View Full Version : FX1000 has arrived - first impressions


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Martyn Hull
November 25th, 2008, 05:28 AM
film testowy Sony FX 1000e on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/1963646)

Brooke & Jeff 11/22/08 on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/2336892)
The FX1000 footage looks good but i cannot see myself getting a larger cam than the FX-7 i find that one heavy lugging around on long walks with the tripod as well.For wildlife the loss of 158mm on the zoom would be a loss, add ons can be a pain,i know most prefer wide to zoom,yes it looks a great cam if only sony would bring out a real great preforming xm2 sized cam.One thing i would like someone cleverer than me is tell me why all vimeo films are jittery on my packard bell pc and vaio laptop.

Khoi Pham
November 25th, 2008, 08:06 AM
Dziękuję Pedanes! I really like the colors in the footage you took. Did you do any color correction? Tweak any settings in the camcorder? Use a filter? Or is that the higher dynamic range of the CMOS chips showing through?

The guy is using a 5600k light for indoor white balance, you can see the fleshtone is bluish when the camera is close enough for the on camera light to be the main source, look at footage when the bride just got to the chuppah or inside the chuppah, or any other shot that the camera is very close, I see this alot, using a led light, most led light are 5600k and they shoot indoor with the camera set to indoor or 3200K settings.

Jeff Harper
November 25th, 2008, 08:14 AM
The FX1000 footage looks good

I disagree. Brooke and Jeff's video looks fantastic to me.

He was using a light most all of the time, clearly, but still, the colors are excellent and the contrast was very good. It can be picked apart, etc., but all in all that is close to stunning footage.

Michael Liebergot
November 25th, 2008, 08:28 AM
Ron, the WB switching on the FX1000 isn't smooth. There is a slight transition, but it's very short.

What is black stretch? I'll check it out in the manual, sounds interesting, whatever it is!
The FX1000 won't have Black Stretch. Sony only offers black Stretch in the Broadcast Division cameras. So it Black Stretch will be on the Z5U, but not the FX1000.

That said it looks as of Sony has added a lot of picture profile features in the FX1000, that they would have normally reserved for their broadcast cameras. Nice to see.

Jeff, BTW one question...
Can you nor use the "Focus Assist" feature while the camera is running, or do you have to be in stand by, like you had to be on the FX1/Z1?

Michael Liebergot
November 25th, 2008, 08:35 AM
film testowy Sony FX 1000e on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/1963646)

Brooke & Jeff 11/22/08 on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/2336892)

Nice clips, but did anyone else notice the "rolling shutter" in the wedding clips.

It's not that bad, but definitely still present.

Guess we have to accept this as the norm for a while when using CMOS sensors.

Khoi Pham
November 25th, 2008, 08:35 AM
I disagree. Brooke and Jeff's video looks fantastic to me.

He was using a light most all of the time, clearly, but still, the colors are excellent and the contrast was very good. It can be picked apart, etc., but all in all that is close to stunning footage.

Look at 1:19, both of them have bluish/purple skin tone, look at 1:22, the mother of the bride has good color but not the rabbie, that is because the light could not reach the MOB as much, the guy is using the wrong light I tell you.

Jeff Harper
November 25th, 2008, 08:36 AM
Michael, haven't used it. But it has an on/off setting in the menu, and there is no indication in the manual that you must be in standby. I will turn it on when I next get the cam out and play with it, but I feel certain the answer is no.

Khoi Pham
November 25th, 2008, 08:39 AM
Nice clips, but did anyone else notice the "rolling shutter" in the wedding clips.

It's not that bad, but definitely still present.

Guess we have to accept this as the norm for a while when using CMOS sensors.

Yeah I see it, wonder if I can live with it with clips in slomo.

Paul Therrien
November 25th, 2008, 08:52 AM
Look at 1:19, both of them have bluish/purple skin tone, look at 1:22, the mother of the bride has good color but not the rabbie, that is because the light could not reach the MOB as much, the guy is using the wrong light I tell you.

You are correct. He is either using the wrong light, or he forgot to flip the color corrector up out oft he way. It really gets in the way of the look.

On my monitor many of the shots look overblown, but if anything that tells me the cams light sensitivity is high and he just has to learn it.

I'm glad to see footage starting to hit the streets though.

Ron Evans
November 25th, 2008, 11:00 AM
The FX1000 won't have Black Stretch. Sony only offers black Stretch in the Broadcast Division cameras. So it Black Stretch will be on the Z5U, but not the FX1000.



http://www.docs.sony.com/release/HDRFX1000.pdf
This is the manual for the FX1000 and clearly states it has Black stretch etc. As I said it looks like it has most of what was only available in the Z series. There may be other controls that are missing but it has most of what I want. Shockless gain would be nice shockless WB is of no interest to me as most of what I do is in a theatre environment fixed. Maybe it is these things that are the difference this time to the Z series. Maybe Jeff can confirm it has Black stretch etc.

Ron Evans

Jeff Harper
November 25th, 2008, 11:17 AM
Ron, I looked for it in the menu, didn't see it listed. I wish I knew what it was...maybe under a different name?

Someone throw me a bone here, what is black stretch?

Martyn Hull
November 25th, 2008, 11:30 AM
I disagree. Brooke and Jeff's video looks fantastic to me.

He was using a light most all of the time, clearly, but still, the colors are excellent and the contrast was very good. It can be picked apart, etc., but all in all that is close to stunning footage.
Yes i said it looks good but would not go to the fantastic stage watching on a pc monitor from vimeo,sr 12 and fx7 film exported and played on my pc look good as well also on my large plasma,the fx1000 does look like a great machine but i did say why its sadly probobly not for me.Who knows things might change in the future.

Adam Gold
November 25th, 2008, 12:34 PM
Ron, I looked for it in the menu, didn't see it listed. I wish I knew what it was...maybe under a different name?

Someone throw me a bone here, what is black stretch?

Page 39 of your manual. You set it in a picture profile, and you can stretch (add more gradations) or compress (crush all dark tones to black). First time this appears in a non-pro cam for Sony. "Knee" does the same or similar for highlights, and this is on the FX1000 as well. Also detailed on page 39.

Ron Evans
November 25th, 2008, 01:08 PM
Page 39 of your manual. You set it in a picture profile, and you can stretch (add more gradations) or compress (crush all dark tones to black). First time this appears in a non-pro cam for Sony. "Knee" does the same or similar for highlights, and this is on the FX1000 as well. Also detailed on page 39.

You got there before me Adam. The value for me in theatre and I am sure for wedding guys, is that with stretch on the blacks/shadows( lowest levels) have more detail, and with knee set lower the whites don't overload. Something that consumer/prosumer cams have just not had compared to the true broadcast equipment. The new Panasonic HMC150 has this too to appeal to the event users. My SR11 seems to do a better job of this than the FX1 giving the impression of more latitude.

Ron Evans

Marius Boruch
November 30th, 2008, 07:02 PM
which XLR adapter would you recommend for FX1000;
is there any device allowing to connect HVRMRC1K to fx1000???

Ron Evans
November 30th, 2008, 08:33 PM
which XLR adapter would you recommend for FX1000;
is there any device allowing to connect HVRMRC1K to fx1000???

This is what I use with my FX1 XLR Adapter XLR Pro Audio Adapter The XLR-BP XLR Audio Adapters For Camcorders XLR Adapter (http://www.studio1productions.com/xlr-bp_pro.htm). As far as the HVRMRC1K I think an iLink cable is all you will need to connect to any DV or HDV camcorder.

Ron Evans

Tim Akin
November 30th, 2008, 10:07 PM
which XLR adapter would you recommend for FX1000;
is there any device allowing to connect HVRMRC1K to fx1000???



These have been recommended for their low noise capabilities.

Camcorder XLR Audio Adapter/Preamp: Buy Direct and Save (http://juicedlink.com/index_files/CX_camcorder_XLR_microphone_adapter_audio_mixers.htm)

Michael Liebergot
December 1st, 2008, 08:35 AM
I second, third, and fourth the Juicedlink boxes.
They are by far the quietest and best performing of the XLR adapters out there.

Marius Boruch
December 3rd, 2008, 12:17 PM
The only thing I need to know before I order the camera is LOW LIGHT compare to lets say VX2100; can somebody post some stills from these two, please?

Juan Hernandez
December 3rd, 2008, 03:35 PM
I'm told that it is way better than the vx 2100 in any way plus you have tha option of recording in different formats!

Noa Put
December 3rd, 2008, 03:55 PM
I'm told that it is way better than the vx 2100 in any way plus you have tha option of recording in different formats!

First I have to see this before I believe it, I have owned a vx2100 so if the person that told this to you can provide some comparing shots?

John Gayman
December 3rd, 2008, 10:29 PM
The only thing I need to know before I order the camera is LOW LIGHT compare to lets say VX2100; can somebody post some stills from these two, please?

I too am currently using a VX2100 and my main point of interest is the autofocus ability of the FX1000. I shoot a lot of figure skating competitions and ice shows and the VX2100 AF is great for tracking the skaters among busy backgrounds. I've even used the VX2100 through the glass for hockey and it did great. It also handles the cold temperatures found in skating rinks.

I'm really hoping the FX1000 at least equals the VX2100 in these areas as I would really like to get one.

Jeff Harper
December 4th, 2008, 12:32 AM
I'm told that it is way better than the vx 2100 in any way plus you have tha option of recording in different formats!


Please read post #38 in this thread. My experience from shooting with the two side by side is the FX1000 is NOT better than the VX2100 in low light. The FX1000 is very good in low light but not AS good. I do not regret the purchase, because I believe for the money I got a lot of camera. Got my money's worth for sure.

I had said in a previous post that the FX1000 is way better, I was mistaken. I was wrong.

I wanted something better in low light than the FX1, and I certainly got it. It produces great images. I believe stunning images are possible in the right hands.

I say that if you watch the Vimeo video posted of Brooke that demo says more about the cam than words can.

In the dark it still looks dark, and it does not perform miracles. My expectations were completely unreasonable while waiting for the cam, but I emphasize I am very happy with the FX1000 anyway.

I still hate the menu scroll wheel, and still have lot to learn about the cam. I've only run it for one wedding and then I put it away and still haven't taken the time to learn it properly, but I know that when I get familiar with it it will be fantastic. I am still bogged down with editing but come January I will be shooting with it lots to learn it better.

K.C. Luke
December 4th, 2008, 04:21 AM
First I have to see this before I believe it, I have owned a vx2100 so if the person that told this to you can provide some comparing shots?

I have that VX2100 as well more than many years and still strong.

Just take note on VX2100 user. VX2100 HAD CCD chip set. FX1000 CMOS CCD chip set. For those like to take events with flashing camera alround, than it may not good to buy.

Jeff Harper
December 4th, 2008, 04:42 AM
John, the auto focus is stonger on the VX2100 than the FX1000. In fact the auto-focus is downright frustrating at times on this cam. If you don't need widescreen and /or hi-definition footage you will be disappointed. If you do need widescreen or HD it is a great option if you can't afford an EX1 or some other more expensive cam.

John Gayman
December 4th, 2008, 07:48 AM
John, the auto focus is stonger on the VX2100 than the FX1000. In fact the auto-focus is downright frustrating at times on this cam. If you don't need widescreen and /or hi-definition footage you will be disappointed. If you do need widescreen or HD it is a great option if you can't afford an EX1 or some other more expensive cam.

Oh no! That is not what I wanted to hear. :-) With fast moving skaters autofocus is critical to getting high quality material. The basic reason for the new camera would be for the widescreen format in SD as Blu-ray is still not a viable distribution media for most of our clients. It would be nice to have the HD master tapes for when Blu-ray players are more widespread and media is reasonably priced.

I had looked at the Canon A1 when it first came out but passed it by based on reports of poor autofocus performance. I was really hoping the FX1000 was finally a suitable HD replacement for the VX2100.

Are you saying the EX1 has better autofocus?

Juan Hernandez
December 4th, 2008, 03:11 PM
I think that we are comparing two totally diferent cameras as you know high definition cameras will be a lot worse in poor ligthing conditions and the one's that are great cost a lot of money Ijust think that with the technology that we have rigth now this camera is worth it every penny people who think that this camera is worthless problably they're kind of work is more professional than some of us in my case this camera and the fx1 which I owned are great cameras and asa soon you got the rigth settings on them you can make wonders but that's just me, I don't think you have to be agreed with me because we may use this kind of cameras for diferent projects

Tim Akin
December 4th, 2008, 05:30 PM
These are frame grabs from the VX (SD timeline) and FX (HDV timeline). Both cams are set to F2.8, 0db.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/members/tim-akin-albums-vx-vs-fx-picture144-vx-3.jpg
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/members/tim-akin-albums-vx-vs-fx-picture145-fx-3.jpg

I'll try to get some more that are side by side later.

Nathan Troutman
December 4th, 2008, 05:58 PM
And Tim by FX I'm assuming you mean the new FX1000 not the old FX1.

Those low light results look pretty amazing to me - especially considering the VX has fewer and hence larger pixel sites. This kind of sensitivity is going to be a blessing to HD both for low light situations and for shooting with a 35mm film adapter.

Besides money I can't imagine why anyone who has still been clinging to the shore of SD wouldn't take the plunge to HD. I bought the FX1 right when it came out and have been enjoying HD shooting for a long time now. Now I can finally get back the low light sensitivity I loved with the VX that I had to give up when I started shooting with the FX1.


The FX1000 looks like a well-rounded, well-priced, perfect HD option for anything: docs, films, weddings, corporate, you name it.

Tim Akin
December 4th, 2008, 07:26 PM
And Tim by FX I'm assuming you mean the new FX1000 not the old FX1.


Yeah, FX1000, sorry.

Here's some more side by side.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/members/tim-akin-albums-fx-vs-vx-2-picture148-fx-vs-vx-1.jpg

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/members/tim-akin-albums-fx-vs-vx-2-picture149-fx-vs-vx-2.jpg

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/members/tim-akin-albums-fx-vs-vx-2-picture150-fx-vs-vx-3.jpg

Ron Evans
December 4th, 2008, 08:36 PM
Tim can you address the issue of gain. How do these compare as the gain is increased to the point where they are not usable? Can the new CMOS technology use just a little gain to get ahead. From the samples 3db might just do it?
Ron Evans

Greg Laves
December 5th, 2008, 08:46 AM
Tim, thanks for posting those screen grabs. That is pretty amazing.

Tim Akin
December 5th, 2008, 01:11 PM
Tim can you address the issue of gain. How do these compare as the gain is increased to the point where they are not usable? Can the new CMOS technology use just a little gain to get ahead. From the samples 3db might just do it?
Ron Evans


Here some more grabs with almost no light. The noise is bad in both cams (18 & 21bd of gain, what do you expect) I'll try and check to see when the noise starts to get bad in the FX this weekend.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/members/tim-akin-albums-noise-check-picture151-1.jpg

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/members/tim-akin-albums-noise-check-picture152-2.jpg

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/members/tim-akin-albums-noise-check-picture153-3.jpg

Juan Hernandez
December 5th, 2008, 05:26 PM
I think you got me with this examples this is what I was waiting for to make my desicion on wich camera to buy since Ihave the fx1 I will be buying the fx 1000. Do you know if this fx 1000 will use the same type of battery (series L)? yhank you so much for the footage Monday I will be getting my christmas present, (an fx1000)

Greg Laves
December 5th, 2008, 06:03 PM
Juan, the FX1000 does indeed use the "L" Infolithium battery. Thank you Sony.

Tim Akin
December 5th, 2008, 06:28 PM
I think you got me with this examples this is what I was waiting for to make my desicion on wich camera to buy since Ihave the fx1 I will be buying the fx 1000. Do you know if this fx 1000 will use the same type of battery (series L)? yhank you so much for the footage Monday I will be getting my christmas present, (an fx1000)

Juan, you won't be disappointed. I always ran the VX in manual, but so far I'm real inpressed with auto in the FX. You can set the auto gain to -7 so that will keep the gain down. I almost always had to turn the gain down one or two clicks from auto on the VX. You also have a setting to adjust the gain to "slow", so you don't have those abrupt changes in exposure. I really won't no untill I use the FX in real world (wedding) and edit the footage, as to how good this cam really is.

Juan Hernandez
December 6th, 2008, 10:51 AM
thanks tim, Now I have a question. I was browsing the web trying to find the best deal on this camera (FX1000) and I found it on -------- ----- for $ 2600. I think that this is a pretty good deal. have any of you bougth any thing from this web site? is this place legit I heard of some web sites giving you great deals and turn out to be a pain and fraudulent. please any advice! and thanks again

Norman Gaddis
December 6th, 2008, 11:14 AM
Run, don't walk, away. A quick Google search will reveal why.

Erik Phairas
December 6th, 2008, 11:47 AM
You aren't kidding. Most of those sites are all owned by the same company under different names. The wonderful thing is, I've seen official google and youtube ads promoting them as trusted dealers.

Tim Akin
December 6th, 2008, 02:54 PM
I purchase all my gear at B&H Photo.

Jeff Harper
December 7th, 2008, 12:42 AM
Juan, it is common for many of us who are new to purchasing camera gear online to find places similar to the one you mentioned. The lucky ones find out before they have an unpleasant experience.

When shopping for camera gear, I suggest you always check the prices at B and H first, because their prices are usually as low as it gets.

Sometimes you can find some items cheaper, but if a dealer is reputable their prices are not going to be more than a few dollars cheaper, since B&H sells for about as low as is normally possible.

Juan Hernandez
December 7th, 2008, 11:50 AM
yeah I've seen the price on b&h photo and is $3200.00. and this is the place where I purchased my fx1 and 1000u...... but since I saw this same company advertaising on my videomaker subscription I tough this is probably a trusted place but who knows. I think is better to spend few hundred dlls. more and to have a piece of mind . what I was thinking!!!!

Jeff Harper
December 7th, 2008, 03:14 PM
You were thinking you would like to save a few hundred dollars, of course!

Some of the questionable places actually do not rip you off exactly, but will try to upsell you.

This is how I've read that it works:

You place your order, everything will appear fine, then you get a phone call. They will tell you they are sorry but the item you ordered is not stock, but that they will have a "kit" available that includes the item you want plus a bunch of accesories at some supposedly great price.

Lets say you go ahead and buy it...well it turns out the extras you purchased are all junk and not worth nearly what you paid.

So technically they do not rip you off. And there might be consumers who cannot tell the difference.

I've had heard that often you can get your money back, but it can be difficult and time consuming.

Juan Hernandez
December 7th, 2008, 05:58 PM
Thanks again jeff, I Will buy this camera on b&h photo I just talked to them and actually got a pretty deal!!...... merry christmas to all of you... I know I will be Happy with my new camera fx1000.

Juan Hernandez
December 9th, 2008, 10:19 AM
Have any of you know if this new compact flash recorder from sony will be compatible with the fx1000.

I think this will be an awesome add on for this camera and the ability to record without tape, Im just thinking if the on camera record button will actually send any kind of signal to the recorder without using the recorder itself

thanks for all the information once again

Colin Zhang
December 9th, 2008, 05:11 PM
Have any of you know if this new compact flash recorder from sony will be compatible with the fx1000.

I think this will be an awesome add on for this camera and the ability to record without tape, Im just thinking if the on camera record button will actually send any kind of signal to the recorder without using the recorder itself

thanks for all the information once again

Not sure if it will mount on directly as it will with the Z5 but it will definitely work through the firewire connection.

Juan Hernandez
December 10th, 2008, 10:41 AM
thanks, if somebody has tried to use this two things together please post some information I just want to make sure I can record without tape on the camera and using the on camera record buttton to manipulate the compact flash recorder. thanks again

sorry for some of the errors on my writting as this is my second language grettings from the mexican videoguy!

Juan Hernandez
December 10th, 2008, 04:40 PM
I was reading in the canon a1 blog that this same recorder will be able to sync with the canon, and you are able to record to it using the record button without tape to me that is wonderfull

Since this is possible from a canon camera I think that this sony fx1000 should do it also don't you think?

Martin Duffy
December 11th, 2008, 05:24 AM
Tim

Mate I am in Australia and just wanted to thank you for posting the still pics. I am really excited about getting my FX1000 that arrives here in Tasmania on Tuesday.

I have held off buying a HD cam having wanted to wait until all the specs were good for me.

I film alot of sport and dance concerts and have been so happy with my Panasonic DC-62 (shoulder version of DC-30. Great in low light, nice pics and 16X zoom plus the zoom control was as quick as many pro cameras.

Can anyone tell me what the zoom speed is like on the FX1000?

Also is the rolling shutter an issue in Standard definition as this is what I will still be recording alot of my footage in.

I have heard that doing quick pan even on a tripod can make the footage look weird. Again is this in HD but not a problem in SD?

Thanks for all the advice.

Regards


Martin Duffy
Duff TV - Hobart Video and DVD Production, Online Video Specialists (http://www.dufftv.com.au)

Jeff Harper
December 11th, 2008, 05:41 AM
Zoom speed is good and the rocker is smooth, very nice. The 20x zoom is fantastic.

You will have issues with quick pans. The rolling shutter is a result of the CMOS, so it will be an issue no matter what.

The auto focus can be troublesome with this cam, but mostly is fine.

If there is a better alternative at this $3200 US, I'd like to know what it is.