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Sony HVR-Z1U HDV Camcorder

Blurring the line between consumer and professional video cameras Sony has created the HVR-Z1U camcorder. Because it records in high definition and standard definition modes it can be used in a variety of production scenarios that may change from client to client, or evolve over time. It is NTSC and PAL system compatible as well.

The Z1U records in 16:9 widescreen with native widescreen chips. It will output component video in 1080i, 480i and 480p formats. In fact it will output 60 frame, 50 frame, 30 frame and 25 frame standards. An additional function is HD to SD down conversion. Another feature of the camera is the CineFrame Mode that replicates the look of film production. The mode has 30 frame, 25 frame and 24 frame modes that utilize a 3:2 pull down conversion. Additionally the camera has the ability to down-convert HD captured video to standard definition video for viewing on a SD monitor or for systems that require SD video.

High resolution video starts with the finest glass lens appropriate to the camera. The Z1U has a Carl Zeiss designed lens, a world leader in optical technology. With the most advanced glass composition and the most efficient anti-reflective coatings this HDV camera captures the sharpest most detailed pictures in the most compact design available.

Color correction for special effects allows the user to adjust color of a target subject without affecting the color of the remainder of the scene. Using this special effect one object may show color while the remaining scene is black and white. In fact two target colors may be chosen and controlled for color phase, color gain and other parameters.

The HVR-Z1U has 6 buttons for your special custom setting memories and menu selections. A single button push will set the camera to your specific outdoor, fluorescent or color correction selected options. Menu items like REC REVIEW, Back-Light, Spot-Light features may be selected to one of the assignable buttons.

Essentially all functions viewable through the viewfinder will be displayed on the 3.3-inch LCD screen- and both can be used simultaneously. Safety markers for 4:3 can be generated on a widescreen image for use with the Edge Crop function. The widescreen marker can be displayed on 4:3 recordings. All markers may be selected simultaneously. Zoom ratio display may be shown as a bar graph or in numerical readout as menu selected. Of course all supplemental viewfinder information may be turned off completely as well.