Serious editors usually shy away from DVD camcorders. These devices come without manual controls and raw footages are hard to edit. Enter the Sony HDR-UX1. The author considers the HDR-UX1 a leader in the Hi-Def revolution, shattering DVD cam stereotypes by offering more features. It has a new recording format, the 1080i while the AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) can store more visual information with less data. AVCHD uses smaller files while acquiring images that are just as spectacular as HDV. Its semi-pro body has a solid, durable feel with an oversized lens barrel that is larger than the 30mm lens and a 3.5” widescreen LCD, by far one of the sharpest and easy-to-shoot-with LCD screens. With the dual-layer capabilities, one can record up to 60 minutes of HD video onto an 8cm DVD. However, this camcorder is not ideal for high action footage, and the author feels that one would do well to have a tripod at hand and to lessen camera movements. Still, for its features, the Sony HDR-UX1 is a stand-out among DVD camcorders.