Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder

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. [@]

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.

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

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.

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.

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! [...]

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.

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.

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

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.

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 :)

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

Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:

This is an excellent camera I have used for over two years now. It far exceeded my expectations. [...]I have used this for Weddings, Sports Events, Airshows, and Events. Great Picture and easy to use with Final Cut Pro. I would highly recommend this camera to anyone starting out. It also looks pro which gives your clients confidence. Get it.

Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:

the price is right
and it's the best digital camcorder i have ever buy

Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:

The firewire card in the unit quit working just past the warranty date. This cost [$] and about 2 months of down time to be repaired by Sony. Got it back only to have it do the same thing within a few days. It is back at Sony at this time with no word on how long it will be to be fixed. This unit only had moderate and gentle use, mostly in a Church setting, usually on a tripod. As far as image quality goes: This is a single 1/3" sensor. The image quality reflects this. Although the image is not bad with "ideal" lighting, it gets very noisy at the slightest hint of low light (both HD and SD). The standard def recording is pretty much useless unless you don't mind blotchy colorization. There is also image roll and jagged edges during motion shots due to the particular CMOS sensor that is used in this camera (both HD and SD). This unit has the same guts as the Sony HDR-HC7 which can be bought for about a third of the price. The only difference is the shoulder mount body which gives you (and your friends ;) the illusion that you're working with a professional camera.

Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:

I am an engineer and I work to design television channels for the U.S. Hispanic world and throughout Latin America, years ago they bought equipment, I have tried other providers and I'd definitely stay with you. are fully responsible for the entire sales process, its products have always been in perfect condition both the equipment and packing, plus I've never had problems with deadlines.
sincerely congratulate them.0.

Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:

THE CAMERA IS GOOD AND IS A PRODUCT THAT IF I CAN TELL

Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:

I use this product for night events, this over the shoulder model, makes it look very professional, I like the screen, mic and lens,

Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:

Having worked as an ENG reporter/shooter and a producer for 18 years, i've gotten used to having certain level of video quality and I like shoulder mount cameras, its what I'm used to.
I recently bought the HD1000U and took it out of town to shoot two very important family events.

I was very pleased with the performance I got.
Yes the finish feels plastic and cheap, but the camera has good weight and good feel and the trips to start and stop are at good places ergonomically.
The 1080i picture quality was sharper than I expected from what is 1-chip camera. It rivaled some lower-end ENG 3-chips i've used.
Interfaces via the LCD screen are better than I'd they'd be. I'm not overly crazy about all interface through that screen. The LCD's only weakness is that it does give a slightly inaccurate account of focus. The viewfinder is far superior there.

On the downside. The ring control reassignment for different functions. That be confusing at first. And there's my biggest nit to pick. This camera can be a little touchy in terms of manual focus. There are limits in relation to zoom magnification and it seems those limits happen more often than I'm used to. The optic seems that tiny bit off kilter to where you really have stay on adjustment more. The auto focus is solid, but it is constantly correcting and at times in my view overcorrects.
I also think the sound volume is set a little too high, but with some good audio tools you can learn how to roll with those punches.

OVERALL OUTLOOK: I enjoyed using it. It was rather easy to set up. The menus are concise. It has all the auto features combined with manual inputs its designed to use accessories well, and it has a rather well-written easy-to-follow manual.
This sidearm is a good piece and a solid buy.

Additional note -- Get Sony's longlife battery with it. The weight further centers the balance and with that battery you don't a spare unless you are shooting more then 8-10 hours. I tried killing the battery and couldn't

Comments about Sony HVR-HD1000U Digital High Definition HDV Camcorder:

I would recommend to those who are starting off in video/photography path. It may be to much for casual personal use. But for business use and new ventures in careers I would recommend. Controls are easy to use and understand. Take your time READ the manual. The sound is low, but you just need to dig into the controls to adjust. You will be happy you purchased, I am!