In spite of its advanced features, the DCR-VX1000 is simple to use when in full automatic mode. The iris priority setting changes quickly with varying lighting conditions, but the change is very smooth and the iris does not hunt when bright subjects pass by. The manual focus ring is very responsive and extremely accurate.

The 10X optical zoom works wonderfully, responding predictable to the zoom rocker. Coupled with Sony's Super Steady Shot Stabilization system, the 20X digital zoom is remarkably clear and stable. I found the stabilization system capable of reducing both simple handheld shake and high-frequency movements (like those that result when recording from a moving vehicle).

Playback quality of detailed subjects is phenomenal. When shooting bright colors and intricate subjects, the DCR-VX1000 records and reproduces every detail with no color bleed or image blur. Recorded colors are lifelike and vivid, and the VX-1000 reproduces astounding textures. Resolution chart tests proved the Digital Handycam to be delivering 500-plus lines of horizontal resolution. An internal time base corrector delivers very stable picture playback and dead-perfect stills. I never saw any dropout.

The viewfinder itself is a 180,000-pixel, high-resolution LCD. I found it to be exceptionally clear for a color LCD.

In the viewfinder, an information subpanel shows the basic camcorder functions as a footnote without obscuring the picture in the main LCD.

Changing mode settings with the menu system is a snap. You simply slide open the battery cover and press the menu button to display the menu in the viewfinder. Choosing digital effects was just as easy, and making time-lapse recordings with the interval recording mode was a cinch.

The DCR-VX1000 produces fantastic-sounding stereo audio. The manual audio input controls work very well, and are easily adjusted using headphones while recording. As you adjust the dial, the sound level changes between 0 (no sound) and 10 in 0.5 steps.

I tested the DCR-VX1000's LANC protocol, and found that both the Videonics Edit Suite and FAST Video Machine would control the Digital Handycam as a source deck. There are no analog video inputs for recording to the DV cassette, hence you can't use the DCR-VX1000 as a record deck without another Digital Handycam and DV connecting cable.

As a source deck in an analog system, the Sony's extremely high-quality video is still a benefit. When I recorded playback from the Digital Handycam onto a Hi8 record deck using its S-video output, the end result looked like a perfect first-generation master.

In the near future, Sony plans to introduce a DVC VCR that will accept the DV connecting cable from the Digital Handycam. Until then, you can still dub high-quality video from the Sony to consumer--or even broadcast--formats. The DCR-VX1000 looks and acts just like a pro.

The DCR-VX1000 Digital Handycam is an awesome camcorder. Its ability to record and play back digital video that looks this good is a major achievement for the world of consumer video. The DCR-VX1000 offers high-quality video acquisition, five star performance, and cutting edge technology.

DCR-VX1000 Digital Handycam

Format

• DVC (digital video cassette)

Lens

• Eight-speed 10:1 optical zoom, 5.9-59mm focal length, f/1.6, inner-focus, tele-macro, 20:1 digital zoom

Image sensors

• Three 1/3-inch CCDs, 410,000 pixels each

Viewfinder

• 0.7-inch color LCD, 180,000 pixels

Focus

• Auto, manual override

Maximum shutter speed

• 1/10,000th of a second

Exposure

• Auto, manual with adjustable iris/gain (20 levels), three Program AE modes

White balance

• Auto, manual

Digital effects

• A/V digital fader and overlap transition

Audio

• PCM stereo digital audio, auto or manual record levels

Inputs

• DV Connector, microphone

Outputs

• DV Connector, Y/C video, analog video, stereo audio, headphone

Edit interface

• LANC

Other features

• Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization, 4-capsule microphone with digital audio signal processing, still photo mode, interval and frame recording, RC-compatible time code read/write, zebra pattern exposure indicator, edit search, wireless remote control, 16x9 aspect record mode

Dimensions

• 4.3 (width) by 5.75 (height) by 13 (depth) inches

Weight

• 3 pounds, 4 ounces

Video Performance (approx.)

• Horizontal resolution (camera)
  • 500 lines
• Horizontal resolution (playback)
  • 500 lines

Performance Times

• Pause to record
  • 0.0 second
• Power up to record
  • 3 seconds
• Fast forward/rewind (60 min. tape)
  • 2 minutes, 35 seconds

ES2000 Hi8 Camcorder
Canon USA, Inc.
One Canon Plaza
Lake Success, NY 11042
($1599)

The Canon ES series of camcorders has a new champion--the Hi8 ES2000. With the ES2000, Canon introduces their new FlexiZone autofocus/auto exposure system. FlexiZone is a unique system that allows the user to select an area of the frame for prioritized autofocus and auto exposure. For now, you select this area manually. In the not-too-distant future, you'll select it with your eye position.

The ES2000 is a great-looking unit. Its finish is gunmetal gray, with a tough powder-coated feel. It has some design changes from its predecessor, the ES1000. Though the ES2000 still places the lens and stereo microphone next to the transport, the lens rides above the mike and the built-in light is absent.

You'll find twelve different controls located where your left hand can easily get to them. They control both camera and VCR functions, depending on mode. Button response is very good, and the color viewfinder indicates all of the active control functions.