General Shooting Tips

1.Best results will be obtained with natural light if the sun is directly overhead during calm water periods.

2.Placing the sun behind your shoulder during shooting will produce the best colors.

3.Wide angle is the preferred focus setting for best results with subject, as close as possible to the housing. This will reduce the water column and the amount of particles between subject and lens.

4.Zooming during shooting is not recommended unless absolutely necessary as telephoto will magnify particles. Swimming toward subject is a much more visually pleasing filming method.

5.Use image stabilizer if available on your camera when filming macro to minimize camera movement during high magnification. Image stabilizer is not as critical while using wide angle and will use battery power unnecessarily.

6.Buoyancy control is one of the most important aspects of underwater videography and diving in general. Avoid disturbing bottom silt and contacting delicate reef structures. Work on controlling your breathing and your buoyancy. Your video will be much more visually appealing. You are trying to make yourself a steady shooting platform. The less movement you make , the better your video will be. Work on attaining a comfort zone underwater. The more comfortable you are underwater, the more controlled your breathing will be and the steadier your video will be.

7.In low light situations, add light with optional Amphibico video lights for brighter and more vibrant colors. As light level falls so does color saturation. Lights will also provide necessary fill during daylight shooting. If this technique is used, filtration of light using a color correction filter will be necessary for accurate color rendition.

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.