Sony HDR-UX1 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Sep 29, 2006 1:00 AM
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Ease of Use (7.0)
One of Sony’s main strengths is its ability to operate in auto mode and still produce a beautiful picture. If this is your intention, have no fear. Those looking to branch out will have to contend with the new menu system, which will have beginners consulting the manual for the first week or so. The problem, as we explained earlier, is that some controls are listed in both the Home menu and Camera menu, obfuscating the distinction between them. On the whole, though, the menu system is much improved over last year's design. You get quicker access to features, and the controls are grouped together smartly.
DVD camcorders have a small snag in the ease of use that trips up many beginners. In order to play back your DVDs on anything other than the camcorder, you need to “finalize” the disc, a process that makes -/+R discs unusable thereafter (-/+RW discs can be “unfinalized” and used again). Many DVD camcorders have an external button for finalizing, just to make it easy. The HDR-UX1 places it in the Home menu, which should not be too hard to find.
Overall, the camcorder shares the same ease of use as most Sonys. There is the notable lack of an Easy button, however, a one-touch control that throws the camcorder into auto mode. Factoring that loss against the bonus of an improved menu system balanced out the Ease of Use score with other Sonys.
Handling (7.5)
The Sony HDR-UX1 is larger than most consumer camcorder – a good 1/3 larger than the top MiniDV camcorder, the DCR-HC90 – which makes handling significantly different. It’s not a lightweight. If you’re used to a typical consumer camcorder, your arms may very well get tired holding this thing steady for a long shot. But the larger size is also a little refreshing. It feels solid in your hand. The large right side, with the big lip on top formed by the DVD bay, makes for a great grip. The zoom, photo shutter, mode dial, and record on/off button are all well-placed.
The new menu is certainly an improvement over the one used in every other Sony camcorder this year (except for the HDR-SR1). In essence, they’ve managed to increase the width and decrease the depth, which saves precious time scrolling through a miles-long menu. It’s not a perfect system, and has some confusing redundancies, but overall, it improves handling a great deal.
The multifunction ring is also a great element of the HDR-UX1. With options to control focus, exposure, AE shift, and WB shift, it has most of the controls you would want close at hand. It seems a loss that you cannot use the ring for zooming, but the primary zoom toggle is great, so you might not miss it. There was one big problem with the ring: you can’t make a second manual control choice – say, focus – without losing the first. Of course, you can go into the menu, but you can’t do it by the multi-function ring alone. Overall, a ring is almost always a great addition. It allows for easy manual control adjustments without having to go through the menu and interrupt the shot, or more importantly, your attention and engagement with the shot. The big 3.5" LCD screen makes this all the easier.
The HDR-UX1 doesn’t handle like a professional camcorder, but it’s among the best of the consumer camcorders we’ve seen lately.
Portability (4.5)
The Sony HDR-UX1 measures 76mm x 89mm x 165mm (3” x 3 5/8” x 6 1/2”) and weighs 740g (1 lb. 10 oz.) with battery and disc. As mentioned above, the camcorder is larger than most consumer camcorders these days. Granted, there’s a lot of technology to pack in there, but users accustomed to digital accessories that fit in your pocket / purse will be in for a rude awakening.
The HDX-UX1 side by side with the DCR-DVD305
The HDR-UX1 dwarves the DCR-HC96.
There’s also the fact that the HDR-UX1 uses DVDs, which are probably the least portable recording media. DVDs are prone to scratches; they fall out of the jewel boxes; the jewel boxes break… etc. And considering the fact that even a dual layer disc can only hold 27 minutes of the highest quality video, you’ll probably be packing a few blanks for something as simple as a picnic. Sorry.
All in all, this is not a terribly portable device. But how many first-generation technologies are?
LCD/Viewfinder (10.0)
The Sony HDR-UX1 comes equipped with a 3.5” touch screen LCD (211,200 pixels), and can be tilted to extreme angles without solarizing. We have mixed feeling on the touch screen controls. Some people love it. Others, including pros, hate it, which is why Sony does not employ it in their pro models. We admit that they make for fast menu operation, but at a steep price. Constantly touching the LCD creates smears that 
prohibit your ability to make an accurate assessment of focal adjustments. What’s the point of having all that focus control if you can’t see the subjects? You be the judge. We prefer joysticks, and best of all, joysticks that allow for one-handed operation. However, this screen is huge, and it looks absolutely wonderful. The size makes for more effective touch screen controlling than a 2.7" screen, and those who already have a prediliction for touch screens will love it.
The color electronic viewfinder pivots up at about a 40 degree angle, but does not extend out. You’ll have to choose between the LCD or viewfinder, as both cannot operate at the same time.
Battery Life (12.1)
The HDR-UX1 ships with the NP-FM50 battery pack. We tested it for continuous shooting duration. Without engaging manual controls or the touch menu, we found the battery to last 121 minutes and 38 seconds (2 hours 1 minute, 38 seconds). This was a very good battery life, and could even eschew the need for a second battery for day trips.
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