Sony debuts HDR-FX1000, HVR-Z5J high-def camcorders

It looks like those not willing to give up on DV tape for their HD recording needs now have a pair of new options to consider from Sony, which has just introduced its HDR-FX1000 and HVR-Z5J camcorders in Japan. The HDR-FX1000 (pictured above) is the slightly more consumer-minded of the two, with it boasting a not-outrageous price of ¥400,000 (or roughly $3,700), and some impressive specs all around, including a 20x optical zoom, both 24p and 30p modes, and Sony's G-series lens, which promises to deliver some top-notch images. The HVR-Z5J, on the other hand, offers some more specialized features like XLR audio inputs, PAL and NTSC compatibility, and support for the DVCAM format in addition to usual DV/HDV option. Look for it to set you back ¥554,400 (or just over $5,000) when it lands in December, with the HDR-FX1000 set to slip out ahead of it on November 10th.

[Via PC World]

[NavParker Posted Sep 5th 2008 12:43AM]

SDI out?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 5th 2008 6:06PM]

I see no mention of HD-SDI, but with a next gen LCD, 3 1/3" CMOS - and a output for the HVR-MRC1K compact flash card - this (HVR-Z5J)is looking like a great camera.

I'm still havin a blast with my HVR-V1 - It produces film quality images (in 24p) with 1/4" CMOS!
And I haven't even had a chance to record using the 10-Bit HDMI uncompressed HD output

Somebody needs to make a hard drive with a HDMI input that will make this usable in the field
I like the Firewire HDD - but,we need same thing for HDMI

SONY ARE YOU LISTENING! . . . . .PLEASE!

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2008 7:53PM]

Tape is always going to be the way to go-

For memory card use, you have to hire somebody else to run a laptop to record and reformat (erase) the cards. - plus you have to back the data up somehow - HDD, DVD or Blu-ray
This costs a lot of $$$$$ maybe you should read

http://www.studiodaily.com/main/9845.html

Also, if you are in a remote location - or not near a 120v plug - how is this going to happen?

With tape - you just hit eject and put another one in! And you use the tape for archive!

Also, Sony has already released a professional small form factor camera (Dec 20 06) that captures images 1920x1080 60p at the sensor - outputs at 24p,30p 60i - including 10-bit uncompressed HD

This technology (Cine-Alta) 24p was developed by Sony for Lucas for Star Wars and now has been shrunken down to fit in a small format camera - Thank You Sony - We Love You!

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 10th 2008 9:32AM]

Sony USA just announced September 10 2008 7:00am the release of Sony HDR-FX1000

please find the link at
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/newsLetter/HDR-FX1000-PressRelease.jsp