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
   



Handling
The HDR-UX1 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $729.95) handles very well. By combining a touch screen interface with a well-implemented multi-function ring, Sony has created a camcorder that is both user-friendly and powerful. While we have never been fans of touch screens as a manual control interface, they are a speedy means of navigating through menu options, and the 3.5" screen makes navigating the screen easier than on a 2.7" LCD. The multi-function ring on the HDR-UX1 is a very good manual control for focus and exposure, the manual controls that suffer most from touch screen control on the DCR-DVD505 (Review, Specs, $664), due to fingerprints marring the image. We like the hybrid method adopted by the Sony HDR-UX1, with external controls for crucial adjustments.


The LCD cavity houses, among other things, the MemoryStick Duo slot

During handheld shooting, the HDR-UX1 functions like other Sony handycams - which is to say quite well.  The camcorder fits comfortably in the right palm and the zoom toggle provides smooth and fine control.  In terms of bulk, this camcorder is slightly larger than Sony's SD models, and the 3.5" LCD does add a little heft, but it is still small enough to handle for extended periods of time with one hand, and to slip into a backpack or purse.  A last, positive note about the camcorder's design is the absence of important ports or buttons on the underside of the HDR-UX1, so users can access all the camcorder's features while it is tripod mounted.

LCD/Viewfinder
The large, bright 3.5” LCD screen is undoubtedly one of the camcorder’s biggest draws, and it makes high definition video look exceptionally good. Like the 3.5” screen on the DCR-DVD505, this one has a pixel count of 211,000 pixels, or nearly double the count for most LCDs on the consumer market. The LCD opens to 90 degrees fromt the camcorder body, and rotates through 270 degrees offering numerous viewing angles, and also folds into the LCD cavity screen-side out.  The LCD hinge seemed sturdy enough to handle the weight of the screen, and that's important given that this one has to stand up to use as a touch screen.  An added benefit of a large LCD used as a touch screen is that controls are larger and easier to operate than on a more cramped 2.7” screen. At the same time, the otherwise attractive display picks up fingerprints and grease easily, and this kind of smudging can impair a user's ability to accurately assess the image.

Not every shooting environment favors the use of a large LCD screen that produces lots of light and draws attention to the shooter. The LCD will also consume more power than a more typical 2.7” screen using the same technology. In situations where maximizing battery life is important, the electronic color viewfinder may be a better option. The viewfinder appears to share its specifications with the DCR-DVD505, measuring 0.27” and producing a resolution of 123k pixels.



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