Sony Professional HVR-Z1U 3CCD High Definition Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom

List Price: $5,999.99

Product Details Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 12x optical zoom Lens; optical Super SteadyShot System dampens hand jitter and vibration 16:9 widescreen recording; 4:3 conversion capable 3CCD camera system; records to conventional DV tape stock High-definition video camera records in 1080i, 720p, and 720i specification with analog down-converting

Product Description

The Sony HVR-Z1U professional camcorder shoots coruscating high definition 1080i pictures with jaw-dropping detail, color and comprehensibility, and comes equipped with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar® T 12x zoom lens - the same window-pane and coatings as in Zeiss prime lenses.

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With considerable-definition television sets replacing standard definition, it's formerly for a high quality HD camera to lead prosumer video into the approaching. Sony's HVR-Z1U Digital HD video camera recorder is just such a camera. It's the dense and cost-effective machine that bridges the gap between high definition and gauge definition video formats.

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HDV 1080i
The HDV 1080i stipulation features 1080 effective interlaced scanning lines and 1,440 prone pixels. Interlaced pictures, which have been common to TV broadcasts from the beginning, alternately expose odd and even numbered lines between each screen refresh. The HVR-Z1U can also record at the HDV 720p particularization, which features 720 effective progressive scanning lines and 1,280 prone pixels. Progressive scanning fills both odd and even numbered lines with each jog, providing a flicker-free picture.

Not yet ready for HD? The HVR-Z1U can convert stuff from 1080i down to 480i and 576i, and output these digital video signals through its i.Fasten together interface or as analog signals through component, composite, or S-video connectors. When down-converting these signals, the exposure ratio displayed can be converted from 16:9 to 4:3, and display modes can be selected from barely succeed, letterbox or edge crop.

Keep an eye on audio levels on the LCD monitor

Audio
The HVR-Z1U adopts the MPEG-2 smallness format, which uses 8-bit digital component recording with a sampling scold of 4:2:0. The camera uses MPEG-1 Audio Layer II audio smallness format, allowing for two-channel recording with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz/16-bit. It features a built-in stereo microphone, as well as two XLR audio input connectors for use with professional-mark microphones or external audio sources. Each input level for CH1 and CH2 can be independently adjusted using two audio altitude dials on the camera body and viewed with an audio level meter on the LCD display.

3CCD camera system
Originally, camcorders used one CCD--the imaging device that turns clarify into electronic information--and let the image processing unit decipher the redden information from the data. Like today's broadcast video cameras, however, the HVR-Z1U uses a prism to dole out incoming light into three beams and uses specially tuned 1/3-inch CCDs to father red, blue, and green composite images, which are assembled into a final icon. The result is a more film-like vibrancy and more accurate color statue.

Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 12x zoom lens
The HVR-Z1U is ready with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* high definition lens with a 12x zoom purpose. It has the same optical coating as is used on all of the Carl Zeiss prime lenses, which produces piquant, high-contrast images with virtually no chromatic aberration. This lens is intended with a wide viewing angle, and a 35-mm equivalent focal exhaustively ranging from 32.5 mm to 390 mm in 16:9 mode, and from 40 mm to 480 mm in 4:3 condition.

In order to facilitate zoom control and recording operation during low-point shooting, an additional zoom lever and a rec start/stop knob have been added to the carrying handle. There's also a motorized zoom ring, prepared with stops and barrel marking, located on the lens body. Turning this zoom Mechanics gland allows for fine adjustments in zoom position settings. Furthermore, the supplied wireless Lonely Commander unit can be used for external control.

Expanded Fuzzy helps you confirm your manual focus

Large, 16:9 widescreen feel ashamed viewfinder and LCD monitor
View your subject through the built-in viewfinder, the sweep-out LCD display, or both. The HVR-Z1U features a 0.44-inch type color LCD viewfinder and a 3.5-inch go red LCD monitor, both in a 16:9 aspect ratio. You'll save battery at the same time by using just one, but you may want to use one for adjusting focus and the other for monitoring audio levels. When eschewing car focus for the fine-tuning manual focus, you can double the glorification at the center of the screen, making it easier to confirm focus settings during directions focusing. Also, the camera's "peaking" function can provide sharp outlines on the keep an eye on to help with manual focus.

Optical Super SteadyShot system
Sony's visual Super SteadyShot System helps remove the slight hand jitter and vibration that is often the malignancy of video production. Sensors inside the camera detect flat and vertical movements and the camera can counteract those movements by adjusting the lens contrivance on the fly. This is superior to digital anti-shake systems that counteract sculpture shake by trimming off edges of the frame.

The Hollywood look
The HVR-Z1U has features that can travel your videos look more like they were shot on film. Cinematone Gamma allows operators to swiftly setup and load a gamma curve with similar contrast characteristics to a film gamma curve. The Cineframe article allows movement to be reproduced at 24 frames per second--the scamper of film--as opposed to video's 30 frames per second exemplar. The Color Extraction function can retain up to two desired colors of monitored pictures in the evaluate by designating color hue, saturation and range, while making the other colors abominable and white. The Color Revision function can change the hue of only the colors designated by Redden Extraction, while retaining the hue of the other colors, thus making it possible to change the feel embarrassed of something you've already shot.

No new tape stock
The HVR-Z1U is compatible with conventional DV tape forerunner, but Sony recommends the use of DigitalMaster PHDVM-63DM tape, with its dual layer of attracting material, which delivers higher RF output, lower noise, 95% fewer errors and 60% fewer dropouts compared to ordinary DV tape.

More camera features

·Six Assign buttons -- get expert access to a variety of settings		·Time Code Preset -- fill in any timecode starting value
·Inducement Transition -- creates smooth automatic transitions between scenes		·Go red Bar -- Two types
·Status Check -- displays camera home menus for audio, output signal, assign button and laying open lever functions and hours meter on the LCD monitor		·Zebra -- displays a lined pattern in the LCD monitor and viewfinder across highlight areas, helping directions exposure settings
·Quick REC -- shortens the record opening from stop mode.		·Personal Menu -- allows operators to customize the milieu menu
·AE Override -- manually change exposure settings during the AE rage via an iris dial		·Hyper Gain -- automatically increase the gain level up to approximately +36 dB
·Black Stretch -- allows more conflict to be seen in dark parts of the picture without affecting mid-tones		·Conceive of Profile -- easily call up customized picture-quality settings to the camera to outfit various shooting conditions

What's in the box
HVR-Z1U, AC-VQ850 AC adaptor/charger, power rope, connecting cord, lens hood, large eyecup, RMT-841 wireless Poor Commander unit, A/V connecting cable, component video radio, shoe adaptor, NP-F570 InfoLithium rechargeable battery call it a day, two AA-size (R6) batteries, cleaning cassette, shoulder strap, and operating instructions.

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Customer Reviews

Astonishing HD event and wedding camera!
I have filmed and edited with this camera for 3 years and it is still the top of the crinkle and current professional standard for HDV cameras. Its professional XLR sound capabilities set it apart from all the other camera in its price move.

The versatile aspect ratios and shooting abilities in any condition make this camera a must have for any professional and untrained indie filmmaker.

Very durable and strong construction with lots of manual control buttons quick accessible to the cameraman. The menu is easy and intuitive.

Great for weddings and events of any lenient! I cant tell you how many times over this camera has paid for itself and given me the competitive edge in a highly intricate and fast paced job.

2010-04-26 | Chris Matar (Santa Clara, CA) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Misleading Memo Photo
I bought this mention for $3115 based on the picture as it is on this review page. When I received the item, it was supplied without the shotgun microphone. When I called the seller, I was aware of that the item is sold without the shotgun microphone. I insisted that it was a wrong item advertised. The responsibility was passed on to Amazon.com who put up the picture as it appeared. You are therefore misleading prospective buyers by putting up off the beam pictures on your website. Otherwise I was not going to buy the item at the price I paid if it wasn't the way it was. I am disappointed.

Sam Okwoyo

2009-04-05 | sam (Apple Valley, MN USA) | Helpful Votes: 7 | Rating: 1

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HDV Trade Horse
I've habituated to my Sony HVR-Z1U HDV camcorder in some very extreme conditions, and it it comes through on a regular basis. I shot Hurricane Katrina video footage during the tornado (for StormStock) in driving 100 mph rain. At that time, I had purchased and was using a rain jacket for the camera. It never failed. Previously, in Hurricane Dennis, the unit failed in the rain, without the spread. The screen went black. I dried it off with a hand dryer and it came back to life to be called back into act with Katrina.

My HVR-Z1U has shot hurricane video, tornadoes, lightning, and other storm footage, often in the squall and dust. And, it keeps on going.

The unit prefers mid-range lighting. It can shoot admissible footage if you give it that.

Sony can improve this unit by adding SDI to output to HDCAM. I'd also like to see true 24P other and maybe variable frame rates.

This camera is just a couple options in another place from being a professional system.

Martin Lisius
Prairie Pictures, Inc.

2007-08-06 (Texas) | Helpful Votes: 8 | Rating: 4

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Support by New Filmmaker
I've designated this camera for my short film after viewing some rough footage at a local studio. The colors that this camera can arrest in DV mode are jaw-dropping! It comes with all of the manual controls you could hope for and they're very intuitive. I highly advocate this to independent filmmakers if you're able to rent them in your area. It does not offer the 'truest' cinematic strike one but if you do some research on the web you'll find resources for things you can do in pre & post production to get the feel you're looking for regardless of the camera you use.

For more filmmaking resources & sample footage of the z1, descend upon my website and click 'resources'.

And for more updates on using this camera for my short film, affect my website and click 'films'.

2006-08-07 | check my blog (Aqaba, Jordan) | Helpful Votes: 13 | Rating: 5

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Partly HD - too good to be true
The HVR-Z1U seems too sizeable to be true. And it is.

It promises a camera with full HD resolution and outstanding features for a reasonable price. In many ways, it delivers. The video rank is superior to the JVC HDV camera. Unlike the JVC, the camera offers full manual control and is a pleasure to knock off with professionally.

Alas - for someone who expects and needs full HD resolution, the Sony is a disappointment. Pointing the camera at a dedication chart while viewing the output on a high resolution monitor (or on a computer after rendering to 1080i or 1080p) at reveals that the horizontal resolution is about 1200 lines, and vertical resolution is a little over 500.

The pixel consider is thus about twice that of standard video, not four times, as we perhaps hoped. The 1200 lines of horizontal notion is pretty good - just about the same as 720p. But the vertical resolution is not very good at all.



A little math tells the contention. Sony advertizes 1.1M pixels for each sensor, and 1440 lines horizontal. 1.1M/1440 gives a crest of 770 lines vertical, not 1080 as promised. The measured vertical and horizontal purpose is distinctly lower.

An extensive web search revealed that the sensor has 1080 vertical words, but only about 990 lines horizontal. To achive something closer to 1440 lines horizontal the unripened sensor is offset by half a pixel, and image processing is used to give a possible extremity resolution of 1440 on a black and white image. The problem is that the edge contrast beyond 900 words horizontal becomes quite poor.

To make matters worse, (or to degrade the vertical indefatigableness to match the horizontal) the vertical lines are read out of the sensor in pairs, so that each field is a blend of two adjacent lines. This gives the vertical the same poor edge contrast as the horizontal.

It is achievable by using the unsharp mask tool in Sony Vegas (or other editors) to improve the edge difference. I use the maximum effect with the minimum radius in the Sony tool - setting the radius slider to .001 pixels. You must do the sharpening private dick using a properties setting of 1440x1080. Slightly better results can be obtained by putting an other unsharp mask in series with the first, set to half-effect.

A major problem is deinterlace. Most editors (and most exhibition devices) deinterlace by averaging fields, which reduces the maximum vertical resolution to 540 words. You can add Mike Crash's excellent deinterlacer to the sharpening masks, and remove this limitation. Boom's smart deinterlace for Vegas can be downloaded for free - with patience and persistence.

Sharpening and deinterlacing the essence is very compute intensive. It takes me a good fraction of a week to do a two hour movie on a 3GHz pentium 4. But the fruit can be stunning. With the sharpening the Sony camera can give you a result that is close to a professional HD camera. I render to WMV9 rather than to MPEG2 - keep in mind to keep the properties at 1440x1080. After the render is complete, you can re-render to 720p, adding an new bit of sharpening to compensate for the re-interpolation.

For best results always use a shutter speed of 60 frames/sec or higher. I have had conflicting results with the steady shot option. Keep the camera as steady as possible, and try not to use more video forward movement than absolutely necessary.

Bottom line - this camera produces video that is MUCH better than standard video, and significantly advantage than DV. But it would be awfully nice to have a camera that delivered the advertized resolution, and did it with a flat video frequency answer.

2005-10-17 | Helpful Votes: 118 | Rating: 3

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Sony Professional HVR-A1U CMOS High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

List Price: $2,750.00

Product Details Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens; digital Super SteadyShot System dampens hand jitter and vibration Powered by NP-FM50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack CMOS camera system; records to conventional DV tape stock 16:9 widescreen recording; 4:3 conversion capable

Product Description

The Sony HVR-A1U camcorder captures 1080i HDV images using a newly matured 1/3-inch type, 2.97-megapixel (total) CMOS sensor with new Enhanced Imaging Processor(tm) technology that optimizes the exhibition of the CMOS sensor. The result is HD quality imaging that has been used to develop television and professional film content. Available at an extremely affordable evaluation, the HVR-A1U will be another powerful option for HD field acquisition by all video professionals.

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The HVR-A1U is a compressed and lightweight handy-type camcorder, ideal for shooting environments that press for mobility. Its size, combined with its long battery life (up to 80 minutes of piercing-definition recording with the included battery), make it easy to get the shots you privation, when you need them.

See large image

HDV 1080i
The HDV 1080i specification features 1080 actual interlaced scanning lines and 1,440 horizontal pixels. Interlaced pictures, which have been bourgeois to TV broadcasts from the beginning, alternately display odd and even numbered lines between each vet refresh. The HVR-A1U can also record at the HDV 720p specification, which features 720 competent progressive scanning lines and 1,280 horizontal pixels. Revisionist scanning fills both odd and even numbered lines with each refresh, providing a glint-free picture.

Not yet ready for HD? The HVR-A1U can convert material from 1080i down to 480i and achievement this digital video signal through its i.LINK interface or as analog signals through gear, composite, or S-video connectors. When down-converting these signals, the aspect proportion displayed can be converted from 16:9 to 4:3, and display modes can be selected from squash, letterbox or edge crop.

1/3-inch Type, 2.97-megapixel CMOS sensor
The HVR-A1U incorporates one 1/3-inch model primary color CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) 2.97-megapixel sensor with a formatted for a 4:3 position ratio. The advantage of a CMOS sensor over CCD is it's ability to process a gargantuan volume of picture data at a very small size, which makes it accomplishable for a camera this size to capture HD video. The trade off for this kind of intrude over CCD, however, is a small loss in picture uniformity and dynamic range.

Keep an eye on audio levels on the LCD record

Audio
The HVR-A1U adopts the MPEG-2 compression format, which uses 8-bit digital mechanism recording with a sampling rate of 4:2:0. The camera uses MPEG-1 Audio Rank II audio compression format, allowing for two-channel recording with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz/16-bit. It features a built-in stereo microphone, as well as two XLR audio input connectors for use with professional-estate microphones or external audio sources. Each input level for CH1 and CH2 can be independently adjusted using two audio straightforward dials on the camera body and viewed with an audio level meter on the LCD trace.

Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens
The HVR-A1U is set with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* high definition lens with a 10x zoom r. It has the same optical coating as is used on all of the Carl Zeiss prime lenses, which produces exactly, high-contrast images with virtually no chromatic aberration.

In codify to facilitate zoom control and recording operation during low-angle shooting, an further zoom lever has been added to the camera body. There's also a zoom/hub ring located on the lens body that allows for fine adjustments in zoom determine. Furthermore, the supplied wireless Remote Commander unit can be adapted to for external control.

Large, 16:9 widescreen color viewfinder and LCD display
View your subject through the built-in viewfinder, the swing-out LCD display, or both. The HVR-A1U features a 0.44-inch order color LCD viewfinder and a 2.7-inch color LCD monitor, both in a 16:9 viewpoint ratio. You'll save battery time by using just one, but you may requirement to use one for adjusting focus and the other for monitoring audio levels. When eschewing sedan focus for the fine-tuning manual focus, you can double the aggrandizement at the center of the screen, making it easier to confirm focus settings during enchiridion focusing. Also, the camera's "peaking" function can provide sharp outlines on the check out to help with manual focus.

Electronic Super SteadyShot system
Sony's electronic Wonderful SteadyShot System helps remove the slight hand jitter and vibration that is often the scourge of video production--especially during telephoto shots. It does this by trimming off edges of the disposition on the fly to counteract movement.

Tele Macro picks up details on subjects from a hauteur

Tele Macro
It may seem like a contradiction in terms, but the Tele Macro use allows you to capture a macro image from a distance, which is useful for shooting little moving objects. Additionally, this function puts your subject in unique focus while leaving the background out of focus.

The Hollywood look
The HVR-A1U has features that can produce your videos look more like they were shot on film. Cinematone Gamma allows operators to at once setup and load a gamma curve with similar contrast characteristics to a blur gamma curve. The Cineframe feature allows movement to be reproduced at 24 frames per subscribe to--the speed of film--as opposed to video's 30 frames per defective standard.

No new tape stock
The HVR-A1U is compatible with conventional DV tape genealogy, but Sony recommends the use of DigitalMaster PHDVM-63DM tape, with its dual layer of irresistible material, which delivers higher RF output, lower noise, 95% fewer errors and 60% fewer dropouts compared to established DV tape.

More camera features

·Assign button -- get ingenious access to a variety of settings		·Time Code Preset -- fill in any timecode starting value
·Sniper Transition -- creates smooth automatic transitions between scenes		·Feel embarrassed Bar -- Two types
·Status Check -- displays camera frame menus for audio, output signal, assign button and disclosing lever functions and hours meter on the LCD monitor		·Zebra -- displays a striated pattern in the LCD monitor and viewfinder across highlight areas, helping guide exposure settings
·Quick REC -- shortens the record space from stop mode.		·Personal Menu -- allows operators to customize the stage set menu
·Battery Info -- displays the attached mobile's current charge level and its current remaining recording epoch on the LCD monitor		·Histogram Indicator -- allows you to easily appraise the brightness of your scene
·Super Night Shot -- allows operators to capture images in dark-skinned and white using a built-in infrared light		·Skin Note Detail -- reduces detailed signal for skin color, smoothening the propagation of human skin
·Black Stretch -- allows more contrast to be seen in sinister parts of the picture without affecting mid-tones		·Backlight Compensation -- produces appropriate tones for both light and dark areas of backlit subject

What's in the box
HVR-A1U camera, AC-L15 AC adaptor, power practices, NP-FM50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack, lens hood with lens smokescreen, RMT-831 wireless Remote Commander unit, A/V connecting cable with S video, part video cable, USB cable, Memory Stick Duo (16 MB), Respect Stick Duo adaptor, ECM-NV1 monaural electret condenser microphone, XLR audio adaptor, push strap, and operating instructions.

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Customer Reviews

consummate prosumer camera
hd cameras are dear. this prosumer model is a cheaper alternative to all the glam, but actully does a very good job shooting hd video. i have utilized mine to create green screen videos, travel videos, and other little youtube videos. adobe highest-ranking renders the hd video from the camera very well, and setup on the camera is very easy. i have been using sony cameras for about 10 years now and this one is by far my fondness. the mic is decent quality, but has two inputs for mic cables if you want to use your own. there are settings to allow you to do special camera tricks and apportion functions to a button. touch screen lcd is nice, but the lcd could be a lot bigger and i would not complain. bottom tape feeding is a scant annoying, especially if you are using a tripod. you have to take the camera off the tripod, then you can change the tape. a camera with a side mount for the belt is much handier, and probably faster and quieter too.

2010-03-19 | zaccube | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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a bit rare than what i thought
the audio is peculiar the extra place to hook up mikes and stuff is one of the best features. It also can convert hdv to dv or keep it as HDV some other moderate effects include sepia shooting, blurred shots, as well as black and white. The have access to screen is very nice to have, but it is nothing revolutionary. The picture quality is just OK. i have seen much better distinction film on cheaper models. It shoots in a max of 1080i. Night vision is another cool perform. Although, i have found that the infrared DOES NOT shoot well past 15 ft nor does it shoot through car windows(advantaged to out) unless outside of vehicle is exposed to light. So far no problems with the camera, but something that is very important that i almost overlooked is the reality that the picture in a dim area is very poor even with the exposure adjusted.

2010-01-20 | JNC (LA) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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Very At the ready, But Falls Short of a Great Camera
This camera is flush with great features that are hard to find in prosumer grade miniDV / HDV, but the CMOS sensor doesn't cut it for me.

Having xlr inputs as well as minijack that accepts both mic and lineage level signals is essential in my line of work. So is easy on the fly manual exposure and audio farther away from control, manual focus, long battery life and consistent white difference and last, but far from least is good image quality in less than stellar lighting conditions. The A1U did not deliver on this last criteria. My only beef about this camera is it's slow lens and noisy sensor. The camera relies far too much on gain rather than cleft to increase exposure which adds grain, color artifact and a shift in color offset and contrast.


Sony did a great job of cramming a lot of these features into a small camera while retaining an intuitive set of wheel. For things like white balance and manual audio controls the LCD menus can be cumbersome to sail, but the physical buttons and dials on the body of the camera make accessing exposure, spotlight, and zoom plus a custom assignable button a snap.

2009-09-08 (Brooklyn, NY) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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Terrific Second Camera
I intended for this camera to strengthen my main camera (Sony FX-1) on video shoots. I am a serious hobbyist. My first perception of this camera was "man it's smaller than I contemplation it would be". The dollars per cubic inch ratio is very high.
Second observation: In daylight I cast-off the cam to shoot some baby hummingbirds in their nest. I thought "no big deal", but when I reviewed the tape on a exhilarated def monitor I was stunned by how good the pic was. (I guess I never tried that shot with my FX-1.)
Third: in low light, like at a social recital, the autofocus can have problems. I don't think you want to be more than 60 ft from the subject. Also be zoomed in, that seems to take worry of autofocus issues.
Fourth: the mic is great for live music. This camera excells at guerilla music shoots, where you have to move around a lot. I often put it on a monopod for an on high shot.
Fifth: must be unmounted to swap a tape. Decide for yourself whether this is important. If you are shooting a recapitulation in the dark and have to unmount the thing, swap tapes, and remount in_the_dark then maybe this camera isn't for you.
Sixth: for what it's merit, the cam captures all colors pretty well except the deep reds. Before the commies start crying ;) let me say that I emend this cam's footage together with the FX-1 footage. The FX-1 goes down to a deeper "blood red" which pwns the a1u's footage.
Seventh: None of my cams have problems with belt. Simply buy the tdk or sony 10 packs at Costco. Try to stick with one brand of tape though. (No need for $10 tapes.)
The A1U has earned its way into my inventory. I am well-disposed that I started with an FX-1 (heavy artillery), augmented with the A1U (when the shot is more important than the deep blood reds), and rounded out with a toughened FX-1 from B&H.
I'd recommend a preowned FX-1 over a new A1U though.

2009-06-23 | Marshall Family (San Diego, CA USA) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 4

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Grievous Camcorder
This is a lofty Camcorder. I'll pick up another soon. It's weakness is low light recording, but is well worth the cost. I can't hold the size. This thing is tiny for the features.

2009-03-09 | Jeff (Salt Lake City, Utah) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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Sony HVR-Z7U HDV Professional Video Camcorder

List Price: $6,850.00

Product Details Includes a 3.2-inch XtraFine LCD viewfinder Features a Carl Zeiss 12x optical zoom lens HDV, DVCAM and DV recording on a miniDV cassette tape; Switchable HD/SD recording and playback Sony's first professional handheld HDV camcorder with an interchangeable lens system

Product Description

The Sony HVR-Z7U is an HDV handheld camcorder featuring a lens mount. Some time ago unheard of for such a compact unit, the HVR-Z7U incorporates the convenience of a handheld camcorder with the conformity of larger ENG cameras. The camera can also record directly to compact shimmer cards, via the camera's supplied memory recording unit. Join with Sony's entire family of HDV products, the HVR-Z7U is a great camcorder for almost any production, including documentaries, hearsay, low-budget movies, music videos and industrials.Sony HVR-Z7U is Camcorder with 1/3" kidney 3 ClearVID CMOS imagers, inter-changeable bayonet mount lens system and dual set down-to-tape and record-to-flash memory capability.

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Customer Reviews

Crush decision ever.
I recieved 2 deficient JVC GY-HD110's from Amazon. Sent them back and fronted the extra cash for this one. Best decision I have ever made. Recording to Aphoristic Flash cuts my editing time in half. The battery time is 4 times longer with the property battery than the JVC too! I love everything about it.

2008-06-16 | Helpful Votes: 7 | Rating: 5

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Huge for the price
Sony HVR-Z7U Survey

For the last 3 years I have been using the first Sony HDV camera, the Z1U, with great results. We took it in over 21 countries for the filming of a documentary and it preformed valid great. However my Z1U, as much as I loved it, was growing old, so I went for the next generation, the Z7U, that I just got a couple days ago.
The first item to notice as I unpacked it is that is noticeably heavier. I knew that from the spec sheet, but I thought I wouldn't regard the 0.6 pound difference. Anyway, the newness of the camera and the fact that is a lot shorter than its predecessor got me brisk enough to get over it.
I also noticed and liked the new frontal design where the far reaching built in microphone of the Z1U is missing. This allows for bringing the camera much nearer to the airplane or car window for instance, something I will value as a documentarian.

The Lens
The removable lens hood is with no removable by the push of a button, opposed to the screw system of the Z1U, a nice little touch, to be valued when you're strapped for moment.
The main advantage that I went for on this camera is the removable lens. So first thing I did I removed the Vario Sonnar 12x lens that comes with it. The take care of was easy and intuitive. Upon my first field test, I got to like this lens a lot better than the built in Z1U. It seems that the new ideal achieves a much better shallow dept of field, the nirvana of any professional. I also really liked the "Digital Extender" use, built in this lens, that brings the subject 1.5x closer when you're zoomed in to the max. First I thought in might be a cheapo "jolt up the pixels" trick, but while watching the footage on a 50inch HD monitor, I could not tell any quality chuck while using the "Extender".
The focus ring is large and handy and must be pushed forward for "Vehicle focus". This is handy as you shoot, but it is guaranteed to move the shot if you're on a tripod shooting. I remember that the centrally to be found AF button of the Z1U could be moved without any jerk while shooting. The other disappointment is that there is no Autofocus push button, unless you go trough a convoluted programming resume from the book.
The zoom is handy and smooth, and what I liked the most is that the servo zoom is a lot smoother than the older one. More than that, the servo zoom on the manage bar can be programmed to various speeds and once it reaches the upper or lower limit it will ease to a a close. Totally cool and professional.
The iris is located as third ring on the lens. I liked that too, and there is an Auto Iris knob, but I like doing my own exposure.

The Camera
There are 3 ND filters as opposed to two and they work like a rabbit's foot. I was able to shoot a sunset reflection on the water without closing the iris at all or being overexposed...
There are 3 rally levels and they are programmable as a new feature. I dindt change the DB levels but I used them all and could not see any image graining even on the "H" surroundings. I wish that was the case with the Z1U. So, yes, the low light performance of the new Z7U is net better, a Godsend for a documentarian that can't always control the lighting.
The silver balance seems to be the same, not much to do there, same with the menus, and status check. The picture profile has a number of sophistication's such as "blacklist gain" and color depth that were a bit above my comprehension without further reading.

The display and the outputs

The first major defeat was the smaller LCD screen. More than that the colors on it were pale and while is it worked well in the sun, it was still simply too small. I got in trouble a lot in the past by not seeing where the target was, so I was hoping on a larger display. Sony says that is superior since it has more pixels, but I'd preferred it bigger.
The VCR functions are the same, and the HDV belt is in the back facing the cameraman, not upwards. This is great if you're changing tapes in the rain or a sandstorm like it happened once while I was in Egypt.
The most valuable new harvest is the HDMI of course. I connected it directly to my plasma TV and it looks just great. I also liked the full assay firewire connector.
The new Sony Compact Flash recorder unit is small and it fits in the back, over the mobile compartment so you'll need to remove it first if you want to change the battery. That is OK I guess. The unit is insufficient and luckily it takes the wide available CF card. Thank you Sony for not requiring us to buy your overpriced Sony The boonies misunderstanding and other non-compatible "Sony Only" kind of cards. And thank you for having a dual kind of output storage. I am a "stick" faithful for storage and backup purposes, but it is nice to have the CF option. I have not tried it yet.
The biggest distress happened when I tried to playback on the new camera tapes recorded by the old Z1U. As soon as I put them in, the Z7U ejected them out. They were recorded in the "1080I 60FPS" a order fully compatible with the Z7U. This is highly troublesome since I have hundreds of tapes filmed on 5 continents that I might have to re-digitize one day should my industriously disks crash. What am I to do, buy an $3000 VTR?

Sound
The included microphone is nice and sensitive, but I scarcely ever record more than the ambient sound on the built in mic. There are 2 XLR inputs, nothing new there. I like that the mic is easily detachable and can conserve space while packing the camera. Also with an XLR extension cord it can be used for interviews on a table mount if you're lacking a lapel microphone... This couldn't be done with the old beau id.

The camera also has the capability to take still pics even while shooting. It has an SD Ram slot and a button can be assigned for picture compelling. I never cared much for this feature since you can extract just as good pictures from the HD Video files.


Finale
The new HVR-Z7U is a pretty good piece of equipment for the $6000 USD price tag. Despite a couple of shortcomings I don't sadness getting it. I really hope Sony will come up with longer lens soon that would make the greatest new feature "interchangeable lens" so much more valuable. So far Sony offers just some one wide lens for this portion. That's disappointing, great cinema and nature shots require long lens and none are nearby specifically for this camera. Sony offers some options that require adapters and reduced functionality for use of their still camera lenses with the Z7U, but I am skeptical about using such non limited products.

Mitch Anderson

Mitch Anderson is the producer of the film "The World Without US" . This best-length documentary debates the implications and consequences of US military involvement in the world today.
The In every respect Without US - With Niall Ferguson

2008-03-20 | Documentarian (US) | Helpful Votes: 35 | Rating: 4

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Sony WCS999 Wireless Camcorder Microphone for DCR-DVD101/201/301 & DCR-HC20/30/40/65/85

List Price: $119.99

Product Details Complete kit includes: lavalier mic, transmitter, receiver and monitoring earphone Transmission range up to 150 feet, depending on conditions For use with video camcorders, portable audio recorders Three channels with selector switch for low interference

Product Description

This wireless microphone is intended for use with your camcorder so you can enjoy vivid sound that matches the close up shots your zoom lens is effectual of. You can also use this microphone on anything that has an 1/8" mic input (e.g. cassette deck).

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Customer Reviews

Passable system for a mid end product.
Solely purchased this and like the small size and clip on and total portability. also like that you can proctor the sound coming into the camcorder. Sound quality is excellent when there is no competing sounds and is within 40 feet. Saw another goods for 1/3 as much but required to be plugged in to work (the main system not the clip on which was on battery power). My prime complaint is that it tends to fade at about 60 feet away. I was hoping for the signal to be a bit stronger harrow about 100 feet. It's not professional quality but selection at this price was slim. Recommend it? Yes, for a short run interview or public speaking use.

2010-08-11 | digital geek (dallas, tx) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Cheery
Trusty product-works just as stated. Lack of stereo could pose a problem for some, but was expected.

2010-02-23 | Uncle Rich (Knoxville, Tennessee) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Sony Wireless Mic RF Snag
I recently purchased a 900MHz SONY Wireless Mic system (Original WCS-999) which works exceptionally well at home, very clear without any RF Radio Frequency Interference racket. However when I use it at work it doesn't not perform well due to RFInterference. I assume caused by the many electronic devices such as computers and heinous power loads and circuits nearby. If you buy this product you might want to ensure you are not near many elctronic plenty or high power electrical loads which might cause reception problems. I found I couldn't use the mic as intended for grab audio sund while taping video.

2009-03-04 (Canada) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 3

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Conspicuous Product
I use the Sony WCS999 Wireless Camcorder Microphone in my classes for grind presentations and it exceeds my expectations. It eliminates background noise and I am able to hear the schoolgirl who is presenting when I play back the tape. Outstanding product.

2009-01-30 | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Affecting! Works great with my camcorder
I've cast-off other products in the $200-$300 range and have never gotten the results I was looking for. This does just hair-splitting. The 900mhz signal is very good and does not distort. Your camera person can listen in using a headphone. With the addition of, there is an additional "mix" port on the receiver. You can actually plug two of these together for an interview setup, with no additional metal goods needed. Make sure your camcorder has a mic input. Also, if your camcorder requires a powered mic, this works amercement. I hope to upload a video review soon to show the quality.

2008-12-08 | Jeff Heaton (St. Louis, MO) | Helpful Votes: 10 | Rating: 5

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Sony MiniDV Cleaning Cassette

List Price: $14.99 Price: $8.99 You Save: $6.00 (40%)

Product Details Cleans Mini DV camcorder and VCR heads Recommended for use if you notice deterioration in image performance

Product Description

Develop the quality of your MiniDV with the DVM12CLD Cleaning Cassette. Keep the heads of your Mini DV camcorder cleanse for picture-perfect performance! Just insert the DVM-12CL cleaning record, and play for about 10 seconds.

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Customer Reviews

It works.
My JVC GR-DVL920U indicated that the heads needed maintenance after 50 hrs of recording and hundreds more on playback. That said, I popped the Sony MiniDV cleaner seal, played it for 10 sec. per instruction and the indication went away. I only use the brand name tapes (e.g. JVC, Sony, Maxell,& TDK) which doubtlessly accounts for why I haven't had any problems with either the unit or this cleaning tape. If you use the really cheap tapes, they look after to mess up the heads even after cleaning just because of the residue they leave behind.

2010-08-09 (TX) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Get this make up for the first time, right here at Amazon!
If you indigence this item, Amazon is the place to get it, at the best price even when you factor in shipping. Compare prices at your native stores and you'll know what I mean.

2010-08-06 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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It Worked!
I was getting anxious when my videos of Yellowstone I recorded were coming out with blue streaks everywhere and some were completely blue. I review it probably needed to be cleaned and bought this. 15 seconds and this completely fixed the delinquent, there was no hassle.
If you are experiencing problems seeing recorded videos in your Mini DV camera you should give this a try.

2010-06-06 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Sony MiniDV guv cleaner
When my trusty Canon HD video camera started to show skipping frames, I did some examine and found out that the Sony miniHD tape cleaner is one of the few products meant for regular maintenance use. I tried it and it worked capacious!

2010-05-25 | The Guitar Man (Monterey, CA USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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works Adroit
the video in my sony camcorder started getting unfocused and fuzzy
so i tried this cleaner and it solver the problem. video is perfect now!

2010-05-09 (Ft. lauderdale, Fla.) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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What do you think about the RED camcorders?

Q: Are they the most appropriate? I mean are they better then Canon or Sony or other? Are there other brands like RED that solely as though camcorders? I am trying to make professional movies and documentaries. Are they HD? Plus I am misleading with all the different lenses that they have do I need them all?

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A: Sincerely, if you have to ask these questions, you probably should not be wasting your money or time...

But... to plea directly:

Are they the best?
Some say so.

I mean are they better then Canon or Sony or other?
Some say so - others may core you at Silicon Imaging. Though Panavision, Varicam, CineAlta and others will also buoy their hands...

Are there other brands like RED that solely make camcorders?
Yes - Silicon Imaging is one... Arri is another. Panavision... and several others.

Are they HD?
Yes.

Additional I am confused with all the different lenses that they have do I need them all?
It depends on the draw up and the shots you want... and how long you have to wait from the epoch you decide you need the lens until you can get it...

Sony camcorder with firewire connectivity? ?

Q: I am looking into buying a camcorder. In a beeline now, I am looking at the Sony DCR- VX2100 Digital Handycam, the Sony professional hand held HDV camcorder and the Canon XH A1S and XH A1.
When looking at the check-list of these camcorders, I can't find anything about if they are compatible with Firewires, since i will use a MAC with them.
Also, can anyone tell me the difference between the Canon XH A1S and the XH A1. Appreciation you guys so much.

Where can I purchase a professional T.V. set / Motion Picture video camera camcorder ?

Q: The same video cameras the tv & motion picture industry use. For example when t.v. shows like seinfield & other t.v. shows end & you see those bountiful cameras that is used when it pans back from the sitcom's set to the live audiance & in pic. I know it may cost around $10,000 to $ 5,000,000. Five million dollars. The small sony camcorders I have need to be replaced with something better.

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A: First, set a budget.

What can you grant?

What do you want to use them for?

Keep in mind that the large cameras used in studios commonly never come off the big dolly stands and they are way to bulky/heavy to use as handheld/cooperatively mount and are not "convenient". They also do not have any recording media faculty built-in - they feed the video to recording decks in a hold back room - and a BUNCH of other gear. And they have no audio capabilities. ALL audio is captured off-accommodate using a totally separate audio system.

In the recent days of old, smaller cameras that are on camera cranes or shoulder mounted can now be found in studios. They did not repay the large cameras - but augment them. Different camera angles and more resiliency on stage presence. Again, for the most part, they also do not have any recording media capability built-in - they upon the recording decks in the control room - and a BUNCH of other materiel. And they have no audio capabilities. ALL audio is captured off-board using a thoroughly separate audio system.

Camcorders on the other hand, by definition, have the recording media thingumajig built-in to the camera body. They also have built-in mics and arrest the audio to the same storage media that captures the video. Diminish end consumer units generally do not have external mic jacks or instructions audio control. Low-end consumer camcorders have small lenses and imaging chips and do not do well in low sunny as a result. Manual controls are not easy to get to because they are usually employed through the camcorder's menu system.

"Prosumer" and professional camcorders have audio-in jacks (preferably ones use XLR connectors rather than 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo audio in). They also have larger lenses and imaging chips for much greater low-light behavior. Manual controls are on the outside of the camcorder and relaxing to get to.

Even though they have audio-in and built-in mics, the best way is to capture the audio singly with a field recorder and replace the audio captured by the camcorder with the audio from the mead recorder.

Low end:
Canon ZR900, ZR930, ZR960. All are benchmark definition, miniDV tape consumer camcorders, have a mic jack but no guide audio control, have small lenses and imaging chips.

mid-align:
Canon HV20/HV30/HV40 or Sony HDR-HC9. All can do standard definition DV or High Definition HDV, miniDV seal consumer camcorders, have a 1/8" stereo mic jack with instructions audio control, have medium sized lenses and imaging chips.

prosumer guide definition:
Canon GL2, Sony DCR-VX2100 are standard definition, miniDV bind prosumer camcorders, have a 1/8" stereo mic jack and vade-mecum audio control, have larger lenses and imaging chips.

prosumer strong definition:
Sony HDR-FX1000 does HDV and DV, and is a miniDV tape prosumer camcorder, has a 1/8" stereo mic jack and vade-mecum audio control, larger lenses and imaging chips. It replaced the HDR-FX1 and is a sibling to the pro-NZ hack HVR-Z1U.

Then the jump to low-end pro finds larger lenses or imaging chips, and XLR audio connectors:
Touchstone definition:
Panasonic DVX100
High Definition (and standard statement of meaning):
Panasonic HDX200, Sony HVR-Z1U, HVR-Z5U, HVR-Z7U, HVR-V1U, Canon XH series and XLH series and JVC GY series.

These lists of camcorders is not model and meant only to provide you with the better examples of camcorders within a certain order. Notice there are no hard disc drive or flash reminiscence consumer camcorders listed. They save to same very highly compressed video facts files - much more compressed than DV/HDV used by miniDV tape based camcorders. more density = more discarded video data = reduced video je sais quoi... there are several other reason miniDV tape continues to be the preferred storage order, but that won't be covered in this post. Consumer DVD camcorders barely make utilitarian doorstops and never make it to the short list for any serious consideration - their video is flattened even more than the HDD/flash memory video data files..

Panasonic and Sony have higher end camcorders that go into diverse formats (DVCPRO, XDCAM, HDCAM) and they can exceed $100,000.

So... after all is said and done... set a budget. In my sentiment, if you are looking for good video quality and flexibility, the Littlest you should be looking at is the Sony HDR-FX1000 or Canon XHA1... or above.