Sony Hdrfx1000 High Definition Minidv Handycam Camcorder Review

For an actress $1750 you can spring for the professional person 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.

Lens & Imaging Arrangement

The lens on the Sony HDR-FX1000 is not removable, but various lens converters are available through Sony at an extra cost. The lens has a very wide viewing angle, measuring in at 70 degrees.

The lens on the HDR-FX1000 is not detachable

In the Box

The following items ship with the HDR-FX1000:

• AC-L100 Power Adapter/In Camera Charger

• NP-F570 Rechargeable Battery Pack

• Wireless Remote Control

• Detachable Lens Hood

• Lens Cap

• Composite A/V Cable

• Component Video Cable

• Large Eye Loving cup

• Shoulder Strap

Color (nine.05)

The Sony HDR-FX1000 produced a practiced paradigm in our bright low-cal color testing, just it appeared a fleck darker when compared to other camcorders. This darker-than-boilerplate image didn't await bad, but it may be a concern for people looking for very saturated colors and images that really popular. According to Imatest, the HDR-FX1000 produced a color error of 4.42 and a saturation level of 78.77%. This is a decent color error, but we expected a bit amend coming from a prosumer camcorder. Since the image produced by the FX1000 in motorcar manner is and so dark, y'all tin can definitely get more accurate colors if yous manually heave the exposure just a bit. (More on how nosotros test color).

Note: CCI is using a new color error formula this year for our new 2009-2010 rubric, so the numbers won't match up with the results from camcorders we reviewed over the past two years. The new arrangement uses the CIEDE2000 formula, which is the most authentic equation for determining color error, and will exist in identify on all our reviews as of 2009.

We didn't really mind the darker prototype produced by the Sony HDR-FX1000, and frequently it looked quite skillful. The extra darkness provided more contrast, specially in our bright light testing, and it made the deeper reds and blues more defined. We really only noticed the darkness of the FX1000'southward paradigm when we started comparing it to other camcorders. The HDR-FX1000 has a number of colour and image controls, although not every bit many as on the Canon Forty H1A, and it comes preset with 3 Moving picture Profiles: Cinema, Dusk, and Portrait. The Movie theater profile produces a more contrast, while Sunset warms the colors significantly. The Portrait setting appeared to soften the await of the video and desaturated some color. We as well shot video using the two Cinematone settings, which are also both constitute in the Picture Contour bill of fare. Cinematone i and ii didn't appear to do much to the image, although they did seem to brighten things upwardly simply a bit.

Looking at our railroad train footage, the colors looked strong on the HDR-FX1000. Because the image had some darkness to it, some noise was noticeable in the darker colors (similar blue and deep red). Overall, notwithstanding, everything looked very practiced and the Sony was able to hold its ain in a comparison with the Catechism Forty H1A. Looking at the close-up of the pipe cleaners, it appears the HDR-FX1000 was able to capture the reds and oranges with less blur and blending than the Canon. The Catechism did have a better color accurateness score and an overall brighter image, even so, which is why it scored better in this examination.

In this side-by-side comparison, you can hands run into the departure in brightness betwixt the two camcorders. The close-ups of the private color patches below gives yous an fifty-fifty better thought of what nosotros're talking virtually.

Notation: Since we only started rolling out our new pro camcorder reviews, we currently only have one comparison for the HDR-FX1000. In future reviews we will exist showcasing iii comparison models throughout the review. Nosotros'll too be updating our current reviews with more comparisons one time we finish testing other camcorders.

Looking at the patches above you can clearly see some splotches and artifacting in the darker colour squares produced by the Sony HDR-FX1000. The Canon rendered a much smoother image, although some artifacting is however present. On the whole, this is an impressive color performance for the FX1000, as it is a lower-finish prosumer model. Just the fact that it can hang with some of the best (and more expensive) pro camcorders is praiseworthy.

Racket (7.22)

The Sony HDR-FX1000 had relatively low dissonance levels at most settings, although the numbers between 0dB gain and 6dB gain weren't all that promising. The camcorder has no transmission noise reduction modes, although information technology has two negative gain settings, which can be engaged to bring down noise levels when you accept plenty lite. The lowest noise percentage we measured with the HDR-FX1000 was 0.515%, which was obtained when using the -6dB gain setting. This is a rather low noise level, although information technology is slightly higher than what nosotros recorded with the Catechism XL H1A (0.3875% noise). (More on how we test noise.)

Above, nosotros are comparing the dissonance levels over proceeds settings betwixt the Sony HDR-FX1000 and Catechism XL H1A. The charted measurements taken by the Canon are using its NR ii dissonance reduction feature, which we constitute to work the all-time of the Camcorders multiple noise reduction settings. Since the HDR-FX1000 doesn't have a noise reduction feature, we simply mapped the numbers we measured when recording in auto mode over the various proceeds settings. The Canon showed better racket levels overall, especially in the depression gain settings, and it'due south numerous racket reduction features brand it the clear winner in this test. The foreign dip shown by the Sony HDR-FX1000 at +12dB proceeds is likely due to some automatic noise reduction kicking in at that gain level.

In the closeup shots above y'all can clearly meet more than noise on the image from the HDR-FX1000, with the XL H1A actualization smoother and softer overall. The numbers are crisper on the HDR-FX1000 and the image appears sharper too. Both of these closeups are 100% crops from our 3000 lux testing with the Blush DuMonde nautical chart.

Motion (10.85)

Note: Since we just started rolling out our new pro camcorder reviews, we currently only have one comparing for the HDR-FX1000. In future reviews we will be showcasing three comparison models throughout the review. We'll too be updating our current reviews with more comparisons once we end testing other camcorders.

Our move test was the first big surprise produced past the Sony HDR-FX1000. Motility captured by the camcorder looked very proficient and the images of the pinwheels was smooth and sharp. Very little abaft was noticeable on both pinwheels, although at that place was definitely some blur betwixt the colors on the color wheel. Click on the link to view a larger HD version of our motility test. (More than on how nosotros examination motion.)

Sony HDR-FX1000

Click Here for Total Screen Hd Version*

In comparing with the Canon XL H1A, the FX1000 was a clear winner when information technology came to movement. Both camcorders looked great, merely the Catechism had more motion mistiness when we watched the footage from our tests. Don't give this score too much weight, however, because motion is very difficult to judge and one could definitely prefer the 'expect' produced by the Canon over the Sony. Click on a link to see a larger Hd version of the XL H1A's move exam.

Catechism XL H1A

Click Hither for Full Screen HD Version*

Video Resolution (11.79)

The HDR-FX1000 produced a spectacular video resolution, measuring the highest line widths per moving picture height we have always recorded. The camcorder captured a horizontal resolution of approximately 900 lw/ph and a vertical resolution of 800 lw/ph. This is a stellar performance and helps explicate why the pinwheels in our motion tests looked so smooth and crisp. (More on how nosotros test video resolution).

This is ane of the few performance areas where the Sony HDR-FX1000 soundly defeated the Catechism 40 H1A. The Canon is outfitted with CCD sensors, while the Sony utilizes CMOS chips. We're not saying this is the reason behind the FX1000's surprise performance here, but it could play a part.

Low Light Sensitivity (four.56)

Note: Since we just started rolling out our new pro camcorder reviews, nosotros currently only have one comparison for the HDR-FX1000. In future reviews nosotros will exist showcasing three comparison models throughout the review. We'll as well be updating our electric current reviews with more than comparisons in one case we finish testing other camcorders.

The HDR-FX1000 has an adequate low light sensitivity, but compared to what many pro and prosumer camcorders are capable of doing, the Sony didn't put on a very adept functioning. The camcorder required 57 lux of calorie-free to produce 50 IRE on our waveform monitor when using no gain boost. With automobile gain control engaged, the camcorder only needed 8 lux of light to reach the same height on the waveform monitor. (More on how we exam low light sensitivity).

Just looking at the graph it is like shooting fish in a barrel to encounter how much better the Catechism XL H1A did with low light sensitivity. The 8 lux difference at 0dB gain and the 3 lux difference using automobile gain are very pregnant, as the range of scores for this test isn't very wide. It appears Sony'due south overall darker image sets it dorsum a scrap when information technology comes to picking up an paradigm in depression light situations. If you're not planning to shoot many scenes in the dark, all the same, the HDR-FX1000's setback with low light sensitivity may not be much of a business.

Low Light Colour (half-dozen.53)

Without any gain boost the Sony HDR-FX1000 produced a very dark epitome in our low light testing. The colors still looked very nice, but the overall image was too dark for the colors to register as authentic co-ordinate to Imatest. With 0dB gain, the HDR-FX1000 measured an approximate color error of 6.49 and a saturation level of 56.65%. These are average scores for a camcorder shooting in low light without whatever gain boost. (More on how we test low low-cal color.)

Going by the numbers, the Sony HDR-FX1000 and Canon 40 H1A scored as in this test when both camcorders were set at 0dB gain. In the images below, however, the Sony appears to have far deeper colors. This makes sense, as the HDR-FX1000 measured a roughly 10% higher saturation level than the Canon when shooting with these settings.

Side by side, nosotros cranked upwardly the gain on the HDR-FX1000 to +6dB. This improved the colors and brightness of the image tremendously, which was expected.

The FX1000 measured a respectable 4.91 color fault when we ran our tests with these settings. The saturation level made a huge leap and registered an impressive 80.24%. This is a decent color error score when using a 6dB gain setting, just we saw more accurate colors from the Canon XL H1A.

In the two comparisons higher up, the Sony HDR-FX1000 has stronger colors, as evidenced by its high saturation score. The Canon, however, scored amend in color accuracy and has a cleaner image overall. Some people may very well like the look created by the HDR-FX1000 at this level as colors appear vivid and deep.

The saturation level on the HDR-FX1000 remained consistent when we tested color using 12dB gain and machine gain settings. Strangely, however, the colour error increased when we raised the gain to 12dB. This is an odd operation quirk, but it matches the results we obtained from our low light noise testing (see next section). It appears the Sony HDR-FX1000 works all-time with gain settings somewhere between 0 and 9dB. When ready to car gain, the camcorder recorded the nigh accurate colors.

The Canon 40 H1A slightly edged out the Sony in this battle, mainly because information technology measured better color accuracy at every gain level we tested. The numbers were close, but the HDR-FX1000 was always a step behind.

Low Light Noise (6.62)

The Sony HDR-FX1000 fared better with low low-cal noise than it did with low calorie-free sensitivity. Testing across multiple proceeds settings, the camcorder consistently produced noise values well beneath two%. Even when using 12dB gain, which is quite a bit, the camcorder recorded a noised percentage of 1.8525%. These are comparable numbers to the Canon XL H1A, only the Canon does offer manual dissonance reduction features which makes it a far more versatile device when it comes to limiting the noisiness of an image. Even so, the Sony performed very well in this test. (More than on how nosotros examination low low-cal noise.)

Using 0dB proceeds setting and shooting at 60 lux, the HDR-FX1000 produced one.5125% noise. Without whatsoever gain boost the paradigm appeared very dark, which is normal when shooting under lx lux of light.

Bumping things upwards to 6dB gain the camcorder actually recorded less noise, with Imatest measuring only ane.3425% noise. This is likely due to some automatic dissonance reduction on the camcorder boot in at this level. Here, the Sony did much better than the Canon Xl H1A, which produced 2.xviii% noise using a 6dB gain setting.

Things didn't get too much brighter at 12dB gain, but the racket levels went way upward. This tells united states that the Sony HDR-FX1000 has a sweet spot when it comes to noise and low light shooting—keeping things around 6dB gain gets you your best overall results. We noticed the same thing in our low light color exam in the section above.

The HDR-FX1000 and Catechism Twoscore H1A had very similar numbers in this test, with the Sony actually scoring only a bit meliorate than the Catechism. Proceed in heed, the Forty H1A has lots of manual dissonance reduction features and so it's probably a improve device at decision-making racket overall. Dissonance reduction settings can degrade the quality of the image, yet, and the Sony showed united states of america impressive low light noise numbers in our tests across the gain range.

Audio Features (4.0)

Onboard Sound

The HDR-FX1000 isn't loaded with audio features and it has significantly less audio controls than near professional camcorders. The FX1000 records stereo sound with its front-mounted microphone and offers a few run-of-th-mill sound features like wind cut, an sound limiter, and level brandish. The supplied microphone doesn't provide the best quality, and information technology cannot be removed, repositioned, or rotated. It doesn't take a shock-mountain or holder as featured on the Catechism XL H1A, JVC GY-HM100, and a host of other pro models. These limited audio features on the the HDR-FX1000 are nigh what you'd expect to come across on a loftier-end consumer camcorder and are not geared towards the professional person videographer.

The supplied microphone tin be set to auto or manual control. Information technology can exist manually adjusted using an sound level dial on the left side of the camcorder behind a plastic shield. The HDR-FX1000 doesn't have independent command over multiple audio channels, which means the lone punch 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 modest and practically impossible to suit unless its plastic shield is flipped down.

Additional Audio Controls

Many pros will probable 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 well-nigh 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 HDR-FX1000 does take a 1/eight-inch stereo mini mic jack for connecting an external microphone, but that'due south all it has going for it as far as dedicated audio inputs are concerned. On the dorsum side of the camcorder is a mini headphone jack as well.

Compression (8.3)

As with most HD camcorders that tape to MiniDV tape, the Sony HDR-FX1000 uses HDV compression for loftier definition footage and DV for standard definition video. The camcorder cannot output uncompressed video, which is a feature unremarkably available on more expensive professional person video equipment.

The multiple frame charge per unit options on the HDR-FX1000 are 1080/60i, 1080/24p, and 1080/30p. Sony calls the 24p and 30p settings every bit 'Film-similar Progressive Scan' modes. When the 24p and 30p signals are recorded to tape they are down-converted to 60i using a 2:three pulldown method. This makes the footage easier to use on not-linear editing systems, but information technology means the video recorded to tape isn't really 24p or 30p—it'due south simply 60i with a pulldown conversion. The Sony HVR-Z5U, in contrast, records native progressive images as the camcorder utilizes 3 progressive CMOS sensors.

Now, all this compression jargon will probably exist useless to most consumers every bit the only thing that really matters is how the frame rates actually look. 24p and 30p on the Sony HDR-FX1000 are definitely slowed down and choppier, which does produce a somewhat film-like look, although information technology definitely won't appeal to everyone. In comparison with the Catechism XL H1A, which uses does non use a ii:3 pulldown when recording to tape, the Sony looks very similar (and in overall motion comparisons we thought the Sony actually looked a bit better).

Media (half-dozen.0)

The HDR-FX1000 records to MiniDV tape, which is still the most popular recording media for pro camcorders. Tape is cheap, light, like shooting fish in a barrel to store, and provides a relatively easy transition to not linear editing systems. Y'all exercise accept long logging and capturing times with tape, but information technology is made upwardly for by the depression cost and widespread computability of the HDV codec.

If y'all're looking to devious away from tape-based products, Sony's XDCAM serial features a number of camcorders with tapeless workflows, as do numerous professional person models from JVC and Panasonic. Canon has even so to release a pro or prosumer camcorder that does not tape to tape. Sony does not claim the HDR-FX1000 to exist compatible with its flash memory and HDD video recorders that can connect via the FireWire port. Sony sells two tapeless memory recording units, the HVRMRC1K and HVRDR60, both of which are fully compatible with the FX1000's big brother, the Sony HVR-Z5U.

Above the hand strap on the right side of the camcorder is a Memory Stick Pro Duo card slot, only these cards tin can simply be used to capture still images. The HDR-FX1000 also doesn't come with a Memory Stick menu, then one must be purchased separately before y'all can take still photographs with the camcorder.

Editing (eight.0)

No editing software ships with the HDR-FX1000, which is the usual story with pro and prosumer camcorders. The FX1000 should work seamlessly with pro-level non linear editing systems, although some may accept difficulty removing the 2:iii pulldown on footage shot using the 24p and 30p modes. Check with your editing software to see if it supports reverse telecine options (removing ii:3 pulldown) or if information technology tin handle editing 24p or 30p footage.

Auto Fashion (v.0)

While most of your time with the HDR-FX1000 will likely exist spent manipulating manual controls, the camcorder does offer a broad range of automated features that tin can come in handy in sure situations. The camcorder doesn't take a dedicated Easy Mode, which is a staple of Sony's consumer camcorder line, but it has a full auto mode switch on the left side of the camcorder. In this mode many settings can still be adjusted (Picture Profiles, ND filter, AE Shift), only discontinuity, shutter speed, white residuum, and gain are all locked in auto and cannot exist manipulated. When in manual manner, each setting can still be fix to car, or they can exist switched to manual individually. This makes it possible to create combinations of motorcar/manual setups (i.eastward. auto gain with manual discontinuity or manual white residuum and auto everything else). Focus is regulated by its own switch that can be flipped between Car, Manual, and Infinity for distant shots. There'southward as well a push machine push button if you lot want to do a quick car focus even if your in manual focus mode. Overall the car focus organization worked bully, although the manual focus assist features make transmission focusing extraordinarily easy on the HDR-FX1000. With auto white rest, the HDR-FX1000 offers 3 sensor settings—intelligent, high, middle, and low. For the well-nigh role we worked with intelligent and it produced decent results. Using the low setting, the prototype was generally warmer, picking upwardly more color from artificial light sources. The high setting was the opposite, producing a cooler paradigm. Both proceeds and aperture offering limiter features, which allow y'all to gear up a top setting the camcorder cannot exceed when set up in auto mode. The auto proceeds command on the camcorder tin also be gear up to use negative gain, which will automatically kick in to reduce racket to minuscule levels in very vivid scenes.

The manual control buttons are tiny and inconvenient Overall, the motorcar features on the HDR-FX1000 are decent, although the combination of auto/manual controls can get a bit confusing. Sony's lack of a defended mode dial makes it difficult to tell what features are set up to car and what is set to manual (without looking at the LCD, thereby taking upward screen infinite). Nosotros also found, the camcorder often overcompensated and didn't arrange settings to the virtually platonic level. For example, in our depression calorie-free testing color accuracy went down when we went from using +6dB gain to +12dB gain. This means the camcorder closed the aperture too much to recoup for the brighter calorie-free level, thus producing less authentic colors. *Low Low-cal Modes* There are no preset low light modes on the Sony HDR-FX1000 and the camcorder doesn't offer NightShot, which is a staple on Sony's high-end consumer models. For shooting in low light with the FX1000, you lot'll have to manually lower the shutter, raise the gain, or use the AE shift feature to boost your low-cal. *Scene Modes* There aren't whatever scene modes to speak of on the HDR-FX1000. The camcorder does have a few preset Pic Profiles—Portrait, Movie theater, Dusk, and Monotone—which can be adjusted by the user. These Picture Profiles are created past manipulating various color and image controls (exactly similar the custom presets options plant on Canon's pro camcorder lineup, only with less options hither). ####Zoom (7.8) There are three methods of zoom bachelor on the HDR-FX1000—a zoom band around the lens, a large rocker on the right side of the camcorder, and a smaller rocker located on the meridian of the handle. We liked the feel of the zoom band as it is well-sized and offered smooth aligning. Its blueprint feels a bit better than the larger, more resistant band on the Canon Twoscore H1A. The big rocker above the correct-side hand strap has variable zoom command (it volition zoom varying speeds based on how hard you push) and information technology cannot be set with a stock-still zoom rate. The rocker is a bit clumsy and makes as well much dissonance, just it is placed well and is good for making a quick zoom adjustment.

A small zoom rocker is on the handlebar and can be set with a fixed speed

The smaller rocker on the top of the handle tin can be set up with a variable or stock-still zoom control, with a speed range from i-eight. At speed 1, the zoom is tedious, only information technology isn't slow plenty—the camcorder should offering some speed command for very gradual zooms. At speed 8, the zoom is roughly as fast equally the rocker is when its set up to variable speed and and you push all the way down. Sony should have implemented slower and faster zoom speed options for at to the lowest degree one of the zoom controls on the HDR-FX1000.

Zoom Ratio (15.0)

The HDR-FX1000 has a 20x optical zoom. This zoom can be bumped upwards to 30x using the digital extender characteristic, although its use degrades image quality (as do all digital zoom features). If you lot want boosted optical flexibility, Sony does sell an optional 0.8x broad conversion lens that attaches to the camcorder. Information technology should be noted the HDR-FX1000 already has a very wide viewing bending, which we measured at 70 degrees.

Focus (11.0)

The focus features on the HDR-FX1000 are decent, only some of the focus assist options are difficult to admission. The large lens ring closest to the front of the lens is used to perform a manual focus. The focus ring offers a bit more resistance than the zoom ring, which is a good thing, and it is easy to perform a precise focus on the camcorder.

In the camcorder'southward menu you'll find settings for peaking and expanded focus. The peaking features are very proficient, offering iii color options (white, cherry-red, xanthous), and three intensity levels (low, middle, high). With peaking engaged, tiny flecks of color appear on the LCD and viewfinder screen when an image is in focus. The flecks diminish when the image is out of focus. It can be a very helpful tool, peculiarly if you're trying to focus using the electronic viewfinder. The peaking feature on the Sony HDR-FX1000 is much more effective than the similar feature constitute on Canon's pro camcorder line.

The largest lens band is used to control manual focus.

Expanded focus is another good tool and the FX1000 offers two types. Type 1 simply provides a digital zoom so you tin can focus on a particular expanse of the frame. Once recording begins (or expanded focus push is pressed over again) the image returns to its normal zoom level. Type ii is the aforementioned zoom setup, but it also puts the image into black and white. Expanded focus combined with peaking makes for a very powerful focus help mechanism.

Unfortunately, the options for peaking and expanded focus aren't the easiest to access. Expanded focus can be assigned to the photograph shutter button, but then you lose the ability to quickly snap notwithstanding photos with the camcorder. Peaking tin can only be turned on and off by going through the menu organisation, unless yous assign the feature to one of the FX1000's 6 assignable buttons. In comparing, the Canon 40 H1A, albeit a skillful deal larger than the HDR-FX1000, has dedicated peaking and focus magnification buttons.

Exposure (5.15)

First information technology must be said that the transmission control buttons on the HDR-FX1000 are very difficult to access. Each push button is tucked away at the bottom of the left side of the camcorder and their labels are hidden under the FX1000's bulky midsection, making them difficult to press—especially if you're looking in the viewfinder and trying to feel your fashion around.

The HDR-FX1000 offers two methods of exposure control. First is AE shift, which raises and lowers the exposure on the camcorder in an incremental manner. When using AE shift, the camcorder adjusts aperture and gain settings in club to achieve the desired exposure outcome. The feature can be accessed past pressing Assignable button 2, which comes preset as AE shift, and then shifting the AE using the control dial on the left side of the camcorder. The AE response tin be gear up to fast, middle, or slow and it has a range of -7 to +seven increments. AE shift only works if either gain, discontinuity, or both are set to auto.

The other exposure aligning method on the FX1000 is performed by setting the third lens band (the smallest) to command exposure instead of iris (aperture). When this is ready, discontinuity, proceeds, and shutter speed all become controllable using that same 1 lens ring. It is somewhat confusing as to how each are adjusted, merely the overall idea is that the exposure on the camcorder is manipulated using a combination of the three systems (somewhat like a priority mode on DSLR cameras).

Aperture (9.5)

Every bit discussed int he Exposure section, the third lens ring can be prepare to command the iris, or aperture on the HDR-FX1000. The ring moves a little too quickly and making precise adjustments tin can be a small difficulty. There is no secondary control dial for adjusting aperture.

The discontinuity range on the camcorder is f/i.6 - f/11 and at that place are 25 steps overall. While this is a decent aperture range, the Canon Forty H1A offered several more f-stop options, including 8 additional aperture settings between f/11 and f/22.

Shutter Speed (v.0)

The manual shutter speed button on the FX1000 is long and flat, making it difficult to observe and printing. Once pressed, shutter speed is then controlled by rotating the option dial on the left side. The dial is clumsy and offers a terrible grip. Information technology is not ideal for making accurate, precise adjustments and is far meliorate suited as a menu navigation system. A protruding wheel, equally offered on the Canon Xl H1A, is far easier for your fingertips to locate.

White Rest (5.0)

The transmission white residual button is also hidden away on the HDR-FX1000 and it is sandwiched between the Gain and Shutter Speed buttons. After you press the first white balance button, you lot can then utilise the switch beneath information technology to choose betwixt Transmission A, Manual B, or Preset. Transmission A and B allow you to shop manual white balance settings using the one-push method that is common to most Sony camcorders. Setting the switch to Preset puts the white residuum to either Indoor or Outdoor mode, depending on which is selected as a preset in the camcorder's carte du jour.

The buttons are cluttered in this section and making manual adjustments hither can exist very confusing. Sony draws little lines (almost like maps) around each button to give you an idea of what buttons command what and what needs to exist pushed to engage a certain setting. The button layout and positioning is very disappointing and information technology is difficult to imagine someone working the settings with absolute ease.

There is also a WB shift option in the camcorder's menu that volition shift the overall colour remainder of the epitome to hot or cold tones. The range for this selection goes from -9 to +ix, with negative values giving the prototype a cooler, blue tone and positive values bringing up the reds to produce a hotter image.

Proceeds (3.5)

Manual proceeds is set up by showtime pressing the gain button (just like shutter speed and white rest) and then selecting a setting from the switch below. Settings are labeled as 50, M, and H (for low, medium, and loftier), but the user can program whatever gain level they want to match upwardly with each letter, thus creating iii proceeds presets.

It is an annoyance that you have to go into the camcorder'south carte to select a gain setting that isn't set as one of your iii presets. Why couldn't Sony have simply implemented a dial that allows you to shuffle through all the gain settings? The Canon 40 H1A, in contrast, offers a pop-out, rotating dial with eight preset settings—along with an option for precise gain adjustment ranging from 0dB to 18dB and every 0.5dB in between.

Color & Image Controls (9.six)

The Sony HDR-FX1000 offers lots of color and image controls, although the range of adjustment isn't most the amount Canon offers on its Xl serial of pro camcorders. The HDR-FX1000 has well-nigh of the important controls you'll need, and information technology mostly lacks features like color correction, detail frequency, and paradigm controls such as coring.

Other Manual Controls (12.5)

Still Features (7.24)

Equally with audio controls, the Sony HDR-FX1000 has very limited yet features. The camcorder has no defended still image mode, which ways it has no special set of menus or options available for adjusting photo settings. All photos are captured to Memory Stick Pro Duo media, which slide into a bill of fare slot just above the hand strap on the camcorder'southward right side. The HDR-FX1000 does not come up with any Memory Stick cards, so if you want to take still photos with the camcorder you'll have to purchase a bill of fare separately.

The FX1000 is limited to capturing still images at a resolution of 1440 x 810, or 1080 10 810 if the camcorder is fix to record in four:iii DV style. This gives the camcorder a still motion-picture show resolution of just nether 1.2 megapixels. The HDR-FX1000 is capable of performing a dual tape, which ways you can snap a still image while you're recording. This is expert for creating reference images to assist organize footage or assist with editing.

Still images are saved to Retention Stick Pro Duo cards

Still Playback

The withal playback controls on the HDR-FX1000 are located in the same console beneath the LCD screen as the VCR controls. Photos can be sifted through using the volume/retention button and data most each shot is displayed on the screen when the Data Code push is selected. The information displayed isn't very useful as it is limited to date, time, shutter speed, and aperture setting. Overall the still features on the HDR-FX1000 are surprisingly limited, although that shouldn't concern near users who are simply looking for a camcorder with height-notch video performance.

Even so Color (xi.71)

Even though the nevertheless image features on the HDR-FX1000 are limited, the camcorder is still capable of taking very color-accurate pictures. At best, the camcorder scored a color fault of 2.99, which is very good—and too significantly better than its video color score. This discrepancy is likely due to the fact that we test still color past taking photographs at a range of exposure settings. The FX1000 had the best color accuracy when we additional the AE shift to a positive setting, thereby increasing the effulgence of the image. The saturation of this image was measured at 96.83%. (More on how we examination however color.)

The color mistake map from the still colour test

Above we accept the color error map from the even so image taken by the HDR-FX1000. Having accurate colors in still images is helpful on a camcorder like the HDR-FX1000, equally this means yet photos can be used for reference when trying to create Picture Profiles or calibrate colour settings.

The Catechism 40 H1A had a slightly less accurate colors in its however image, although the difference wasn't all that meaning. Once more, in our side-by-side comparing it is like shooting fish in a barrel to meet how dark the image on the Sony HDR-FX1000 is when the camcorder is fix to auto mode. The Catechism, on the other hand, looks likewise bright in motorcar fashion.

Still Noise (0.31)

Nonetheless racket was a completely different story on the HDR-FX1000. The results we measured weren't very good, with the lowest dissonance percentage measuring at 1.59% (also from the brightened image). Now, this would be a rather detrimental score if the HDR-FX1000 was being marketed equally a hybrid photo/video device—but it's non. Virtually users aren't going to be wandering around snapping photos with the FX1000, so the high noise pct on the all the same images shouldn't be much of a worry here. (More on how nosotros test even so noise.)

All the same Resolution (i.14)

The HDR-FX1000 only takes however images at two sizes: 1440 10 810 (in HD style) and 1080 x 810 (in 4:three standard definition). This ways the still resolution of its photographs isn't destined for not bad things. Co-ordinate to Imatest, the camcorder measured a horizontal resolution of 788 lw/ph and a vertical resolution of 505 lw/ph. These aren't terrible scores, but they aren't great either. Again, however, they are rather meaningless considering most users volition merely be taking photographs with the FX1000 to use as reference or to help organize a shoot. (More on how we test still resolution.)

Ease of Use (five.75)

For a prosumer camcorder, the HDR-FX1000 could be easier to use. Even though it has far less features than higher-end professional camcorders, it even so feels cluttered and confusing—especially on the left side. Take, for example, the FX1000's manual control arrangement. To manipulate a setting such as shutter speed, the user must first put the camcorder into Manual way. Next, you need to locate the shutter speed button, which puts shutter speed control into transmission mode. So you utilize the inept curlicue wheel to adjust the shutter settings. Too many buttons need to be pushed in order to access some of the simplest and almost of import transmission controls. Catechism'due south system on the 40 H1A of using a mode dial with aperture-priority, shutter-priority, auto, and full manual modes makes far more sense.

We wish Sony had made the buttons for shutter speed, discontinuity, white residuum, and gain easier to detect when feeling effectually with your hands. Too many times we found ourselves peering effectually the side of the camcorder to meet what push we were near to press, which is something you shouldn't take to do when you're shooting—peculiarly once you master the lay of the country on the camcorder. The layout of buttons isn't horrible, it's merely that they're minor and poorly designed.

Handling (vii.0)

We don't like the manual control design on the HDR-FX1000, peculiarly when compared to the larger Canon models. Button layout is confusing and specific settings are hard to locate without using your eyes—something you won't want to practice in the center of a shoot. The HDR-FX1000 does offer decent balance and strong grip, despite the fact that it does not utilize a shoulder mount. The camcorder is small-scale enough to wield with one mitt (although nearly users will likely employ two hands for added back up), and the tight, padded hand strap helps proceed the FX1000 steady and maneuverable.

The HDR-FX1000 held past its top handle

All menus and numerous controls on the HDR-FX1000 are navigated using the embedded scroll bike on the left side of the camcorder. The scroll wheel is problematic for a number of reasons—its finely ribbed surface offers terrible grip, its location is poor, and the wheel is conspicuously not suited for on-the-fly maneuverability. Users with large or slick fingers will find the scroll wheel unbearable, which is a huge hindrance considering how many features, menus, and settings are controlled using the wheel.

The curl wheel does take one thing going for information technology, however. Making menu selections is performed by simply pushing in on the bike. This motion works seamlessly and stands in contrast to the abrasive design on the Catechism Forty H1A, which uses a separate button as a selector. If only someone would design a scroll wheel with the ribbed, protruding design of the Catechism XL H1A, and the push button-in selection method on the Sony HDR-FX1000.

For a large hand held device, the HDR-FX1000 is well counterbalanced

Overall, the handling on the Sony HDR-FX1000 isn't terrible. The camcorder feels adept when you concord it and it retains balance, so there isn't a big trouble there. It'due south actually just in adjustment of manual controls that things get awkward and messy. Buttons are besides close together and at that place aren't enough dedicated switches or dials to make quick adjustment really easy. The long, larger blueprint of the Canon Forty H1A provides a far less complicated manual command organization—with better dials, buttons, and switches all around.

Image Stabilization (12.14)

The Sony HDR-FX1000 offers several levels of epitome stabilization, and nosotros found that these mostly offered skilful results, producing significantly sharper, steadier video. (More than on how we test image stabilization.)

Our first examination subjected the Sony HDR-FX1000 to a depression level of shake, about the aforementioned as you would expect from property the camcorder in i paw while trying to use a control with the other. The graph in a higher place shows the amount of shake we detected in the recorded video using Standard mode. The orange lines correspond the camcorder's motion with OIS turned on, while the blueish shake is with stabilization turned off. Sony claims that the SuperShot Hard style should be the most aggressive at compensating for stabilization, but we found the reverse; the SteadyShot Standard mode did the best job of compensating here, whit Soft mode producing nigh the same results.

Our high shake exam applies a larger shake to the camcorder, simulating the sort of shake that yous would go if you lot were holding the camcorder in one hand without bracing it, or if you lot were walking. In this case, the Soft way was the clear winner, with Difficult mode actually reducing the shake the to the lowest degree.

Using the SteadyShot feature in normal shooting, we institute that the SteadyShot by and large performed well; it did a very decent chore of stabilizing the video without introducing any glitches. It also coped well with pans and other deliberate movement; we did not see much evidence of the stabilization arrangement confusing this for handshake.

The lesser line hither is that the SteadyShot feature does an excellent job overall; in all of the modes, the video was noticeably sharper and more usable. The SteadyShot Soft or Standard modes would be our pick for most users; they provide the all-time remainder of milk shake reduction without calculation glitches while panning. Withal, none of the SteadyShot modes could piece of work miracles; there was still some shake in the video. So, the SteadyShot feature won't replace a decent tripod (or just leaning against a wall or other steadying object) while shooting, only it did practice a decent task of helping to stabilize video when yous have to shoot hand held. Below is a sample video from our tests, showing all of the stabilization modes in action with the depression shake.

Click Here for larger Version

Portability (seven.99)

Compared to high-level pro camcorders, the HDR-FX1000 looks like a babe—and weighing only 2100 grams, it may feel like a infant besides. Keep in mind, however, that the HDR-FX1000 is designed every bit a hand held device and therefore does not have a shoulder mountain. This means the camcorder tin can still get rather heavy, peculiarly if you're planning to do a manus held shoot all day. MiniDV tape is a fairly portable option for pro-level camcorders as you can pass tapes off to your editor with ease. You don't desire a camcorder that records to internal memory or a congenital-in hard drive, as you'd need to bring the camcorder forth whenever you lot want to transfer something to a calculator.

We base our portability scores differently if a camcorder is paw held than if information technology is shoulder-mounted because nosotros realize both options are preferred by different types of shooters. The Catechism Xl H1A, while significantly larger than the HDR-FX1000, scored only slightly lower with portability because information technology is relatively light weight as far as shoulder-mounted camcorders go.

LCD Battery Life (7.6)

The Sony HDR-FX1000 didn't impress u.s. with its battery life scores. Using the provided battery, the NP-F570, the HDR-FX1000 lasted 152 minutes during our LCD battery life exam. Now, this isn't a terrible score, but it stands in sharp contrast to the 236-infinitesimal performance past the Canon Twoscore H1A. Sony does, of course, sell much larger batteries for the HDR-FX1000 that will presumably terminal for a much longer period of time. (More than on how we test bombardment life.)

The supplied battery doesn't last too long

**Viewfinder Battery Life (vii.8)**

Commonly, when you record using the viewfinder instead of the LCD y'all'll save yourself a healthy chunk of bombardment life. This isn't the case with the HDR-FX1000, as the provided bombardment lasted simply 4 minutes longer with the LCD closed. In full, the viewfinder battery life on the FX1000 came to 156 minutes.

LCD & Viewfinder (vii.49)

The Sony HDR-FX1000 features both a three.two-inch LCD screen and a 0.45-inch electronic viewfinder. The LCD has an eye-popping resolution of 921,000 pixels, which is extremely high for a prosumer camcorder. In comparing, the LCD on the Canon XH series has a 207,000-pixel resolution, the Panasonic AG-HMC150 a resolution of 210,000 pixels, and the Canon XL H1A 215,000 pixels. The extra pixels do help with focusing and adjusting color controls, just the difference in quality isn't easily noticeable with the naked heart. The LCD screen offers brightness display aligning with 32 private steps, color brandish with 16 steps, and back low-cal settings of normal or brilliant. All these display adjustments give you a good amount of control over the quality of the image produced by the LCD screen and tin can come in handy when shooting in awkwardly-lit settings.

The viewfinder on the HDR-FX1000 is 0.45-inches in size, displays a widescreen color image, and also has an impressive 1,227,000-pixel resolution. Even with this loftier resolution, the image appears a bit soft and washed-out in comparison to the LCD. The electronic viewfinder likewise doesn't offering the about comfortable video-recording feel—information technology pivots a good bargain, but cannot extend or rotate. The rubber center-cup is flexible and should provide adequate low-cal concealment. The viewfinder does accept a diopter adjuster, backlight settings of normal or bright, and a power mode that allows you to have the LCD screen and viewfinder operate simultaneously.

Menus (v.0)

The menus on the HDR-FX1000 are organized relatively well, although some options go lost in the long, deep list of settings. Virtually items are organized under the main Menu, which is cleaved down into half-dozen sections: Photographic camera, Sound, Display, Connectivity, Memory, and Others. The Photographic camera and Display submenus are the largest, both containing multiple pages of settings. There is also a Moving picture Profile carte du jour, which is very poorly designed.

Navigating the menu system is performed by using the pocket-size, ribbed, scroll wheel on the left side of the camcorder. The scroll wheel doesn't stick out from the camcorder'south body, which can brand information technology very difficult to maneuver. It's also difficult to get a practiced grip of the scroll wheel if yous have big or slick fingers. The cycle does have 1 adept design, nonetheless—you simply push the bike in to make a pick.

More color and image controls are located nether Picture Profiles, which is Sony's version of the Custom Presets found on Canon'due south pro and prosumer camcorders. The HDR-FX1000 doesn't have every bit many settings as you'd find on, say, the Canon XL H1A, but it still has quite a few. This isn't really the trouble, withal, as Sony actually failed more on the menu design of its Motion-picture show Profiles than the amount of controls bachelor. Canon's Custom Preset system shows all the available options on ane screen (using abbreviations for each setting). This is a smart design, every bit it allows you to quickly scan through presets and see, specifically, what settings are adjusted for each. Sony'south organisation, however, forces you to scroll through each setting individually to see what everything is prepare at (just like a normal menu). This makes locating specific settings more difficult and turns reproducing exact Picture Profiles into an abrasive experience.

There are 6 assignable buttons on the Sony HDR-FX1000, which are useful and necessary—specially if you lot want to have reward of all the settings offered past the camcorder. So many controls are embedded deep in the menus that sifting through to access them all the time would be an utter annoyance. Features like shot transition and peaking would be extremely frustrating to control without the use of assignable buttons.

Playback (half-dozen.5)

Since the camcorder uses tape, most people should be comfortable with the playback setup on the HDR-FX1000. Everything is arranged just like a VCR and all the controls are on the tiptop of the camcorder, in the surface area where the LCD screen folds into. The playback buttons are labeled clearly and there's even a slow motion button for those who want to really spend some time analyzing their footage.

The VCR controls are located under the LCD panel

The Sony HDR-FX1000 offers a playback zoom feature that allows you lot to digitally magnify your recorded image past up to 5x. The controls are a chip quirky, simply you can also center this zoom to a specific part of the paradigm. While the feature is rather well-designed, it's a curious pick to accept on a pro-level camcorder.

Connectivity (5.0)

If you're a professional videographer, the connectivity options on the Sony HDR-FX1000 will surely disappoint yous. If yous have no demand for XLR audio inputs, uncompressed video output, or actress viewfinder connections, so the HDR-FX1000 may satisfy your connectivity needs. Think of information technology as a pro-level camcorder with consumer-level connectivity features.

The HDR-FX1000 features the limited necessities—3.5mm mic jack, headphone jack, FireWire (dubbed 'iLink interface' by Sony), HDMI, and A/V output. The A/V output is a flake of a concern as it utilizes Sony's proprietary cablevision organisation (called Multi-A/V), which you'll detect on all Sony camcorders. This is beneficial for saving space (the same port tin can be used to connect composite, component, and S-Video outputs), simply it ways y'all'll have to buy a specific replacement from Sony if yous ever lose ane of your cables.

Sony also adds a LANC (wired remote) connection on the HDR-FX1000, as well as a Retentivity Stick Pro Duo card slot for storing however images, and a cold accompaniment shoe atop the microphone.

A list of all included connections is beneath:

The Canon 40 H1A is a shoulder-mounted professional camcorder that likewise records HDV footage to MiniDV tape. Its larger design makes for much meliorate admission to transmission controls and an overall easier video-taping feel than the HDR-FX1000. The Canon XL H1A also has more connectivity features as well as 2-channel XLR audio inputs. According to our testing, the video performances of the two camcorders wasn't all that difference, although the Canon XL H1A held a articulate edge in low light sensitivity. The HDR-FX1000 did show us improve video resolution and its movement looked nicer as a result. These are 2 vastly different camcorders in the long run, the Twoscore H1A is more than suited towards pros and its cost reflects as such ($5999 MSRP). If you desire the meliorate manual control features and don't mind the added size or price tag of the XL H1A it is a very good choice. Stick with the HDR-FX1000 if you don't intendance about sound and aren't fussy about your controls being sleek, smooth, and comfortable.

In comparison to the Catechism Xl H1A, the Sony HDR-FX1000 really only underperformed on ii key tests: Battery Life, and Depression Light Sensitivity.

The Canon XL H1A lasted virtually twice every bit long in our battery examination every bit compared to the HDR-FX1000. This examination was conducted using the supplied battery pack, which, to exist off-white, is probably not what most pros or prosumers will be running their camcorder with. All the same, the Canon Twoscore H1A lasted for nearly 4 hours with its supplied battery. With that kind of performance yous may not have to fifty-fifty buy a redundancy. Virtually HDR-FX1000 users, on the other manus, would probably benefit greatly from an extra battery pack.

With depression light sensitivity, you tin clearly see the divergence between the Sony HDR-FX1000 and Catechism Forty H1A. The numbers may not appear to be all that different, but just a few lux of separation ways a lot in this test. The Sony HDR-FX1000 repeatedly showed us a dark image in motorcar fashion, which is something that probably added to its macerated depression light sensitivity performance.

The HDR-FX1000 did shock us with a splendid video resolution score, which is promising for the pocket-size prosumer camcorder. The movement captured by the FX1000 likewise looked crisp and make clean, even in areas where many great camcorders testify signs of trailing and blur. If you cease upwards buying the HDR-FX1000 you can residuum easy knowing y'all own a product that produces quality video.

The Sony HVR-Z5U is an enhanced version of the HDR-FX1000, which means it likewise records HDV footage to MiniDV record. It has more audio controls, a better onboard microphone, natively progressive CMOS sensors, and costs an extra $1750. Is the HVR-Z5U worth all the extra money simply for what appears to exist a slight upgrade? We'll have a review of the model soon, and so we'll exist able to let you know exactly what the college price gets you.

The Panasonic AG-HVX200 is a compact professional person camcorder that can record video to either MiniDV tape or P2 memory cards. When recording with tape, however, the camcorder can only capture standard definition video. With P2 cards, the AG-HVX200 records Hard disk video using the DVCPRO Hd codec, which may entreatment to some users who don't like working with HDV. You lot can also record standard definition footage to P2 cards using the DVCPRO50 and DVCPRO/DV codecs. The camcorder has lots of features and is similar in size to the Sony HDR-FX1000 and HVR-Z5U. This all comes at a pricier price, all the same, and P2 cards are not cheap. It could be an interesting choice for a pro who is looking to ease into the world of tapeless workflow, merely nevertheless wants the selection of capturing standard definition footage to tape. We can't attest to the AG-HVX200's performance, just in one case we become it through our labs we'll be able to requite yous our analysis.

The Sony HDR-FX1000 ($3199 MSRP) doesn't offering quite what you lot'd expect from a professional camcorder—virtually obviously noted by its lack of sound controls, connectivity, and a detachable lens. Withal, our tests show that it can hang with the pros when it comes to overall performance. The camcorder showed us the highest video resolution nosotros've ever measured and information technology captured polish, clean motion in our motion examination. The HDR-FX1000's color and noise scores were also comparable to professional-class camcorders. Seeing this first-class image quality coming out of a relatively cheap camcorder (compared to pro models) is rather surprising. The fact that the camcorder records HDV footage to MiniDV tape is another plus—tape is cheap and HDV is easy to edit.

The HDR-FX1000 is not for people who want to fine melody their prototype with precise controls. Yep, it has lots of manual settings, merely their implementation is awkward and frustrating. It isn't easy to make adjustments while your shooting and the level of customization offered on the camcorder is disappointing. If you lot're looking for fancy dials, clean button layout, and smarter pattern check out a larger camcorder like the Canon 40 H1A.

Overall, the HDR-FX1000 is a camcorder packed with excellent operation and a decent array of features. Information technology isn't the easiest device to use, information technology doesn't handle with elegance, and it can't do everything that professional person camcorders are capable of—but that doesn't mean its a bad product. If the clumsy transmission control setup doesn't frighten yous away, the HDR-FX1000 could exist a good option if you're looking for professional-quality video at a relatively low cost.

Come across the tester

Jeremy Stamas

Managing Editor, Video

@nematode9

Jeremy is the video proficient of our imaging team and Reviewed.com'south caput of video product. Originally from Pennsylvania and upstate NY, he graduated from Bard college with a caste in motion picture and electronic media. He has been living and working in New England since 2005.

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