Should i buy the HD1?

Steven Gotz · May 21st, 2005, 10:43 AM

In general terms, you are probably correct.

In my case, I will be carrying a Sony HDR-FX1 on vacation to Greece in June. While I always carry a tripod so I can get into my own shots as well as get steady shots, I also have found that there are places where a tripod is not allowed. Like Chichen Itza in Mexico. Either because the guards have decided that a tripod means you are a professional and need a license to shoot, or because they do not allow tripods at all since some people don't know to make sure they do not scratch the floor.

So for those occasions, I will now also be carrying the DVRigJunior. To avoid shaky shots. I get a little smoother shots when moving because of the smooth spring loaded suspension support pod, but not as good as a stabilizer for walking. But a stabilizer works because of the weights. And climbing innumerable steps with the extra weight is not a viable option.

I believe that under these conditions, the FX1 is fine, and the JVC would be equally fine. I prefer the footage from the FX1, but unless you compare the HD1 footage to the FX1 footage side-by-side, I think you would be generally impressed with the HD1 footage in comparison to uprezzed DV.

Ken Hodson · May 21st, 2005, 02:03 PM

Steven have you compared footage of an HD10 with an FX1 side by side?

Steven Gotz · May 22nd, 2005, 12:33 AM

Not side by side unfortunately. Not the same footage anyway. I did have a chance to review a Royalty Free Collection that actually had some pretty decent shots. And the footage looked good on the 60" Sony HDTV.

Let me say that I don't produce for broadcast. If it looks good on a HDTV, then that's good enough for me. When played via the AVeL Linkplayer on a television that has 1280X720 pixels, the HD1 footage looked fine. I thought it lacked the color definition of the Sony, but one chip vs three might have had something to do with that.

Compared to a one chip DV camera, it was certainly a huge improvement.

May 21st, 2005, 10:43 AM	#16
Steven Gotz Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Clermont, FL Posts: 1,520	In general terms, you are probably correct. In my case, I will be carrying a Sony HDR-FX1 on vacation to Greece in June. While I always carry a tripod so I can get into my own shots as well as get steady shots, I also have found that there are places where a tripod is not allowed. Like Chichen Itza in Mexico. Either because the guards have decided that a tripod means you are a professional and need a license to shoot, or because they do not allow tripods at all since some people don't know to make sure they do not scratch the floor. So for those occasions, I will now also be carrying the DVRigJunior. To avoid shaky shots. I get a little smoother shots when moving because of the smooth spring loaded suspension support pod, but not as good as a stabilizer for walking. But a stabilizer works because of the weights. And climbing innumerable steps with the extra weight is not a viable option. I believe that under these conditions, the FX1 is fine, and the JVC would be equally fine. I prefer the footage from the FX1, but unless you compare the HD1 footage to the FX1 footage side-by-side, I think you would be generally impressed with the HD1 footage in comparison to uprezzed DV. __________________ Steven Gotz http://www.stevengotz.com

May 21st, 2005, 02:03 PM	#17
Ken Hodson Trustee Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 1,315	Steven have you compared footage of an HD10 with an FX1 side by side? __________________ Damnit Jim, I'm a film maker not a sysytems tech.

May 22nd, 2005, 12:33 AM	#18
Steven Gotz Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Clermont, FL Posts: 1,520	Not side by side unfortunately. Not the same footage anyway. I did have a chance to review a Royalty Free Collection that actually had some pretty decent shots. And the footage looked good on the 60" Sony HDTV. Let me say that I don't produce for broadcast. If it looks good on a HDTV, then that's good enough for me. When played via the AVeL Linkplayer on a television that has 1280X720 pixels, the HD1 footage looked fine. I thought it lacked the color definition of the Sony, but one chip vs three might have had something to do with that. Compared to a one chip DV camera, it was certainly a huge improvement. __________________ Steven Gotz http://www.stevengotz.com