SONY HDR FX1000

[Robert Rohloff]

I finally talked my wife into letting me buy a VX2100 since I like the low light ability according to most who have used it. I do like the HD video in good light. I have read the posts on the CCD vs CMOS and low light. This new HDV Sony claims to be able to record low light video at 1.5 lux.

Since it is not out yet there are no real ratings. Any chance Sony has the low light HD issue resolved? Worth the extra $900 if it can record good low light video?

Looks like that Sony is going to discontinue the VX2100

 

[Andrew Ryan]

Looks like a pretty decent camera. But it has no XLR inputs. If that doesn't bother you, then I say go with it. If the lux rating is true, then this camera will be great in low light.

But as I said before, lack of XLR inputs is a real deal breaker for me. This makes it difficult to add external mics. Also I heard the audio controls aren't that great either.

 

[Darren Stephens]

If you can get your hands on a VX2100 I would recommend it. A friend of mine has one and it spanks my HDR-FX1 in low light conditions.

 

[Jason Foster]

If I owned one, I wouldn't sell a vx2100 to buy the fx1000. But at this point, for chasing and other items I shot for, the new camera seems the best. It's a familiar system, with expected performance, and nothing super dramatically new that might spoil it. That said, I don't think I'll be one of the first to buy it....waiting to see what the first impressions are. After that, I'm sure I'll have to put my name on the waiting list...if there is one.

If anyone sees a review of the camera in any of the pro and prosumer mags on this camera let us know...I only get Videomaker attm.

 

[Bill Hark]

Sony's new FX-1000 is now on their website with a detailed description on specs. They are accepting pre orders for a release around November 10th.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665529584

The specs are very impressive. It is a big heavy beast of a camera. The low light capability is an improvement over the FX1. They list it as having 1.5 lux. The imaging is done by a 3x 1/3" ClearVidâ„¢ CMOS sensor

( in comparison, the VX-2100 is 1 lux and images using 1/3" Advanced HADâ„¢ CCD; the FX-1 is 3 lux and images with 3 1/3" 16:9 Advanced HADâ„¢ CCD's and the related Z1 is listed as 2 lux)

Of course, the new camcorder comes out about 8 months after I bought a used Z1. I like the lower rated lux on the FX-1000. We'll see how that translates to real life especially during chasing. I am also concerned about lightning artifacts due to the CMOS. Sony seems to be changing completely to CMOS for imaging. For those that can afford the FX-1000, I will be interested to see if it becomes the ultimate HD chase camcorder like the vX-2000 and VX-2100 were in their times.

Bill Hark

 

[mike scantlin]

If you plan on doing any handheld shooting, go with the vx2100. the weight difference doesnt seem like a big deal, but next year, when you're trying to hold that beast with one arm while driving across a corn field at 100mph and screaming like a banshee, you will regret going HD.