Hdr-fx1 First Impressions
 

1. This is not a consumer camera. Anyone who thinks this is a consumer camera doesn't know much about consumers. I design consumer products unrelated to this and you have to keep it simple to say the least. There is a huge amount of control on this camera. A consumer does not have enough patience to learn how to operate this camera. I doubt the Sony consumer division is going to give us another one of these gems and will continue the move toward making more simplified "solutions" for the high end of the product line.

2. The camera is not heavy. I have heard people describe this camera as heavy. A camera of this size could only be lighter if it was made of some crazy exotic materials. None of us are going to pay for exotic materials. Come on folks. The chassis is already magnesium. What more do you want? Buy an HC_ or grow some muscles on those tyrannosaurus arms of yours.

3. The quality of materials is very high in this camera. The nice details remind me of the old Japanese SLR's. The parts have a tight fit and the surface texture is first class. Most of the surface finish is painted to integrate with the magnesium. I can tell you that low cost was not the goal of the designers of this fine product.

Glad you're enjoying the FX1 Dale. Sony offers a lot of bang for the buck in that camera. I'm sure you'll have a great time exploring all the options that it gives you!

Sony calls the FX1 a consumer camera is like calling the JVC HD10 a pro camera. Sorry, HD10 lovers (I do still own one...).

heath

I'm loving mine. Glad you're liking yours...

Paul

Is that right ?! if so, then thats really quite impressive for the monet. magnesium is NOT cheap stuff, and i must admit to being a bit surprised if the majority of the chassis is magnesium or magnesium alloy.

I'd have thought it would be mainly aluminum/alloy, but defer to your better knowledge on that.

Yes, surprisingly it is magnesium instead of plastic. They could have really cut some $$ by going to plastic. Some people don't realize the level of value in this camera. I am amazed that it sells for so little. See the attachment.

With exception to some people who realized that it is more camera than what they need, I have never found an FX1 owner on this forum that regretted their purchase. All the critics have never owned one.

Yeah I'm luving it (FX1e)!!

However, some of the critics have tested and rented.

Wow, just the casing of the FX1! Scary looking without everything else!

heath

Yes, I like my FX1 also. The reason it is called a consumer camera is because it is from the consumer division, and you don't get the same assistance from them that you do the Z1, which is from the Pro division. Try getting a replacement in a hurry because you have an important shoot and the FX1 dies. No way. But with the Z1 it could be a different experience.

In any case, it sure does the job for me. And while I am technically a consumer and not a pro when it comes to cameras (I make some money writing and editing and teaching - not shooting) I think many consumers today are willing to learn more about their fancy gadgets.

If guys haven't seen it already, this link is also fascinating...

http://www.camcorderservice.nl/sony_fx1.htm

I love the fx1. I bought it about a year ago and havnt had a hint of buyer's remorse

Do NOT try that at home!

heath

I've owned my FX-1 for five months and love it. I've only ever used the $15 Sony "high-definition" tapes to record HDV footage (about 30 tapes total so far), and I have yet to experience a single drop-out.

*quickly knocks on wood*

Had to delete a post here. The DVinfo sponsors make this site possible. Please don't post things here criticizing their prices and sending people to other vendors. If you feel the need to do that, please post it on another website.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Whoops. Sorry about that. Wasn't thinking. Without ads on this site, it is easy to forget that there are sponsors.

Let's try again.

You are overpaying for tape. You can get them for under $11 at B&H.

Most criticisms I've seen of the FX1 are from people who want something that isn't available in this price range, or didn't take time to figure out how to make the most of the camera within its limitations. Until the recent Canon announcement there hasn't been anything to compare to the FX1 for a similar price, and critics should at least recognize this fact.

I've tested many competing cameras and found limitations and drawbacks to all of them relative to the FX1. The FX1 isn't perfect for everyone or every situation and there are things I wish were better about it, but it's been a heck of a deal for a professionally useful HD camera.

If I had more money I would still buy the fx1.

The school I work at just bought two FX1s, and we're already using them, along with a Z1 and two DVX100a cameras.

heath

That pic of the FX1's magnesium chassis just made me think of the Terminator's skeleton after his flesh burned off! Cool...

It doesn't feel pain. It doesn't feel pity. And it won't stop... EVER

;-)