Sony Australia has expanded its line up of high definition camcorders with the introduction of the new prosumer HDV Tape Handycam HDRFX1000 camcorder.
Advanced manual features and the latest generation Sony imaging innovation give professional videographers and dedicated amateurs an unprecedented palate of artistic options to produce high definition films.
Enhanced image capture
At the heart of the HDRFX1000 are 3 1/3″ ClearVid CMOS Image Sensors with a large cell size that offers superior sensitivity and dynamic range. Exmor derived technology further improves imaging performance in low light and high contrast scenes, reducing image noise for professional-quality results.
Developed specially for the HDRFX1000, a new Sony G Series lens delivers exceptional optical performance, allowing video enthusiasts to express their full creative vision. Moreover, it is optimised to complement the advanced image sensor and image-processing technology, further expanding your shooting possibilities.
An extended wide-angle performance of 29.5mm (35mm equivalent) dramatically extends composition options for dynamic landscapes and indoor shooting where distance to the subject is limited. The 20x optical zoom range can be boosted digitally by a factor of approximately 1.5x for powerful close-ups with the Digital Extender.
Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements reduce chromatic aberrations caused by differences in light refraction to minimise colour fringing. The advanced 10-group, 15-element lens structure also features compound aspheric lenses for crisp, clear images even when shooting at high zoom ratios.
Complementing the high sensitivity of the 3 ClearVid CMOS Image Sensors, the superb light-gathering power of the G series lens delivers an exceptional low-light sensitivity of 1.5 lux (at 1/25 fixed shutter speed with auto iris and auto gain). Video shooting is enhanced further by Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation for clearer results when shooting handheld.
High Definition 25p progressive recording mode
The HDRFX1000 is Sony’s first prosumer Handycam camcorder to feature 25p progressive scanning mode that captures lush, cinematic HD images as an alternative to interlaced (50i) recording. Signals scanned at 25p are converted to 50i before recording on tape. This allows progressive-scan images to be viewed and edited seamlessly in an existing HDV environment. Realistic film-like images are now achievable with Cinematone Gamma colour filtering.
With a resolution (921k dots) four times higher than Clear Photo LCD technology, the high-contrast 3.2-type Xtra Fine LCD allows critical evaluation of photo-realistic video images. It is complemented by a 0.45-type Xtra Fine electronic viewfinder.
Manual user functions
Augmenting its remarkable imaging performance, the HDRFX1000 provides video enthusiasts with manual user adjustments over a wide range of functions.
ndependent zoom and focus rings are joined by a new iris ring for precise, intuitive manual control over your composition. Selectable exposure, or iris control, allows precise adjustment of the amount of light entering the lens. By adjusting Exposure Brightness, the image is adjusted in accordance with the Iris and Gain settings while shutter speed remains locked. In addition, shutter speed and gain are both separately adjustable.
Dedicated controls are provided for gain, white balance and shutter speed. There is also a focus switch for quick, positive mode selection and three switchable ND filters. Other manual features include Shot Transition and Picture Profile. The camcorder’s superb ergonomics are complemented further by three assignable buttons that put frequently-used functions within convenient fingertip reach for instant recall.
Price and availability
The Handycam HDRFX1000 camcorder from Sony is available in Australia from mid November 2008.
Source: Sony
