Sony HVR-Z7U HDV Professional Video Camcorder
Category Camera, Photo & Video | Saturday, August 7th, 2010
Introducing the Sony HVR-Z7U Professional Camcorder, an industry-leading HDV handheld camcorder that features 1/3-inch bayonet joint interchangeable lenses, native progressive recording, and solid-state memory recording. A streamlined nonlinear editing workflow can be achieved using the supplied Memory Recording Unit, which provides HDV/DVCAM/DV file recording on a widely available CompactFlash solid-state memory card. This groundbreaking new camcorder features 1080/24p/30p HDV native progressive recording modes and also includes an HDMI or HD/SD-SDI output. This next-generation system features the HVR-M35U Video Cassette Recorder,which has HD/SD-SDI output. These new solutions enhance the operational versatility of the Sony’s professional HDV lineup, and open up a world of possibilities for high-definition digital video production. Whether it’s for documentaries, mainstream news, low-budget movies, music videos, Internet, education, or a wide range of industrial applications, Sony’s new HDV camcorders are ideal.
Sony HVR-Z7U Highlights
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HDV, DVCAM and DV Recording on a miniDV Cassette tape The HVR-Z7U accepts miniDV cassette tapes,which provide over 60 minutes recording time for HDV and DV formats, over 40 minutes for DVCAM format.
An Ideal Handheld Camcorder Design Sony has responded to professional user feedback to create the ideal handheld camcorder with ergonomically designed body-weight balance and a well-planned layout of buttons and connectors to reduce camera operator fatigue.
New XtraFine LCD and EVF Offer High-resolution, High-contrast Images
- XtraFine LCD A 3.2-inch (viewable area, measured diagnally) type XtraFine LCD is located on the HVR-Z7U in the same position as on the HVR-Z1U. The high pixel number of approximately 921,000 dots is around four times greater than the LCD of the HVR-Z1U, and this higher resolution allows for easier focus adjustments.
- XtraFine EVF The 0.45 inch type XtraFine EVF (Electronic View Finder) has approximately 1,227,000 dots (852×3[RGB]x480). This device has three independent LEDs for R,G, and B colors. This technology allows users to check objects with remarkable color reproduction and resolution. The EVF has a selectable display mode between color or black and white.
- Common Features of the XtraFine LCD and EVF 100% full-scan display – helps you to check the entire recorded area. Plus, 6500k color temperature–standard for professional monitors.
InfoLITHIUM L Series Battery Compatible The HVR-Z7U uses the same InfoLithium batteries as the HVR-Z1U, HVR-V1U, and DSR-PD170, so you can fully utilize your existing battery and charger assets.
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HDMI output connector Uncompressed digital HD video and audio signals are output from the HDMI connector. You can see stunning HD images on the HDMI-compatible monitor display. During shooting, the pre-compressed 1920x1080i/4:2:2 signal is output from the HDMI connector.
Smooth Slow Rec The Smooth Slow Rec function of the HVR-Z7U camcorder enables slow-motion playback by capturing images four times faster than the normal field rate (240 fields/s). In this mode, quad-speed images are captured for three seconds, stored in the built-in buffer memory, and then recorded to tape (in either HDV, DVCAM, or DV format) as slow-motion pictures lasting 12 seconds. This allows recorded images to be checked immediately in the field. Although the resolution of the picture quality is decreased, this function is effective for some applications that don’t need full HD quality, such as Internet movies or the analysis of moving objects like a golf swing, for example.
Two Accessory Shoes The HVR-Z7U features two accessory shoes. There is a cold shoe on the front that can be removed to make room for a mattebox. While at the rear, there is a screw-hole type shoe located on the handle,which can be changed to a cold shoe, if required, using supplied parts.
Two Screw Holes for Secure Connection To provide a more secure connection between the camcorder and tripod plate or other accessories, two screw holes have been incorporated.
One-touch Clip-type Microphone Holder A one-touch clip-type microphone holder makes it easy to remove the microphone for quick storage.
New Lineup Expanding the HDV Format World Sony’s commitment to HDV has resulted in the remarkable evolution of cutting-edge technology equipment, such as the HVR-Z7U,which uses the popular HDV1080i recording specification. The HDV1080i specification uses one of the ‘MPEG2 Long GOP’ compression profiles. This highly efficient and robust “MPEG2 Long GOP” codec – which is also used in the Sony XDCAM HD and XDCAM EX series–enables users to record stunning-quality HD video. The HVR-Z7U provides over 60 minutes of recording time using the widely available miniDV videotape. Native editing in the HDV format is now supported by most popular NLE (Nonlinear editing) software. Additionally, the HDV signals can be recorded as a file on non-tape media. For example,when using the supplied CompactFlash (CF) Memory Recording Unit–images can be stored on a standard CF card for quick nonlinear editing. The optional HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit can be used in the same manner, with images being recorded on to its large-capacity 60GB hard drive, which provides 4.5 hours of recording time.
Switchable Recording and Playback–HDV1080i/DVCAM/DV The HVR-Z7U can switch between HDV 1080i, DVCAM, and DV recording, providing full flexibility to record in either standard definition or high definition depending on your production needs.
Built-in Down-converter for SD Production The HVR-Z7U can convert material from 1080i down to 480i, and output the video signals through its i.LINK interface and other SD output connectors. This allows users to edit recorded material with a compatible nonlinear editing system using current DV editing software, as well as record SD signals to an external VTR.
Cutting-edge imaging System for New Camcorders
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1/3 inch-type 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system The newly developed 1/3-inch type 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system has 45-degree rotated pixels on each chip in order to increase the signal density,while each pixel maintains sufficient surface area. In combination with Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP), the 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system achieves high resolution, high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and excellent color reproduction. The pixel shift interpolation technique has been traditionally used in small 3CCD camcorders. However, it normally requires the combination of all three color element (RGB) signals to maximize resolution. If an object lacks one or more color elements, the resolution of the object may be degraded. The 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system is different. It can always produce maximum resolution, regardless of the balance between color elements, thanks to its unique and sophisticated interpolation technology.
Enhanced Functionality via the Technology of Exmor The HVR-Z7U offers cutting-edge features, such as the technology of Exmor developed by Sony,which utilizes the full potential of the 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system. The technology of Exmor,which features the column-parallel A/D conversion technique and the dual noise cancelling method are also used in other camera products from Sony. Multiple A/D (analog to digital) converters on each pixel row convert analog signals to digital as soon as they are generated, unlike traditional technology that only has one A/D converter on each chip. The technology of Exmor can eliminate the influence of external noise that enters the signal chain during transfer to the A/D converter, resulting in high-quality digital signals with extremely low noise. This significantly enhances shooting in low-light environments. By adopting this groundbreaking technology, the new 1/3-inch 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system enables the HVR-Z7U to achieve a low light sensitivity of just 1.5 lux.