With a $3199-MSRP, the Sony HDR-FX1000 is a new version of HDR-FX1. This handheld camcorder contains enough manual controls and features. However, if you’re a professional videographer, you’ll likely be disappointed with its lack of precise controls and design. It’s not a shoulder-mount, and it doesn’t have the stability and comfort of a larger body.
On the good side, it is equipped with several facilities for the active videographer. It performs surprisingly well in some video performance tests. This camcorder records HDV to MiniDV tape, which is another advantage, because tape is cheap, and HDV is easy to edit. Moreover, MiniDV tape brings ease for pro-level camcorders. You don’t need to bring the camcorder along whenever you want to transfer your data to a computer. Therefore, if you care more about image quality than the ability of manual controls, this may be the camcorder for you.
The FX1000 could prove valuable for getting unique angles that shoulder-mounts can’t, and its 3.2-inch, 921,000-pixel LCD works well for that very purpose. In addition to the LCD, it has a 0.45-inch electronic viewfinder with an approximately 1.3-megapixels.
For those moving up to professional equipment for the first time, be prepared for its significant weight of 4 lbs 9 oz. For some, it’s not too heavy, it’s not too light and it feels easy to shoot with. Compared to high-level pro camcorders, the HDR-FX1000 looks like a baby, and it may feel like a baby, too. It may sound light but all throughout the day, that is, an all-day shoot, it can still get rather heavy.
Many of the buttons are small and hard to access without positioning your fingers properly. Adjusting the controls in the middle of a shot without looking at them can be very inconvenient.
HDR-FX1000 has a built-in stereo mic, a single 1/8th-inch stereo input, a cold accessory shoe and some external audio controls, but there’s no XLR input, and the button layout for some controls clearly needs improvement.
The HDR-FX1000’s NP-F570 included battery is not as impressive. It lasted only about 152 minutes, but Sony, of course, sells batteries for the FX1000 with longer battery life. The Canon XL H1A can last up to twice as long as FX1000 can. Hence, you don’t have to spend more for back-up energy. Otherwise, most FX1000 users would need an extra battery pack for longer hours of interviews or movies.
In bright light, the color accuracy is decent, but not outstanding. The “grain” increases with brightness. The noise levels are also fine, but FX1000 offers no manual noise reduction controls. However, the video resolution is impressive in bright light. This outperforms the Canon XL H1A. In low light, the color and noise performances are equally remarkable. However, the sensitivity – the amount of light required for a bright image – is not as good.
In comparison to the Canon XL H1A, the Sony HDR-FX1000 only underperforms the former on battery life and low light sensitivity.
If you prefer better audio options, more connectivity choices and a set of notable CMOS sensors, you can leap for the professional Sony HVR-Z5U. It is nearly identical in construction to the FX1000 for an additional $1750.
The Panasonic AG-HVX200 is similar in size to the Sony HDR-FX1000 and HVR-Z5U but a bit pricier. It can also record video in MiniDV tape as well as P2 memory cards but this is expensive.
By far, it’s not a consumer camera. It’s perfect for video production students with its excellent low light performance and great picture quality. It has good lens range, great LCD screen and easy workflow.
In the deeper menu, although some options seem complicated in the long list of settings, the menus are well-organized and broken down into six sections – Camera, Audio, Display, Connectivity, Memory and Others.
On the other hand, a novice could not operate this camcorder to its full potential. Yes, it does a good job in manual mode, but you really need to use manual controls and play with the picture profiles to maximize its advantage.
Sony should not make unneeded changes. The left side of the camera is cluttered and confusing. Many of its manual controls are hard to access and operate. Sony moved the scroll wheel to the side, where it has too many buttons, and it makes it hard to maneuver. It’s also difficult for larger fingers to get a good grip of the scroll wheel. Nevertheless, the wheel has one good design – simply push it to make a selection.
Its proprietary multi-AV cable doesn’t allow you to use generic cables. Likewise, you can only use Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick cards for still images.
Some may find a mistake in not having an XLR input for HDR-FX1000, but others don’t have any trouble with the built-in mic. It’s excellent with meters and headphone jack. It can still pick up very small noises, and the output is great. However, if you’re truly that concerned about pro level audio quality output, then you can record to a separate audio device and not use tape audio.
The other drawback this camcorder has is the location of the cold shoe in relation to the LCD screen – right in front of the LCD. It blocks your ability to close or open the LCD if you have a mic or light. This could present a problem if you want to conserve your battery life especially when you’re filming a 3-hour movie.
Overall, the HDR-FX1000 is a good camcorder for enthusiasts, student filmmakers and pros who look for a budget-friendly cam. It may be hard to use, and it can’t do everything that professional camcorders can, but it’s not a bad product. For what it lacks in audio preferences, it makes up with its manual controls and compact size. The HDR-FX1000 can be a good choice if you’re looking for a professional-quality video at a very friendly price.
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