Sony HDR-FX1000

After much research, I finally decided to pull the trigger on Sony's new camera. This is a much more fitting replacement for the venerable HDR-FX1 than the HDR-FX7 was. On the plus side, the latter can be had at much reduced prices now, and is a good camera for the current price.

Several advances come with this camera, including new glass, and new CMOS sensors. Amazingly, Sony has finally decided to include progressive scan and real 24P! A first for them in this price range. One of the most attractive aspects of this camera is the low light sensitivity. An amazing 1.5 LUX makes it one of the best HD camcorders anywhere near this price. Several other improvements include esentially doubling the number of pixels in the external display. It's amazingly crisp and bright.

I wish they'd included XLR inputs, but you have to look to Sony's higher end models for that. There are some other quibbles too, such as puzzling over why they removed the absolute zoom lever, and went back to the continuously spinning ring. For the money however, I just don't think you can go wrong.