Dumb question re: HDR-FX1

navydoc wrote on 11/13/2005, 10:58 AM
I'm considering buying this camcorder and I'd like to verify it includes a battery. According to the Manual, it lists a battery charger, etc but doesn't list a battery. Also, if a battery is included in the purchase price, how many hours is it rated for?

This is my first camcorder purchase so I'm probably getting in over my head but I figure I'll be disappointed if I get anything less.

Thanks for your input.

Never mind...I found the info I needed 8^)

Doc

Comments

JohnnyRoy wrote on 11/13/2005, 11:33 AM
Yes it comes with a battery. On page 10 of that manual it lists Rechargeable battery pack NP-F570 although it doesn’t show a picture. Also the FX1 does not come with a battery charger. You must charge the battery on camera.

~jr
Spot|DSE wrote on 11/13/2005, 11:51 AM
Should you really want one, you can get a separate battery charger from one of several third party companies. One PITA about the FX 1 is that you can't use the cam while the battery is charging, or rather, the charger shuts off when you're using the cam in AC mode. The A1u and HC1 are the same way. I bought a third party charger for the A1u because it drove me crazy not having a separate charger.
Serena wrote on 11/13/2005, 1:53 PM
You'll need a second battery anyway (I suggest the 770) and a separate charger isn't expensive. One that will also charge from your car "cigarette lighter" socket can be useful.
navydoc wrote on 11/13/2005, 2:45 PM
Thanks for the responses. I'm sure I will have many more questions, some dumber than others, but like they say, "The dumbest question is the one not asked".

Doc
Quryous wrote on 11/13/2005, 3:48 PM
One word of warning: Although Sony seems to intend that a battery come with the FX1, certain "dealers" make a practice of low-balling the price and then requiring you to buy the battery already in the "Kit." Same goes for other "accessories" such as lens hoods.

Be SURE you ask if you are dealing with a discount seller. This has been a little less prevelent in the higher priced models, it was particularly bad in the TRV series a few years ago, but it is not unheard of in ANY model. Ask what you get for the price and resist paying extra for what is already in the box.
Spot|DSE wrote on 11/13/2005, 4:03 PM
Only a non-Sony authorized dealer would dare do something like this, and this is where grey market comes in. Sony would immediately take this issue up with any authorized dealer were they to even open the box to remove any aspect of what's in there. For this reason alone, Sony Broadcast was not allowed to open the Z1 and A1 boxes to put a demo copy of Vegas in the box. The demo-ware is stickered to the outside of the boxes.
FWIW, it's a violation of their dealer agreement to sell parts separately, aside from the ethics issues involved. I'd urge you to buy from recognized Sony dealers like Zotz, B&H, Adorama, etc.
Besides, you do want a warranty, don't you? :-)
MH_Stevens wrote on 11/13/2005, 7:39 PM
The Sony batteries are very good and even thought I purchased an extra battery with my FX1 I actually have never needed to use it! So forget the battery, buy the camera and then if you ever plan on an extended shoot in the antarctic and think you are going to need reserve power go get one. Stop pussy-footing around and buy that camera it will be the best thing you do this year.

Serena wrote on 11/13/2005, 9:16 PM
I don't think NavyDoc is much concerned whether he should get one battery or two, but rather with whether or not the battery was included (he decided it is). The battery fitted in the standard kit is a NP-F570 which is rated for 115 minutes of continuous HDV shooting (using the LCD) and 125 mins using the viewfinder. However this is only 62 minutes of "typical recording time". This battery requires 260 minutes for charging. So actually you don't need to be setting off on very grand expeditions for a second battery to be rather useful. The NP-F770 provides 130 minutes of "typical" recording time and takes 370 minutes for recharging. The largest battery, the NP-F970 offered more than I thought I needed (not a good idea to leave the batteries charged for long inert periods).
So, I regularly use the two batteries (570 & 770), but of course the thing to do is see how you go with the one supplied.