Sony HDRFX1 HDV High Definition Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom

Rating:
Summary: amazing editing software IS out for this camera
Review: Every great camera needs great editing software. I am sure most people already know, but ALL of Apple's editing programs support the HDV format of this camera natively, WITHOUT the need to purchase any additional video cards.

This is true for Apple's Final Cut Pro HD, Final Cut Express HD and even for iMovie HD!

High definition video from this camera can be edited even on an iBook with the new iMovie HD right out of the box. This is what I call truely amazing!

Rating:
Summary: It may not be the best camera ever but it still rocks!!
Review: I am a student filmmaker and I just bought this camera from sonystyle.com. Its a great consumer camcorder. It does not offer true HD picture quality but it does offer true HD resolution. If you want a HD camera that rivals film cameras expect to spend 50 to 100 thousand dollars.
The best thing about the camera is its resolution and true 16:9 aspect ratio. If you hate the 16:9 squeeze mode on other camcorders this is the camcorder for you. some people are disappointed about the camcorder lacking a progressive scan mode, 720p. its debated if 720p is true HD. the HDR-FX1 shoots 1080i which is true HD resolution. If 1080i shot progressive scan it would go outside the bandwidth limit. So if you plan to transfer it to film one should get software with de-interlacing capabilities.
Over all the minor flaws will piss off professionals, but they have to realize at the moment true HD is only 1080i not 1080p. The lack of XLR inputs will also hurt the camcorder but there are ways around that to. One big worry is the amount of compression that occurs while shoot HDV on a MiniDV tape. From what I have experience the compression is not a major factor to worry about yet until I do more testing. Over all this is a superior camcorder compared to regular DV camcorders. 24p is not the only thing that give the film look. Aspect ratio and detail are very important as well. The resolution and detail is far superior to any other consumer camcorder. If detail and resolution are top of your list, than this is the camcorder for you, once the editing software comes out for it.

Rating:
Summary: Sony 1080i camcorder delivers
Review: I hooked up the HDR-FX1 (a loaner) to my HiScan Wega 36in CRT direct-view TV using RGB component input. The picture is amazing, and is equal or sometimes better than the HD broadcast from cable TV, which is delivered via set-top-box in mostly either 720p or 1080i. The HDV detail is certainly an order higher than standard DV due to format resolution, and color is deeper in saturation due to 4:2:0 color sampling. Although HDV cannot match professional HD format, I think it is good enough for consumer who just wants to make home video for showing on new HDTV. In fact the Sony is a good replacement for my year old Panasonic DVX100A.

Rating:
Summary: Best prosumer camcorder yet, but not for true professionals.
Review: My first "prosumer" camcorder I ever owned and I love it. The color reproduction is phenominal and has great features. A few caveats may scare away people looking for something more, but this is more of a VERY HIGH END consumer item. Not for the novice, but someone with more shooting talent than the average person. If you want a TRUE HD professional camera, spend 15+ grand and stop knocking this one.

A bother to me was that regular mini-dv can record in true 16:9 mode. While the HD mode is anamorphic 4:3. (Stretched to fit 16:9) The wideangle lens can fix that for about $500 more.
But if you are transferring to regular DVD's, you can still shoot mini DV widescreen because DVD doesn't record in HD.

So, unless you are transferring to HD DVD, like blu-ray, you have the BEST consumer/prosumer widescreen camcorder available.
Rated at about 3lux, low light doesn't harm this baby much. I find the accessories can be pricey too, but that is the cost you pay when you go prosumer. Everything else is for beginners and amatures.

Tip: Get a long life battery. Sony 970 is recommended for longest life, but the 960 served me well for a days shooting/standby with plenty time left over.

Did I mention women love men with big camcorders? {:-p