Sony HDR-FX1000 MiniDV HD digital camcorder

High definition MiniDV (HDV) Handycam camcorder

Since their sensational debut in 2004, Sony HDV camcorder products adopting the HDV 1080i specification have provided and continue to provide cost-effective HD program production. With high picture performance and superb functionality, Sony is trusted around the world for a wide range of HD applications. In line with its commitment to the HDV format, Sony introduces the HDR-FX1000, a stunning new model that extends the HDV line-up into the world of digital cinema and drama productions. The HDRFX1000 offers 24p and 30p progressive scanning, in addition to 60i interlaced. The images captured at 24p are recorded on tape at a 60i field rate through means of 2:3 pull-down. In its compact, lightweight, and ergonomically designed chassis, the HDRFX1000 integrates advanced technologies such as the newly developed 1/3" ClearVid CMOS sensor with Exmor derived technology imaging system, and a stunning 29.5mm wide-angle to 590mm telephoto (20x optical zoom) G-Lens. Such features enable you to capture vibrant, highly detailed HDV images with an extreme level of mobility, ease of use, and operational comfort suited for any shooting scenario.

Innovative technologies

The HDRFX1000 features three 1/3" ClearVid CMOS sensors, each having 1120K total pixels which produces high resolution 1920 x 1080 images (HDV captures 1440 x 1080) with rich and natural colors. The three independent CMOS sensors each handle one of the color elements (red, green, blue), 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. The HDRFX1000 also features a signal processing circuit, the Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP), which uses Sony's unique image processing technology. The EIP processor is able to rapidly process the vast amounts of pixel data read from the 3x 1/3" ClearVid CMOS sensor and record beautiful HD and colorful video. Combined use of the ClearVid CMOS sensor and the EIP technology provides extremely high image quality, enabled through a precise interpolation scheme, which concludes within each R, G, and B channel. This allows a higher resolution for each R, G, and B channel than is offered by equivalent-class camcorders that resort to spatial offset techniques to improve resolution. Unlike CCD sensors, there is no vertical smear in the ClearVid CMOS sensor imaging system when shooting high-intensity subjects, further reducing shooting condition constraints.

Superior optics

The HDR-FX1000 is equipped with a 29.5mm wide-angle G-Lens made of an advanced 10-group, 15 element lens structure that includes compound aspheric lenses and extra-low dispersion glass, which reduces chromatic aberration caused by light refraction, to produce video with extremely low color fringing. This lens was 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 the ability to reproduce the subject's impact. In addition, the digital extender increases the zoom ratio by approximately 1.5 throughout the range and up to approximately 30x at full zoom.

A lens that offers more

The G-Lens affords a superior low-light ability with high sensitivity that 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. The Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system from Sony reduces blur caused by camera shake and vibration, so your images stay crisp and clear. This system achieves an even higher level of smoothness without the image degradation that can occur with some digital stabilization systems. The HDRFX1000 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.

Ultimate viewing

The 3.2" wide (16:9) Xtra Fine LCD screen displays sharp, bright, vivid images, letting you compose a shot more easily while enabling you to change settings to best represent the scene. With 921K pixels resolution and a wide viewing angle, the Xtra Fine LCD screen is like having a HDTV built into your camcorder. The HDRFX1000 also features a high-resolution 0.45" Xtra Fine (approx. 1226K pixels) viewfinder that offers extra clear visibility in wide screen aspect ratio of 16:9. In addition to a standard-size eye cup, a large-size eye cup is also supplied. This can be attached to the standard-size eye cup to provide superb light-blocking capability, easy focusing, and more comfortable use of the viewfinder.

Operational convenience

The HDR-FX1000 is designed to be very compact and lightweight, for a high level of mobility in the field. It weighs around 4.56 lbs. with the lens hood and lens cover. The design is based on years of Sony experience in camera ergonomics and provides ease of use and operational comfort. In order to facilitate zoom control and recording operations during low-angle shooting, an additional zoom lever and a record start/stop button is available. Fixed speed zoom and VAR mode are also available on the on-handle zoom feature. A large space if offered on the bottom of the HDRFX1000's handle for secure carrying of the camcorder, even when wearing gloves. The side grip is located near the HDRFX1000's center of gravity. By tilting it to the front by approx. 10 degrees, it lightens the load on the operator's wrist during shooting.

Controls and connections

Gain more color control in extreme settings with three built-in Neurtal Density (ND) filters for adjusting the amount of light entering the image sensor through the lens. Depending on shooting conditions, you can choose from Clear, 1/4, 1/16, or 1/64 filters. In strong, glaring sunlight these filters give you more flexibility in choosing the shutter speed and aperture for superior creative control. Video connections such as i.LINK, analog component output, and multi-AV output connectors are located on the right side of the HDRFX1000's rear panel where they do not get in the way of camera operations during shooting. The HDMI output transfers non-compressed, high definition digital video and audio signals from and to the HDRFX1000 and other HDMI-equipped devices, such as HDTV monitors, via a single cable (cable sold separately). Gain, shutter speed, white balance, and menu buttons are located on the left side of the HDRFX1000 for convenient access during shooting. The one-push auto focus button, which is used for temporary auto focus adjustments, makes it easy to attain focus when in manual mode. Six assign buttons allow you to assign features you use often to shortcut buttons. An audio level dial is located on the side of the HDRFX1000 where it is easy to adjust. The audio level can be easily switched between manual and auto modes. When shooting in 16:9 aspect ratio mode, markers such as "center marker" and "guide frame" can be displayed on the LCD monitor and viewfinder, allowing scenes to be captured to match the aspect ratio of the edited master.

Creative versatility

The 24p (progressive scan) images captured with the HDRFX1000 are recorded using a method that allows them to be viewed on existing Sony HDV (60i) devices. Recordings made in this mode can also be edited as typical 60i material. The "24" mode should be selected when a 24p "film-like" look is desired on 60i material. The 24p signals are recorded to tape as 60i through means of 2:3 pull-down. 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 as 60i. If you seek extra control over image expression, you can use Cinematone Gamma technology to deepen the color and Cinematone Color to recreate film-like color tones. The Shot Transition function allows for smooth automatic scene transitions, while Smooth Slow Record enables clean slow-motion playback by capturing images at 4x the normal field rate, letting you capture 6 seconds of fast motion which will play back in 24 seconds. Interval recording is a unique function that records signals at pre-determined intervals (0.5, 1, 5, or 10 minutes). This is ideal for recording subjects over long periods, such as the movement of clouds or the blossoming of flowers.

Operational versatility

Up to six different picture-tonal settings can be saved in the memory with custom 12-character names as picture profiles on the HDRFX1000 and displayed on the LCD monitor at the touch of a button. This allows you to easily call up customized picture tonal settings to suit particular shooting conditions, rather than having to readjust the camera each time. The factory default setting includes six pre-loaded picture profiles for typical shooting conditions. With Rec Review, the video and audio of the last shot taken by the HRDFX1000 can be instantly played back on the LCD monitor with the touch of a button. You don't even have to switch from "Camera mode" to "VTR mode." After playback, the tape is automatically cued up to the end of the last shot to continue back space editing. Using the playback zoom function, a selected area of the recorded HD image can be enlarged and played back on the LCD monitor and viewfinder, allowing you to perform a detailed evaluation of the material. These enlarged images can also be output in SD format via the i.LINK and analog connectors, allowing you to cut out parts of the HD image and use them as SD material.

Other convenient functions

As you can see, the HDRFX1000 delivers features that help you capture just the shots you're looking for. But we've only scratched the surface of the capabilities of this quality Handycam. There are lots of other features that you're sure to appreciate, whether it's Minus Auto Gain Control (Minus AGC), x.v.Color technology, center marker/guide-frame, histogram display, color bar, or zebra display. There's a Memory Stick PRO Duo media slot (media sold separately) for capturing still images, a multi-language menu, and fader effects. It sounds like a lot, but if you really want to capture your cinematic vision, you'll appreciate the superior functionality of the HDR-FX1000.

Included with purchase

Power adapter/in-camera charger, InfoLITHIUM® rechargeable battery (NP-F570), Wireless Remote Commander® remote control, lens hood, lens cap (built-in lens hood), composite A/V cable, component video cable, large eye cup, shoulder strap.