sony digital video camera

1. Posted: Jul 28 2008

   The A700 is stout. Solid construction and solid performance. High ISO performance that can be mated up to fast Sony or Minolta AF glass. I've got an F2.8 lens and it is unstoppable indoors even in mediocre lighting. I can only imagine if I had an f1.4 prime or something of the like mounted on this body! 3 shot bracketing is quick, metering is accurate, colors are great. I shoot in cRaw and am impressed with that format. I cannot pick up on any loss compared to RAW; but the camera will run RAW all day long with no problems either. The scary thing is that even JPEGS look great on this camera! It is a very serious camera and will sit atop the Sony line until they bring out a full-frame camera. Thoroughly impressed and definitely a worthy replacement for the venerable Maxxum/Dynax 5's 7's and maybe even the 9 depending on your use!

2. Posted: Jul 24 2008

   A FREE color temperature analyzer included (which would cost $1,200 separately)! As I describe below, there is a little discussed feature that allows you to set the white balance for the ambient light practically perfectly. I have had my Sony Alpha 700 for about six weeks now, have used it extensively on a vacation, and have tried most of the features. I'm impressed with: - the solid "feel" of the camera build - the 5 frames per second continuous shooting until the card is full (many other more expensive cameras have a limit) - autofocus is blazing fast, and as reviewed in PopPhoto, is faster than even the best Nikons and Canons in good light. - there are several ways to access almost any setting or function, and seemingly endless customization of settings. - Though the Auto white balance isn't always as accurate as I'd like, there is an amazing feature with will allow you to set an custom white balance in a mixed or difficult light situation by using a gray or white card and having the camera "read" the light. It not only gets the Kelvin temperature right, but also adjust to Green/Magenta filter color casts from G9 to M9. To get that quality ambient light sensing, you would have to buy a $1,200 Color temperature sensor (Minolta made one). So basically you get a color analyzer for free with the camera. - I have quickly gotten used to the separate buttons for the setting I adjust most frequently: Drive setting (for bracketing or time delay), White Balance, and ISO. - The Dynamic Range (DR) Capabilities are phenomenal. I've shot photos in horribly contrasty situations and been able to get detail in both shadows and highlights. There are 8 levels of adjustment for DR. - The information you can get on playback is extensive and useful when you press the "C" button. - I love having a % of battery life left, but I hated having to have to sell my old batteries from my Alpha 100 because they won't fit due to the new feature. What I don't like: - the little "joystick" control is difficult for me when I try to press it to confirm a setting. Otherwise it works fine directionally. - I've found that I get better exposures with a -.5 EV compensation. The histograms are almost always perfect in that situation. Overall, it's the best value in a semi-pro (bang for the buck) that I've come across after extensive evaluation. I'm also confident that Sony will continue to market it's DSLRs seriously and continue to offer a wider model line. Sony has staying power and marketing muscle. So far it only has about 6% of the worldwide DSLR market, but I'm confident that will grow due to the quality and value of it's camera product line, including the Zeiss lenses. Another thing to note: Sony makes the 12 megapixel sensor for the Nikon D300, and most likely they are the same. Compare the price of the Sony A700 with the D300, and you will see the "bargain".

3. Posted: Jun 30 2008

   This camera is great. Feel comfortable taking photos ISO 800 and beyond. I don't really miss many photo opportunities. So much control and your fingers too. Seems to be a dedicated button for everything within easy reach. Well done sony. Now if you could get a few more lenses in your lineup...

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1. Posted: Aug 11 2008

   This camcorder is awesome. The quality of video is great. It is very versatile and gets the job done.

2. ( 0 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jan 20 2008

   I think that the HD is in progress, because when I record in HD HQ, I can't edit the recorded material in the cam before finished the DVD. I don't have been used all the facilities of the cam recorder. Thanks.

3. Posted: Jan 14 2008

   For the product and technical illiterate, this is a great camera. For those who know a little bit more, it is an excellent camera. Easy to set up, use and edit. Placing the dvd directly into the camera is the best! Finalise it, and walk right over to the DVD player...Awesome!

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1. Posted: Aug 9 2008

   I bought this while living in Hawaii and sold it a little before moving. The whole process of getting it from dv to file format was just too annoying for me. The quality of the video was pretty good, not as high as hoped. The slow motion capture was a nice feature, but was pretty restrictive. The compact size was great and it was relatively easy to handle on the go. I'd definitely say at this point to avoid DV even at some quality loss and go with something that is recording straight to file for ease.

2. Posted: Aug 6 2008

   This camera works With ideal conditions, the camera can capture very impressive HDV footage,but with less light... it can be, well... not so good I got this camera for home use, I own professional Sony HD cameras, so Sony is always my top choice. For home use, its ok Note: The deck transports are very good for a camera this cheap, and the lens is above average. see ya! f3

3. Posted: Jan 25 2008

   I am extremely pleased with this camera. I have been shooting and editing video as a hobby for about 10 years and am thrilled with the image quality of this lens and the processor. If you are going to buy it, my only recommendation is to make sure your computer can handle editing HD video. It is MUCH more data than standard "Mini DV" or Digital Video and will be extremely taxing on your computer's processor. As compared to similar products in the same price range that I tested in stores, the Sony seems to be slightly better built in terms of its casing. The only potential flaw I noticed was the plastic "door" for the ports. This thing could break extremely easily.

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1. Posted: Aug 6 2008

   We use this camera in a controlled environment, 5.5kw of incandescent light, and the images are sooo nice... The camera has been setup to shoot 24p all the time, and the color tweaked by me and a colorist, and the results are amazing. Our casting company uses it about 90% of the time, we record to a Focus FS 4 and to tape simultaneously. The Optical stabilization works amazing when hand held, the mic is not so good, but at least it's there. Wish it would have another accessory shoe, one is just not enough. All in all, the camera works great, the images are very cinematographic, stabilization is very useful, can be tweaked a lot, its as reliable as the sunrise. I like the new Z7, but for what we do, the V1 works like a charm f3

2. ( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jan 3 2008

   I bought my HVR-V1U and have had it a week now. I am very impressed with the quality of video with very good light. In low light the quality of this video camera is poor. But after doing hours and hours of research I decided on this model for a few reasons. 1) Size - This camcorder is about the same size as a VX-2000 with the same feel and pretty much the same layout. 2) 24p - This camcorder can shoot film in true 24p which is great if you want to give your video that "Film look" 3) XLR - This camcorder has 2 XLR inputs to put real good microphones on it if you want and comes with a $230 microphone. I think the slow motion feature is pretty cool to experiment with. But the quality is low and of course there is no sound when you do this. Everything on the camcorder is made very well. No cheap buttons or parts. Disadvantages: It has a 62mm lens. The bigger the lens usually the better the low light quality since the lens can let in more light. The battery that comes with it is ok, but you definately should buy the biggest battery you can get. My extended battery lasts around 490 minutes record time or about 690 minutes on playback mode. The extended warranty Amazon offers on this model for 4 years is only $199.99. That is a really good price for a camcorder this expensive. Bottom line: If you want all the features of this model but want the best low light recordings possible, then purchase the Sony HVR-Z1U camcorder which is another $600 or so. The XLR is worth it because sound is usually the weakest link when watching any video recorded on a camcorder.

3. ( 7 of 7 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jan 2 2008

   I bought my HVR-V1U and have had it a week now. I am very impressed with the quality of video with very good light. In low light the quality of this video camera is poor. But after doing hours and hours of research I decided on this model for a few reasons. 1) Size - This camcorder is about the same size as a VX-2000 with the same feel and pretty much the same layout. 2) 24p - This camcorder can shoot film in true 24p which is great if you want to give your video that "Film look" 3) XLR - This camcorder has 2 XLR inputs to put real good microphones on it if you want and comes with a $230 microphone. 4) HDMI - This model has an HDMI out so I can quickly and easily with one cord connect it to my HDTV. The Sony HDR-FX1 doesn't have this. I think the slow motion feature is pretty cool to experiment with. But the quality is low and of course there is no sound when you do this. Everything on the camcorder is made very well. No cheap buttons or parts. Disadvantages: It has a 62mm lens. The bigger the lens usually the better the low light quality since the lens can let in more light. The battery that comes with it is ok, but you definately should buy the biggest battery you can get. My extended battery lasts around 490 minutes record time or about 690 minutes on playback mode. The extended warranty Amazon offers on this model for 4 years is only $199.99. That is a really good price for a camcorder this expensive. Bottom line: If you want all the features of this model but want the best low light recordings possible, then purchase the Sony HVR-Z1U camcorder which is another $600 or so. The XLR is worth it because sound is usually the weakest link when watching any video recorded on a camcorder.

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