There is pretty much zero information about this camera on the web so I wanted to see what people know about it. Like, what recording format does it use? Is it a professional grade camera? I heard it was the #1 camera rated by Consumer Reports, but I don't have access to their website to check that out. If anyone could tell me as much as they know about it, I would be eternally grateful.

A1J :

Product descriptions, manuals, brochures.... :

http://www.humanvalues.net/hdv/#a1j

It's basically the Japanese (NTSC country) version of the A1. Fundamentally it will be very similar to the A1U. Language differences etc aside...

Also see the A1/HC1 forum right here.

I own an A1U. It's a great camcorder, but I would not consider it a "professional" camcorder, except for the occasional situation that demands a very small and inconspicuous camera.

The A1's major drawbacks are, in my opinon:
- single image sensor
- many critical functions require wading through menus to set.
- poor response in low available light situations (rated at 7 lux).
- no user-selectable gain setting
- no momentary autofocus feature

On the plus side, we have:
- relatively low cost
- very small and light (good for flying on a handheld stabilizer!)
- very long battery life
- very good imagery, given adequate light
- detachable dual XLR audio connectors

I consider it the ultimate "vacation cam". You can easily take it almost anywhere. And sometimes, the best camera for the job is the camera you happen to have with you when the perfect image presents itself. (Of course, Canon fans will tell you that the latest Canon HDV cams are even smaller...but I still like the A1U for this sort of thing).