It was also the first consumer camcorder with the ability to transfer video information via Firewire to an ordinary Windows or Macintosh computer.
[2] The VX1000 was based on Sony's earlier VX1 (PAL) and VX3 (NTSC) Hi8 camcorders, which were similarly intended as "prosumer" models, targeted at both high-end consumer and low-end professional users.
However, their iconic form factor, with a distinctively-shaped stereo microphone array at the front of the handle, was reused by the VX1000 and numerous later Sony DV and HDV camcorders in the VX, PD, FX and Z lines.
At the time, Sony had a pattern of releasing "professional" upgraded versions of their most popular consumer cameras, with the same chassis shape but made from more durable materials and in a darker color.
The VX1000 itself, however, had no exact pro equivalent, although the shoulder-mounted VX9000 and DSR200 (with "A" and "P" variants) used the same 3ccd sensor chips and lens, along with fullsize DV tapes instead of MiniDV.