I've just brought myself an FX1 after long consideration and a close tie with the XL2. I've worked in the news business for the past ten years and was one of those who joined the revolution when the Sony PD came along a couple of years ago. I've been reading the reviews here about the FX1 for quite a while and I must say I think some here are being a bit unfair. In short, in my opinion, the FX1 is a worthy successor to the VX2000. In comparison to the afore mentioned machine the FX1 has a much stronger (or fuller) colour balance in that the colours are deeper, the blacks look black and so on. As some have mentioned here it's a bit closer to the DSR 500/570 in picture, it certainly has a very simliar feel, despite the smaller chip.

Some people have mentioned panning issues, but surely this is merely an HDV issue? I brought my FX1 as a DV camera and have no plans to use it as an HD, at least unless something very dramatic happens to the world as we know it in the near future. The 16:9 mode is a real bonus as well.

I have noticed that low light doesn't quite reach the depths of the PD, but when I crank up the gain it more than makes up for it and it still gives a smooth picture.

I could find a couple negative points like the lack of control over certain features, but with the price, and compared to a pro camera, it's great deal and more than capable of giving professional results.

Hi John

Argeed I bought it for the same reasons....

Regards

Gareth

Well stated John. As a veteran in the news biz, your opinions are quite valuable. Please consider hanging around and being more than a 'tourist'. Since you mentioned having experience with both the PD series and now the FX1, it would be great if you could lend that knowledge to the folks in the Sony section.

regards,

=gb=

No problems.

Ps.I see I have had my seat class upgraded to boot, I quite liked being a tourist!