HDV Turns Pro

The Sony HVR-Z1U professional camcorder shoots brilliant high definition 1080i pictures with jaw-dropping detail, color and clarity. The HDV system records onto highly affordable, widely-available DV cassettes, including Sony’s reference-quality DigitalMaster tape. The scene is captured by a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 12x zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization.

The picture is created by three Sony Super HAD CCDs for outstanding sensitivity. Not only does each CCD have 1.04 million active pixels, but pixel offset technology achieves gorgeous 1440 x 1080 resolution. With Sony’s native 16:9 CCDs, you’ll never sacrifice image quality to achieve a widescreen picture. And the picture is not only fabulous in HD, but also spectacular in SD. Which makes the HVR-Z1U a standout in standard definition.

CAMERA

• Three 1/3-inch 1.04 Megapixel CCDs for superb resolution and color rendering. Pixel offset technology achieves system resolution of 1440 x 1080.
  
  
• New generation Sony Super HAD CCD for high sensitivity and dynamic range.
  
  
• Native 16:9 CCD aspect ratio for widescreen shots without compromise both in SD and HD.
  
  
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* High Definition lens with 12x optical zoom for superb contrast and resolution (32.5 to 390 mm, 35mm equivalent).
  
  
• Optical image stabilization for smoother, more watchable results under motion, when compared to non-stabilized images.
  
  
• Manual and automatic zoom, focus, shutter and 24-step iris for precise image control. Zoom indicator in viewfinder.
  
  
• Auto Focus makes shooting in HD or SD a breeze.
  
  
• Programmable Shot Transition automatically executes a move in any combination of focus, zoom, iris, gain, shutter or white balance.

    CAMERA SECTION

Lens:
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens, 12x (optical),
f = 4. 5 to 54 mm, f = 32.5 to 390 mm* at 16:9 mode,
f = 40 to 480 mm* at 4:3 mode, F = 1.6 to 2.8, filter diameter: 72 mm
NOTE: (*) These values are calculated to be equivalent to the 35 mm film.

Built-in filter: 1/6 ND, 1/32 ND
Focus: Auto, manual (focus ring/infinity position), one push auto
Imaging device: 3-chip 1/3-inch type CCDs
Picture elements:
Approx. 1,070,000 pixels (effective), approx. 1,120,000 pixels (total)
White balance:
Auto, one-push auto, indoor (3200 K), outdoor (5800 K ±7 steps)

Shutter speed:

60i/NTSC mode
1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/90, 1/100, 1/125, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/725, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000, 1/3000, 1/4000, 1/6000, 1/10000 sec
50i/PAL mode
1/3, 1/6, 1/12, 1/25, 1/50, 1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/150, 1/215, 1/300, 1/425, 1/600, 1/1000, 1/1250, 1/1750, 1/2500, 1/3500, 1/6000, 1/10000 sec

Exposure: Auto, manual
Gain: 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 dB (adjustable for H, M and L gain positions)
Minimum illumination: 3 lx with F1.6 at 18 dB

    VTR SECTION

Recording format: 1080/60i, 1080/50i, 480/60i (NTSC), 576/50i (PAL)
Play out/Down conversion format:
1080/60i, 1080/50i, 480/60i (NTSC), 576/50i (PAL), 480/60p, 576/50p

Tape speed:

HDV/DV SP: Max. 18.812 mm/s with PHDVM-63DM cassette
DVCAM: Max. 28.218 mm/s with PHDVM-63DM cassette

Playback/Recording time:

HDV/DV SP: Max. 63 min with PHDVM-63DM cassette
DVCAM: Max. 41 min with PHDVM-63DM cassette

Fast forward/Rewind time: Approx. 2 min 40 sec with PHDVM-63DM cassette

    INPUT/OUTPUT CONNECTORS

Audio/Video input/output:

Audio/Video jack x1
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ohm unbalanced, sync negative
Audio signal: 327 mV (at load impedance 47 kOhm), input impedance more than 47 kOhm, output impedance less than 2.2 kOhm

S-video input/output:

Mini-DIN 4-pin x 1
Y: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ohm unbalanced, sync negative
C: 0.286 Vp-p (NTSC), 0.3 Vp-p (PAL), 75 Ohm unbalanced

Component video output:

Component Output jack
Y: 1 Vp-p (0.3 V, sync negative)
Pr/Pb (Cr/Cb): 525 mVp-p (75% color bar), input impedance 75 Ohm

i.LINK Interface: 4-pin
XLR audio input:
XLR 3-pin female x 2, 327 mV, -60 dBu: 3 kOhm, +40 dBu: 10.8 kOhm, power supply: approx. 40 V
Headphone: Stereo 3.5 mm mini-jack
LANC: Stereo 2.5 mm mini-mini-jack

    BUILT-IN INPUT/OUTPUT DEVICES

LCD viewfinder:
0.44-inch type, approx. 252,000 pixels (1120 x 225), hybrid type
LCD monitor:
3.5-inch (viewable area, measured diagonally),
approx. 250,000 pixels (1120 x 224), hybrid type
Microphone: Stereo type, noise reduction on/off

    GENERAL

Weight:
4 lbs., 10 oz. (2.1 kg) including lens cap
5 lbs., 5 oz. (2.4 kg) including lens cap, battery and tape
Dimensions (WHD): 6-3/8 x 7-5/8 x 14-3/8 inches (163 x 194 x 365 mm)
Power requirements: DC 7.2 V (battery pack)
Power consumption:
HDV: Approx. 8.0 W (recording mode with LCD viewfinder on)
DVCAM/DV: Approx. 7.6 W (recording mode with LCD viewfinder on)
Operating temperature: 32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C)
Storage temperature: -4 to 140 °F (-20 to +60 °C)

   SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

operating instructions

More Info

HVR-Z1U Brochure HDV Family Brochure Instruction Manual

"The HVR-Z1U performed right out of the box! I just went to a programmed film look preset and let it go.  Detail in the highlights, detail in the shadows, practically no visible gain, even at 12db. And, it still held detail in the bright areas.

So, I used it on CBS' series JAG.  The producers were amazed at how well the shots intercut with the 35mm footage. No, it's not a replacement for the F900, which gives you twice as sharp an image, much deeper color and detail and far more control over gamma and  other set ups - not to mention critical lens control.

But, for tight spots like cockpits, vehicle mounts, or underwater shots - the HVR-Z1U is the answer!"

-- Jody Eldred, Producer/Director and Camerman - JAG