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HDR-FX1

HDV 1080i Camcorder

World's FIRST Recording & Playback Consumer HDV 1080i Camcorder.

3-1/3" 16:9 Advanced

HAD™ CCD Imagers 1,120K Pixels Gross Advanced HAD™ (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD imagers with 1,120K effective (video) pixels provides excellent detail and clarity with exceptional digital video performance. Using a 3 chip Advanced HAD™ CCD system and dichroic prism to separate color information, colors are extremely accurate, and color "bleeding" and "smearing" are greatly reduced.

Advanced HAD™ CCD Technology

Enhanced CCD design allows more light to reach the imager which reduces video noise to improve signal-to-noise ratio by up to 6db (2x better than a standard CCD). Particularly effective when shooting in dark situations.

HDV Recording Format

From the innovators in camcorder technology, Sony’s HDR-FX1 camcorder is the world’s first HDV1080i consumer level camcorder and player. Now you can record all your memories in true high-definition video.

Switchable HDV/DV Format Recording

The HDR-FX1 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition and Standard Definition video recorded on standard MiniDV cassettes.

Real-time HD Codec Engine

A Sony developed Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system with reduced in energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. Provides efficient MPEG2 compression, and recording and playback of clear HD images at the same bit rate of the DV format, so that High Definition video can be recorded on the same cassettes as are used for MiniDV recording.

12X Optical Carl

Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens

From the authority in lens technology, the Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* lens provides a high quality 12x optical zoom which maintains image clarity and color while reducing glare and flare.

3.5" Wide Precision

Hybrid SwivelScreen™ LCD Display (250K Pixels)

Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 250K pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The Hybrid Reflective-Transmissive LCD Screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light, virtually eliminating the "washout" common with traditional LCD Screens.

Super SteadyShot®

Optical Stabilization System

An advanced form of Sony’s SteadyShot Image Stabilization system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies. This optical stabilization system achieves an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some digital stabilization systems.

Analog/Digital

Conversion with Pass-Through

Convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digital video via the analog inputs. Analog NTSC video can also be passed through the digital Handycam camcorder directly into a PC via the i.LINK® interface in real-time for easy PC editing of your analog footage.

Manual Zoom and Manual Focus Ring

Dual independent Zoom and Focus rings provide precise and detailed control over the amount of zoom and the overall focus of the image with just a turn of the rings. Fast, intuitive framing when zooming, and finely detailed focusing is easy with the natural "feel"

of the rings.

Expanded Focus Indicator

The camera‘s LCD image is magnified, temporarily, up to 4X its original size without any loss of distortion. This allows the user more finite control while focusing the camera for greater detail and clarity.

Picture Profile

Allows the user to set manual adjustments for a scene (color, sharpness, white balance, etc) into any one of six presets, so they can be called up at just the touch of a button. Useful when shooting under the same conditions repeatedly, as options do not have to be re-set each time. Settings for various shooting conditions are offered as defaults.

CineFrame™ Recording

Provides the option of recording video at either 30 fps or with a feeling of "film-like" 24 fps.

Assignable Buttons

Three buttons on the exterior of the camcorder are user-assignable so that they can be set to the options most commonly utilized, for ease of recording.

i.LINK®2 DV Interface (IEEE1394)

A high speed bi-directional digital video/audio communication between two compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs.

Shot Transition

Allows for a smooth automatic scene transition. Settings for focus, zoom, iris, gain, shutter, and white balance can be set to the A/B button and a smooth transition will take place according to the set time. This function enables the focus to gradually shift from the front of the screen to a deeper part of the screen. Thus the iris enables a smooth change of depth of field.

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Sony HDR-FX1 manual 3 169 Advanced, Advanced had CCD Technology, HDV Recording Format, Real-time HD Codec Engine

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.