Camcorder News
September 04, 2008UPDATE: Sony HDR-FX1000 and HVR-Z5U Announced for US
Read our comprehensive review of the Sony HDR-FX1000 here.
A week after Japan jumped the gun and announced the camcorders, Sony's U.S. division finally followed up with the official confirmation that the HDR-FX1000 ($3199 MSRP) and the HVR-Z5U ($4950 MSRP) will indeed be released for the U.S market. They also confirmed than the HDR-FX7 will be reduced to $1999, and that the DCR-VX2100, after four years on the market, would be discontinued. (View photo gallery of HDR-FX1000)
When asked why Sony was continuing to invest in tape-based camcorders at this price range while other manufacturers are pursuing non-tape methods, Bob Ott, Vice President of Marketing for Pro Audio, Video, and Optical Networks responded: 'The perception that the industry is moving away from tape is a perception. It’s not definite.' He continues, 'The question is, 'Where’s your master?' A wedding is a once in a lifetime shoot. Would you want to talk up to the bride and tell her that you accidentally erased the footage?'
Sony is pursuing non-tape HD camcorders in both higher and lower price ranges, such as the PMW-EX3 ($13,000 MSRP) and several consumer camcorders ranging in the $800 - $1300 range.
All of the camcorders specs released in last week's news carry over to the U.S. models. The HDR-FX1000 will be available in November, and the HVR-Z5U will follow in December.
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| The new Sony HDR-FX1000 | |
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| The HDR-FX1000, a side view (above), and a top vew (below). |
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| The HVR-Z5U features upgraded audio controls | Both camcorders have rings for iris, focus, and zoom. |
The HDR-FX1000 is scheduled for release on November 10th at a ¥400,000 price point. The HVR-Z5J will follow in December for ¥554,400.
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