Sony HVR-HD1000U MiniDV 1080i High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
- Enhanced mobility and professional aesthetic with this shoulder-mount design and black matte body
- HDV1080i recordings can be captured on DigitalMaster professional tape as well as consumer MiniDV
- Built-in down-converter creates DV material, perfect for standard DVD productions
- Easy viewing with this large, freely rotating 2.7-inch LCD screen
- Features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonner T* lens with 10x optical zoom
Rating: 4 of 5
Yes, it's worth it!
I just bought this camera last week with the intention of making a feature HDV film with a group of like-minded individuals & I have 2 say now that I've received it & shot a little bit of footage with it I'm very excited. The picture is crystal clear & very bright. I watched what I shot on my HD television & it looks great, better than some professionally produced videos that air on the HD channels. I'm pleased with my purchase & with any luck will be shooting a feature with it this spring. I'm also going 2 spring 4 a glide cam stabilizer & some other accessories.
Rating: 4 of 5
Surprisingly nice!
Look, this thing feels cheap. It's lightweight & plasticky feeling. It looks a lot like a really old VHS tape camcorder. It feels like a toy.
BUT... I'll be dipped if this thing doesn't shoot some fine video! It's really crisp & vibrant stuff! I shoot professional MMA cage matches. I use multiple cameras. The light weight of this thing turned out 2 be a blessing as I sometimes need 2 hold this camera way out, with fully extended arms 2 be able 2 capture some of my over-the-top-of-the-cage shots. I still get a full-body workout, but thank god it's not as heavy as a more expensive camera of the same size.
It's not the greatest in low light situations, but really, what digital video camera is that doesn't cost half an arm? I've never seen one with stellar low-light performance.
Also, it tends 2 go slightly out of focus when using the maximum zoom speed. I mean, if you were zoomed way in & wanted 2 zoom out as fast as possible, you will notice a little bit of a focus issue DURING the zoom process. You don't see it if you zoom more slowly.
The sound this camera captures is also quite surprising. I expected the mic that came with it 2 need replacing, but I haven't yet because it actually sounds pretty darn good.
All in all, it's my favorite camera 4 its results. I think I want 2 go get another one, or maybe two of these. They are great beaters 2 use on extreme sport gigs like this.
Don't expect 2 use any high-end wireless units on this camera. It's not set up with the standard stuff that the high-end cameras have 2 adapt wireless video.
Really though, if you're shooting weddings, or sporting events, or other gigs like this, this is a decent cam 4 a decent price. You won't kick yourself.
Note: You'll want a case 4 this thing & they are VERY hard 2 find in the size you will need (over 19 inches). You can find them out there, but you'll pay about helf the price of the camera just 4 the bag. I went 2 Home Depot & bought the FAT MAX roll-around tool case. I made some padding 4 the lower drawer of the tool case & this camera fit inside perfectly. Then the other two drawers hold the accessories, tapes, etc. It fits perfectly & only costs about 60 some-odd bucks. I like it because it rolls around & takes a beating. Just a tip. Hope it helps.
BUT... I'll be dipped if this thing doesn't shoot some fine video! It's really crisp & vibrant stuff! I shoot professional MMA cage matches. I use multiple cameras. The light weight of this thing turned out 2 be a blessing as I sometimes need 2 hold this camera way out, with fully extended arms 2 be able 2 capture some of my over-the-top-of-the-cage shots. I still get a full-body workout, but thank god it's not as heavy as a more expensive camera of the same size.
It's not the greatest in low light situations, but really, what digital video camera is that doesn't cost half an arm? I've never seen one with stellar low-light performance.
Also, it tends 2 go slightly out of focus when using the maximum zoom speed. I mean, if you were zoomed way in & wanted 2 zoom out as fast as possible, you will notice a little bit of a focus issue DURING the zoom process. You don't see it if you zoom more slowly.
The sound this camera captures is also quite surprising. I expected the mic that came with it 2 need replacing, but I haven't yet because it actually sounds pretty darn good.
All in all, it's my favorite camera 4 its results. I think I want 2 go get another one, or maybe two of these. They are great beaters 2 use on extreme sport gigs like this.
Don't expect 2 use any high-end wireless units on this camera. It's not set up with the standard stuff that the high-end cameras have 2 adapt wireless video.
Really though, if you're shooting weddings, or sporting events, or other gigs like this, this is a decent cam 4 a decent price. You won't kick yourself.
Note: You'll want a case 4 this thing & they are VERY hard 2 find in the size you will need (over 19 inches). You can find them out there, but you'll pay about helf the price of the camera just 4 the bag. I went 2 Home Depot & bought the FAT MAX roll-around tool case. I made some padding 4 the lower drawer of the tool case & this camera fit inside perfectly. Then the other two drawers hold the accessories, tapes, etc. It fits perfectly & only costs about 60 some-odd bucks. I like it because it rolls around & takes a beating. Just a tip. Hope it helps.
Rating: 4 of 5
Nothing is worth 5 stars but...
For its price, this one gets close.
This is my first entry level prosumer camera. I have just began writing, shooting, & producing indie films, this camera gets the job done & is just what the doctor ordered. I'm not going 2 stick 2 the specs. But what you get out of this camera is beauty, precision & quality 4 a reasonable price.
This is my first entry level prosumer camera. I have just began writing, shooting, & producing indie films, this camera gets the job done & is just what the doctor ordered. I'm not going 2 stick 2 the specs. But what you get out of this camera is beauty, precision & quality 4 a reasonable price.
A camcorder has been created 2 meet the growing demand from users who are looking 4 mobility & professional appearance. The HVR-HD1000U features a shoulder-mount design & black matte body similar 2 that of professional camcorders; making it perfect 4 weddings, corporate communications, & sporting events where appearance makes a difference. Premium design characteristics & high-definition HDV 1080i recording are the main features of this one-piece shoulder camcorder, ideal 4 working videographers on a budget. A built-in down-converter creates DV material, perfect 4 standard DVD productions. Plus, a special still photo mode is ideal 4 producing DVD cases & making wedding photo albums. Whether you are recording weddings & corporate communications or helping students make a documentary, the HVR-HD1000U is the best choice on the market today as an entry level professional camcorder.
($2,500.00)
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