Sony Announces Handycam HDR-FX1000E

September 10, 2008: Sony Europe has released details of a new high-definition camcorder, the Handycam HDR-FX1000E, which features a specially-designed Sony G Lens.
Drawing on nearly 30 years of Sony heritage in developing high-performance broadcast cameras, the FX1000E teams superb ergonomics and reliability with best-ever HDV picture quality. At the heart of the FX1000E is a 1/3-inch type (4.8 x 3.6 mm) 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor with a large cell size that offers superior sensitivity and dynamic range. Exmor derived technology further improves imaging performance in low-light and high contrast scenes, reducing image noise for professional-quality results. The FX1000E supports HDV 1080i recording with new 25p progressive scan mode as an alternative to interlaced (50i) recording. Signals scanned at 25p are converted to 50i before recording on tape. This allows progressive-scan images to be viewed and edited seamlessly in an existing HDV environment. ‘Filmic’ quality of progressive scan images can be enhanced by a new CinemaTone.

A ‘phantom’ view of the Handycam HDR-FX1000E showing the optical design of the new Sony G lens.
Complementing the high sensitivity of the 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor is a new Sony G Lens, which is optimised to complement the advanced image sensor and image-processing technology. Offering a wide angle of view equivalent to 29.5mm in 35mm format, it covers a 20x optical zoom range, which can be boosted digitally by a factor of approximately 1.5x for close-ups with the Digital Extender. Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements reduce chromatic aberrations caused by differences in light refraction to minimise colour fringing. The advanced 10-group, 15-element lens structure also features compound aspheric lenses for crisp, clear images even when shooting at high zoom ratios.
Independent zoom and focus rings are joined by a new iris ring for precise, intuitive manual control over your composition. Selectable exposure/iris control allows precise adjustment of the amount of light entering the lens: by adjusting Exposure Brightness the image is adjusted in accordance with the Iris and Gain settings while shutter speed remains locked. In addition, shutter speed and gain are both separately adjustable. Dedicated controls are provided for gain, white balance and shutter speed. There’s also a focus switch for quick, positive mode selection and three switchable ND filters. Other manual features include Shot Transition and Picture Profile. The camcorder’s superb ergonomics are complemented further by three assignable buttons that put frequently-used functions within convenient fingertip reach for instant recall. The high-contrast 3.2-type Xtra Fine LCD boasts a resolution of 921,000 dots plus Clear Photo LCD technology. It’s complemented by a 0.45-type Xtra Fine electronic viewfinder.
An extensive choice of compatible accessories by Sony is joined by the new VCL HG0872X high-grade wide conversion lens that provides an effective focal length of 23.6mm. Also available as an option, the SH L32W LCD hood gives improved visibility of the 3.2-type LCD in bright shooting conditions. The new LCS-VCC is a high-capacity soft carry case with plenty of accessory space. The Handycam HDR-FX1000E HDV camcorder will be available from October 2008. For details, check the Sony website at www.sony.com.