Sony Unveils World's First HDV 1080i Consumer Camcorder

To meet the demands of the experienced user, the camcorder has a shooting range from 32.5mm to 390mm, a 12x optical zoom and a multitude of zoom control mechanisms, including a non-perpetual zoom ring that allows for professional-like control.

Users also have the option to switch between the zoom ring, the two zoom levers as well as a variable zoom control on the handle for greater shooting flexibility.

To capture even the smallest detail with clarity, the new HDR-FX1 model offers increased focusing control with expanded focus and peaking functions. In the expanded focus mode, the camera's LCD image is magnified up to four times its original size without any loss of resolution. The peaking function emphasizes the outline of objects creating clear contrast and clarity in a scene.

The 3.5" SwivelScreen hybrid LCD offers 250,000 pixels -- the highest resolution of any consumer camcorder LCD -- for accurate viewing under bright lighting conditions.

The LCD is conveniently located towards the front of the unit and is on the same eyelevel as the color viewfinder with the same pixel resolution.

The camcorder also features a wide-range stereo microphone for superior audio quality. Because of its unique body design and well-placed microphone, wind noise is minimized so videographers can capture the sound they want, not the noise they don't.

Additionally, sound adjustments that typically are made via a menu are now adjustable through an external audio level switch.

With the HDR-FX1 Handycam camcorder, the budding hobbyist as well as the seasoned videographer can make their video look like a professionally-shot film.

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