Sony HDR-FX1

188 reviews

Apr, 2024

Positive
image quality (53)
usability (50)
design (30)
price (21)
size (14)

Negative
portability (22)
battery (2)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 188 reviews of Sony HDR-FX1. The average rating for this product is 4.5/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders for all reviews. Reviews about the size and design are generally positive. The price and image quality are also mentioned favorably. Comments about the reliability and portability are different. Many are negative about the battery.

usability, image quality, price, design, size

battery

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Sony HDR-FX1 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 86/100 = Very good quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 188 reviews)

Expert Reviews

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Review Ratings

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Showing 129 review(s)

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Showing 1 - 91 of 129 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (59)

Consumer review (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Sony HDR-FX1

alaTest has collected and analyzed 23 user reviews of Sony HDR-FX1 from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 5.0/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.co.uk. Views about the image quality and size are generally positive. The design and portability also get good views.

usability, portability, design, size, image quality

100% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Sony HDR-FX1

alaTest has collected and analyzed 58 user reviews of Sony HDR-FX1 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.8/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.com. Reviewers really like the color and usability. The price and design are also mentioned favorably. There are some critical reviews about the reliability, and comments are divided on the portability.

image quality, design, price, usability, color

reliability

100% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Expert review by : Richard Wentk (pcplus.co.uk)

PC Plus review: Sony HDR-FX1E

This is a good choice for corporates and for high-end home movie making, where its ability to zoom between panoramic shots and close-ups is particularly useful. But the fact that HD doesn't have any real broadcast potential yet, and that it will slow all

Aug, 2005

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Expert review by : James Morris (techadvisor.co.uk)

Sony HDR-FX1E

When digital camcorders first went on sale around a decade ago, they cost thousands. Amazingly, the first high-definition camcorder to arrive in the UK comes in at a similar price. Factor in inflation and Sony's HDR-FX1E seems cheap for such...

Although the HDR-FX1E is still well out of range for consumers, Sony doesn't charge much of a premium for its HDV capabilities. We don't have high definition broadcasts in the UK just yet, but HDV is clearly going to catch on quickly. In just a few...

Jul, 2005

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Expert review by (gadgetheaven.co.uk)

Sony HDR-FX1 Camcorder Review

Designed for experienced videographers, this High Definition Handycam offers outstanding picture quality and a wide range of manual features for complete control and enhanced creativity.

The extremely high-resolution (250,000 pixels) 3.5-inch LCD swivel screen makes it easy to accurately frame, shoot, and review your footage even in bright sunlight. Select the Expanded Focus setting and the screen image is magnified to allow you to...

May, 2012

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Expert review by : CB (simplydv.co.uk)

SimplyDV Review: Sony HDR-FX1 Camcorder

When first announced in late 2004, HDV was heralded as the cost-effective means by which video-makers could shoot high-definition video at affordable prices. What were our first impressions of the world's first HDV camcorder, the Sony HDR-FX1?

Despite the above limitations, the HDR-FX1E functions extraordinarily well in virtually all situations. At a minimum 3 Lux, it doesn't produce low-light images as well as either the VX2100 or PD170, but in every other respect the cam produces images...

May, 2008

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Expert review by : Digital Arts (digitalartsonline.co.uk)

HDR-FX1 review

HDV has caused as much furore among video professionals as its predecessor DV did back in the late 1990s. Differing opinions over its usefulness have lead to heated arguments over whether it's ‘pro' or just for consumers, whether the MPEG-2 compression...

Exceptional output quality at 1080i resolution. Shape and layout taken from PD170 and VX2100 camcorders, with quick access to most controls through buttons. Offers low-cost access to HD capture

Limited manual controls. No XLR inputs. Z1 due soon. Menu system tricky to use due to button/screen positioning

Feb, 2005

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Expert review by : Colin Barrett (simplydv.co.uk)

SimplyDV Review: Sony HDR-FX1E HDV Camcorder

Design, layout and manual functionality very good. Dual HDV and DV input / output will guarantee early adoption.

Distinct handling noise when using built-in mic, zoom servo is audible in very quiet conditions, telephoto zoom could be better, HDV to DV down-conversion via FireWire produces artefacts.

It's the first of its kind, and will improve in time. A fine camcorder that handles well and is ideally suited to pros and prosumers alike.

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Expert review by (goodgearguide.com.au)

Sony HDR-FX1

Jul, 2008

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Expert review by : Bruce Buckman (goodgearguide.com.au)

Sony HDR-FX1E

High definition, brilliant quality

Heavy, expensive

For those with a little extra money, or serious professionals looking to take the leap into high definition video, the HDR-FX1E is a great option.

Nov, 2005

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Expert review by : Bruce Buckman (goodgearguide.com.au)

Sony HDRFX1E

Before rushing out to buy a new digital handycam, take a moment to consider whether you want to spend all that money on a format that could soon be co...

High definition, brilliant quality

Heavy, expensive

For those with a little extra money, or serious professionals looking to take the leap into high definition video, the HDR-FX1E is a great option.

Nov, 2005

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Ben Wolf (cnet.com)

Sony HDR-FX1 review

Sony HDR-FX1

Sharp and vibrant three-chip HD images; native 16:9 capture; ability to downconvert video for use with existing editing systems and displays.

No XLR inputs or independent audio-level controls; no 24P; somewhat difficult to control and monitor focus manually; limited HDV editing and distribution options at this time.

Though it lacks some audio flexibility and isn't recommended for 24fps shooting, the HDR-FX1 provides advanced consumers with professional-level video controls and entry-level pros with an affordable starting camcorder.

May, 2005

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