Sony HDR-FX1
The Sony HDR-FX1 is one of the first high definition video camcorders to hit the market. It sports all the advanced features of a professional camera along with the handheld versatility of a consumer camcorder. This camera shoots on miniDV tapes at a standard aspect ratio of 4:3 or at a widescreen ration of 16:9. Although this camera is relatively easy to use, some of its best performance features cannot be accessed using the automatic settings. A few professional techniques, like manually adjusting the white balance, exposure level, and iris, can produce a better quality of video from the HDR-FX1.
Instructions
Shooting Quality HDV
1. Manually adjust the White Balance on your Sony HDR-FX1 to get better quality video. During recording or in stand-by mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the center position to disengage the auto lock. Press the WHITE BALANCE button on the camera. Set the white balance switch to either A or B. This camera can save two separate white balance settings. Fill the view screen with a white object or a sheet of white paper. Press the WHITE BALANCE button again. This will adjust the white balance according to the light of your recording environment.
2. Adjust the exposure manually to shoot lighter or darker images not allowed by the automatic settings. In a darker scene, press the BACKLIGHT button located on your camera. This will help bring images out of shadow. In a setting over saturated with light, press the SPOTLIGHT button. This prevents your subject from appearing over-exposed and excessively bright.
3. Manually adjust the light entering the lens with the iris. During record or stand-by mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the center position. Press IRIS. Rotate the iris dial. The aperture setting ranges from a value of (F)1.6 to (F)11. The iris also has a closed position. By toggling the iris dial, you can bring certain objects into sharp focus or create a manual transition from darkness to light.
4. If the subject or setting is dark, manually adjust the video gain. Disable the auto lock feature by setting the AUTO LOCK switch to its center position. Press the GAIN button. Adjust the video gain by toggling the GAIN switch to the desired position. There are three levels on this camera that alternate between high, medium, and low gain. Adjusting the gain can produce effects often used in music videos and artistic commercials.
5. Adjust the shutter speed manually. Place your camera on a tripod for added stability. Release the AUTO LOCK by placing the switch to the center position. Press the SHUTTER SPEED button. Next, adjust the speed by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. The shutter speed range varies from fast (1/1,000 seconds) to slow (1/4 seconds). By adjusting the shutter speed, you can take slow motion style video. You can also create a blurred effect.
6. Adjust the focus by setting the FOCUS switch to manual, during record mode or standby. To manually adjust the focus, rotate the camera's focus ring. You can also magnify the center of your view screen using the EXPANDED FOCUS button. By disengaging the auto focus feature, you can focus on characters in the background and perform racking shots that alternate focus from the foreground to the background.
Tips Warnings
You can also purchase additional lenses and accessories to get better quality video. Use a tripod for smooth pans and stability during zoom.
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