I don't do Japanese, but for those that do

http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200409/09-0907/


Pictures look interesting.

Jim

This is somewhat old news. A "mockup" of this camcorder was shown at NAB last April. From what I have gathered, it will be released in time for the next NAB show in April of 2005 with a retail price of around $7,000.

John

Thanks John,

I wasn't too sure how much new information is here. It appears to be have a little more detail and accessories. I hope we don't have to wait until next NAB for this thing.

Jim

Digital HD video camera recorder ' HDR-FX1 ' (HDV standard 1080i system)

the news clearly states sale day is

2004/10/15



1.07 megapixel 3CCD, no mention of progressive mode

the way that rifle mount integrates with the body is super cool, I wonder if it will work with the VX2100?

The occasion where the image which photographed with HD/SD advanced down converting functional on-board HDV mode is played back, the image signal of HD (1080i), the image signal of SD (480i) it converts loading "advanced down converting" function. It converts the image which photographed with HDV mode to the signal of SD even with the television which does not correspond to hi-vision, it is possible to enjoy in high picture quality. In addition, making use of the compilation equipment and material of the DV correspondence which uses the image which photographed with HDV mode with this "down converting function", until recently, it is possible to compile. The compilation equipment and material of hi-vision image correspondence, photographing the scene and the beautiful scenery of memory with HDV mode, converting to SD system, it is possible even with the one which is not having to compile.

The above is converted text from the link previous.

If you have some time, copy paste the japanese script into babelfish, and you can read the details.

a french site has it listed at 4000 euro

http://www.alifax.fr/nouveaute.asp?choix=nouveaute

Well, the information I posted earlier was outdated, it appears that the camera will be available sooner and cheaper than I had heard.

John

-------------------
SONY UNVEILS WORLD'S FIRST HDV 1080i CONSUMER CAMCORDER

New Handycam Model Brings High-Definition Quality to Personal Content
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 6, 2004 — Sony, the worldwide camcorder market leader, today took another leap forward with the introduction of the world's first HDV 1080i camcorder. The HDR-FX1 Handycam® camcorder records and plays back high definition video with 1080 interlaced lines of resolution - the highest resolution (1440 pixels x 1080 lines) of any consumer camcorder available.

"With U.S. sales of HDTV sets exploding, along with the availability of high-definition programming, the expectation of having personal content in HD is growing rapidly," said Linda Vuolo, director for camcorder products for Sony Electronics. "The introduction of the HDV-FX1 has been timed and targeted to meet this desire."

The camcorder's best-in-class video resolution is enhanced by Sony's new three-chip, one-megapixel Super HAD™ CCDs. The new 1080i HD CCDs have several improvements, including an on-chip micro-lens on top of the CCD sensor that increases the light focusing rate for focusing on the fly. There is also a newly developed 16:9 aspect mode for recording in widescreen. By giving each lens its own megapixel imager, the camcorder captures the intense detail and color that expert videographers and HD lovers appreciate.

Each of the camcorder's three 1/3-inch, 16:9 CCDs utilize Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* optics, minimizing warping while maximizing sharpness and contrast.

All of this imaging power -- together with the 14-bit A/D converter that processes four times more digital information than converters used in traditional television cameras -- produces sharper, richer and more true-to-life images.

HD Quality in a Small Package

Sony developed an advanced HD codec engine for the new camcorder, which efficiently compresses massive digital data while maintaining optimal HD quality. Engineered to reduce energy consumption, this powerful digital signal processor fits perfectly inside the camcorder's streamlined body.


The HDR-FX1 camcorder employs the same MPEG2 compression scheme that is used for digital broadcasts and for DVD discs, so it can record on easy-to-find DV tapes.

Control of Sound and Vision

To meet the demands of the experienced user, the camcorder has a shooting range from 32.5mm to 390mm, a 12x optical zoom and a multitude of zoom control mechanisms, including a non-perpetual zoom ring that allows for professional-like control. Users also have the option to switch between the zoom ring, the two zoom levers as well as a variable zoom control on the handle for greater shooting flexibility.

To capture even the smallest detail with clarity, the new HDR-FX1 model offers increased focusing control with expanded focus and peaking functions. In the expanded focus mode, the camera's LCD image is magnified up to four times its original size without any loss of resolution. The peaking function emphasizes the outline of objects creating clear contrast and clarity in a scene.

The 3.5" SwivelScreen™ hybrid LCD offers 250,000 pixels -- the highest resolution of any consumer camcorder LCD -- for accurate viewing under bright lighting conditions. The LCD is conveniently located towards the front of the unit and is on the same eyelevel as the color viewfinder with the same pixel resolution.

The camcorder also features a wide-range stereo microphone for superior audio quality. Because of its unique body design and well-placed microphone, wind noise is minimized so videographers can capture the sound they want, not the noise they don't. Additionally, sound adjustments that typically are made via a menu are now adjustable through an external audio level switch.

Custom Features for a Film-Like Feel and Smooth Transitions

With the HDR-FX1 Handycam camcorder, the budding hobbyist as well as the seasoned videographer can make their video look like a professionally-shot film. The Cinematone Gamma™ and Cineframe™ functions enable high quality picture processing to create video with the warmth, softness and richness similar to a big screen movie.

Smooth, seamless, shot transitions are achieved using the Shot Transition™ function. With settings to control focus, zoom, iris, gain, shutter and white balance, focus can gradually be shifted from the front of the screen to a deeper subject, or vice versa, enabling an effortless transition in depth of field.

For creativity and control, the HDR-FX1 camcorder allows users to define their own default settings through the Picture Profile™ function. This function offers six different profiles that can be customized and taken advantage of, depending on the scene. Scenes may include a setting for filming sunsets, another for filming people, and another for recording in black and white. And for ultimate control, the iris, gain, white balance, shutter speed and focus can also be adjusted manually.

Additional features include:
InfoLithium® Battery with AccuPower™ System - The battery can be charged at any time as the rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries minimize life shortening "memory effect." Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter conveniently indicates the remaining minutes of battery life on the LCD or viewfinder display, allowing users to keep an accurate and constant reading of remaining battery power.

i.LINK® Digital Video Interface - The i.LINK (IEEE 1394) DV interface is a high speed bi-directional digital video/audio communication between two devices equipped with a compatible i.LINK DV interface, including camcorders, digital VTRs and PCs.

The HDR-FX1 camcorder will be available in November for about $3,700.

Media Optimized for HDV Recordings

To complement the high-definition recording capabilities of the new HDR-FX1 camcorder, Sony is also introducing new HD DVC videotape, optimized to meet the demanding requirements of 1080i high-definition recording and playback.

Sony HD DVC media utilizes a new, second-generation Advanced Metal Evaporated (AME II) technology, as well as improved quality control processes. The result is an improved drop-out rate, which translates into significantly higher reliability and audio/video stability, as well as a lower carrier-to-noise ratio for lower error rates, greater output and less noise during recording.

Sony HD DVC tape will be offered in the 63-minute professional tape length, which allows three minutes for recording tests. The tape will be available next month for about $18 per cassette.

Translate foreign pages is easy...

"http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/tr"

Here is more detailed info on the HDR-FX1:

http://tinyurl.com/6zcjd

John

This is fantastic news. I think it may be time for Chris to start a new forum topic!

Jim

Sony is releasing a Hi-Def camera in Japan! It will also introduce a special tape for the machine ($18 each) but will be backward compatiable with standard.

I saw this story on google!

Here we go again!

Hey, you're coming into the party after we've already popped the cork!

Murph

Not to be a buzz-kill but am I the only one who isn't excited about this. Untill 1)Most housholds have HDTV and 2)There's a way to provide HD content on a digital medium (blueray, etc)..it's just not practical, at least not yet.

I think the whole HD thing is going to take a bit longer to catch on that expected. Heck I've had HDTV for over 5 years now and there are only 5 channels that broadcast in HD full time. Bah!

I'm kind of with you on this one, Glen.

Not only will HDV not improve my business, it will just cost me more to stay in business.

I think HDV is a marginal product for those of us in the video business for a while and it is going to bring in a whole new and large bag of problems that we'll all have to overcome.

That said:

I will need to offer it eventually for this reason: You just said you have a HD television. We are probably no more than a year away from having HD TVs sold at under $500 if it isn't happening now.

As soon as there is a viable recording medium, why wouldn't you want your wedding video on HD rather than SD? Other than cost, that is.

<<<-- Originally posted by Mike Rehmus : I'm kind of with you on this one, Glen.

Not only will HDV not improve my business, it will just cost me more to stay in business.

I think HDV is a marginal product for those of us in the video business for a while and it is going to bring in a whole new and large bag of problems that we'll all have to overcome.

That said:

I will need to offer it eventually for this reason: You just said you have a HD television. We are probably no more than a year away from having HD TVs sold at under $500 if it isn't happening now.

As soon as there is a viable recording medium, why wouldn't you want your wedding video on HD rather than SD? Other than cost, that is. -->>>

I understand I will eventually have to evolve with the technology and offer it also but not for a really long time. I don't see it happening in the next 2-3 years.

HDTVs are still expensive- I've personally never seen one sub 1k. Though I'm not stating fact- they might have some out there that are less- I haven't seen them though.

It's going to take a very long time where so many households own HDTVs that it will be a requirement for wedding videography. It's definitly moving in that direction but at a snails pace. Remember this is the technology that was supposed to "take over" like 3-4 years ago. They estimated that EVERY channel would have made the swtich to HD transmittion by now. However were left a number of channels I can count on both hands.

I'd be more excited for a PD-190 with native 16:9 ccds, and 24p.

Glenn I could care less too. I still love my trusty VX2k. Im not really diggin' the design of that cam either especially the placement of the lcd and the viewfinder on the handle all though some of the features look pretty cool other than that I guess its nice for those who need the latest and greatest.

If you start off at a higher resolution source your donwncoverted SD DVD's/VHS will still look great, so why do you need yo have HDTV to enjoy the benfit of HD camera, think of it as a future proof technology, you can use today and also tommorow.

Personally, I'm pretty excited about the HDR-FX1 and I'll be REALLY excited when the professional version is released.

Samsung and Philips 16x9 CRT HDTV's are available right now for well under $1,000. I've talked to managers at places like BestBuy and Circuit City and they say that HDTV capable TV's are flying out the door and, recently, most of them have built-in HD tuners for both off-air and cable HD.

Windows Media 9 has been approved as a standard for HiDef delivery on both standard and "BluRay" DVD media. Authoring software and HD DVD players can't be far behind. MainConcept has released an HDV editing plugin for Premiere Pro that performs "smart rendering" on the HDV MPEG stream and works surprisingly well.

All of the over-the-air stations in my area are broadcasting DTV and four of them are HiDef. I have already spoken to them about providing locally produced HiDef programming and they are very interested. I've already produced a couple of spots in HiDef using 3D animations and generated media. It's all coming together, it's moving forward much faster than you think and my existing clients are already willing to pay a premium for HD.

Obviously, I've chosen not to wait. I'll have a lot of experience under my belt (and more clients in my pocket) by the time my competitors see the light and jump on the bandwagon. The rush is on.... Be prepared.

John

>I think HDV is a marginal product for those of us in the video >business for a while and it is going to bring in a whole new and >large bag of problems that we'll all have to overcome.

Although I have no experience with HDV or this product, I do notice that images and audio sampled at higher data rates offer
a better product at reduced data rates than data recorded at the reduced rate. I work in audio and image signal processing, though I do a lot of digital camera processing in Photoshop for my photo hobby. I suspect that we will see a dramatic increase in
image quality (sharpness and color resolution) for scenes with little motion even when the output is SD video. Also, we will be more inclined to crop scenes and use sharpening to focus parts of scenes.

From what little I've read, HD, HDV or not, requires another, higher level of care with regard to focus and lighting. Nothing wrong with that but it will have a significant impact on how the folks making money with video, approach using the cameras.

I'm am almost certain that with one million pixels in a 1/3" CCD, the sensitivity isn't all that great.

For my personal use, I'd embrace HD in either form in a heartbeat.

hd tv, xhd tv, superhd tv.......

will it never end?

supose not, but as long as the content is crap, no one is going to watch it.

personally i find more and more programs have high superficial production values, and extremely low substance value (rather like used chewing gum).

give me an interesting vhs and i'll watch it any day over a mindless. glossy space filler.

leslie