Sony HVR-A1U HDV Camcorder

Sony HVR-A1U is the entry level HDV camcorder that records high definition video as well as DVCAM and DV standard-definition video. The camera uses a single three million pixel CMOS chip to capture images. The use of a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) chip allows the camera to capture amazing high quality images while consuming less battery power and making the camera smaller overall. The Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP), a Sony created technology, enables the camcorder to capture and process high-definition video and high resolution still images with the highest levels of contrast and detail.

Features

See the Most with CMOS
The HVR-A1U realizes new levels of compact design and efficiency with a single 3 megapixel CMOS imaging chip. Compared to a CCD (Charged Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) works more efficiently and burns less battery power. It uses both positive and negative polarity circuits, only one at any given time.

Professional Audio Inputs
As with its big brother the HVR-Z1U 3-CCD camcorder, this single chip camera offers professional shooters balanced XLR audio inputs with phantom power and attenuation options. A shotgun microphone can be mounted on top the camcorder as a large, shoulder-mount ENG style camera would.

Zeiss Lens
The professional video and filmmaker will not be disappointed with the quality of glass at the front of the A1U camera. Sony has engineered the camera around a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens for the latest in anti-reflective coatings and new levels of HDTV-quality resolving power in a compact design. This camera's a 10x zoom lens has a maximum wide angle of 5.1 mm which will show a 50?horizontal angle of view.

1080 Lines Resolution
The HVR-A1U is a tiny camera capable of recording in several frame rates including NTSC. When it is set up to record standard definition video this camera is an NTSC device that stripes the tape at 30 interlace frames per second. When it is selected to record in HDV it can record 60i, 30p or 24 frames per second. Its widescreen chip captures over 1000 horizontal lines and 1440 vertical lines no matter what you dial in for record format.

Specifications

Signal System
NTSC
HDV 1080 60i/30 Frame/24 Frame Record and Playback

Image Device: 1/3-Inch CMOS Chip with 2.97 Million Pixels

Lens
5.1 mm to 51 mm Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*
10x Optical Zoom
37 mm Filter Diameter

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Not Specified by Manufacturer

Horizontal Resolution
1080 Lines Horizontal Pixels
1440 Vertical Pixels

Minimum Illumination
7 Lux with Gain Up
0 Lux in Night Shot Mode

Vertical Smear: Not Specified by Manufacturer

Built-in Filters: Electronic Daylight and Tungsten Switchable

LCD Monitor: 2.7 Inch Widescreen

Viewfinder: Color and B/W Switchable

Scan Matching: No

Memory Card Slot
Yes
Memory Stick Duo 15mB included with Camera

Shutter Speed Range: 1/4 seconds to 1/10,000 seconds

Gain Selection: 0 dB, (+)3 dB, 6 dB, 9 dB, 12 dB, 15 dB, 18 dB

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

Tape Speed
HDV- 18.8mm/sec.
DVCAM- 28.2 mm/sec.
DV SP Mode- 18.8mm/sec.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Not Specified by Manufacturer

Maximum Recording Time
HDV-60 Minutes
DVCAM-40 Minutes
DV-60 Minutes

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

Input and Output Connectors
HD/SD Component- 3 RCA (x 1 output through breakout cable)
Firewire- 4-Pin (x 1 input and output)
S-Video- 4-Pin (x 1 output through breakout cable)
Composite Video- RCA (x 1 output through breakout cable)
Mic Audio- XLR (x 2 input)
Audio- RCA (x 2 output through breakout cable)
Headphone- Stereo Mini (x 1)
LANC Control- Mini (x 1)
USB- Mini B (x 1)

Power Requirements: 100 to 240 Volts AC, 50 or 60 Hz with AC Adapter

Power Consumption: 6.6 Watts Maximum

Operating Temperature
-4?to 140?F
-20?to 60?C

Dimensions (WxHxD)
2.9 x 4.1 x 7.6 Inches
71 x 103 x 191 mm