Sony's Three-CCD HDV 1080i Camcorder

Got this from Gates on 4th January:

"Pricing is not yet set, however, I anticipate a ~$4000.00 retail price

NOT INCLUDING PORTS. Port choices will include a Fathom wide angle and

a Fathom Super Wide Angle. These ports are also in the design phase and

are being designed specifically for that camera. What we know at this

point is that the current Fathom ports will not work in front of the

FX1.

The professional version of the FX1 comes out in February. It is called

the Z1. Not having this camera in our hands means that we cannot be

100% certain that it will fit in the same housing, but we are making

every effort to make sure that is the case.

We plan to be able to ship at the end of March. I will be taking

deposits after the first of the year. If you want this housing, I urge

you to place a deposit; I have never received more inquiries on a

housing than I have on this one and I have a full page of firm orders

already."

From the spec sheet it basically sounds like a VX2100 housing built to fit the new cams.

Nick

The Pro version of this camera the HVR-Z1(E) will be shipped to European stockists toward the end of Feb..... I'm looking to house a 7" 16:9 monitor with their expertise. I haven't had the luxury of seeing one of these new cameras in the flesh yet but by all reports they seem to be well received. A few toothing problems but C'est la vie. Here's to adopting this format as the way forward.

The Sony HVR-Z1U is dual format so the end letter is no longer E or non-E but U.

7"?? That's a big monitor but I suppose necessary for focus. That was the one thing I really detested about the FX1... the viewfinder was terrible for fine tuning manual focus unless the 4x enlargement is used. But that's another button to press.

The VX2100 is 2/8" shorter. It's also a little narrower (didn't measure it without the lens hood. The box design of Gates and Sea Lux (assuming they built in some extra space) should fit the Z1/FX. On the other hand, the Fathom 110WAL was designed for a 58mm lens. The 72mm FX1 didn't work too well when I did a rough test with my WAL110. It was hand held and was probably off center. I had a little vignetting in HD mode. It also wasn't that sharp. But that was a very unscientific test. I'll email Paul Remijian and see what he says.

Spoke with the designer of Fathom Images and their WAL110 for the PD170/VX2100 will not fit the FX1/Z1. Ah well another housing! I wish they'd make it like the Canon 1 D series and keep the body. Be helluva lot cheaper!