Product Description

Sony Handycam(R) HDR-FX1, the first true 1080i high definition camcorder, is the perfect introduction to the world of high definition video. Record your most intimate moments in the highest quality. With advanced features such as the newly developed wide 3 sensor 1/3" CCD, 72mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens and Real Time Codec engine, the HDR-FX1 is equipped to handle every video task. Relive your memories in vivid HDTV quality colors and clarity. This may not be the camera to use for family and touring. If you're into professional or serious creative use, this camcorder offers vast opportunities that were previously unavailable at this class. You've been waiting for your chance. Here it is! 3.5 LCD Viewing monitor Manual control of camcorder functions allow settings of the camera to be adjusted so that creative effects can be achieved while filming 12x Optical Zoom with 4-way zoom capability for different situations Widescreen LCD monitor lets you see every detail as you shoot in 16 - 9 mode High-performance Down Conversion Function Precision DV- wide Recording Personal Menu Battery Information Continual shooting time Sony iLINK (HDV/DV) Connector for easy video transfer to a PC or Macintosh computer for DV edit and enhancement - and back again SteadyShot Active Lens System (Menu) Shot Transition Picture Profile - 6 Picture Profiles - You can set each of 6 Picture Profiles with Color Level/Color Phase/Sharpness/Skin Tone Detail/AE Shift/AGC Limit/Auto Iris Limit/WB Shift/AWB Sensitivity/Cinematone Gamma/Cineframe

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3232 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: HDR-FX1
• Dimensions: 10.10" h x 11.80" w x 17.60" l, 7.00 pounds
• Display size: 3.5

Features

• Three 1/3-inch wide-aspect-ratio advanced HAD CCD imagers for true-to-life color rendering
• Play and record interlaced high-definition video at resolutions up to 1440 x 1080 for professional-quality video
• 12x optical zoom with Super SteadyShot Optical Stabilization System
• 3.5-inch wide precision hybrid SwivelScreen LCD
• Record at either 30 frames per second or, for a film-like feel, at 24 frames per second

From the Manufacturer
Presenting the world's first consumer 1080i high-definition camcorder, the Sony Handycam HDR-FX1. A revolution in form and function, the HDR-FX1 allows you to play and record interlaced high-definition video at resolutions up to 1440 x 1080 for professional quality video with vivid colors and striking detail. It even offers the ability to switch to standard DV recording and playback as the situation warrants.

The HDR-FX1 is eminently portable and ergonomic.

The HDR-FX1 features the real-time HD Codec Engine, which offers professional-level MPEG2 video compression, and 14bit HD DXP (Digital Extended Processor) for increased processing speed.

Images are captured on three-chip Advanced HAD CCD system that provides increased detail and improved video performance without the color bleeding found in other system. Optical capabilities include a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 12x optical zoom and Super SteadyShot image stabilization.

The HDR-FX1 offers an unprecedented amount of control to the user, including manual zoom, focus, and iris control. Picture Profile allows the user to create a number of preset video modes for a variety of shooting settings. Composing shots is easier than ever with the 3.5-inch precision hybrid SwivelScreen LCD display and the extra-large electronic viewfinder.

The Sony HDR-FX1 HDV Handycam camcorder: the revolution begins.

3-1/3-inch 16:9 Advanced HAD CCD Imagers 1,120K Pixels Gross Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD imagers with 1,120K effective (video) pixels provides excellent detail and clarity with exceptional digital video performance. Using a three-chip advanced HAD CCD system and dichroic prism to separate color information, colors are extremely accurate, and color "bleeding" and "smearing" are greatly reduced.	By splitting light into its red, green, and blue components, the HDR-FX1 more accurately reproduces color.
Advanced HAD CCD Technology Enhanced CCD design allows more light to reach the imager, which reduces video noise to improve signal-to-noise ratio by up to 6db (2x better than a standard CCD). This is particularly effective when shooting in dark situations.
HDV Recording Format From the innovators in camcorder technology, Sony's HDR-FX1 camcorder is the world's first HDV1080i consumer-level camcorder and player. Now you can record all your memories in true high-definition video.	Switchable HDV/DV Format Recording The HDR-FX1 is capable of recording and playing back both high definition and standard definition video recorded on standard MiniDV cassettes.
Real-time HD Codec Engine A Sony-developed real-time MPEG encode/decode system with reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. Provides efficient MPEG2 compression and recording and playback of clear HD images at the same bit rate of the DV format, so that high-definition video can be recorded on the same cassettes as are used for MiniDV recording.	3.5-inch Wide Precision Hybrid SwivelScreen LCD Display (250K Pixels) Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 250K-pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The hybrid reflective-transmissive LCD screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light, virtually eliminating the "wash-out" common with traditional LCD Screens.
Analog/Digital Conversion with Pass-Through Convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digital video via the analog inputs. Analog NTSC video can also be passed in real time through the digital Handycam camcorder directly into a PC via the i.LINK interface for easy PC editing of your analog footage.	Manual Zoom and Manual Focus Ring Dual independent zoom and focus rings provide precise and detailed control over the amount of zoom and the overall focus of the image. Fast, intuitive framing when zooming and finely detailed focusing are easy with the natural feel of the rings.
The advanced optical multi-layer T* coating on the camera's Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens offers less glare and flare while providing increased contrast.	12X Optical Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens From the authority in lens technology, the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens provides a high-quality 12x optical zoom, which maintains image clarity and color while reducing glare and flare.
	Super SteadyShot Optical Stabilization System An advanced form of Sony's SteadyShot Image Stabilization system that controls an even greater range of shake and vibration frequencies. This optical stabilization system achieves an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some digital stabilization systems.
Expanded Focus Indicator The camera's LCD image is magnified, temporarily, up to 4x its original size without any loss of distortion. This allows the user more finite control while focusing the camera for greater detail and clarity.	Manual Iris Control By turning the Iris dial on the side of the camera, the user can manually adjust the amount of light entering the camera. The iris is adjustable from f1.6 to f11, in 24 steps.
CineFrame Recording Provides the option of recording video at either 30 frames per second or with a film-like 24 fps.	Assignable Buttons Three buttons on the exterior of the camcorder are user-assignable so that they can be set to the options most commonly used, for ease of recording.
MPEG 1 Audio Layer II The HDR-FX1 records audio in MPEG1 Audio Layer II while recording in HDV format, which provides outstanding sound quality even when compressed. In the standard DV format, audio is recorded in either 12/16 bit (selectable) PCM digital stereo for audio quality that rivals that of a CD.	i.LINK DV Interface (IEEE1394) A high speed bidirectional digital video/audio communication between two compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs.
Picture Profile Allows the user to set manual adjustments for a scene (color, sharpness, white balance, etc) into any one of six presets, so they can be called up at just the touch of a button. Useful when shooting under the same conditions repeatedly, as options do not have to be reset each time. Settings for various shooting conditions are offered as defaults.	Shot Transition Allows for a smooth automatic scene transition. Settings for focus, zoom, iris, gain, shutter, and white balance can be set to the A/B button, and a smooth transition will take place according to the set time. This function enables the focus to gradually shift from the front of the screen to a deeper part of the screen. Thus the iris enables a smooth change of depth of field.

What's in the Box
AC-L15 power adapter/in-camera charger, NP-F570 InfoLithium rechargeable battery, RMT-831 Wireless Remote Commander remote control, AA battery, lens hood, lens cap, multi A/V cable, component video cable, cleaning cassette, shoe adapter, large eye cup, shoulder strap

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Customer Reviews

Used professionally to capture weddings & other events
Amazing picture quality not a regret a bit, however focus is a bit slower at times.

The FX-1 is the new standard bearer!
When I first received this camera, I really put it through the paces trying it out in different light conditions, with different mics, etc. I was really impressed with how well it performed. Though it is not true HD, it is as close as I can currently get on my budget. With a full complement of features and presets, the FX-1 provides a tremendous amount of bang for my buck. Some reviewers mentioned the lack of XLRs for audio in, but in a wireless world is that really a problem? I use a Sennheiser G2 Wireless Lavalier Microphone Kit with a wireless adapter that snaps into the XLR port of any handheld or shotgun mic. I just plug the wireless receiver's miniplug directly into the FX-1. The auto-limiter has never failed me; the audio levels stay very consistent and I haven't seen it peak out once. I do also carry a BeachTek DXA-4 Dual XLR Adapter and an XLR cable in my kit in case of emergencies, but I've never once had to pull them out.

Not a negative, just an FYI: the FX1 weighs almost 5 pounds, add a big battery, a shotgun mic and/or a light and this camera is probably way too heavy for the average prosumer-quality tripod. Additionally, if you use a steady-device, even with a basic harness, or a shoulder mount, you might your shoots a little more grueling than with your old camera. Ultimately, you may find as I did that you also have to upgrade some of your basic support equipment to accommodate the extra weight. Be sure to consider this in your budget.

Great color, wide-screen, 1080i and great audio what more could you ask for around $3000? The FX-1 has set the mark that the others are now trying to emulate.

Super Camera!!!
My wedding cinematography studio purchased this camera just about a year ago. We love it! The quality is outstanding - the 16:9 is so beautiful.
Easy to learn. Good weight and feel. The LCD is HUGH!!!! We are planning to purchase two more early next year!