Today Sony unveiled the HDR-FX1000: a new HDV Handycam aimed at the prosumer and high-end consumer markets. Incorporating a redesigned 3CMOS chipset and enhanced video features (such as Super Slow Record and 25p progressive scan), the new model is set to improve upon Sony’s previous top-tier HDV Handycam, the HDR-FX7. It also marks the debut of Sony's G Series lens on a high-def Handycam (previous HDR models have come with Carl Zeiss lenses).
Di Shepherd from Sony Australia said: "Sony [has drawn] on nearly 30 years of heritage in developing high-performance broadcast cameras to produce the HDR-FX1000. With this Handycam camcorder, dedicated video enthusiasts can enjoy absolute creative control over capturing pristine HDV 1080i images, with a 25p progressive scan mode, on HDV tape."
Designed specifically for the HDR-FX1000, the new G lens has been optimised to complement the camera’s image-processing technology, with a wide-angle performance of 29.5mm (35mm equivalent) and a low-light sensitivity of 1.5 lux. Video shooting is enhanced further by Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation, which produces smoother handheld results.
The HDR-FX1000 is also Sony’s first prosumer Handycam to feature 25p progressive scanning. Signals scanned at 25p are converted to 50i before recording on tape. This allows progressive-scan images to be viewed and edited seamlessly in an existing HDV environment.
Some of the key features found on the HDR-FX1000 include:
• HDV 1080i recording with new 25p progressive scan mode.
• Focus, zoom and iris rings on lens barrel.
• Sony G Lens with 29.5mm wide angle and 20x optical zoom.
• 3 1/3in ClearVid CMOS Image Sensors with Exmor technology.
• High-contrast 3.2in LCD display with 921k pixel resolution.
• 3x Neutral Density filters.
• CinemaTone Gamma and CinemaTone Colour for film-like tones.
• Optical SteadyShot for clearer handheld shooting.
Other manual features include Shot Transition and Picture Profile. The camcorder also has three assignable buttons that make it easy to access frequently used functions.
The Handycam HDR-FX1000 will be available in specialist stores from today, with an RRP of $5999. For a full list of specifications, click here.
