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!
