PRO-LEVEL CAMCORDERS

Sony HDR-FX1

Today's state-of-the-art moviemaker records with high-definition television in mind. Of course, to record in high-def you need a high-def camcorder, like Sony's HDR-FX1. This is the dean of all HD camcorders, the first to market and still the best available.

The HDR-FX1 records in the HDV format, with 1080i resolution at a 16:9 aspect ratio. (That's 1080 × 1440 pixels, for those of you out there measuring.) This is true professional-quality video, of the same resolution as you'll find broadcast on your nearest HDTV station. You have the option of recording at either 24 or 30 frames per second; the former creates a more film-like picture.