Sony Handycam HDR-FX1000 Camcorder Review

Audio Summary
• Limited audio connectivity and features—no XLR inputs, no multiple channel audio level control. • Onboard mic is decent, but not much better than what you'd expect from a high-end consumer camcorder. • 3.5mm microphone jack is only audio feature of note
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Audio Features (4.0)

Onboard Audio
The HDR-FX1000 isn't loaded with audio features and it has significantly less audio controls than most professional camcorders. The FX1000 records stereo sound with its front-mounted microphone and offers a few run-of-th-mill audio features like wind cut, an audio limiter, and level display. The supplied microphone doesn't provide the best quality, and it cannot be removed, repositioned, or rotated. It doesn't have a shock-mount or holder as featured on the Canon XL H1A, JVC GY-HM100, and a host of other pro models. These limited audio features on the the HDR-FX1000 are about what you'd expect to see on a high-end consumer camcorder and are not geared towards the professional videographer.

The supplied microphone can be set to auto or manual control. It can be manually adjusted using an audio level dial on the left side of the camcorder behind a plastic shield. The HDR-FX1000 doesn't have independent control over multiple audio channels, which means the lone dial on the left side controls the audio level of all the sound picked up by the camcorder. The level adjustment dial isn't designed very well either—it is small and practically impossible to adjust unless its plastic shield is flipped down.

The supplied mic on the HDR-FX1000	The 3.5mm connector for an external microphone

Additional Audio Controls
Many pros will likely shy away from the HDR-FX1000 because of its lack of XLR inputs or multi-channel audio level control. Similarly-sized pro camcorders, the JVC GY-HM100 and Canon XH A1, both offer 2 XLR inputs and numerous audio control features that are absent on the HDR-FX1000. Videographers who are serious about audio should seek another camcorder (the Sony HVR-Z5U offers much of what the FX1000 lacks) or expect to use a separate audio recording device during video shoots.

The camcorder only offers one channel audio level adjustment

The HDR-FX1000 does have a 1/8-inch stereo mini mic jack for connecting an external microphone, but that's all it has going for it as far as dedicated audio inputs are concerned. On the back side of the camcorder is a mini headphone jack as well.