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Sony Professional HVR-A1U CMOS High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

Product Description
Sony HVR-A1U 1080i HDV camcorder provides real 1080i HD acquisition, with superb image quality and comprehensive functionality for professional use, in a "handy" camcorder form factor. This new HDV camcorder will help to expand the adoption of HDV and lead the entry level HD market by providing a compact and low cost solution. The new HVR-A1U features a newly developed 1/3 inch C-MOS imager. This new 1920x1080 native imager is also capable of 3 mega-pixel still images. Combined with a high quality Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens and Sony's new 14 bit A/D and DXP digital Extended Processor, result in precise image acquisition with superb detail and clarity. The new HVR-A1U records this exceptional imagery using the recently adopted HDV 1080i format onto a DVCAM mini cassette. Resolution of up to 1440x1080 with pixel shift 2.7 16 - 9 Hybrid LCD Display with touch panel function (simultaneous use of LCD and viewfinder is possible) Image Stabilization XLR Audio input connectors Built-in Wide Range Stereo Microphone Built-in Dynamic Speaker

Amazon.com Product Description
The HVR-A1U is a compact and lightweight handy-type camcorder, ideal for shooting environments that require mobility. Its size, combined with its long battery life (up to 80 minutes of high-definition recording with the included battery), make it easy to get the shots you need, when you need them.

HDV 1080i
The HDV 1080i specification features 1080 effective interlaced scanning lines and 1,440 horizontal pixels. Interlaced pictures, which have been common to TV broadcasts from the beginning, alternately display odd and even numbered lines between each screen refresh. The HVR-A1U can also record at the HDV 720p specification, which features 720 effective progressive scanning lines and 1,280 horizontal pixels. Progressive scanning fills both odd and even numbered lines with each refresh, providing a flicker-free picture.Not yet ready for HD? The HVR-A1U can convert material from 1080i down to 480i and output this digital video signal through its i.LINK interface or as analog signals through component, composite, or S-video connectors. When down-converting these signals, the aspect ratio displayed can be converted from 16:9 to 4:3, and display modes can be selected from squeeze, letterbox or edge crop.1/3-inch Type, 2.97-megapixel CMOS sensor
The HVR-A1U incorporates one 1/3-inch type primary color CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) 2.97-megapixel sensor with a formatted for a 4:3 aspect ratio. The advantage of a CMOS sensor over CCD is it's ability to process a large volume of picture data at a very small size, which makes it possible for a camera this size to capture HD video. The trade off for this kind of chip over CCD, however, is a small loss in picture uniformity and dynamic range.

Audio
The HVR-A1U adopts the MPEG-2 compression format, which uses 8-bit digital component recording with a sampling rate of 4:2:0. The camera uses MPEG-1 Audio Layer II audio compression format, allowing for two-channel recording with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz/16-bit. It features a built-in stereo microphone, as well as two XLR audio input connectors for use with professional-grade microphones or external audio sources. Each input level for CH1 and CH2 can be independently adjusted using two audio level dials on the camera body and viewed with an audio level meter on the LCD monitor.

Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens
The HVR-A1U is equipped with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* high definition lens with a 10x zoom function. It has the same optical coating as is used on all of the Carl Zeiss prime lenses, which produces sharp, high-contrast images with virtually no chromatic aberration.

In order to facilitate zoom control and recording operation during low-angle shooting, an additional zoom lever has been added to the camera body. There's also a zoom/focus ring located on the lens body that allows for fine adjustments in zoom position. Furthermore, the supplied wireless Remote Commander unit can be used for external control.

Large, 16:9 widescreen color viewfinder and LCD monitor
View your subject through the built-in viewfinder, the swing-out LCD display, or both. The HVR-A1U features a 0.44-inch type color LCD viewfinder and a 2.7-inch color LCD monitor, both in a 16:9 aspect ratio. You'll save battery time by using just one, but you may want to use one for adjusting focus and the other for monitoring audio levels. When eschewing auto focus for the fine-tuning manual focus, you can double the magnification at the center of the screen, making it easier to confirm focus settings during manual focusing. Also, the camera's "peaking" function can provide sharp outlines on the monitor to help with manual focus.

Electronic Super SteadyShot system
Sony's electronic Super SteadyShot System helps remove the slight hand jitter and vibration that is often the bane of video production--especially during telephoto shots. It does this by trimming off edges of the frame on the fly to counteract movement.

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Sony DCR-VX2100 3CCD MiniDV Handycam Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom

Features:

From the Manufacturer
Take Control of Sound and Vision with the DCR-VX2100, offering the brightest video results of all Sony MiniDV models. With its new Advanced HAD progressive scan CCD technology, illumination is improved dramatically, delivering superior low-light performance without the use of infrared technology. By increasing the CCD's sensitivity to light, clearer, brighter video with more lifelike color can be captured, even when recording in dimly lit environments.

Its 58mm aspherical lens and duel-position neutral density filter minimize distortion from standard spherical lenses and compensate for varying lighting situations such as studio lights or direct sunlight. Additionally, the VX2100 includes a built-in lens cap to protect the enhanced optics package, manual audio control and PCM Digital Stereo Audio in 12 and 16-bit modes, a manual focus and manual zoom ring, built-in color bar generator, 16:9 wide screen recording capability, intelligent accessory shoe, both 12x optical and 48x digital zoom, advanced optical SteadyShot picture stabilization and up to seven hours1 of operation with the optional NP-F960 InfoLithium battery.

Sony DCR-VX2100 Highlights

MiniDV recording
Offers up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution, 3x color bandwidth (vs. VHS) and significantly higher S/N ratio, to provide stunning video performance.

Digital Still Memory Mode with Memory Stick Media
Capture digital still images at 640 x 480 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick media for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices.

2.5-inch Precision Hybrid SwivelScreen LCD display
Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 211K pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The Hybrid Reflective- Transmissive LCD screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light, virtually eliminating the "wash-out" common with traditional LCD screens.

Manual exposure dial
Create your own special look by controlling the camera??�s exposure amount manually, allowing in less or more light for creative control.

Stamina Power Management System (Up to 9 hours using optional NP-F960 battery)
The Sony DCR-VX2100 can record for up to 9 hours or play back for up to 13 hours (with LCD screen off) on a single charge with the optional Sony NP-F960 camcorder battery.

i.LINK DV interface (IEEE1394)
A high speed bi-directional digital video/audio communication between two devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs.

3CCD imaging system
Each 1/3-inch CCD has 380,000 pixels for brilliant digital picture-quality.

530 lines of horizontal video resolution
Advanced HAD Megapixel CCD technology, combined with high-quality optics provide outstanding video performance with up to 530 horizontal lines of resolution.

Advanced HAD CCD technology
Enhanced CCD design allows more light to reach the imager which reduces video noise to improve signal-to-noise ratio by up to 6db (2x better than a standard CCD). Particularly effective when shooting in dark situations.

12x optical/48x digital zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action up close from far away. In addition, the digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.

Aspherical ground glass 58mm lens
Larger diameter allows more light to strike the Advanced HAD CCD imagers for greater detail and clarity, while the aspherical lens reduces optical distortion, and provide better corner-to-corner focus.

Manual zoom ring
Allows user operated manual zoom speed for more flexibility and control.

Precision color viewfinder (180K pixels)
Increased pixel count provides more detail and clarity of video subjects.

Manual shutter speed
Gives you optimum control over the shutter speed based upon shooting environment or desired effect

InfoLithium battery with AccuPower meter system
Charge the battery at any time because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries Sony??�s rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening-memory effect. Sony??�s exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in the viewfinder or the LCD screen.

Super SteadyShot optical stabilization system
An advanced version of Sony's SteadyShot system that minimizes even high frequency shake and vibration using motion sensors and an optical active prism stabilizationsystem, for better performance even in difficult shooting situations.

Intelligent Accessory Shoe
Provides power, on/off and special operational commands to a variety of Sony Intelligent Accessories via an 8-pin interface. This enables easy synchronized operation between the Handycam camcorder and such accessories as video lights, infrared lights and microphones without additional batteries or cables.

Progressive Shutter system
Mechanical shutter system that provides Progressive Scan performance while utilizing an interlace scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.

Progressive scanning, which is found in high-end digital televisions and DVD players, helps eliminate irregularities common to video cameras such as flickering images and blurred edges. It also effectively eliminates digital artifacts such as jagged edges and "stair-stepping" effects. Sony's Progressive Shutter System accomplishes this by using a mechanical shutter to compensate for motion blur.

With the Progressive Shutter System, your still pictures will be sharper and clearer with better definition than standard, interlaced video stills. Your fast-moving subjects will be virtually free of flickering, blurring, and other motion-related digital artifacts.

Product Description
SONY DCRVX2100 -- Sony's digital camcorders have been used in theatrically released motion pictures, and the VX2100 ups the ante again, offering higher resolution, wider color bandwidth, and lower noise than ever before Includes - AC adapter, NP-F330 Lithium battery, wireless remote, stereo AV cable, Memory Stick(R) USB reader, & 8MB Memory Stick(R) Dimensions - 6-3/8H x 4-3/4W x 15-1/2D; weighs 3 pounds 6 ounces

Sony DCR-SR300 6.1MP 40GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

Features:

Product Description
The DCR-SR300 will record in Dolby Digital 5.1ch Surround Sound with a built-in microphone. By recording in 5.1 channel Surround Sound you can now experience your home movies with active sounds coming from all directions. The Optical Zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. Carl Zeiss Lenses have an advanced optical multi-Layer coating for increased Contrast. The 2.7-inch Wide (16:9) LCD Screen provides excellent viewing clarity with improved Resolution. The high Resolution 211K Pixel LCD Screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier. An advanced form of SteadyShot(R) Image Stabilization system controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies. This optical stabilization system achieves an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some Digital stabilization systems. Enjoy your personal home movies the way you experienced them while recording. Recording and Playback Times - HQ Up to 9 hours, SP Up to 14 hours, LP Up to 28 hours 35mm Equivalent Optics/Lens - 40-400mm (16 - 9 Camera Mode), 49-490mm (4 - 3 Camera Mode), 40-400mm (16 - 9 Memory Mode) and 37-370mm (4 - 3 Memory Mode) Shutter Speed - Auto, 1/2-1/500(Scene Selection Mode) Scene Modes - Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Snow, Spotlight, Sunrise & Sunset, Twilight and Twilight Portrait Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens Built-in 5.1ch Microphone Docking Station - Handycam(R) Station Compatibility - Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, XP Home and XP Professional Unit Dimensions - 3 x 3 1/8 x 5 1/8 (76x78x128mm)

Sony DCR-SR62 30GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder with 25x Optical Zoom (Handycam Station Included)

Features:

Product Description
The DCR-SR62 Handycam(R) Camcorder captures video on the internal hard disk drive and keeps the action close & personal with the amazing zoom. That's why the DCR-SR62 Handycam(R) Camcorder contains 30GB built-in hard disk drive storage and allows you to capture up to 20 hours of recording time (LP). A brilliant 2.7-inch Touch Panel LCD display keeps the controls at your fingertips while a 25x optical and 2000x digital zoom makes sure you catch all the detail. And when it comes time to share your memories, it couldn't be easier with the one touch disc burn capability and the Memory Stick(R) Duo media slot. The DCR-SR62 puts the simplicity back into shooting and sharing your videos. Handycam Docking Station Built-in Stereo Microphone Recording and Playback Times - Approximately HQ 7 hours, SP 10 hours, LP 20 hours Video Actual - 670 pixel; Still 750 pixel SteadyShot Image Stabilization White Balance - Auto, Indoor, One-push and Outdoor Minimum Illumination - 3 Lux (0 Lux with Super NightShot(R) Plus Infrared System) Low Light Capability - Super NightShot(R) Plus Scene Modes - Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Snow, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, Sunrise & Sunset and Twilight Analog Audio/Video Output Digital Audio/Video Inputs and Outputs 35mm Equivalent - 39-1560mm (16 - 9 Camera Mode), 36-1440mm (4 - 3 Camera Mode), 36-1440mm (4 - 3 Memory Mode) Lens Aperture - f1.8-4.1 Exposure - Touch Panel (32 steps) Filter Diameter - 30mm Focal Distance - 1.9-76mm; Telemacro Mode - 430mm Shutter Speed - Auto, 1/60-1/4000 (Scene Selection Mode) Power Consumption - 2.6W (LCD) Battery Type - InfoLithium(R) with AccuPower(TM) Meter System (NP-FH40) Power Requirements - 7.2V (battery pack), 8.4V (AC Adaptor) Video Recording System - NTSC color and EIA standards Compatibility - Windows 2000 Professional, XP Home and XP Professional Dimensions - 2 7/8 x 2 7/8 x 4 5/

Sony DCR-SR200 2.1MP 40GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

40-gigabyte hard drive stores over 25 hours of long-play video or over 8 hours of high-quality video
2.1-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor for crystal-clear video and still images
10x optical zoom; 80x digital zoom
2.7-inch widescreen touch-panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display
Handycam Station included
Sony DCR-SR200 2.1MP 40GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
The Sony Camcorder has been great; I love the size and the easy use. One major problem I've had is getting it to connect to my Apple iBook. I love using iMovie, but can't get the computer to find the camera when I connect it. I've read other sites saying that they aren't compatible. [after I bought the camera!] But it's still a great camera.