Sony HDR-UX1 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by John Neely
Published on Jul 26, 2006 4:30 PM

Intro Performance
Format Tour
Auto / Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use Audio / Playback / Connectivity
Other Features
Comparisons / Conclusion
   



Conclusion
Sony’s new HDR-UX1 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $729.95) is a camcorder that defies categorization, and is unlike anything else available on the market in several respects. It is the first AVCHD camcorder (along with the hard disk drive HDR-SR1 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1119.99)) and the first DVD camcorder to record high definition video. It may also be the first DVD camcorder to warrant a serious look by higher-end users including prosumers, because it has a strong manual control feature set and microphone and headphone jacks, and It records 1080i video. Even the Panasonic VDR-D300 (Review, Specs, $534.89) – with great manual controls, mic and headphone jacks, and good video performance – could not break free of its inherent limitation: MPEG-2 compression. We have yet to see AVCHD video, but we know it will be far better than DVD video has been to date.

In another sense, Sony has broken new ground with the HDR-UX1. The multi-function ring is a great manual control that allows fast and accurate adjustment of focus and exposure. On many Sony camcorders, such as the DCR-DVD505 (Review, Specs, $664), manual controls are accessed entirely via the touchscreen, and adjusted by literally pointing to onscreen “buttons” at either end of a slider. Focusing manually using onscreen buttons is a highly compromised process, and we came down hard on Sony in the past for placing such an important control on the touch screen. The same can be said for other manual controls such as exposure. The addition of the multi-function ring addresses our biggest criticism of Sony manual controls. At the same time, the HDR-UX1has kept the touch screen for general menu navigation and those manual controls that it compromises less, like white balance. As a result, the HDR-UX1 combines very good manual controls with a user friendly touch screen and DVD media.

All of these features are packed into a typically well-designed Sony camcorder body, with a comfortable hand strap and excellent zoom toggle. As a package, we anticipate the Sony HDR-UX1 to be the strongest combination of video performance, manual control and ease-of-use yet seen in a consumer camcorder. It may not produce video that can rival competing high definition formats, but would be hard-pressed not to surpass the best performing MiniDV camcorders. The first impressions are unquestionably very positive, this is an exciting model. The HDR-UX1 is intriguing and compelling, and it’s a camcorder we can’t wait to spend some quality time with.



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