Sony Handycam HVR-V1E Camcorder - Black

SONY HVR-V1E Progressive-Scan HDV Camcorder 2006 Nigel Cooper

Sony HVR-V1E - The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
There have been many rumors going around the net with regard to Sony's HVR-V1E camcorder and it's progressive shooting mode issues, most of which are based on nothing more than wild speculation and assumption. The below introduction to this review is the actual truth; period.

It is public knowledge that the new Sony V1 progressive scan HDV camcorder had an issue with image quality when in progressive mode. This issue is now fixed. It turned out there was a slight lack of resolution in progressive mode with PAL versions of the V1 (NTSC versions never had an issue). This has since been fixed by sony via a modification to the cameras software system. This was sorted in early January and all V1E models now coming into the UK are the latest ones that don't have any resolution loss issues in progressive mode.

However, it is worth noting that the V1's 'Sharpness' setting is set to +7 by default when they leave the factory. Most professional camera operators will feel this is too high; I agree. With the Sharpness set to +7 there is visible 'line twitter' in the image. This is brought on by the high default setting of Sharpness in the V1's menus. Many consumers will like this look. However, if you are a professional cameraman used to the likes of Digital Betacam, XDCAM HD and HDCAM, you will probably hate the artifacts and line-twitter that high Sharpness settings can (and usually do) introduce. So for the professionals using the V1 as a B-Camera to something more high end, or to the more discerning amateur, there is a way you can rid the image of this 'junk'.

Here is what to do:
Press the picture profile button on the side of the camera.
Select profile 5 or 6 using the jog dial.
Select Sharpness.
Set to +3 (default is +7, range is 0 to 15)
You can save this profile on a memory stick if required.

This camera is cheap, the image quality is right there with the Z1 in both 1080i and 1080p modes, it uses a cheap tape-based workflow that we are all used to, it’s sexy as hell, it’s tough and durable, it’s small enough to be inconspicuous. The list goes on, but unfortunately I don’t. One thing is for sure, I’d love to see Panasonic’s official sales figures for the HVX200 in the first quarter of 2007 after the Sony V1 came out.

Company: Sony
Product: HDV Camcorder
Model: HVR-V1E
Price new: £3190.00
Reviewed by: Nigel Cooper
Review Date: 30-09-2006

Summary: Great budget 1080p progressive scan camcorder for low-budget independent filmmakers. It's 1080i interlace mode means it will also appeal corporate/event and wedding videoggraphers as well as those who want a HD version of the older PD170.

Pros: 1080p and 1080i shooting modes, Sony name, which means the usual high build quality and reliability, not to mention great re-sale value on the used market.

Cons: Image lacks detail on wide shots, but that's DV/HDV for you; nothing new here. Would have been nice for Sony to throw in a free HDMI lead as there is no way of playing a native progressive image out via component; HDMI is needed for this.