Sony HVR-Z7U HDV High Definition Camcorder

Sony HVR-Z7U is an HDV handheld camcorder featuring a lens mount. Previously unheard of for such a compact unit, the HVR-Z7U incorporates the convenience of a handheld camcorder with the flexibility of larger ENG cameras.

The camera can also record directly to compact flash cards, via the camera's supplied memory recording unit. Combined with Sony's entire family of HDV products, the HVR-Z7U is a great camcorder for almost any production, including documentaries, news, low-budget movies, music videos, and industrials.

Features

Interchangeable Lenses
Users get the best of both worlds with this innovative camcorder. The HVR-Z7U's unique design is the first of its kind; a handheld camera with the interchangeable lens capability. Whether you are filming a movie or shooting a documentary, the HVR-Z7U has it covered.

ClearVID 3CMOS Technology
Sony's ClearVID sensors are positioned at a 45° angle. Since each pixel is positioned at this angle the result is far clearer diagonal lines. Images will appear crisper, without the apparent "jaggies" that often plague video signals.

Record to Compact Flash
The camera comes with an attachable recording unit, allowing users to record HDV and DV to CompactFlash cards. With cards getting larger and larger in capacity, the ability to take advantage of tapeless workflow while still using cheap media is a welcome addition.

High Definition on MiniDV Tapes with HDV
The HDV format, used in the HVR-Z7U allows high definition recording on standard MiniDV tapes. This is accomplished by using the very popular MPEG-2 compression technique used in many applications, including DVDs and satellite television.

24p Capability
In 24p mode, images from the CMOS can be 2:3 pulldown-converted and recorded onto tape in the standard 60i HDV format. The tape can then be played back or edited using an ordinary HDV system. True 24p editing can be achieved by uploading 2:3 pulldown-converted images via an i.LINK FireWire interface to a compatible non-linear editing system. The resultant images resemble the visual motion of film!

HDMI Output
Many consumer products are adopting High Definition Media Interface (HDMI) connections for transmitting uncompressed digital HD video signals. Sony has upped the ante by incorporating this into the already extensive array of video output choices on the HVR-Z7U. Connect the camera to any HDTV via this interface and view all your footage the way it was meant to be seen: purely digital!

Specification

Signal System
HDV: 1080/60i, 1080/24p, 1080/30p
DVCAM/DV: 480/60i (NTSC)

Image Device
1/3" 3CMOS Exmor Sensor system

Lens
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Zoom Lens, 12x (Optical)
f = 4.4-52.8mm
f = 32-384mm at 16:9 mode
f = 39.5-47.4mm (4:3 mode)
filter diameter: 72mm

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Not Specified by Manufacturer

Horizontal Resolution
1080 Lines

Sensitivity
Not Specified By Manufacturer

Minimum Illumination
1.5 lux (Auto Gain, Auto Iris, 1/30 Shutter)

Vertical Smear
Not Specified by Manufacturer

Built-in Filters
Clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64

LCD Monitor
3.2", 16:9 Aspect Ratio, 1 MegaPixel Xtrafine LCD

Viewfinder
0.45", 16:9 Aspect Ratio, 852 x 480 Resolution

Scan Matching
Yes

Memory Card Slot
MemoryStick Duo Media

Shutter Speed Range
Auto: 1/60-1/2000
Manual
60i/30p: 1/4-1/10000
24p: 1/3 - 1/10000

Gain Selection
0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 dB

VTR

Tape Format
DVCAM Small Cassette
HDV Record and Play
DVCAM Record and Play
DV Record and Play

Tape Speed
HDV: 18.8 mm/s
DVCAM: 28.2 mm/s
DV SP Mode: 18.8 mm/s

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Not Specified by Manufacturer

Maximum Recording Time
HDV: 63 min (with PHDVM-63DM Cassette)
DVCAM: 41 min (with PHDVM-63DM Cassette)
DV: 63 min (with PHDVM-63DM Cassette)

Audio

Audio Dynamic Range
Not Specified by Manufacturer

Audio Signal Format
HDV
MPEG1 Audio Layer II
DVCAM/DV
16-bit/48kHz 2 Channel Mode
12-bit/32kHz 4 Channel Mode

Audio Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz

Signal to Noise Ratio
Not Specified by Manufacturer

General

Input and Output Connectors
Composite: 10-Pin Video/Audio (x1 Output)
Component: Special Connector (x1 Output)
FireWire/i.LINK: 6-Pin (x1 Input, x1 Output)
XLR Audio: XLR 3-Pin Female, 2-Channel
Headphone: Stereo Mini-Jack
HDMI

Power Requirements
Battery Pack: 7.2 VDC
AC Adapter: 8.4 VDC

Power Consumption
HDV: 7.2W
DVCAM/DV: 6.9W

Operating Temperature
32-104°F (0-40°C)

Dimensions (WxHxD)
Not Specified By Manufacturer

Weight
5.3 lb (2.4 kg)