Sony Handycam® HDR-FX1 Mini DV Camcorder

Pros: image quality, control, shot transitions, tactile interface, price
Cons: weight, intial restrictions on editing solutions

Forget XL2's, forget the HD1. This is the only camera that counts. The LCD screen is a bit cookie at first, but users of pro-cameras will find it similar to a conventional EVF. The shot transition buttons are amazing, the duration of the ...

Pros: Everything
Cons: None

Only had this camera for 2 weeks, but so far it has performed flawlessly. I have been taping for 10 years with a VX1000 which still records great video, but the FX7 is definitely a superior camcorder. HD is as close to being there as is possible. Great ...

Pros: Carl Zeiss Lens, Hard Body Construction, 3.5"LCD Display, Mic Audio
Cons: Limited zoom length (12x), Does not support larger DV tapes, MPEG Compression

The highly anticipated competition to JVC's HD camcorders, the 1st generation Sony HDR-FX1 attempts to set the standard in a new frontier, the HD market. While there is a small HD camera market due to its still high prices, the Sony HDR-FX1 sets a ...

Pros: HD, manual controls, picture quality, low light
Cons: Too large and heavy.

I was looking to upgrade my camcorder and really wanted one that support HD. From everything I read on the web the Sony was much better then the JVC HD camcorder. These are the only 2 HD consumer camcorders on the market.

The picture quality and all of the manual controls were great. It was amazing how well the camera worked in low light. But the size and weight were just too much for me. The camera is nose heavy and too large for a hand held. Sony should have made it a shoulder carry version. Luckily I bought it from a local retailer (Electronics Expo) and was able to return it. If you are looking for and HD camera to take on vacation with your family, look elsewhere. I think I am going to give the JVC GR-HD1 a try.