16:9 - 12x Optical Zoom - Optical IS - MPN: HVRZ1U See Product Details
Description
New 3CCD 1080i HDV camcorder is here! The new HVR-Z1U features three newly developed Super HAD 1/3 CCDs. These new 16:9 native CCDs, combined with a high quality 12x Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens and Sony's new 14 bit A/D and DXP Digital Extended Processor, result in precise image acquisition with superb detail and clarity. The advanced CCD design allows more light to reach the pixel imager, reducing video noise and improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The new HVR-Z1U records this exceptional imagery using the recently adopted HDV 1080i format onto a DVCAM mini cassette.
Quick Glance
Recording Media: Tape Media, DVCAM
LCD Screen Size: 3.5 in
Interface Type: 1 x S-Video In/Out, 1 x Component Video Out, 1 x 4-pin IEEE 1394, 1 x LANC, 1 x Headphone, 1 x DC Power In
Image Stabilization: Optical
Optical Zoom: 12
Weight: 73.92
Summary
Product Title: Sony HVR-Z1U Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD - CCD
Manufacturer: Sony
Power Score: 4.4 | 4 Reviews
Image Processor
Image Sensor: CCD
Image Sensor Quantity: 3
Image Sensor Size: 1/3"
Lens Features
Optical Zoom: 12 X
Filter Diameter: 72 mm
Video Recording
Recording Media: Tape Media, DVCAM
Minimum Lux Rating: 3 lux
Image Stabilization: Optical
General Features
LCD Screen Size: 3.5 in
Interface Connection: 1 x S-Video In/Out, 1 x Component Video Out, 1 x 4-pin IEEE 1394, 1 x LANC, 1 x Headphone, 1 x DC Power In
Additional Features: PC Connection, Viewfinder
Power
Power Source: Lithium-Ion Battery, Rechargeable Battery
Battery Life: 2 Hour
Dimensions
Height: 7.125 in
Width: 6 in
Depth: 14.375 in
Weight: 4.62 lbs, 5.31 lbs
Dimensions: 7.62" Height x 6.37" Width x 14.37" Depth
Warranty
Warranty Information: 1 Year Limited
More Info
URL: Manufacturer Link
Additional Specifications
Frequency Band: Features: Simultaneous use of EVF and LCD display 6 User Assignable Buttons for quick access to frequently used functions Switchable HDV/DVCAM/DV Format Recording 60i/50i (NTSC/PAL) switchable Built-in HD to SD down conversion CineFrame and Cinematone functions for cinema like recordings (25F/30F/24F) 2 Built-in Filters: ND1: 1/4 and ND2: 1/32 Built-in dynamic Speaker
Exposure Control: Auto Manual
Viewfinder Type: Electronic
Product Series: HVR
Total Camcorder Resolution: 3.4 Megapixel
Maximum Video Lines: 1080
Interlaced Scan: Yes
Strengths: The camera has a solid build to it. Great quality pictures. I like the 6 assignable buttons. the two XLR audio inputs are very good to have. I also like the programmble PPS buttons giving many looks.
Weakness: I wish the lens could go wider eliminating the need for a an additional lens. Also missing is an external microhpne that should have been included for that price.
Generally , I like the camera a lot. IT is pretty low light and performs well in that condition. The camera comes with a very clever lenshood and cap system. WE were using the camera as a playback unit, but then we decided to get a HDR-HC1 to use as a playback. WE used one of the PP buttons to customize and program a film look with very warm and saturated colors and it worKed very well. The...
Strengths: Lightweight, Digital, High Definition
Weakness: No external microphone or light included
The Sony HVR Z1U is a top-of-the-line pro-sumer camera that will not become obsolete for many years to come. I originally purchased a Sony PD170, but when that transaction fell through, I purchased the HVR Z1U... and I am glad things worked out like they did. I highly recommend the HVR Z1U to anyone desiring an excellent consumer video camera that can also be used for professional jobs. My son...
Sony HVR-Z1U receives an overall TopTenREVIEWS score of 3.23 out of 4.00. It is ranked the #18 HDV camcorder of all time. The overall rating represents an intelligent balance of features, value as a function of price to features, and a summary of reviews from a variety of sources. The TopTen REVIEWS' formula gives a picture of important consumer features, market value, and a product's acceptance...
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Sony HVR-Z1U Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD - CCD
Strengths: Overall video performance, low light video perfromance, size & weight, and run time on large battery. Excellent image stabilizer.
Weakness: Requires expensive shoulder bracket for extended shooting without tripod.
I had seen HD material shot on $60K HDCAM cameras and perhaps my expectations were set a bit high by having seen that footage first. That having been said, the images coming out of this camera are MUCH MUCH closer to the ones from the $60K camera than they are to the other high end DV cameras costing around $3K. I shoot a lot of event video using my Sony DSR-300As which cost me about $12K each...
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