Sony HDR-UX1 Review

The folks at the website CamcorderInfo were lucky enough to get their hands on the new Sony HDR-UX1 and let’s see what they have to say. They like the camera for its novelty as a similar product from a different brand is not on the market yet. Not only is it the first AVCHD camcorder but also the first DVD camcorder to record high definition video. The camcorder also has an intuitive interface and they found the multi-function ring a great manual control. The review is pretty positive and the only drawbacks they could think about was the DVD compartment which was a little inaccessible and the lack of manual gain control.

The Sony HDR-UX1 is a high definition DVD camcorder and is one the most expensive DVD camcorders in the market. This baby includes a 2100K (1434K effective in 16:9) 1/3-inch ClearVID CMOS sensor for amazing imagery and via the ClearVID technology the camcorder is able to produce a wider dynamic range and faster processing speed when compared with traditional CCDs. Not only is it the first AVCHD camcorder but also the first DVD camcorder to record high definition video. The camcorder sports a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with a 30mm filter diameter and automatic lens cap and an electronic viewfinder. Users will also dig the 3.5” widescreen LCD screen and the 10x optical zoom and 80x digital zoom. HD Settings include 12 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 7 Mbps, and 5 Mbps and still images can be captured too.

The review ends on a positive note as the website writes - All of these features are packed into a typically well-designed Sony camcorder body, with a comfortable hand strap and excellent zoom toggle. As a package, we anticipate the Sony HDR-UX1 to be the strongest combination of video performance, manual control and ease-of-use yet seen in a consumer camcorder. It may not produce video that can rival competing high definition formats, but would be hard-pressed not to surpass the best performing MiniDV camcorders. The first impressions are unquestionably very positive, this is an exciting model. The HDR-UX1 is intriguing and compelling, and it’s a camcorder we can’t wait to spend some quality time with”.