Sony
Announces High Definition 1080i HDR-FX1; First 3 CCD HDV Camcorder
Sony
High Definition 1080i HDR-FX1; First 3 CCD HDV Camcorder
The new HDR-FX1 utilizes the 1080 lines horizontal resolution / 60
interlaced frames per second frame rate for the HDV specification,
which records to standard MiniDV tapes. The HDV spec was agreed upon
as a standard by Sony, JVC, Canon, and Sharp for new high-definition
consumer camcorders last year. Along with the announcement of the
new Sony HDV camcorder comes support from major video editing software
companies including Apple and Adobe.
Although
the HDR-FX1 is technically the first HDV camcorder, the HDV specification
is based on a compression standard first introduced in a JVC camcorder
HDV
specification. That camcorder from JVC was the first consumer
HD camcorder, the GR-HD1. The GR-HD1 also had a companion camcorder,
the JY-HD10U, based on the same technology in JVC's professional line.
"JVC is proud of our leadership in helping to launch the HDV format
with the introduction of our GR-HD1 18 months ago. We welcome Sony’s
decision to join us in supporting the format," said Dave Owen, General
Manager of Video at JVC in reaction to the Sony announcement.
The
key distinction between the JVC HD camcorders and the Sony HDR-FX1
is their shooting mode. The JVC camcorders shoot 720 lines of resolution
at a rate of 30 progressive frames per second, while the Sony shoots
1080 lines of resolution at 60 interlaced frames per second. The two
rates contain nearly identical amounts of information; however, one
offers the benefits of progressive scan, and one a higher resolution
picture. Both camcorders compress the information into an MPEG2 signal
and save it on standard MiniDV tapes. Like the JVC, the HDR-FX1 is
capable of recording a standard DV signal as well as an HDV signal.
The
HDR-FX1 includes three 1/3-inch 16:9 1.12 Megapixel gross CCDs. Each
CCD measures 960 x 1080 pixels. The inclusion of three large CCDs
is a major difference between the Sony and JVC's first entry - and
will likely allow the HDR-FX1 to be taken very seriously by the industry.
The pixels on the CCD are not square, but oblong, which allows them
to shoot 16:9 aspect ratio video. The HDR-FX1 also includes a 12x
optical Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens, a 3.5-inch LCD screen, a
zoom ring, focus ring, iris / aperture ring, as well as buttons for
manual control of most picture functions.
 |
| JVC's
GR-HD1, announced in January 2003. |
One of
the most groundbreaking features of the new HDR-FX1 is its price.
With an MSRP of $3,700, the camcorder will likely sell for around
$3,300 - $3,500 once it hits the streets. When Sony introduced the
first MiniDV, the DCR-VX1000, camcorder in 1995, its introductory
price was $4,000. Adjusted for inflation, the DCR-VX1000 would cost
around $4,750 today. While some may jump at the $3,700 price tag,
Sony is effectively releasing it for about $1,000 less than when they
introduced the first MiniDV camcorder, an event of arguably equal
signifigance. Sony is effectively offering users the jump to HDV from
their highest consumer MiniDV camcorder for about $1,000, a jump from
the popular professional DSR-PD170 for only about $200-$300. At this
price tag, the HDR-FX1 will compete with the professional rather than
the consumer models from other manufacturers, including the Canon
XL2 and the Panasonic AG-DVX100. It appears, however, that Sony is
not likely to have the same problems competing in the low-end professional
market that JVC's first consumer HD camcorder had.
It
is likely that the 1/3 in. CCDs of the HDR-FX1 will improve one of
the greatest problems with JVC's first entry into the HD consumer
market: low light performance. JVC rated the HDR-FX1 at a very high
minimum illumination of 35 lux, and even admitted in interviews that
the camcorder had problems in low light. Sony has rated the HDR-FX1
at a very low minimum illumination of 3 lux, and Sony Product Information
Manager Kevin Brinkman stated, "Based on our lab testing, we believe
that the FX1 low light performance will be between the DCR-HC1000
and the DCR-VX2100." If the HDR-FX1 does deliver low light performance
between the DCR-HC1000 and DSR-PD170, it will be some of the best
on the market, as those camcorders are among the highest rated for
low light performance on CamcorderInfo.com.
The
HDR-FX1's Real Time HD Codec Engine |
According
to Sony, the company has designed a new "Real Time HD Codec Engine"
for encoding and decoding the HDV signal on the HDR-FX1. "Our own
real-time MPEG encode/decode system has been sized and perfected to
use a low amount of energy but still deliver the compression and high
resolution capability that is expected by this kind of high performing
model. By using our real time HD codec engine, Sony has made it possible
to record and playback clear HD images at the same bitrate that the
DV format is using currently in today's personal-use camcorders,"
said Linda Vuolo.
Along
with the announcement of the HDR-FX1, Apple Computer is announcing
support for the HDV spec with their popular video editing program,
Final Cut. "Native HDV support in future releases of Final Cut will
enable our customers to create high quality HD content with affordable
HDV cameras, including Sony's much anticipated HDR-FX1 camcorder,"
said Rob Schoeben, Apple's Vice President of Applications Marketing.
Adobe
has also stated that they will be releasing an HDV plug-in for their
popular Premiere editing system later this year. "The Sony HDR-FX1
is a milestone product, bringing HD-quality video at resolutions of
up to 1080i at a price that will encourage widespread adoption of
HDV across the industry. In keeping with our commitment to lead the
HD revolution, Adobe plans to release a HDV Plug-in for Adobe®
Premiere® Pro later this year," said Steve Saylor, Vice President,
Digital Imaging and Video, Adobe Systems, Inc.
Avid,
Canopus, Ulead and Pinnacle also announced support for HDV. Editing
support has been a big issue for HDV in the past, with third party
companies supplying solutions for Final Cut and Adobe Premiere.
Consumers
have been waiting for the HDR-FX1 since March 2004, when a prototype
of the camcorder was first displayed by Sony
at the CeBIT technology show in Hanover, Germany. Sony followed
in April, displaying
the prototype of the HDR-FX1 at the National Association of Broadcasters
annual convention in Las Vegas. Little information about the HDR-FX1
was available at those two shows; however, the version announced today
does look very similar to the prototypes shown at CeBIT and NAB.
The
biggest thing which camcorder enthusiasts will find missing from the
HDR-FX1 is the option to shoot true progressive scan video, especially
at the 24 frames per second rate which independent filmmakers seek
out. When asked what Sony expects of market reception, Rosemary Flynn
said "Obviously, Sony is a supporter of the HDV format, and we're
bringing a camcorder to market, so we do believe there is a demand.
People looking to shoot video in Hi-Definition and getting the benefits
of what hi-def can give you, certainly are going to go for this camcorder;
people who are looking for a 24P model are going to go for 24P."
While
the camcorder does include a "faked" 24 frames progressive scan and
30 frames progressive scan mode called CineFrame 24 and 30, it does
not offer true progressive scan filming. In February 2002, Panasonic
introduced the first 24 frames progressive scan camcorder which recorded
to MiniDV tape, the AG-DVX100. The camcorder came to market in October
of 2003. The AG-DVX100 has been a major competitor for Sony's DSR-PD170.
The 24 frames progressive scan feature in the DVX100 was so popular
that it was the major addition to Canon's XL2, which was introduced
in July of this year.
The
market is now clearly divided between Canon and Panasonic with their
24P camcorders and Sony and JVC with their HDV camcorders. While Canon
is a member of the HDV consortium, Panasonic did not join the group
and has expressed dislike for the HDV format. While the Panasonic
24P camcorder sells for around $3,500, and the Canon XL2 is hitting
streets right now for just under $5,000, they will be the clear competitors
for the HDR-FX1. As Flynn put it bluntly, users now have a clear choice
between HDV and 24P. At the same time, Sony has thrown much support
behind 24P, and Sony officials stress that the lack of a 24P option
in the HDR-FX1 is not symbolic of the company's greater direction.
Although
the camcorder does not include a 24P function, Sony is not totally
ignoring those in the independent filmmaking community who want a
"film look" out of their camcorder. The HDR-FX1 includes a Cinematone
Gamma feature which, according to Sony, creates a professional-looking
film-like feel for the video by improving skin tone capabilites and
better 3-D depth of field.
The
HDR-FX1 includes a 3.5 in. 16:9 aspect ratio diagonal high resolution
LCD screen, featuring 250,000 pixels. The LCD features Sony's hybrid
technology for best viewing in bright light. The LCD on the HDR-FX1
has been positioned towards the front of the handle, a unique position
that breaks away from the typical left-side positioning. The LCD screen
unfolds to reveal the HDR-FX1's VCR controls. The HDR-FX1 also includes
a high resolution color viewfinder, also featuring 250,000 pixels.
As
a camcorder costing over $3,000, the HDR-FX1's main audience will
almost certainly be very high-end consumers and professionals who
seek the highest levels of manual control. The HDR-FX1 includes more
manual control and "real button" control than any other Sony consumer
camcorder in recent history, including the DCR-VX2100. On the lens
barrel, the HDR-FX1 features a "non-perpetual" zoom ring that includes
markings to indicate the magnification of the lens. In front of the
zoom ring is a ring which controls focus. On the front, to the left
of the lens, is a smaller metal dial dedicated to controlling the
iris. The HDR-FX1 also includes button controls for shutter speed,
white balance, and gain. The camcorder offers manual gain levels of
0 dB, 3 dB, 6 dB, 12 dB and 18 dB. The HDR-FDX1 has a shutter speed
range of 1/4th of a second to 1/10,000 of a second and an aperture
range of f/1.6 to f/11. The camcorder lets you set the aperture at
24 levels between the minimum and maximum and gives you on-screen
aperture ratings. The HDR-FX1 also includes manual audio level control
and two built-in Neutral Density filters that stop the lens down by
1/6th or 1/32nd.
Gain dial located on the front of the HDR-FX1.
ND Selector and auto focus control.
Gain and white balance preset buttons and controls.
Manual control access buttons located on the bottom left of the HDR-FX1.
Manual audio control on the HDR-FX1.
"Sony
recognizes that the FX1 is important to the videographer and enthusiast
market, and we felt that we wanted this camcorder to have lots of
manual features that would be totally adjustable," Rosemary Flynn
said of the high level of manual control on the HDR-FX1.
Sony
has included three different methods of controlling the zoom on the
HDR-FX1. The first is the zoom ring mentioned above. They have also
included a rocker switch on the right handle, which was explained
as very similar to that of the DSR-PD170. The HDR-FX1 also features
a zoom rocker, which can be set to constant or variable zoom speeds,
on the top camcorder handle.
Side handle zoom lever.
Zoom ring and selector.
Top handle zoom lever.
The
HDR-FX1 also offers a new level of customization which hasn't been
seen previously on a Sony consumer camcorder. The HDR-FX1 includes
three custom preset buttons that can be assigned a variety of camcorder
functions. The camcorder carries over the custom preset menu options
of the DCR-HC1000 and also allows the user to create custom menus.
There are preset gain settings that can be assigned to a button on
the camcorder, and a new "Picture Profile" feature that allows the
user to store six different camera settings in the memory. The HDR-FX1
can smoothly transition between different picture profiles to create
smooth effects such as a rack focus.
The
concentration on "real button" control is somewhat of a turn-around
for Sony. Recent camcorders have placed virtually all functionality
into touch-screen LCDs, including their prosumer DCR-HC1000. "There
are various reasons we did not go with touch screen; one of them,
of course, being the body design of the camcorder. The LCD is, of
course, located in the front of the eye level viewfinder and a touch
screen would have been challenging to interact with," said Flynn.
Sony
is also introducing accessories with the HDR-FX1. The VCT-FXA shoulder
brace attaches to the HDR-FX1 to make it a shoulder-mountable camcorder.
The VCL-HG0872 wide-conversion lens will attach to the HDR-FX1's 72
mm filter mount to give it 0.8x magnification. Sony is also introducing
a hard carrying case, a soft carrying case, and HDV tapes.
The
form factor of the Sony HDR-FX1 is very similar to that of the DCR-VX2100,
Sony's highest-end MiniDV camcorder. The body shapes are similar,
with the HDR-FX1 weighing 4 lbs 10 oz, and the DCR-VX2100 weighing
slightly less at 3 lbs 8 oz. The camcorder is also very similar to
the DSR-PD170, the professional version of the DCR-VX2100.
Since
the introduction of their first MiniDV camcorder in 1995, Sony has
a history of introducing professional versions in their broadcast
line of their highest end consumer camcorders. The consumer DCR-VX1000
has the broadcast DSR-PD100, the DCR-VX2000 has the broadcast DSR-PD150,
and recently the DCR-TRV950 and the DCR-VX2100 have the DSR-PDX10
and the DSR-PD170, respectively. Although not much information is
available, it appears that Sony Broadcast is planning to introduce
a higher-end version of the HDR-FX1. According to Sony consumer, that
camcorder will be available in the 1st quarter of 2005 for under $7,000.
Further details are not available. However, considering the timing
of this release, it seems likely that Sony will display at least a
prototype of their first professional HDV camcorder at the International
Broadcasters Conference being held later this week in Amsterdam.
The
Sony HDR-FX1 will be available in November for under $3,700.
