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The Sony HVR-HD1000U is an HDV camcorder specifically designed for videographers looking for an affordable shoulder-mounted camera. Ideal for event work and wedding videography, the camera is equipped with a ClearVid CMOS sensor, capable of recording 1080i high definition footage on a standard MiniDV tape. Additionally, the HVR-HD1000U comes fitted with a 10x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens with Super SteadyShotTM image stabilization, ensuring operators get the perfect shot every time. These features make the HVR-HD1000U a welcome addition to the already proven line of Sony professional HDV products.
| Signal System |
HDV: 1080/60i DV: 480/60i (NTSC) |
| Image Device | 1/2.9" CMOS ClearVid Sensor |
| Lens | Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Zoom Lens, 10x (Optical), 37mm Filter Diameter |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Horizontal Resolution | 1080 Lines |
| Sensitivity | 11 lux |
| Minimum Illumination | 4 Lux f1.6 at 18 dB |
| Vertical Smear | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Built-in Filters | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| LCD Monitor | Clear Photo LCD Plus, 2.7", 16:9 Aspect Ratio |
| Viewfinder | 132,000 Pixels, 16:9 Aspect Ratio |
| Scan Matching | Yes |
| Memory Card Slot | Memory Stick Duo (for Photo Capture) |
| Shutter Speed Range | 1/2-1/10000 |
| Gain Selection | No |
| VTR | |
|---|---|
| Tape Format |
HDV Record and Play DV Record and Play |
| Tape Speed |
HDV: 18.8 mm/s DV SP Mode: 18.8 mm/s |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Maximum Recording Time |
HDV: 63 min (with PHDVM-63DM Cassette) DV: 63 min (with PHDVM-63DM Cassette) |
| Audio | |
|---|---|
| Audio Dynamic Range | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Audio Signal Format |
HDV MPEG1 Audio Layer II DV 16-bit/48kHz 2 Channel Mode 12-bit/32kHz 4 Channel Mode |
| Audio Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Input and Output Connectors |
Component Video: RCAx3 (x1 Output) Composite Video: RCAx1 (x1 Output) S-Video: 4-Pin mini-DIN (x1 Output) HDMI (x1) HDV/DV Input/Output: i.LINK interface (IEEE 1394, 4-Pin Connector) Audio L/R Output: RCAx2 Audio Input: Stereo Mini-Jack Headphone: Stereo Mini-Jack LANC: Stereo Mini-Jack USB: Type-B Connector |
| Power Requirements |
AC Adapter: 8.4 VDC Battery: 7.2 VDC |
| Power Consumption |
HDV: 4.6W DV: 4.4W |
| Operating Temperature | 32-104°F (0-40°C) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | Including projecting parts: 10.5 x 9.1 x 18.1" (265 x 231 x 460mm) |
| Weight | 6 lb (2.7 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Best Uses
A month or less | 69% (20 reviews) | |
One-to-three months | ||
Three-to-six months | ||
More than six months |
Most Liked Positive Review
Camcorder for a dedicated video shooter
I've been using this camcorder for almost four months now, and it still keeps my creative juices flowing, which means it is a good camcorder. The way it's made and the way it looks...Read complete review
I've been using this camcorder for almost four months now, and it still keeps my creative juices flowing, which means it is a good camcorder. The way it's made and the way it looks encourages me to go out there and make some videos. I think this is very important. I realize that the HD1000U is basically an HC7 or HC9 Handycam in a big shoulder mount body, but I'd rather spend my money on a piece of electronics that is well made than a small light plasticky feeling Handycam.
Anyway, let me describe the HD1000U in a bit more detail. The most important thing in any video camera should be the picture quality. Unfortunately, this camera is quite challenging to achieve a good picture. The low light capability of this camcorder is poor. The camera basically makes good videos without noise only in bright daylight. If the light is just a little compromised, the noise creeps in very quickly. There should be a way to prevent this by turning off the Auto Gain on the camcorder, but I unfortunately I wasn't able to find any manual gain control on this camcorder. I should be able to control the noise level by adjusting AE shift or exposure (yes, AE and exposure are two separate parameter in this camcorder). If I reduce the exposure, it makes the image darker, but it also seems to get rid of the noise a bit. There is a gain monitor when the tape is played back, which is probably too late, after the fact, after the picture has already been recorded. I haven't had a chance to check yet if the gain is actually reduced when I reduce the exposure on the camcorder. This is something I still need to play with, until I figure out my optimum settings.
Now, the HD1000U has a lot of parameters, which is a great thing. For the money, you get an amazing array of parameters. I don't really care that the parameters are accessed mostly through the menu. It is not as cumbersome as it may sound. As long as the parameter that I need is available, I don't really care if it available at one button touch or through navigating the menu. By the way, there is an option to customize the menu, so you can lay out the many in such a way, that the parameters you need the most will be available at the top level menu.
When it comes to the sound level of the recording, it can be manually adjusted, which is very good. I was able to record directly for an audio mixer to the camcorder, and the quality of the recording came out very good. But of course, I had to monitor closely through headphones, to make sure that the sound is not clipping. It is very important, because clipping in digital domain makes quite nasty distortion.
All in all, I am very please with this camcorder. It keeps me interested in video making, and that's what's most important, I think. A small plastic handycam would discourage me from making videos. On the contrary, the HD1000U keeps me dedicated and motivated to make more videos.
I highly recommend Sony UWP wireless UHF microphone for this camcorder. The quality of the sound coming out of that microphone is simply stunning. And yeah, another advantage of a big size of this camcorder is that there's actually space to mount somewhere the microphone transmitter.
I also added the Beachtek XLR adapter, so that I can connect the Audio Technica 897 shotgun microphone. The Beachtek adapter ads so much functionality. I can record a line level signal from an audio mixer, as well as I can record in mono mode. So, I highly recommend the Beachtek adapter. Well, there is a bit of the noise from the adapter, but I believe the noise is from the camcorder's preamps instead of the adapter itself.
The reason that I would not recommend this camcorder to a friend, is that none of my friends seem to be interested in video making. All of them prefer little handycams, so I figure there's nothing to talk about with folks like that.
And lastly, when I am in the field with this camera, I get a great amount of respect from people. I remember, when I was shooting this reunion at my college, all the pro photographers were checking with me if I don't mind if they take a picture here and there. I mean, that's a great amount of respect for the professionals. So, the camera is worth the price, isn't it?
Note: If you decide to get the HD1000U, I hardly recommend getting Sony GV-HD700 VTR. The HD1000U is simply too big to haul it every time I need to transfer the video to a computer. HD700 is a fantastic companion for the HD1000U. And also, the Sony VCT-1170RM tripod works really well with the camcorder. The camcorder balances well on that tripod and the lanc controller works perfectly.
I recommend the following accessories for the camcorder:
Sony GV-HD700 VTR,
Sony HVL-LBP LED light,
Sony UWP-X1 UHF microphone,
Sony VCL-HG0737C wide angle converter,
Cavision LH-77 hood for VCL-HG0737Y (it fits on the VCL-HG0737C with a 71 mm vacuum cleaner drive belt as a seal, no kidding), Tiffen 82mm Video Essentials DV Kit 3 for Cavision LH-77 filter thread,
Beachtek DXA-2S XLR adapter,
Sony VCT-1170RM tripod,
Audio Technica 897 microphone,
Sony PHDVM-63DM tapes,
Sony NP-F970 battery.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Poor quality
This is not a camera for home use; it's look and size are made it for pro use. However, because of the poor quality ( lots of noise in low light, only one ...Read complete review
This is not a camera for home use; it's look and size are made it for pro use. However, because of the poor quality ( lots of noise in low light, only one control at a time, etc), this camera does not fit the requirements for pro work.In addition, the hand strap will eventually brake ( because the camera is heavy) and there won't be a way to hold the camera. Some people don't like the mic, well, this is the only thing that can be fixed in post production.Some say the camera is good for events and weddings, yes if there is enought light. I bought two units and sold them; I am happy there is [...].,,,, I really don't understand the 62 positive reviews.
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Reviewed by 167 customers
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
I use this camera for all of my high-end shooting, for television, or documentaries. Does great in weddings, low light shooting is a little dim, but a lot of more expensive cameras have the same problem, so just get a good light setup. The pro look gets a lot of oohs and aahs from people, even other pro shooters. I have shown up at events with this camera, and people thought I was with the local news team. Even some local news shooters and reporters have asked for my card when I show up. The sound is excellent, especially given the fact that the mic isn't XLR. Connecting an external mic is a snap with the standard 1/8" plug. This is DEFINITELY a good pro grade camera, let no one tell you different. The housing is plastic, yes, but that makes for a lighter weight camera that handles with ease. Bravo, Sony!!
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
I purchased this camera to use for recording our church service and it produced great quality footage. Nice looking camera for the price, the only problem is that it's not great in low light rooms. Camera is great for shooting outside and in great lighting.
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
GOOD- shoots great out door video
-looks somewhat professional? most people think its an old VHS camera from the 80's haha
-night vision( not the best but at least its there)
-2 accessory shoes
-besides the fact that all the controls are located in the lcd touch screen, the menu layout is pretty easy to use and fast to react
BAD- poor low light shooting
-poor indoor shooting
-awkward shoulder mount(doesnt sit right on my shoulder, yes i have it adjusted all the way back, its just too small)
-only a 37mm filter diameter
-shooting something from 5 feet away looks like a macro close up shot, lol
-mic is worst ive ever had from a prosumer camera
-NO gain control
-lack of exterior control buttons
-no hot shoe
-bad battery life
-sony's "smooth slow record" only records 3 seconds of 240fps video...what can you do with 3 seconds? like really sony.?...
-cheap materals(plastics, tape drive, mic mount, hand grip (WILL break in time just cause the camera is so heavy and most of the weight is on the front
-small viewfinder
-jus all around too big of a camera to being doing any mobile shooting with. unless youre outside and using a tripod i really would get this camera. spend a little more on something newer and handheld. this cameras technology is 4 years old already btw
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
As a big Sony Fan, I recently purchased the HVR-HD1000U High Def Camera and I really appreciate all of the options that this model affords. Not only are there a number of options for both automatic and manual modes, but video and stills can be shot simultaneously, and you can select both HD and SD formats depending upon your needs. Also, you can choose to capture via tape (miniDV) or through the memory stick, and there are a number of tricks and bells and whistles available to optimize the end product. I find this camera functions better than others in both Low and high light situations (such as live theatre filming) and although the on-board audio mic is limited in terms of mixing channels, levels can be set in post or via an output to a mixer board such as you would do for a live taped performance anyway.
I cannot wait to see all the great ways I can use this camera with our students and for helping to promote our shows through the use of video capabilities we have now through upgrading our equipment!
Sincerely,
June Wygant, Teacher
Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts
Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
As a film maker and a movie producer, I need a camera which is not only support HDV, but also have a professional outlook. 1000U is my best camera! Extremely clear and easy to use, you don't need to worry about how to push these bottoms on this camera, just know a few and you can start working! Image is stable and sound is great! Backlight function is awesome!!
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
This is not a professional camera. Very poor quality in low light due to only one chip and 37mm aperture. Lens is not wide enough to get simple two men handshake in to picture without standing 5 meters away. I wouldn't say it's good for weddings at all because in my experience you get in many low light situations during weddings, but powerfull light will help! Camera is practical I don't mind only one ring control at the time, two hot shoes are also nice but performance itself is far from professional. Only pro application I can think of is studio work where you have many lights and you don't need wide angle lens. New HXR-MC2000U is better choice just because of wider lens... but also not a good choice for serious work.
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
Have used this camera on three music occassions and I was embarrassed by the absolutely POOR sound from the microphone. Maybe I wasn't using it right, but I have been a cinematograper since 1971 in the old super 8mm and 16mm film days.I then went to video and Hi 8mm before digital. This is the WORST camera/microphone for sound that I've had.I'll keep trying new ways.
Bill Griffith, Sydney Australia
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
It gets the one star for it's looks. My HTC EVO phone takes much better video. I have a consumer 10 y/o video camera that does better. Simply the worst camcorder I ever seen. [@]
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
After long exposure to consumer model video cameras and production work, I wanted to upgrade to a pro unit. This camera has the controls and features needed for documentary types of projects, and I have not been disappointed with the results. The audio and video are both great quality. The one drawback of this camera for a person using a Mac for video processing is the Sony iLink DV connection. Mac does not make a cable attaching an iLink port to a Firewire port. I was not able to find a cable from any local sources for capturing with Premier Pro. I ordered one online (less than $10), and it worked like a charm. If you use a Mac for your processing/post-production work, you'll either need to buy a 3rd party cable or a tape player that connects to Mac's Firewire port.
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
Very good price for a HD professional camcorder and very good product, I use for do weddings and sweet sixteen in Naples Florida
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
I use these cameras to record performances and events here at the school.
Great quality video, light weight.
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
We use this product to stream our church onto the internet and we get great sound and picture quality.
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
We use this camcorder as our primary workhorse during our annual 4th of July broadcast event. Having only received it days before going live, I was a bit worried about throwing it into our mix of mayhem so late in the game. Minutes into the broadcast, i had no more concerns. The KYDS were able to pick up operations very quickly through the easy to use screens and interface. Our cast of elementary school kids swapped in and out for three hours, some never operating a camcorder before. The product from the booth was great! [...]
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
I've owned three of these HD1000U's now... for three years, using them in event videography.
First, the CONS: The complaints about this camera in low light are largely true. This is NOT a real good choice for low or no light shooting.
With reasonable lighting, it's fine.
It has a host of input and output options, very handy. I've recorded HI DEF 1080i to tape while simultaneously downconverting out to mix into a standard def production: very cool. Clients like the idea of HI DEF legacy footage while at the same time producing a standard def production. It's just too expensive to do HI DEF in a lot of instances, because the only reasonable way to deliver it is on Blu Ray and that's still too expensive.
The touch menu system is somewhat cumbersome, but workable once you get used to it.
For the money, you get incredible value with this camera. I've not had any problems with any of the cameras. You drop it in a lake or whack it against a wall, or it gets ripped off out of a hotel ballroom... no big deal.
Bottom line: it's a cheap camera and I've made hundreds of thousands of dollars with it.
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
I've used this camera for about 18 months and I have really enjoyed the quality it has produced. I was surprised by it's quality... there are some things I wish were different, but I have learned to work with the nuisances. Having only one ring that can be switched between the different uses such as focus, iris, wb shift and auto exposure shift takes some getting used to and really limits your manual abilities, but the auto stuff does a pretty good job. The other thing I like is that you can convert the DV out option on HD video in order to record an HDV tape to a regular DVD recorder for fast recordings. The internal mic is great - but it is sort of a pain only having access to one channel. I would love it if there were a stereo input mic.
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
this camera works very well, shoot weddings and has given me very good results and also very comfortable on the shoulder
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
Incredible quality for the price. Though opened for sale in 2007, the technology is still surprisingly advanced. Touchscreen video feed. Great quality of video. Comes with impressive shotgun mic, though picks up unwanted noises much of time. Perfect for a young videographer who is just starting up and wants something professional. Extremely easy to operate. Fun to operate and well placed zoom. Only detraction is that there is only one control wheel on the camera's lens, meaning you have to switch between focus and other controls.
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
Lightweight and very reliable, produces great pictures and videos
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
I bought 2 of these cameras 2 1/2 yrs ago. I have never had any issues with them. They hold up against much more expensive cameras. I shoot weddings, concerts, news, TV reality, concerts, special events - everything really.
They hold up well enough that you can barely tell the different from a news station that has Sony cameras that cost $55,000 a piece. We have shot with one cameraman using their Sony camera at an event and edited the footage with footage shot on this camera - HD-1000u.
It shoots a little bit grainy in low light but so does the more expensive Sony cameras - you can't notice the difference really.
Even though it is a 1 chip I have had no issues with the color. I boosted the color by one bar on the color and it's been fantastic. Again it matches footage take with more expensive Sony cameras.
I have found no problems with the sound. Switching from Auto to Manual audio will reduce the background noise. If you want to use XLR for sound then I would suggest getting BeachTek - around $190. It works perfectly.
You can also unplug the wireless mic and use a lav.
I love how it is shoulder mount. It is easy for me to film when I need to go freehand and run around getting all different angles. Light enough to hold way above your head to shoot down on a shot.
It is lightweight - which saves my back big time. It looks professional and does impress clients. The shell is plastic but if it is that light then I'm all for the plastic!
I will be looking to upgrade to more expensive models in the future but I love this camera. It enabled me to start my business without a loan and the 2 cameras have more than paid for themselves by this time.
Excellent for getting your business off the ground :)
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Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:
I use this camera for live, straight to dvd recording. It was easy to use right out of the box. The sound is very nice