Sony HVR-A1 Review + Example footage

[lozzastitch]

can i just say the music is really annoying when we're trying to hear what you're saying, next time you do a video like this, keep that in mind. thanks for the video though.

[SHGRAPHICS]

hi dude, can u tell me what settings are best in hdv use ?

[TheLeosim]

will the cam use Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 11 Production

[carinum]

I was wondering what the zoom is like on this camera?

I was on the verge of buying the sony nxcam 70, but then as I realized it had an uncontrollably jumpy zoom, with which I will never be able to get a smooth shot, I decided not to buy it.

What is this model like? Can you control the zoom and get a smooth shot while zooming or is it like space warping?

[11Oblivious11]

@carinum hey, zoom wise its not amazing. The ring is probably the best zoom, but still very very hard to get smooth, its a very sensitive ring. The zoom rocker is probs the best way to get a smooth zoom but this has limitations such as how fast it zooms

[carinum]

@11Oblivious11 Thanks. Sony seems to have a general problem with this issue. I hope they do something about it soon.

[mrhalol3]

I'm buying this camera and if i wanted to film to memory stick duo would i still need tape? Please reply!!! and thanks in advance

[11Oblivious11]

@mrhalol3 hi it has settings to record on one or the other so you shouldnt need tape if your recording to memory stick

[2migell]

wath kind of microphone are you using

Imean the shot gun?

I cand find a microphone that fit on the shoe

thansk

[11Oblivious11]

@HanlonStudios Um.. it cant shoot p mate. It shoots "i" interlaced

[sambc87]

@11Oblivious11 um are you sure about that? the sony website claims it does..or did i read it wrong?

[11Oblivious11]

@sambc87 To my knowledge you can't do that. But I may be wrong.

[hazekarin]

Hi Joel, thanks for your video.I am trying to figure out how to use the external mic. Do you know ? I have a wireless senheiser mic.

[11Oblivious11]

@hazekarin hmm not too sure about wireless buddy. But set the audio unit to 1 channel, mic, +48v, low cut off. Also go into the menu and monitor the audio levels (making sure channel 2, the inbuilt mic is turned off), theres audio setting in the menu also, xlr on/off etc

[iwantamac1]

awwww yyyeeeaaaahhhhh new zealand! im from wellington :)

[11Oblivious11]

@iwantamac1 haha nice dude

[hhnguy]

OH!:( I want it SOO bad!xD But it's 2,000+ dollars! Not like I am doing to much that needs such techy stuff... but it would be nice!:)

[magikarp64Kid]

@hhnguy $900 (AUS) on ebay :)

[mickymicky97]

hello joel ! what do you thinks !! between the jvc hm 100e and the sony HVR-A1. it is more and less the same price !! for you what is the better model ! i dont know what choose ! i only want one camescope who turn full hd video.

[11Oblivious11]

@mickymicky97 jvc one is a newer model. I reckon the focus ring will be alot more smooth and usable than the a1's. Also the jvc uses sd cards which are alot quicker and easier to use than tape, but they cost more to buy, but yet again they can store more footage (32gb card). Also the jvc records progressive instead of interlaced on the a1 which will look heaps better.

So if price is same, go with the jvc i reckon, but you still wouldnt be dissappointed with the a1.

Hope that helps

[mickymicky97]

@11Oblivious11

thank you very much joel

[biskeybee]

hy just a few quick questions cos i might buy this cam

1) can you record on both dv tape and memory cards?

2) what memory cards does it use? and what class

3) can it be used with final cut express?

4) if using in final cut pro and using memory cards to record on is it instant transfer

would be well greatful for a reply . cheers

[11Oblivious11]

@biskeybee Full review link is in the description box below. It will be usable with fce and no its prob not instant....

[DandDRawks]

Hey! Me again. :D

Just one more question, how is the night shot with this camera? How dark can it be for it to work?

[11Oblivious11]

@DandDRawks dont know why you'd want to film in the dark. But yes it can be pretty dark when using it

[sugna000]

Can it switch between PAL and NTSC?

[11Oblivious11]

@sugna000 No, my camera is A1P/A1E, (area code) meaning its PAL

[DandDRawks]

@11Oblivious11 If you could, that would be great. Thanks bud. Hope everythings okay out in New Zealand for you, thats some pretty bad shit at the moment eh?

[DandDRawks]

Hey, can it capture to final cut pro easily? Also is there a way to attach a battery powered light source to it? Please respond, it is of the upmost importance :)

[11Oblivious11]

@DandDRawks yes it can very easily with a Firewire cable. On the audio unit theres a slot where you can fit a Light unit to, but this doesnt come with the camera. Its a good camera tho ay

[DandDRawks]

@11Oblivious11 Thanks for your reply buddy. Just to clarify, I have the latest iMac and Final Cut Studio (with FCP 7) and it can definitely capture with the correct firewire cable? Sorry to repeat myself, but I had a bad experience when I ordered a camera the other week. Cheers bud.

[11Oblivious11]

@DandDRawks It can capture with FCP.

[DandDRawks]

@11Oblivious11 Wicked. Thanks bud :)

[ampallang7]

Thanks bro, u'll make a good movie maker but do watcha wanna do with sum aspiration, chur

[chessdude67]

Hi Joel, excellent review of a very nice camcorder! Thumbs up!

I'm also a Mac user!

peace,

Tim 