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The new models include the HVR-S270U (shoulder-mount) and HVR-Z7U camcorders. Sony is also introducing the HVR-M35U playback and recording deck. These products expand Sony’s lineup of “affordable high definition (HD)” production technologies, which includes the recently introduced PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX solid-state memory camera and the soon-to-be-available HVR-HD1000U shoulder-mount HDV camcorder.
“These new tools enhance the operational versatility of our professional HDV line-up, and open up a world of possibilities for high-definition digital video production,” said Brian Young, Marketing Manager, Acquisition Systems, Broadcast Communication Solutions Group, Sony of Canada Ltd. “Sony’s new HDV camcorders and decks are ideal
for documentaries, electronic newsgathering, independent production, music videos, web streaming and a range of commercial production applications.”
The new camcorders use three of Sony’s new Exmor™ 1/3-inch ClearVid CMOS sensors. This sensor features a unique analogue-to-digital conversion technique and low noise processing similar to the imaging technology used in the PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX camera.
Exmor technology reduces external noise that can enter the signal chain prior to the A/D conversion process, allowing the new camcorders to perform, with high resolution and low noise, significantly better in low-light environments with low light sensitivity of 1.5 lux.
This imaging technology is complemented by Sony’s Enhanced Imaging Processor™ (EIP) system to achieve high resolution, high sensitivity, wide dynamic range and excellent colour reproduction.
The camcorders offer 1080 60i, as well as 24P with pull down recording modes (24, 24A) like the HVR-V1U camera and also provide new Progressive 24P and 30P native recording capabilities. The ClearVid CMOS sensor and
EIP technology create true 1080P images, which can then be recorded as native progressive signals by the HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270U camcorders in the HDV format. The progressive HDV streams can be output from an i.LINK
connector and used for progressive editing with compatible NLE software.
The HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270U can switch between HDV 1080P, 1080i, as well as standard definition DVCAM and DV recording, and both can also down-convert material from 1080i to 480i, and simultaneously output the video signals through its i.LINK interface and other standard definition (SD) output connectors.
The HVR-Z7U also provides a digital HDMI output. The HVR-S270U provides HD-SDI or SD-SDI connectivity, which also supports embedded audio and timecode. “This capability provides full flexibility to record in either SD or HD depending on your production needs,” Young said, “and it allows users to edit recorded material with a compatible
non-linear editing system using current HDV or DV editing software, as well as record SD or HD signals to an external VTR or Hard Drive Unit.”
The cameras’ shooting flexibility is further increased through the ability to attach different lenses. Both models are equipped with a universal standard 1/3-inch bayonet-mount mechanism to make lens changes faster and easier. Using available adapters, 1/2-inch and 2/3-inch ENG/EFP and even Cinestyle lenses can be easily attached.
Each camcorder comes standard with its own 12x high-quality, multi-purpose Carl Zeiss HD lens, with a Vario-Sonnar™ T* coating to reduce reflections. A specially designed 8x wide-angle lens is also available as an option, to suit a diverse range of shooting requirements. A new focus ring offers two types of manual focus, plus an auto focus mode that can be easily switched by sliding the focus ring forward or backward.
The new products are planned to be available in February of 2008 at the following suggested list prices:
- HVR-Z7U camcorder: less than $7,000
- HVR-S270U camcorder: less than $11,000
- HVR-M35U deck: less than $6,000
www.sony.ca/hd/ [November 15, 2007]
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