Sony HDR-UX1 reviewed

You know, if CamcorderInfo really wanted to write a shorter review of the Sony HDR-UX1, it probably should have hired Leo Tolstoy, who's always been known for his brevity. That said, we revel in doing the heavy reading for you; so what's the skinny on this high-def shooter? We're glad you asked, because here's the good news: CamcorderInfo enjoyed the cam's strong colors and even saturation, gave it bonus points for the multi-purpose ring control, and noted the respectable battery life, which topped out at barely over two hours. Further, the site says the revamped on-screen menus with two columns of options make the camcorder's on-screen controls a fair bit faster and easier to access. On the minus side, they were very disappointed with the serious noise issues probably caused by the AVCHD compression, particularly in bright light, and added that the problem is even "worse in low light." In addition, the lack of higher-end features like a shutter speed control mar an otherwise decent product. Overall, though, the site gave the $1400 HDR-UX1 (one of the first AVCHD cams on the market), its blessing as a "great camcorder." How do you like that -- a 13,000 word review summed up into four syllables.

[Kevin @ Sep 29th 2006 2:59PM]

Just sucks that it's storing to a DVD instead of miniDV or something equivalent. DVD makes it difficult to edit the recorded video and maintain the best quality.

[Rick Lyon @ Sep 29th 2006 3:52PM]

Great! Good luck sharing anything this baby records with anyone not sitting in your livingroom.

[E-Rock @ Sep 29th 2006 4:04PM]

How is a $1400 camcorder that does poorly in bright light and even worse in low light get summed up at a great camcorder?

[soyuz @ Sep 29th 2006 5:59PM]

three sylables?

[tristanfey @ Sep 29th 2006 7:40PM]

"great camcorder"

great / cam � cord � er
1 2 3 4

[soyuz @ Sep 29th 2006 7:48PM]

The initial revision of this article read "a 13,000 word review summed up into three syllables."

Looks like they finally caught it!

[keith waddington @ Sep 29th 2006 8:17PM]

Eventually (if not already) you will be able to drag and drop the files to your computer's hard drive for editing. This is the only advantage, because at the moment a 1 hour tape take 1 hour to load onto your computer.

On the other hand, software needs to understand the file and codec an this has been a problem in the past. Also, a tape is MUCh safer for permanent storage. And a tape is actually more compact for sticking in your camera bag. And if something goes wrong with the disk on this thing you could lose all the content: that means all your holiday footage. The worst that can happen with a tape is a few seconds of drop out.

All in all these things are a solution to a problem that doesn't exist and will only appeal to people who have not considered the problems of editing etc etc.

waddo
http://www.waddo.net/

[umijin @ Sep 30th 2006 4:53AM]

I've been looking closely at new camcorders, and have been trying to decide between Sony's HC3 and Canon's HV10, with some difficulty. I thought I'd wait for the Sony UX1 and SR1 to come out before deciding. This morning, I visited the Sony Buliding in Ginza (Tokyo) to see if these two new models were on display, and sure enough they were. I compared them side by side with the HC3 and found that althougth the UX1 and SR1 have bigger LCD panels, and a focus ring, they both are HUGE camcorders, stretching the bondaries of 'portable'. the HC3 is much lighter (seems like half the weight). I can't see the advanced features of the UX1 and SR1 being worth carrying an anchor around.

[keith waddington @ Sep 30th 2006 7:29AM]

Don't forget the Sony models in japan will probably have only Japanese menus. The Canon may give you choice of languages.

Unless you can find a HC1 for about 80,000 yen, which is what I did, I would go with the Canon.

waddo
http://www.waddo.net/

[umijin @ Sep 30th 2006 10:23AM]

Sony's with Japanese only menus? Hadn't thought about that. I would be surprised if that's the case, given what I see in digi cameras - but I'll check.

The HC1 is selling for premium prices here still, at least in the major electronic stores. Like �150,000. Curious where you can find a new one for less.

The Canon's shape really bugs me, however - hence my hesitation.

[steven @ Sep 30th 2006 9:58AM]

13,000 words and not one mention about how many minutes fit onto a disc?

[keith waddington @ Sep 30th 2006 11:16AM]

I got a HC1 at Yodobashi camera for 80,000.

It will be hard to find now though since it has been discontinued for some time.

The HC1 has japanese only menus. Sony produces "Export" models for the Japanese market with English Menus. This is simply a scam because they sell for much higher prices.

I also had a Canon a long time ago with the same form factor as the new HD. It's not so bad even though I prefer the HC1. But it does actually have some advantages, such as compactness etc.

If you want you can see a sample video on my web site made with the HC1 as well as many made with the old Canon.

waddo
http://www.waddo.net/

[kombizz @ Oct 6th 2006 1:09AM]

i would love to have it.

[lance @ Oct 10th 2006 3:01AM]

I've been looking closely at new camcorders, and have been trying to decide between Sony's HC3 and Canon's HV10, with some difficulty. I thought I'd wait for the Sony UX1 and SR1 to come out before deciding.

This morning, I visited the Sony Buliding in Ginza (Tokyo) to see if these two new models were on display, and sure enough they were. I compared them side by side with the HC3 and found that although the UX1 and SR1 have bigger LCD panels, and a focus ring, they both are HUGE camcorders, stretching the boundaries of 'portable'. The HC3 is much lighter (seems like half the weight). I can't see the advanced features of the UX1 and SR1 being worth carrying an anchor around.

AVCHD? Who cares if I have to lug either of these around.

Now I have to decide between the HV10 and the HC3, which I've failed to do so far.

Lance
http://www.camcorde-battery-shop.com