Sony Handycam HDR-FX1000 Camcorder Reviewby Jeremy StamasPublished on Feb 20, 2009 2:00 PM |
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| Introduction | ||||
With an MSRP of $3199, the Sony HDR-FX1000 is an HDV camcorder that's packed with enough manual controls and features to keep most people happy. If you're a professional videographer, however, you'll likely be disappointed with the camcorder's lack of precise controls and its cramped design. The HDR-FX1000 is very limited when it comes to audio connectivity (it has no XLR inputs), and the button layout for certain controls is downright terrible. That being said, the camcorder represents a decent value for what you get as there aren't too many models out there that record HD and offer this much control for less than $3200. Also, the HDR-FX1000 performed surprisingly well in our video performance tests, which means if you care more about image quality than the caliber of manual controls, this may be the camcorder for you. For an extra $1750 you can spring for the professional Sony HVR-Z5U, which is very similar to the HDR-FX1000, but comes equipped with better audio controls, more connectivity options, and a set of natively progressive CMOS sensors. |
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| (Page 1 of 17) | Product Tour | |
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| Section | The Good | The Bad |
| Product Tour | Compact, hand-held design with no shoulder mount | Left side is too cluttered and confusing |
| Color & Noise Performance | Low noise levels and deep, vivid colors | Overall image is dark and colors aren't as accurate as we'd hoped |
| Motion & Resolution Performance | Smooth and sharp motion with shockingly good video resolution | 24p and 30p modes aren't natively progressive |
| Low Light Performance | Color and noise levels were generally strong | Low light sensitivity doesn't stand up to the competition |
| Audio | Mic jack and audio level controls are better than nothing | Limited audio inputs and outputs, no dual channel level control |
| Compression & Media | MiniDV is cheap and popular | Sony's proprietary Memory Stick cards are required to for still images |
| Manual Controls | Assignable buttons and excellent peaking features stand out | Many important controls are difficult to access and manipulate |
| Still Features | Photos can be taken during video recording | No size or quality options for still images |
| Handling & Use | Large LCD screen with impressive resolution | Scroll wheel isn't well designed and too many buttons are awkwardly placed |
| Playback & Connectivity | VCR controls are large and well labeled | Sony's proprietary multi-AV cable means you can't use universal cables |
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With an MSRP of $3199, the Sony HDR-FX1000 is an HDV camcorder that's packed with enough manual controls and features to keep most people happy. If you're a professional videographer, however, you'll likely be disappointed with the camcorder's lack of precise controls and its cramped design. The HDR-FX1000 is very limited when it comes to audio connectivity (it has no XLR inputs), and the button layout for certain controls is downright terrible. That being said, the camcorder represents a decent value for what you get as there aren't too many models out there that record HD and offer this much control for less than $3200. Also, the HDR-FX1000 performed surprisingly well in our video performance tests, which means if you care more about image quality than the caliber of manual controls, this may be the camcorder for you.