Sony HDR-FX1

3.5 stars

"Great camera if used properly" on December 18, 2004

Pros: Far superior to standard DV, makes an incredible transfer from HDV to Dv on a dvd in 1hour mode that is way better than making it from my Vx2000 the same way, as far as low light -no its not as good as the vx2000 but then again it looks like 100asa film c

Cons: As simple as it may be the #1 thing I disslike about this camera is the fact that they did not put a overlap in the fader menu, it only fades from black or white as is the same with there proz1 model. I use this "alot" for in-camera editing and will miss-

3.5 stars

"Can't imagine a better picture" on January 17, 2005

Pros: Low light performances are great. Details, details, details. What your eye sees the camera captures. Worth to pay the extra $$$ only if you have an HD television. Camera easily switches to standard DV when uploading video to computer for editing. Image is

Cons: Can only view HD images with the camera connected to your HD TV set. I own a 65'' HD TV and the results blew my mind (and my then-sceptical wife) Since consumer level dvds and editing softwares are not yet HD, we will have to wait a while before we can tu

4.5 stars

"Amazing camera for the price and great results" on June 16, 2005 by mitch000

Pros: 3CCD, good in low light, great picture, 1080i for HD broadcast

Cons: larger and heavier than JVC HD10U, no 720P for home HD DVD players.

Summary: I have been working with both the sony FX1 and the JVC HD10U for a few months. I shoot with them and edit using prepiere pro 1.5 and aspectHD. Both cameras are EXCELLENT but there are major differences.
comparing the FX1 and HD10U..
FX1 HD10U pros and cons from a shooting/editing perspective:
The FX1 is easier to use overall and has 3 CCD and provides better color reproduction than the HD10U when shooting indoors with no extra lights. When shooting outside both have excellent color reproduction. When I use a light kit with the HD10U indoors the color reproduction is excellent. Bottom line you must use proper lighting when shooting indoors especially with HD. AND you should use a light kit with the fx1 as well but you don't have to because the fx1 is better in low light.

720p vs 1080i
As far as resolution even though the fx1 has a higher resolution image (and larger file when brought into the editing system)than the hd10u I cannot see the difference on high end hd monitors. Both are excellent. What is noticeble is the difference between progressive and interlaced. The fx1 looks smoother as in high end video and the hd10u looks more like film. When the output is for HD DVD (HD DVD players comming soon...) The jvc hd10u is a better format because all HD DVD players play 720P not 1080i so for the fx1 you will have to convert 1080i to 720p (very long rendering time)if you want to play it in the new hd home dvd players. (The conversion results are not good with software, better with hardware conversion)
For those of us (like me) who want to broadcast HD you must use 1080i so the fx1 is perfect with no conversion. You have to convert the hd10u from 720p to 1080i which looks good when I use a hardware converter. Enough for now.. hope this helps..

4.0 stars

"Needs decent lighting" on January 12, 2005

Pros: HDV-1080 is very nice and noticably better than DV quality. Widescreen is beautiful. The lens is great as is the autofocus most of the time.

Cons: The new CCD's developed for this camera need considerably more light than the VX2000 or VX2100. This camera added 12db more gain using autoexposure than my VX2000 for the same shot.