Sony HVR-V1U or Sony FX7

[BigPhillyFish 0]

Still in my research phase, of my purchase. And I thought I would throw another one at the guru's. I looked into the V-1U and FX7 and they both seem reasonably priced. But I read the difference's between the two camera's and this is what I found:

 

From camcorderinfo.com

"The Sony HVR-V1U is the Professional version of the Consumer HDR-FX7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $2599). In essence, this means that these camcorders share their core imaging specs and are built around the same compact chassis. Both camcorders feature three ¼ ClearVID CMOS sensors and a 20x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*, F1.6 2.8, 62mm filter diameter lens. At first glance, the camcorders seem similar. However, the V1U adds XLR terminals and a black exterior that makes the medium grey color of the FX7 appear less serious. Yet to fully grasp the myriad upgrades that differentiate the $4800 V1U from the $3600 FX7, you have got to lift up the hood. The enhancements that will get potential buyers of the V1U in the door are probably the progressive scan (24p and 30p) and XLR terminals features which are must-haves for many DPs and producers. Yet for the connoisseur, the V1U menu presents a host of delicacies that you wont find on the FX7 shorter menu. Many options are expanded in the V1U: white balance gains additional presets; Cinematone Gamma adds another option; Smooth Slow Record gains 3 and 12 second options and the list goes on.

 

More significantly, the V1U gains some desirable features that are not offered at all on the FX7. Camera profiles can be shared via MemoryStick and emailed to distant colleagues; multiple framing guides and view options are offered (4:3, 13:9, 14:9, and 16:9, 80% and 90% safety zones, and All Scan Mode). Along with two XLR terminals, the V1U adds independent level control over each channel, noise reduction, trim, and wind cut, while numerous Time Code settings allow both syncing with other V1Us (via i.Link) and various preset, user bit, and format options. We like the HDR-FX7, but the HDR-V1U is a much more capable camcorder. Various microprocessor-based options available on the V1U are not available on the FX7 and in all likelihood, enabling them wouldnt have cost Sony a penny. In other words, short of the addition of XLR inputs and onboard audio mixing, the truncated option list on the FX7 seems implemented to widen the chasm separating these camcorders and justify their price points. We rather shoot with the $4800 HDR-V1U, based primarily on its expanded audio options and progressive scan abilities, but neither camcorder is a match for the sub-$4000 Canon XH A1 DONT MIND THE PRICES THERE OLD"

 

So what does the progressvie scan 24p and 30p really do for the camera and the video?

 

The added menu options of the V1U, the frame guides and various microprocessor-based options along with the XLR terminals and independent audio controls seem to make a large price difference in the camera. Do these additions, of the V1U justify the price?

 

Appreciate the input, Thanks!

[SimonSpear 65]

I went for the V1 above the FX7 mainly due to the audio options and XLR inputs, which are obviously completely void for underwater filming, but can make a big difference to topside filming. I've used the progressive mode (I'm in PAL land so mine is 25p), but mainly end up shooting interlaced. There are a couple of other nice 'pro' features on the V1 as well, some of which are touched on in that camcorderinfo summary, but to be honest none of them are deal breakers or makers.

 

If you want this cam mainly for underwater use then I'd advise going for the FX7 - I've seriously thought about buying a back up FX7 to use underwater and save my V1 for topside. The only thing stopping me doing that is financial.

 

Hope this helps, Simon

[BigPhillyFish 0]

I went for the V1 above the FX7 mainly due to the audio options and XLR inputs, which are obviously completely void for underwater filming, but can make a big difference to topside filming. I've used the progressive mode (I'm in PAL land so mine is 25p), but mainly end up shooting interlaced. There are a couple of other nice 'pro' features on the V1 as well, some of which are touched on in that camcorderinfo summary, but to be honest none of them are deal breakers or makers.

 

If you want this cam mainly for underwater use then I'd advise going for the FX7 - I've seriously thought about buying a back up FX7 to use underwater and save my V1 for topside. The only thing stopping me doing that is financial.

 

Hope this helps, Simon

 

Well most of the use will be underwater, but I was hoping to do some top side nature stuff, maybe mess around with making some little film stuff. Really not to sure about the topside stuff yet. But I would think with the optional frame rates, and being progressive, it would make some difference under water. My whole idea with the V1U, is cost versus product. Right now the FX-7 can be had for $1999.00 US, and the V1U can be had for $3,000.00 US, and the new FX1000 is running $3,200.00. So for $1,000.00 more I am getting more options, way better audio, and the progressive scan (still trying to find out what that does for the video quality). And for $200.00 less I am still getting more then the FX1000.

 

Is there also some more video menu options on the V1U that I should be aware of? Well let me see what other people think. The FX-7 is a viable option, that is for sure. I just thought I would be better off with the V1U. But Thanks.

[Mike L 0]

If most of the use will be underwater, the FX7 is the choice I would make. The huge difference in price really makes the Fx7 a great deal...I use to own the Z1U. It was a tough decision to buy that one over the FX1 due to the significant price difference. XLR was nice, but again I dont shoot a lot topside. The main reason I went for the Z1u was I used it in our rental department, and production companies wanted the Z1U. Had it been for personal use only, I would have gone for the FX1.

[SimonSpear 65]

Yes at $1999 the FX7 is a bargain (haha I wish there was still $2 to £1 and you could get a PAL version at that price!). PhillyFish - it's horses for courses with progressive vs interlaced. Some prefer the more 'film' look that progressive gives, but it can have drawbacks to quality especially with fast moving targets or when lots of action is happening, especially when combined with the HDV codec. There are better places than here to have a general discussion about progressive vs interlaced, but for underwater use using a V1 (in my opinion) I'd go for interlaced. Others will of course disagree, but I guess if you have the cash get a V1 and you have both options

 

Cheers, Simon

[BigPhillyFish 0]

Yes at $1999 the FX7 is a bargain (haha I wish there was still $2 to £1 and you could get a PAL version at that price!). PhillyFish - it's horses for courses with progressive vs interlaced. Some prefer the more 'film' look that progressive gives, but it can have drawbacks to quality especially with fast moving targets or when lots of action is happening, especially when combined with the HDV codec. There are better places than here to have a general discussion about progressive vs interlaced, but for underwater use using a V1 (in my opinion) I'd go for interlaced. Others will of course disagree, but I guess if you have the cash get a V1 and you have both options

 

Cheers, Simon

 

Do you have or know a place I can see and learn the difference of this interlaced and progressive scan. I was also reading some consumer reviews, and it seems the V1U, people are having some issues with the XLR ports? Anybody have anything on that! Simon, thank you for the input. Of course I am just trying to understand the difference in the camera's, I have half the people saying FX-7 and the other half V1U. The price difference isn't the problem at all, I just don't want to pay for extra, if it really isn't making a difference. The underwater housings are the same exact model for the FX7 and V1U, so its just making the camera choice.

[jonny shaw 16]

Have a look on DVinfo.net they have a dedicated forum for the V1 and FX7. There is heaps of info on it which will explain the difference between the two, there is also extensive info on the difference between progressive and interlaced footage.

 

Hope that helps

 

Jon