Just picked up my new Sony FX1 « Videomaker Community Forums

Digital Video
Member

Compared to my GL2 this camera is mean looking. I love how simple the maunal features are. The camera is very easy use. The camera also included a DVD of how to control the camera. The DVD is alot better than reading the manual which I'm reading front to back right now. I want to know how to use this camera in my sleep.
The only part of the camera I don't like so far is the Accessory Shoe. It is a plastic piece attached to the handle held in by a screw and feels weak to me.

Posted 5 years ago #
mmontgomery
Inactive

Hey DV,

What timing. Did you see the FX7 release?

Mark

Posted 5 years ago #
Digital Video
Member

I bought the camera in June and love it. The FX1 is a great camera. If the price of the FX1 comes down I would be happy with another. I want to read a comparison of the 2 cameras on b&h when they list it. I looked at the sony web site which was very general information.
The pictures of the SonyFX7 look very close to my GL2.
Just like computers - when you make a purchase 6 months later your outdated. Thats life.

Posted 5 years ago #
jburkhart

Yes, there's always something bigger and better around the corner...

That being said, I've used the FX1 on an HD show on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand, and it worked beautifully. Our DOP really liked it, and he's normally a feature film cameraman. I believe his quote was "The viewfinder as at the front where it should be!"

We got some great images off that camera, and it was very reliable. I'm sure you're going to love it.

Good Luck
John Burkhart
Editor-in-Chief
Videomaker

Posted 5 years ago #
gavinholt
Member

I love my fx1. the rack zoom has completely changed my style, especially once I learned to be gentle with it. And the image is crisp. I'd get another if I didn't have 2 canons already.

Posted 5 years ago #
dnathan
Member

I just bought a second one!

Posted 5 years ago #
Digital Video
Member

I just received my b&h catelog and I saw one huge difference between the FX-1 and Fx-7. It said the FX-7 shoots in 1080 vs 1080i like the FX-1. Anyone know about the quality difference between 1080i and 1080?

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

If you're just playing back on HDTV, from what I've read the difference is essentially "none".

Also, according to the November issue of "Home Theater", most HDTV's out there don't do true Hi-Def! Grab that issue before it's off the stands - they list dozens of models of HD TVs and rate them.

I don't know about the FX7 being better though - if you're doing weddings, you're not going to like its Lux rating.

Posted 5 years ago #
msfilms
Member

the FX1 and Z1 have very effective noise reduction, making using up to 18db of gain surprisingly acceptable in low light.

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

Mark, stay away from 18db! If you're shooting weddings and sometimes have some very dim receptions, try slowing the shutter speed to 30 or even (in extreme cases) to 15. Almost no noise at all at 9 or 12db and 30 works fine as a shutter speed. 15 can be a bit slow for dances, but ok for sitting chatting scenes and b-roll shots if you're careful on the pans.

Posted 5 years ago #
msfilms
Member

good tip Hank, must give shutter speed a try for slow moving scenes such as church ceremonies.

Posted 5 years ago #
Brother Mike Productions
Member

When I was looking at the FX1 and the FX7. I was reading and was told the FX1 is better. Does everyone agree with what I heard?

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

I don't recall the FX7 specs, but I remember being generally disappointed in them and specifically in the LUX rating. I wouldn't trade my FX1 for an FX7!

Posted 5 years ago #
1zed4u
Member

I don't have anything against the FX1 but I own an FX7 and am very pleased with it. Lux ratings don't concern me and I like the fact that the FX7 is smaller and lighter than the FX1. If I'm correct the lux rating for the FX7 is 4 and the lux rating for the FX1 is 3, but if I'm in a situation where there's not enough light I would just hook on a video light. It's all a matter of taste really. For some the FX1 will be the right camera with the right features and will fit their needs and others prefer the FX7. One of the reasons I like the FX7 is the fact that it's practically the same size and weight as my VX2000, and I know that it won't kill my arm after a long shoot as maybe the FX1 would. By the same token, I will say that the FX1 is a superb camera and one of the main things it has going for it is that it's made by Sony, and I'm a Sony man all the way. To those of you that own the FX1 I say enjoy it and know that you have one of the best cameras made by the top camera company in the world: Sony.

Posted 5 years ago #