Sony Handycam HDR-FX1000 Camcorder Review

by Jeremy Stamas
Published on Feb 20, 2009 2:00 PM

 
Intro
 Product Tour
Color & Noise Performance Motion & Resolution Performance
Low Light Performance Audio
Compression & Media Manual Controls
Still Features Handling & Use
Playback & Connectivity Canon XL H1A Comparison
Sony HVR-Z5U Comparison Panasonic AG-HVX200 Comparison
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


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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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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