Last updated Mar 16/10
Sony HDR FX1000 - $3999 - on back order until mid April
Demo model in the store to play with! Get more info on this camera and view some test footage including low light tests here
Equipped with 24p progressive scan mode, the HDR-FX1000 high definition MiniDV Handycam offers high-quality, film-like motion for brilliant scene reproduction while CinemaTone Gamma and CinemaTone Color provide the color and gamma range to give your footage an amazing film-like feel. It also features three 1/3-inch ClearVid CMOS image sensors with Exmor derived technology which let you capture sharp, detailed images even in lower-light situations. And the 29.5mm wide-angle to 590mm telephoto G-lens with 20X optical zoom brings the action closer and allows for wider angle shooting. Take control of light in extreme settings with three built-in neutral density filters and three manual rings for adjusting zoom, focus and iris. Plus, the 3.2" Xtra Fine LCD and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization give you an unparalleled recording experience.
Sony HDR-FX1000 Highlights
Film-like Progressive Scan 1080/24p, 1080/30p, or 1080/60i
In addition to 1080/60i recording, the HDR-FX1000 offers a 1080/24p and
1080/30p Progressive Scan mode that enables shooting with film-like results.
Signals scanned at 24p/30p are converted to 60i (using 2-3 pull-down
for 24p) and recorded on MiniDV tape, allowing footage to be played and
edited using existing HDV products. In this way, progressive images can
be handled in the conventional HDV editing environment.
CinemaTone Gamma and CinemaTone Color
Users seeking extra control over image expression can use 'Cinematone Gamma'
to deepen the color and 'Cinematone Color' to recreate film-like color
tones. Cinematone Gamma allows operators to quickly set up and load a
gamma curve with similar contrast characteristics to a film gamma curve.
3x 1/3-inch ClearVid CMOS Sensors with Exmor technology
The HDR-FX1000 features three 1/3-inch ClearVid CMOS Sensors, each having
1,120K total pixels. The 3 independent CMOS sensors each handle one of
the color elements -- red, green, blue (RGB) -- improving the color reproduction
of video recordings. Dark scenes can be captured with low noise thanks
to "Exmor"-derived technology that features a new column A/D
converter and dual noise reduction. Sensor resolution has been optimized
and the photosensitive surface area has been maximized thanks to the
unique grid arrangement of the photo diode sensors, in which each is
rotated by 45 degrees. This model also features the signal processing
circuit, the Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP) which uses Sony's unique
image-processing technology.
Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP) Technology
The EIP processor is able to rapidly process the vast amounts of pixel
data read from the 'ClearVid CMOS Sensor', and record beautiful HD and
colorful video. The ClearVid CMOS Sensor has been developed using the
most advanced technologies in the semiconductor industry. It handles
video data in 1920 x 1080p and 4:2:2 color space for high-quality signal
processing before recording it to tape in the HDV format. Combined use
of the EIP and ClearVid CMOS Sensor imaging system allows the HDR-FX1000
camcorder to provide extremely high image quality with a smooth gradation
and detailed image reproduction.
G Lens: 29.5mm Wide-Angle to 590mm (20x) Telephoto
The HDR-FX1000 is equipped with a 29.5mm wide-angle 'G Lens' made from
advanced 10 group, 15 element lens including 'Extra-low Dispersion glass'
which reduces chromatic aberration caused by light refraction, and produces
video with extremely low color fringing. Designed for shooting situations
ranging from broad landscape shots to conditions where sufficient distance
from the subject is difficult to obtain. The 20x optical zoom (29.5mm-590mm:
35mm conversion) lets you zoom in to the subjects you can't get close
to. The optical zoom takes maximum advantage of the lens performance,
so image quality does not suffer even at a zoom ratio of 20x, allowing
you to faithfully reproduce the subject's impact. The digital extender
increases zoom by 1.5 throughout the range up to 30x at full zoom.
Superior low-light (1.5 LUX) shooting capabilities
Superior low-light ability with high sensitivity enables clear shooting
of subjects in light as low as 1.5 lux (at 1/30 fixed shutter speed with
auto iris and auto gain). This allows you to capture sharp detail and
brilliant colors even in less than perfect lighting, especially when
professional lighting cannot be used.
3x built-in neutral density (ND) filters
Gain more color control in extreme settings with three built-in ND filters
for adjusting the amount of light entering the Image Sensor through the
lens. Depending on shooting conditions, the operator can chose from Clear,
1/4, 1/16, or 1/64 filters. In strong, glaring sunlight these filters
give users more flexibility in choosing the shutter speed and aperture
for superior creative control.
3x manual rings for superior control: zoom, focus, and iris
The HDR-FX1000 has three independent manual rings (zoom, focus, and IRIS
) for superior control and flexibility while filming which make it easier
to promptly make adjustments to meet shooting needs. The IRIS ring allows
you to adjust the aperture to attain optimal brightness and express beautiful
depth of field shots, highlighting a subject while blurring a foreground
or background. Exposure can also be assigned to the IRIS ring enabling
the camera to automatically select the optimal iris, gain or shutter
speed, seamlessly enabling adjustment of exposure.
3.2-inch Xtra Fine LCD display (921k pixels)
The 3.2-inch Wide (16:9) Xtra Fine LCD screen displays sharp, bright, vivid
images, letting you compose a shot more easily -- even outdoors, while
enabling you to change settings to best represent the scene. With 921K
pixels resolution and a wide viewing angle, the XtraFine LCD screen is
like having a HDTV built into your camcorder.
Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
The Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization System from Sony reduces blur
caused by camera shake and vibration, so your images stay crisp and clear.
This optical stabilization system achieves an even higher level of smoothness
without the image degradation that can occur with some digital stabilization
systems.
Manual Gain/Shutter/White Balance Adjustment
The ability to manually adjust gain, shutter speed, and white balance makes
it possible to fine-tune the HDR-FX1000 model's settings for near-professional
operability and advanced image expression.
Improved Noise Reduction
Exmor technology captures video with high resolution, high sensitivity,
and exceptional detail. Advanced on-sensor A/D conversion and dual noise
reduction yields rich tonal reproduction with high signal-to-noise ratio.
2:3 pull-down to 60i for editing on most HDV software
The 24p progressive scan signals are recorded to tape as 60i through means
of 2:3 pull-down. This 2:3 sequence allows HDV material to be reverted
to its original 24p form, as captured by the camera, using a compatible
nonlinear editor. Similarly, a 30p signal is recorded as a 60i signal
by dividing each frame into two fields. This approach allows 24p and
30p progressive footage to be played back or fed to an editing suite
seamlessly.
Minus Auto Gain Control (Minus AGC)
When shooting in overly bright conditions, this feature enables the selection
of gain settings in the negative range for satisfying results with minimal
noise.
Assign Buttons
This feature allows you to assign features you use often to shortcut buttons.
The commonly used features can be used quickly without going through
a menu selection (default: Zebra, AE Shift, and Record Review). Features
that can be assigned: Extended Focus / Digital Extender (30x) / Ring
Rotate/ AE Shift / Index Mark / SteadyShot / Back Light / Spotlight /
Fader / Smooth Slow Rec / Color Bar / Rec Review / End Search / Zebra
/ Marker / Peaking / Pict. Profile / Shot Transition.
Additional record and zoom lever control on handle
A record start/stop button is featured on the handle as well as on the
side grip. The zoom lever enables easy zooming even when shooting from
a low angle.
0.45 Xtra Fine View Finder
This camcorder features a high-resolution 0.45 Xtra Fine (1,227K pixels)
View Finder that offers extra clear visibility.
HDMI Connection
HDMI connectivity provides a simple, high-quality video and audio connection,
with the ability to transmit HD video from the camcorder to compatible
HDTVs via a single cable.
i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394)
Quickly transfer images from the camcorder to compatible devices equipped
with an IEEE1394 interface3, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and
PCs, using this high speed, bi-directional digital video/audio connection.
Memory Stick PRO Duo Media Slot
Capture still images directly onto Memory Stick PRO Duo media (sold separately)
for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing, or sharing with other
compatible Memory Stick devices (sold separately).
Multi-Language Menu
Change the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian
French, Latin American Spanish, or Brazilian Portuguese
Switchable HDV/DV Format Recording
The HDR-FX1000 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition
and Standard Definition video recorded on MiniDV cassettes.
Picture Profile (up to 6)
Allows the user to set manual adjustments for a scene (color, sharpness,
white balance, etc) into any one of 6 customizable presets, so they can
be called up at just the touch of a button. This is useful when shooting
under the same conditions repeatedly, as options do not have to be re-set
each time. 4 settings for various shooting conditions are offered as
defaults -- portrait/cinema/sunset/monotone.
Shot Transition
The Shot Transition function allows for smooth automatic scene transitions.
After an operator has programmed a shot’s start and end settings
(e.g., for zoom, focus, iris, gain, shutter speed, and white balance)
and pressed the start button, a smooth transition takes place over the
duration of the shot by automatically calculating intermediate setting
values. This is very useful when complex camera settings are required
during the scene transition -- for example, when panning the camcorder
from a distant subject to a close subject
x.v. Color Technology
x.v.Color technology can capture or display nearly twice as many (1.8x)
viewable colors than possible with the traditional RGB color standard.
This provides a more accurate and vivid color range, for a more natural,
lifelike overall experience.
Zebra display
While you are shooting, you can add a striped pattern to bright areas of
the video image, and display it in the LCD and viewfinder. You can use
this as a rough guide for adjusting brightness, helping to prevent blocked
highlights.
Histogram display
When the histogram feature is turned on, a graph of the image's brightness
distribution appears. This gives you an objective determination of whether
the video image as a whole is bright or dim. This makes it a handy guideline
for brightness adjustment. You can adjust the camera's brightness and
AE shift while checking this display.
Peaking
This feature emphasizes the screen's edge in the LCD and viewfinder, making
it easier to adjust the focus. You can change the peaking color to white,
red, or yellow according to the color of the subject, and you can also
set the peaking level to high, medium, or low. This feature is handy
when shooting with manual focus, because it makes it easy to tell where
the focus is currently.
Center Marker/Guide-frame
The LCD and viewfinder feature a Center Marker that lets users identify
the center of the screen at a glance. Users can also display a Guide-frame
grid on the screen that simplifies the vertical and horizontal alignment
of shots.
Color Bar
Four types of Color Bars are available for use. These are convenient for
color adjustment when playing back images on a TV or monitor.
Fader
To enhance viewing enjoyment, users can create transitions between scenes
by using the White fader or Black fader to fade images in and out.
Accessories
For digitizing tapes, you can use the Sony Walkman
Find Sony tape here
Find Sony batteries here
Find extended warranties here
Find leasing information here