Sony HDR-FX1 and Panasonic AG-DVX100 comparedbyPublished on Sep 6, 2004 11:30 AM |
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A NEW information resource about the Sony HDR-FX1 and HDV, including a first impressions REVIEW.
Panasonic's AG-DVX100 lists for around $300 more expensive than the HDR-FX1. In this price range $300 isn't really going to break the bank, so disregarding price, these camcorders are fundamentally different machines. While both enjoy large amounts of manual control, the High definition Sony HDR-FX1 records almost twice the resolution of the AG-DVX100 at 1080i (60i fps). The Panasonic, however, does bring the possiblity of variable frame rates and scanning in offering recording possbilities of 60i, 30P, and 24P (at both 2:3 and 2:3:3:2 pulldowns). This is a nice addition and has certainly been popular with independant filmmakers looking for the cinematic look with video. And while the 24P frame rate will never be as clear and distintive as film, the open to record at 30P allows the videographer to explore the crispness of a progressively scanned image. The 1080i format of the HDR-FX1 does virtually insure a crisp picture as the resolution is immense, but it would be nice to see a progessive scanning option. The HDR-FX1 does employ true 16:9 natively, which is something the AG-DVX100 cannot claim.
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Sony HDR-FX1
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Panasonic AG-DVX100
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| Power Consumption | 8.0 W | 6.8-9.2W |
| Video recording system |
1080i (1440x1080, 60i fps) |
525i (60i) (NTSC)
30P 24P |
| Audio recording System | DV (12bit,16bit)
HDV (MPEG2, 48 |
12 (4 channel), 16 (2 channel) |
| Image Sensor | 1/3 inch CCD x 3
Super HAD, 16:9 |
1/3 inch CCD x 3 |
| Gross pixels per CCD | 1 MP each | 410K |
| Effective pixels | 380K | |
| Pixel Shifting | No | pixel offset system |
| Tape format | MiniDV, HDV | MiniDV |
| Tape speed | 18mm/sec: SP
12.5mm/sec: LP |
18mm/sec: SP, 12.5mm/sec: LP |
| Lens Mount | no | no |
| Manual Focus Type | Ring | ring |
| Minimum focusing distance | f4.5 -54 | 4.5-45mm |
| shutter speed options | Auto, 1/4-10,000 | Auto, 1/60-2000 |
| Minimum illumination | 3 lux | 3 lux |
| Recommended illumination | 100lux | |
| filter diameter | 72 mm | 72 mm |
| Viewfinder | Color, 250K pixels | Color, 180K pixels |
| LCD | 16:9 Hybrid | 3.5 inch(200K) |
| DV Terminal | yes | yes |
| S-Video IN/OUT terminal | yes | yes |
| Video IN/OUT Terminal | composite in/out | pin jack |
| Audio OUT Terminal | stereo | pin jacks for 2 channels |
| No XLR ports | XLR in x 2 (2 channels), LINE/MIC input | |
| Headphone | yes | yes |
| Audio IN Terminal | yes | 16 bit(2 channels), 12 bits (4 channels) |
| Microphone IN | stereo | yes |
| Operating temperature range | 32 - 104 | |
| Dimensions | 15.93 x 7.125 x 14.375 | 5.5 x 6.9375 x 14.375 |
| Weight | 4lbs 10oz (battery) | 3.731 (no battery) |
| 16:9 effect | no, 16:9 native | normal, letterbox, squeeze |
| grip zoom | variable speed | yes |
| second zoom | ring (not variable speed) | handle |
| adjustable zoom speed | yes | yes |
| movie mode | CineFrame 24 (2:3:2:3) 1080/24i | 24P (2:3), 24P(2:3:3:2) |
| white balance | Auto and Manual | auto (3200K and 5600K) preset, hold, auto tracking white, black balance |
| zebra patterning | Yes | Yes, 2 modes |
| optical zoom | 12x | 10x |
| built in ND filter | yes(0, 1/6, 1/32) | 1/8, 1/64 reduction settings |
| still to tape | no | no |
| 2 photo buttons | no | no |
| two gripping positions | yes | yes |
| exposure steps | F1.6-F11 (24 step) | F1.6-F2.8 |
| shutter speed steps | 1/4-1/10,000 | 7 steps + 1/30 and 1/24 |
| Shooting Modes | 60i (24i in CineFrame 24 |
60i (525i), 30P,24P (3:2)
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| Customized keys | yes | yes |
| Clear Scan | no | Synchro Scan |
| Audio Dubbing | yes | yes |
| Zoom features | ring, toggle | ring, toggles |
