Installing Accessories, Water Entry | Sony HVR-Z1, HDR-FX1 instruction

INSTALLING ACCESSORIES

The PHENOM as been equipped with mounting holes and railing systems to accommodate for a variety of accessories. Locations for a few of these accessories have been designated for your convenience. However, these locations can be used for other accessories. Some accessories like the monitor or video lights require to be connected to the housing. Accessory connector ports (one on the right side and two on the left side) are available for this purpose.

Achieving neutral buoyancy and balance

Adding accessories to the housing may make it heavier or off balance in the water. Removable ballasts have been added to the bottom of the housing for this purpose.

To make the necessary weight adjustments.

1.Submerge the housing with the added accessories into the water so you get an idea of what and where to remove weight.

2.Using the allen key supplied, start removing or relocating the ballasts from the right or the left channels as illustrated.

WATER ENTRY

1.Always turn housing to its ON position before entering water. To turn it ON, use the right grip trigger button. This is confirmed by the CAM. indicator light turning on steady green. The camcorder viewfinder will also turn ON.

Doing step 1 will activate the built-in moisture alarm sensor located in the bottom of the housing.

IMPORTANT

All indicator lights will start flashing RED if water leakage occurs inside the housing. Remove from water as soon as possible, take the camcorder out of the housing and inspect all seals and the inside of the housing. ALWAYS REMEMBER DIVER SAFETY FIRST.

2.Lower the housing just below the water surface in level position and hold for one minute to confirm there is no leakage in the housing.

Never leap into the water while holding the housing. Always have the housing handed to you or lowered down once you are in the water.

3.Point the lens of the housing upwards and shake off any air bubbles. It may also be necessary to gently wipe the lens with your finger to remove bubbles.

PREPARING CAMCORDER & HOUSING

	"T" bracket
Monitor bracket		Video lights
Carry handle			Video lights
Carry handle			Video lights

Accessory connector port

Allen key (supplied) Ballast

Right Grip

			PWR SAVE
CAM				VCR
		W	Z
		-	O
		M		O
		O				-
Z	O				M
Z	O					T
W						S
		B			U
				C
			O
			F

Trigger Button

HVR-Z1, HDR-FX1 specifications

The Sony HDR-FX1 is a pioneering high-definition camcorder that garnered significant attention upon its release in 2004. It is especially noted for being one of the first camcorders to offer true 1080i high-definition recording capabilities, catering to both amateur filmmakers and professionals alike. Equipped with a 1/3-inch CMOS sensor, the FX1 captures stunningly detailed images, ensuring that each frame is rich in color and clarity.

One of the notable features of the HDR-FX1 is its advanced imaging technology, including the use of Sony’s ClearVid sensor and a 3D Color Filter. This combination enhances the camera's ability to render vibrant colors and fine details, providing beautiful images even in challenging lighting conditions. The FX1 supports a 16:9 aspect ratio, allowing users to create cinematic productions with ease.

The camcorder also features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens with a focal length of 5.4 to 64.8 mm (35mm equivalent: 40 to 480 mm), which provides excellent optical performance and versatility. The lens has a remarkable maximum aperture of f/1.6, allowing for great low-light performance and beautiful bokeh effects. The optical image stabilization system further enhances the shooting experience by minimizing the effects of camera shake, making it easier to capture steady footage.

Sony's HDR-FX1 adopts the HDV format for high-definition video recording, utilizing a standard MiniDV tape, which was innovative for its time. This allowed filmmakers to easily transfer footage to their editing systems without needing extensive additional equipment. Additionally, the FX1 features a built-in HDMI output, enabling direct connection to high-definition displays for detailed playback of recorded footage.

The camcorder includes a range of manual controls, such as focus, iris, and shutter speed, which provide users with the flexibility to fine-tune their settings. A 3.5-inch swing-out LCD screen allows for easy monitoring and composition, while an electronic viewfinder ensures accurate framing in bright conditions.

Overall, the Sony HDR-FX1 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of video technology, combining accessibility with professional features, making it a beloved choice among videographers and filmmakers looking to dive into the world of high-definition video. Its legacy continues to influence subsequent camcorder designs and remains a respected model in the realm of digital filmmaking.