So what about F-Stops?
 

I've read about the noise/no noise issue, the CCD resolution/lack of issue, various tests, comparisons etc. My concern is what's the exposure range. The DVX100 was said to just reach 7 F-stops (which is pretty respectable for a video camera). Modified with an Andromeda it's been said to come up to about 9 and a half. Does anyone have the numbers for the HVX?

Thanks

The maximum aperture with the lens at full wide is f/1.6, and at full telephoto it's f/2.8. Now if someone who has the camera can report at what f/stop the iris closes, you'll have your answer. I would not expect much smaller than f/11 or f/16 or so due to the problem of diffraction, readily apparent in all one-third inch HD camcorders at such a small aperture.

F/11 is the smallest iris you can register. Technically it will allow you to close to F/11+1/3, but you really shouldn't as diffraction gets pretty noticeable down there (well, in HD; it's fine in SD).