth like that).

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Despite what it lacks, it's very encouraging to me to see a 3 CCD 1080i camera in this price range. 12 months from now we'll be able to get exactly what we want for under $4000. Finally!

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Question for everyone. Has anyone actually tested the SD capabilities of the HDR-FX1 versus the VX2100 video? Anyone know how many line of resolution the HDR-FX1 records SD in??

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Well I am proud to say that Sony has never made a bad camera (except for some exeptions with the VX2100 and some low-end 8mm), for the most part Sony has always given sharp looking images with their uncomparable CCD technology.

While this new HD camera is definitely great, it's not the one I would buy. After researching and trying a few cameras I've come to the conclusion: THE next best camera is the HVR-Z1U from who else but Sony. It looks exactly like the FX1 but is tagged its big brother (professonal version). Anyone interested in HD prosumer cameras at a very reasopnable price should look into it. I have.

For a comparison chart of the FX1 and the new HVR-Z1U check out this link: http://www.hdvinfo.net/articles/sonyhdrfx1/compare.php

Hope this helps out a little and makes the buying experience a whole lot easier.

Peace out.

Sebastian Gomez
www.sebastiangomez.com

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

We just start to work with this DH cam. But the first problem is the compatibility with our software. It seems like it don’t run. We have PC and Mac; both don’t accept the upload 1:1 from the HDV modus. DV work well, but it’s not why we have buy the cam. So what to do? I have contact SONY (software), hopefully they help.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I have shot the FX-1 side by side with a Panasonic dvx100 and the cine mode was comparable. The Panasonic had more of a contrasty tone. Deeper blacks. The FX-1 was sharper and more true to life. I was able to pump the Fx-1 footage
to an equal look of contrast in FCP. The main setback would be in transfering dv to film.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I am experimenting with the FX1 and like ingo storm, i'm having difficulty making it work with Final Cut HD when I shoot in HD mode. Does anyone have any suggestions? www.nhmgonline.com

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

By best respect to SONY – we have tried our best to get it run.

Nothing works, the colors by film transfer are simple lost, the editing with MAC is totally catastrophe, SONY simple don’t answer any emails or site submissions. Can be it is the Sony’s politic, anyway it touch us powerfully. We have work with the big brother HVR-Z1U of - the SONY HDR-FX1 "Professional Camcorder" - it doesn’t work anyway!!!

Last weekend we have try the PANASONIC AG-DVX100A [PAL]. My friend has edited the 20 minutes of end result of film in few hours only. The Final Cut Express HD at my Mac has eaten it with love and pleasure! Film transfer was simple perfect! All, color, contrast, simple all! One hot tip for beginner: simple shoot with "F6" it save a lot of time by color correction.

We only wait the Panasonic AG-HVX200 come to our shop around. We have spoke with Panasonic guys from the local shop, they was more then helpful!

Open to tell I don’t understand, why all this trouble with SONY...

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

By best respect to SONY – we have tried our best to get it run.

Nothing works, the colors by film transfer are simple lost, the editing with MAC is totally catastrophe, SONY simple don’t answer any emails or site submissions. Can be it is the Sony’s politic, anyway it touch us powerfully. We have work with the big brother HVR-Z1U of - the SONY HDR-FX1 "Professional Camcorder" - it doesn’t work anyway!!!

Last weekend we have try the PANASONIC AG-DVX100A [PAL]. My friend has edited the 20 minutes of end result of film in few hours only. The Final Cut Express HD at my Mac has eaten it with love and pleasure! Film transfer was simple perfect! All, color, contrast, simple all! One hot tip for beginner: simple shoot with "F6" it save a lot of time by color correction.

We only wait the Panasonic AG-HVX200 come to our shop around. We have spoke with Panasonic guys from the local shop, they was more then helpful!

Open to tell I don’t understand, why all this trouble with SONY...

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Hello...

I have tried the new sony hdr fx1..
The auto focus not work correct,,the picture is very bad when i zoom out!...and colour is very brigth ..im very happy for my old panaonic md9000en..

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

This is a question to Rossangeles:

Can you give me more information about the 24p frame mode comparison between the Sony HDR-FX1 and the Panasonic AG-DVX100? I don't know which one to buy.

Thanks.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I think as far as aspiring digi filmmakers are concerned the SONY FX1 will become obsolete with the introduction of Panasonic HVX200. It offers variable bitrates and up to 100Mbps.

Of course, wedding videographers should stick to Sony :)

My review of the SONY FX1, one year later:
http://www.filmdailies.com/archives/sony-fx1/

My review of the Panasonic HVX200 specs:
http://www.filmdailies.com/archives/panasonic-hvx200/

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 6th 2006 5:18PM]

It's a very amazing camera. I love it, and i baught it for one wedding shoot and it was perfect. I synced it with another 3CCD camera and it mixed amazing. I'm now selling this camera for 3500 canadian, if anybody is interested! email me @ [e-mail]