Features:

• 1080/24P scanning with 2:3 pull-down recording
• 3 ClearVid CMOS sensor system; 4:2:2 color used by Sony Enhanced Image Processor
• 20x Carl Zeiss Vario-Zonnar T lens with extra-low dispersion glass; 1.5x digital extender
• 3.5-inch widescreen Clear Photo plus LCD display
• Dual XLR audio inputs with variable control; supplied shotgun microphone

Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
Included Accessories: AC adaptor; power cord; infoLITHIUM rechargeable battery pack; A/V, Component, USB cable; large eyecup; wireless Remote Commander; monaural condenser microphone; instruction manual & CD-ROM.

The HVR-V1U is a professional camcorder for better and easier mobile filmmaking. Achieve breathtaking HD video and create unique visuals for video production that delivers an impact. In addition to typical 60i, the HVR-V1U offers 24p/30p progressive scan capture, enabling cinema and drama productions. It also adopts the world's first 2-3 pull-down HDV recording system for storage of 24p scanned images - keeping your existing gear in action. Playback your 24p/30p scan footage using Sony HDV equipment, or feed it to a compatible Non-Linear Editing (NLE) system without changing your HDV deck or monitors. Producing high-quality HDV is as simple as that. 1/4-inch, 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor imaging system White balance - Auto, one-push auto (2 positions), indoor (3200 K), outdoor (5800 K + 15steps) Shutter Speeds - 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/90, 1/100, 1/125, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/725, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000, 1/3000, 1/4000, 1/6000, 1/10000 sec Exposure - Auto, manual (Type1/Type2) Gain - 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 dB Minimum Illumination - 4 lx with F1.6 at 18 dB Records and plays out/down converts to 1080/60i, 480/60i (NTSC) Audio/Video output - A/V OUT jack, 10-pin connector; Composite video - 1 Vp-p, 75 ohm unbalanced, sync negative; Y - 1 Vp-p, 75 ohm unbalanced; C - 0.286 Vp-p, 75 ohm unbalanced Component video output - Y - 1 Vp-p (0.3 V, sync negative); 75 ohm unbalanced Pr/Pb (Cr/Cb) - 700 mVp-p (75% color bar) HDV/DV input/output - i.LINK(R) interface (IEEE 1394, 4-pin connector S100) XLR audio input - 3-pin female x 2, 327 mV, -60 dBu - 3 k-ohm, +40 dBu - 10.8 k-ohm, power supply - approx. 48 V Headphones - Stereo mini jack (3.5 mm dia.) USB

Rating : - Who should buy this camcorder?
I bought my HVR-V1U and have had it a week now. I am very impressed with the quality of video with very good light. In low light the quality of this video camera is poor. But after doing hours and hours of research I decided on this model for a few reasons.

1) Size - This camcorder is about the same size as a VX-2000 with the same feel and pretty much the same layout.
2) 24p - This camcorder can shoot film in true 24p which is great if you want to give your video that "Film look"
3) XLR - This camcorder has 2 XLR inputs to put real good microphones on it if you want and comes with a $230 microphone.
4) HDMI - This model has an HDMI out so I can quickly and easily with one cord connect it to my HDTV. The Sony HDR-FX1 doesn't have this.

I think the slow motion feature is pretty cool to experiment with. But the quality is low and of course there is no sound when you do this.
Everything on the camcorder is made very well. No cheap buttons or parts.

Disadvantages: It has a 62mm lens. The bigger the lens usually the better the low light quality since the lens can let in more light. The battery that comes with it is ok, but you definately should buy the biggest battery you can get. My extended battery lasts around 490 minutes record time or about 690 minutes on playback mode.

The extended warranty Amazon offers on this model for 4 years is only $199.99. That is a really good price for a camcorder this expensive.

Bottom line: If you want all the features of this model but want the best low light recordings possible, then purchase the Sony HVR-Z1U camcorder which is another $600 or so. The XLR is worth it because sound is usually the weakest link when watching any video recorded on a camcorder.