A Defining Moment in Home Video

Introducing the world's first consumer 1080i high definition camcorder, the Sony Handycam HDRFX1. Now you can record all your memories in true high-definition video. The HDRFX1 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition and Standard Definition video recorded on standard MiniDV cassettes. Sony's real-time HD Codec engine provides professional-level MPEG2 video compression. The system was designed for reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. It 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.

High Quality Video and Audio Capture

Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD imagers with 1,120K effective (video) pixels provide excellent detail and clarity with exceptional digital video performance. Using a 3-chip Advanced HAD CCD system and a dichroic prism to separate color information, colors are extremely accurate, and color "bleeding" and "smearing" are greatly reduced. An 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 technology is particularly effective when shooting in dark situations. The HDRFX1 records audio in MPEG1 Audio Layer II while recording in HDV format. This audio format provides outstanding sound quality even when compressed. In the standard DV format audio is recorded in either 12- or 16-bit (selectable) PCM Digital Stereo for audio quality that rivals that of a CD.

A Lens By Any Other Name...

From the authority in lens technology, the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens on the HDRFX1 provides a high quality 12x optical zoom which maintains image clarity and color while reducing glare and flare. An advanced form of Sony's SteadyShot Image Stabilization system is built in, which achieves an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some digital stabilization systems. Dual independent Zoom and Focus rings provide precise and detailed control over the amount of zoom and the overall focus of the image with just a turn of the rings. Fast, intuitive framing when zooming, and finely detailed focusing are easy with the natural feel of the rings.

Passing The Screen Test

A 3.5" Wide Precision Hybrid SwivelScreen LCD display provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 250K pixel LCD displaly 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. And, with the HDRFX1's expanded focus indicator, the LCD image is magnified, temporarily, up to 4x its original size without any loss of distortion. This allows you more finite control while focusing the camera for greater detail and clarity.

Connections You Can Count On

You can convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digital video via the HDRFX1's analog inputs. Analog NTSC video can also be passed through the HDRFX1 directly into a PC via the i.LINK interface in real-time for easy PC editing of your analog footage. The i.LINK DV Interface (IEEE1394) provides a high speed bi-directional digital video/audio communication between the HDRFX1 and other devices equipped with the same interface, including certain digital VCRs and PCs. Other connections built into this camcorder include composite and S-Video inputs, component, composite and S-Video outputs, and an audio connection.

Customize Your Camcorder

The HDRFX1 has lots of extra features that help you take advantage of its high-definition recording capability. Picture Profile allows you 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. This is especially useful when shooting under the same conditions repeatedly, as options do not have to be re-set each time. Settings for various shooting conditions are offered as defaults. There are also three buttons on the exterior of the HDRFX1 that are user-assignable so they can be set to the options most commonly utilized, to provide even more ease of use.

Professional-Feeling Video

The HDRFZ1 offers CineFrame recording, which gives you the option of recording video at either 30 fps, or giving your footage a film-like feel with 24 fps recording. The camera's shot transition feature allows for smooth automatic scene transitions. 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 scene to a deeper part of the scene. Thus the iris enables a smooth change of depth of field.

Included With Purchase

AC-L15 power adapter/in-camera charger, NP-F570 InfoLithium rechargeable battery, wireless Remote Commander remote control, AA battery, lens hood, lens cap, multi AV cable, component video cable, cleaning cassette, shoe adapter, large eye cup, shoulder strap.

Comparison Specifications

• 12 Optical Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens
• 3 1/3" 16:9 Advanced HAD CCD Imagers, 1,120K Pixels Gross, 1070K Pixels Video Actual
• 3.5" Wide Precision Hybrid SwivelScreen LCD Display (250K Pixels)
• i.LINK DV Interface (IEEE1394)
• Super SteadyShot Optical Stabilization System
• Minimum Illumination: 3 Lux
• Manual Shutter Speed Mode, Manual Zoom and Manual Focus Ring
• White Balance: Auto/One-Push (A)(B)/Preset, Gain Independent Iris Control
• Wireless Remote Commander Remote Control

Additional Specifications

• HDV Recording Format (1080i)
• Switchable HDV/DV Format Recording, Real-Time HD Codec Engine
• Composite and S-Video Inputs, Component, Mini, and S-Video Outputs, Audio In/Out
• Stereo Microphone Input, Headphone Jack, Accessory Shoe (Cold)
• Analog/Digital Conversion with Pass-Through
• Expanded Focus Indicator
• Picture Profile
• CineFrame Recording
• Assignable Buttons
• MPEG 1 Audio Layer II

Manufacturer Specifications

• Manual Iris Control
• Shot Transition
• Handle-Mounted Zoom/Recording Control
• 2 Position Neutral Density Filter
• Color Bar Generator
• Digital Audio/Video Fader
• 14-Bit A/D DXP
• Cinematone Gamma Control
• f1.6-2.8 Aperture, 1/4 - 1/10,000 Shutter Speed (in AE Mode)
• Focusing: Full Range Auto/Manual (Ring)/One Touch

Dimensional Specifications

• 4.4 lbs. (Without Battery or Accessories)
• 6" x 7 1/8" x 14 3/8"

Sony HDR-FX1 Warranty Details

1 Year Parts, 90 Days Labor