On 14 Nov 2002 10:32:44 -0800, info@ryznardesign.com (Michael Ryznar) wrote:

>I was considering purchasing a VX1000 I saw on ebay for about $1200
>(American dollars). I have been researching about this model (the
>VX1000) and it seems to be a great camera - it is a 3 CCD camera. How
>risky do you think it is to be buying such a camera considering I
>believe it first came out 1995 - 7 years ago? Therefore, this VX1000 I
>see on ebay could be as old as 7 years. What possible problems could
>one encounter purchasing a camera as such as this. If I purchase it
>should I first take it in for service to have the recording heads
>checked? What other things should I be cautious about? Or is this such
>a durable model that I shouldn't have much concern?

The VX1000 is still an excellent camera, and it compares well with current offerings. It is unlikely that
problems
would develop from simple aging - if it is low-use and it
received good care and handling, $1200 is cheap. If you
cannot establish a return agreement with the seller if
there is a problem, I would generally not buy anything
unseen, though (and even with a return agreement, the
seller may still dishonestly refuse return/refund, as I
just experienced...). Find out what tape brand was used in
it, and stick with that. Sony charges $300 for repairs, so
it can still be a good deal, even with a repair...

>If it is a concern I think I will have to settle with a 1-chip Sony
>TRV25. I wonder if the 1-chip TRV25 will produce as good quality as on
>older VX1000?

No. The image may be as sharp, but not as nice in tonality
and smoothness.

>Thanks for any opinions,
>
>One other minor question: Using a VX1000 what resolution can one
>expect to obtain for single frame stills? 800 x 600? or less?

640x480 NTSC - I do not recommend using this camera for
stills at all...