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Sony HVR-HD1000U MiniDV 1080i High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

Manufacturer Description

The HVR-HD1000U was created to meet the growing demand from users who are looking for mobility and professional appearance. This camcorder features a shoulder-mount design and black matte body similar to that of professional camcorders; making it perfect for weddings, corporate communications, colleges, universities, and sporting events where appearance makes a difference. Premium design characteristics and high-definition HDV1080i recording are the main features of this new one-piece shoulder camcorder, ideal for working videographers on a budget. A built-in down-converter creates DV material, perfect for standard DVD productions. Plus, a special still photo mode is ideal for producing DVD cases and making wedding photo albums. Whether you are recording weddings and corporate communications or helping students make a documentary, the HVR-HD1000U is the best choice on the market today as an entry level professional camcorder.

Sony HVR-HD1000U Highlights

High-quality Imaging System

1/2.9-inch Clear Vid CMOS Sensor The next generation of Sony imaging sensor, the ClearVid CMOS Sensor used in the HVR-HD1000U camcorder, is quite unique and different from current CMOS technology. The ClearVid CMOS Sensor uses a unique pixel layout rotated 45 degrees to provide high resolution and high sensitivity. This pixel layout technology is also used in higher end professional camcorders. The ClearVid CMOS Sensor, coupled with an Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP), generates stunning images. Moreover, thanks to the CMOS technology, bright objects do not cause vertical smear.

Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonner T* lens with optical 10x zoom The HVR-HD1000U camcorder can adapt to a wide range of shooting situations and features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonner T* lens with 10x optical zoom, as featured on higher end professional HDV camcorders. The T* lens coating suppresses unwanted reflections and faithfully reproduces colors for professional-looking results.

Super SteadyShot (Optical) Image Stabilizer The Super SteadyShot (Optical) feature of the HVR-HD1000U is an image stabilizer using an active optical lens method that functions without any deterioration in image quality. The lens itself shifts vertically and horizontally to compensate for the polarized light axis in real time.

Professional Design

Shoulder-mount design The HVR-HD1000U is lightweight and easy to use even for beginners. It provides a professional camcorder shoulder-mount design that allows for easy balance and stable operation.

Wide Clear Photo LCD plus Monitor on Viewfinder Unit Provides Easy Viewing A large, freely rotating 2.7-inch LCD screen is located on the top of the viewfinder unit to provide easy viewing when the HVR-HD1000U camcorder is in a low-level position or on a tripod. This also makes it easy for a director or client to see what the camera operator is shooting. The LCD uses a 211,200 dots widescreen Clear Photo LCD plus device that provides proper brightness and a high level of color reproduction.

Ergonomically Designed Handle The ergonomically designed handle of the HVR-HD1000U camcorder contains a convenient record button and zoom control, essential for low position shooting. There are two cold shoes on the front and rear of the handle. You can attach two accessories like the HVL-LBP Battery Video Light and HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit.

Camera Control Ring A special camera control ring is located on the lens unit of the HVR-HD1000U camcorder. Any one of the following functions can be assigned to the ring for easy adjustment:

• Focus (default)
• Zoom
• Brightness
• Shutter
• Video: 1/4~1/10000 sec
• Photo: 1/4~1/500 sec
• AE Shift
• WB Shift

HDV - the Accessible HD Recording Format HD can be recorded on DigitalMaster professional tape as well as consumer MiniDV. video and television technology, as well as viewer preferences, are moving from standard definition (SD) to high definition (HD) - just like black and white television moved to color in the past. HD has almost twice the number of scanning lines available with SD. This means you can see much sharper detail and finer image quality when your work is viewed on an HD display monitor. The HVR-HD1000U adopts the HDV format for HD recording. The HDV format allows you to shoot approximately 63 minutes of HD video on a miniDV cassette tape. There are two standards of HDV format; One is HDV720p and the other is HDV1080i,which has 1,080 scanning lines and is used by most broadcasters already using HD. Sony has adopted the HDV1080i standard for all its HDV products.

Full Compatibility with your Current DV System The HVR-HD1000U offers benefits for SD productions, as well as HD. It is easy to use HDV recordings for your current DV editing work. The HVR-HD1000U has a down-conversion feature that outputs converted DV signals through the i.LINK connector to your current DV non-linear editing system, while retaining an HD master on the tape for future use. Furthermore, the HVR-HD1000U offers a DV recording mode (4:3 or 16:9), which can provide a recording time of approximately 120 minutes in LP mode.

HVR-DR60 Brings HDV to IT Workflows The optional external HVR-DR60 hard disk recording unit gives you a hybrid operation,where video and audio are recorded simultaneously to hard disk drive (HDD) and tape. The HDV or DV images are recorded as movie files in the HDD for quick nonlinear editing, enabling the operator to archive the source tape as soon as the shoot is finished.

Other Features

Long Operating Time With infoLITHIUM L Series Battery The HVR-HD1000U camcorder uses standard infoLITHIUM L series batteries, like the DSR-PD170, HVR-Z1U, and HVR-V1U. With the NP-F970, a maximum operating time of approximately 10 hours can be achieved thanks to the power management system and low power consumption of the ClearVid CMOS sensor.

Smooth Slow Rec The Smooth Slow Rec function of the HVR-HD1000U camcorder enables slow-motion playback by capturing images at four times faster than the normal field rate (240 fields/s). In this mode, quad-speed images are captured for three seconds, stored in the built-in buffer memory, and then recorded to tape (in either HDV or DV format) as slow-motion pictures lasting 12 seconds.

Super NightShot The Super NightShot function of the HVR-HD1000U camcorder uses a built-in infrared light emitter that allows you to record an object in zero lux light levels. It also enables night-time monitoring and surveillance.

Diverse Range of Photo-creation Functions

While the HVR-HD1000U doesn??�t contain all the features you??�d find in higher end professional camcorders, such as DVCAM recording/playback, XLR audio connectors, and TC preset menu, it does boast a diverse range of photo-creation functions. These photo-creation functions are available at the touch of a button. You can store high-quality still images on Memory Stick Duo media, and then use them to design DVD cases,website content, news, etc.

Photo Mode In Photo mode of the HVR-HD1000U camcorder, you can take 6.1-megapixel, 2848 x 2136-quality, 4:3-aspect images.

Dual Rec You can take 4.6-megapixel (16:9-aspect) photos while you are shooting HDV video simply by pressing the photo button.

Capturing from Recorded Video In case you missed the perfect timing for your still photo while videotaping, you can capture and save still frames from recorded video by just pressing the photo button of the HVR-HD1000U camcorder during playback. HDV footage will give you a 1.2-megapixel, 1440 x 810 pixel still image of that magic moment.

Workflow Using HDV Shooting and Photo Data Creation For working videographers starting out with a limited budget, the HVR-HD1000U camcorder provides flexibility and an amazing selection of features like HDV shooting and photo data creation. Even if you are still using SD for your projects, HD is the way of the future. Down-conversion allows you to shoot in HD to create a high-quality master tape and still use your existing DV nonlinear editing system and SD display monitor for playback and viewing.

?�Canon VIXIA HV30 MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

Manufacturer Description

For tech-savvy, sophisticated and discerning videographers who demand a first-rate quality camcorder, Canon??�s HV30 enables them to capture the ultimate in HD video and still photo quality. The HV30 offers the unparalleled combination of a 10x HD Video lens, a 2.96-megapixel CMOS image sensor, and a DIGIC DV II processor, all packaged in an elegant HDV camcorder.

Featuring Canon??�s exclusive SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer to stabilize a wide range of movements, a built-in video light to easily shoot in dark settings, and the new 2.7-inch multi-angle Vivid LCD acreen to view from various angles with true color representation and contrast, your shooting possibilities are now boundless. Beyond that, you can capture amazing HD detail and color reproduction while achieving critical focus with Instant AF. Create the look and feel of Hollywood movies with the 24p Cinema Mode or choose 30p Progressive Mode to capture fast action with optimization for the web. With HD and SD recording modes, you can make the move to HD while retaining compatibility with standard definition equipment. The HV30 is easy to use and delivers the high level of performance you??�ve come to expect from a Canon camcorder.

Vixia HV30 Highlights

HDV format The HV30 records true 1080 resolution, high-definiton video. The HV30 is capable of recording and playing back HD images using MiniDV cassette tapes.

Canon Full HD CMOS image sensor (1920x1080) The HV30 features a Canon manufactured HD CMOS image sensor. Similar to its use in Canon??�s EOS Series digital SLR cameras, the CMOS sensor reproduces high-resolution images as true HD movies. Canon??�s HD CMOS sensor acquires image information at 1920x1080 pixels. Canon??�s HD CMOS sensor also features on-chip noise reduction technology. This low noise technology feature means that even in dimly-lit scenes, the signals from each pixel are as pure as possible, with minimal "noise" or other aberrations.

RGB Primary Color Filter Whether you??�re shooting video or photos, you will appreciate the HV30's stunning, high-definition image production. For rich, accurate color, the HV30 uses an RGB Primary Color Filter. It separates light into red, green, and blue color components, resulting in vibrant images with natural-looking tones similar to what you??�d obtain from 3CCD camcorders.

Genuine Canon Optics With more than 70 years of expertise in manufacturing lenses for professional broadcast and photography, The Canon names represents optical excellence. That's why Canon's expertise in designing lenses for photography and broadcast television goes into every camcorder lens we make.

10x HD video lens The HV30 comes equipped with a 10x HD video lens. An aspherical lens is used to help achieve low aberration and high resolution, the HV30 lens also features super spectra coating technology which lowers flare and ghosting. A gradation ND system is used for better exposure in bright shooting situations. This lens design creates true HD image quality.

DIGIC DV II image processor DIGIC DV II is the next generation of Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology designed specifically for HD. Since video and still images have different color requirements, DIGIC DV II HD digital signal processing ensures optimal image quality for both HD video and still images. Thanks to DIGIC DV II image processing, the HV30 produces video with improved color reproduction -- especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also uses a hybrid noise reduction system that employs two types of noise reduction -- for images that are crystal clear.

SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer The HV30 features Canon??�s SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Utilizing a Hybrid detection method (combining vector and gyro detection method) corrects camera shake instantly for steady shots. And unlike other optical stabilization systems, Canon??�s Super Range OIS covers a wide range of movements while preserving image quality. It is even effective while taking photos.

30p Progressive Mode 30p Progressive Mode is a progressive format that delivers clarity for fast-action subjects and is the perfect frame rate for the web. Plus, it is ideal for displaying crisp images on your home theatre system or computer monitor. Before now 30p was exclusively featured on pro-level camcorders but Canon now offers the widest frame rate options for every videographer.

24p Cinema Mode 24p Cinema Mode is a feature demanded by professional filmmakers and previously, only available on pro-level camcorders. 24p Cinema Mode enables all aspiring movie makers to achieve a professional "film-look". This mode is actually two different features, which can be used independently, or together, depending on the user??�s preference.
1. The frame rate changes to 24p -- the same frame rate as movie film
2. The HV30 changes the color and tonal characteristics to make you feel like you are watching a movie in the theatre.

2.7-inch Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD The HV30 is equipped with a Multi-Angle Vivid LCD. This newly-designed screen offers two key advantages for easy, flexible operation.
1. A wide viewing angle - view from any direction
2. A wide color range - provide robust, accurate color

Instant AF (Auto Focus) Instant AF is Canon??�s new and advanced autofocus system. Using a Hybrid Control system, the Instant AF makes it easy to focus on previously difficult subjects. It dramatically decreases the time it takes to achieve proper focus and increases accuracy especially in low-light and high-brightness situations.

HDMI terminal The HDMI terminal transports high definition video signal with audio in one cable to your HD television. The new standard in HD connection.

Advanced Accessory Shoe terminal The Advanced Accessory Shoe allows the use of additional accessories such as a video light and directional microphone.

Built-in electronic lens cover A built-in electronic lens cover automatically opens when the camcorder is turned on and closes when turned off. There is no dangling lens cover to lose.

Program AE Mode The HV30 gives you a choice of settings that automatically result in the best exposure for different conditions. Scene modes include: Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, and Fireworks. Each adjusts your camcorder's settings to compensate for different lighting conditions and different subjects.

Simultaneous photo capture While shooting an HD movie, you can simultaneously capture a 2-megapixel photo to a memory card by simply pressing the photo button. It??�s perfect for anytime you don??�t want to miss a moment.

Built-in video light Increase your low-light capabilities even further by shooting with the HV30. Featuring a Video light, the HV30 enables you shoot subjects in color in low-light at distances up to 4.9 feet away.

Microphone terminal with audio level control The HV30 features a microphone terminal for attaching an external microphone. The audio level can be manually adjusted for greater flexibility. A level meter is shown in the LCD screen.

Headphone Terminal The audio/video terminal doubles as a headphone terminal for monitoring sound while recording.

Focus Assist function When shooting high-definition, a properly focused subject is more critical than ever. With one push of the Focus Assist Button (during manual focus setting), video zoom and peaking (for emphasizing image contours) are displayed. Not to worry, this is automatically cancelled when recording is started.

Level Shot and Grid Markers It's easy to keep your HV30 level for more professional-looking video. Simply press the Level Shot Control button, and a horizontal marker appears in your viewfinder. Line up any horizontal lines in your shot to the marker and you know your camcorder is level. Also, the Grid marker is very convenient for setting up the special balance in your shots. Since background colors vary, you can select from two line colors to make the lines easily visible.

Smooth Zoom Control With this innovative feature, you can always be sure of smooth, steady, professional looking zoom shots. Simply select one of three pre-set zoom speeds. You can also select variable so you can control the speed manually.

3.1-megapixel photos Capture stunning 3.1-megapixel photos in 4:3 aspect ratio to a miniSD card (2.07-megapixel photos at 16:9).

Advanced Photo Features

• 9-point Ai-AF mode
• Record 3 MP photos to a MiniSD card
• Simultaneous photo recording (at 2 megapixels)
• Photo grab
• Histogram display
• Built-in flash
• Easy Print/Share button
• Auto Exposure Bracketing
• Metering Modes (Evaluative, Center-Weighted Average, Spot)

Photo grab With this professional level feature, capture photos during playback. With one push of a button you can "grab" a 2-megapixel still from your HD video footage. There is no need to worry about taking a photo while you??�re shooting.

9-point Ai-AF mode Auto Intelligent Auto Focus ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn't in the center of the frame, the HV30's Ai-AF function will automatically select from 9 metering frames on the screen to help bring images into sharp focus.

Built-in flash Capture superb images in low light and indoor photography settings.

Histogram display Commonly used in Canon??�s line of digital SLR cameras, the HV30 features a Histogram display. With just one push of a button, the brightness information of a still image is revealed. This allows you to monitor image quality so you can make adjustments to improve the next shots.

Print/Share button For fast and easy, one-touch printing of your photos at home, simply press the camcorder??�s Print & Share Button. The button can also be used for one-touch downloading of your images to a computer.

1 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty Canon??�s camcorder limited warranty provides protection long after other manufacturers??� warranties expire.?�

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Panasonic Pro AG-DVX100B 3-CCD MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

Product Description
With the Panasonic AG-DVX100B DV PROLINE Camcorder, you'll take your digital video recording a step further. This advanced digital camera delivers incredible image quality, superior functions and easy operation. Its high-level specifications and design improvements cater to the wishes of amateurs and the needs of professionals. Mobile, versatile and easy to use, the AG-DVX100B has everything you need for creative content production and active image gathering. Smoother zooming and focusing, with extended 30-second slow zoom User-assignable buttons give you instant, one-touch access to setup functions Viewfinder features B/W display mode and detail function for easier focusing High-quality wide-image recording in letterbox mode (16 - 9) Outstanding sensitivity - F11 @2000 lux, min illumination - 3 lux (at +18dB) Edge enhancement for easy focusing - Peaking (switchable on/off) in EVF and 3.5 LCD Supports 480i/60 (NTSC), Cinema-style 480p/24fps, and 480p/30fps image capture Precision wide-angle Lens with Servo/Manual Zoom (with stops & barrel markings) Auto/Manual Focus f1.6 with 72mm filter size Conventional 4 - 3 aspect ratio and 16 - 9 letterbox image capture modes Large centrally located pivoting electronic viewfinder usable for left or right eye Flip-out 270 3.5 LCD panel with superimposed audio metering on both LCD & EVF S-Video, Video & Stereo Audio IN & OUT

From the Manufacturer
Already used for film and TV program production as well as news gathering, Panasonic's DVX100 series has now evolved further with the AG-DVX100B. The AG-DVX100B debuts as the industry's first DV camera-recorder to allow camera-to-camera time-code synchro and user-settable file transfer. This allows the AG-DVX100B to be used for simultaneous multi-camera recording techniques often used in video production. Additionally, the new model offers remote focus and iris control for easier operation when mounted on a jib arm or tripod. The Black Sapphire AG-DVX100B offers the acclaimed performance and multiple functions of previous high-end DV camera-recorders models. In addition to superior image quality, high sensitivity, 24P/30P Cinema mode, and manual operation, it has the specifications needed for full-fledged professional video production.

Lightweight design with balanced grip
The AG-DVX100B introduces a new design that ends the contradiction between a compact, lightweight body and a stable, secure hold. The center of balance is located precisely at the handgrip. Because there's no need for a wide-angle conversion lens, the weight balance is ideal for comfortable shooting. The AG-DVX100B's short body and light weight ??� it weighs only 4.189 lb (1.9Kg) in operating condition* ??� means free, easy maneuverability. Plus, the low-center-of-gravity design and new skeleton lens hood greatly improve forward vision. *Camera-recorder with DV cassette tape and supplied battery. New AG-DVX100B functions (compared with the AG-DVX100A)
Allows synchronous setting of time-code values in multiple cameras User-settable files can be copied from camera to camera Remote control of focus and iris (wired) EVF and LCD can display images in 16:9 letter-box format

Superior image rendering with the Leica Dicomar lens, plus OIS
The Leica Dicomar lens featured in the AG-DVX100B incorporates Leica optical technology and know-how. Use of low-dispersion glass reduces color aberration and increases resolution, while a multi-coating process minimizes flare and ghosting. The results are sharp, crisp, beautifully rendered images with delicate nuances and exceptional shading. The lens system features 15 lens elements in 11 groups, including three aspherical lenses. Panasonic's advanced OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) drastically cuts the blurring caused by hand shake. Optical processing with an automatic correction function helps assure consistently clear, sharp images.

410,000-Pixel, 3CCD image system provides f11 sensitivity for superior image quality
Panasonic designed the AG-DVX100B to deliver the highest sensitivity and picture quality in its class. At its heart is a 3CCD RGB system comprising three 1/3-inch, 410,000-pixel progressive CCDs developed especially for broadcast and professional applications. The new on-chip lens design achieves high F11 sensitivity, allowing the AG-DVX100B to record in light as dim as below three lux, for example, in nighttime news gathering. Picture quality is outstanding, with a high S/N ratio that means less noise in darker parts of the image and low smear that allows shooting in sunlight or under bright spotlights.

High-sensitivity slow shutter (in cumulative) function
The slow shutter function uses image accumulation to enable shutter speeds with frame rates reduced by half or more. You get the ultra-high sensitivity needed for nighttime shooting without illumination, as well as dramatic frame-by-frame or soft-focus effects.

High image quality with 12-Bit A/D conversion
The AG-DVX100B features an A/D converter that uses the same 12-bit processing as broadcast camera-recorders. Precisely digitizing the gradation and colors captured by the progressive CCD, this A/D converter supports gamma switching and other fine downstream image adjustments--one of the keys to achieving rich image expression.

RGB gamma processor provides rich, cine-like tones
Panasonic has greatly expanded the expressive capability of the DV camera by creating unique gamma functions such as Cine-Like gamma curves, which produce images strikingly similar in tone to film images. For each of the RGB signals, the gamma curve settings are processed immediately upstream from the digital signal processing circuit. This helps achieve outstanding image quality.

The AG-DVX100B continues with the tradition of the seven gamma curves pioneered with the DVX100A.

High-quality, native progressive 24p/30p mode
Choose from three shooting modes: 24p (24 frames per second (fps), progressive) for images with the look and motion of film movies, 30p (30 fps, progressive), or standard 60i (60 fps, interlace). Thanks to its progressive CCD, the AG-DVX100B creates native progressive images with outstanding vertical resolution--unlike images produced using conventional electronic interpolation. With its high mobility and low costs, the AG-DVX100B is the ideal tool for producing indies, shorts, or streaming video.

24p Advance Mode--for 24p non-linear editing
In 24p mode, images from the CCD can be 2:3 pulldown-converted (24p Mode) or 2:3:3:2 pulldown-converted (24p Advance Mode) and recorded onto tape in the standard 60i TV format. The tape can then be played back or edited using an ordinary DV system. True 24p editing can be achieved by uploading 2:3:3:2 pulldown-converted images via an IEEE 1394 DV interface to a compatible non-linear editing system.* The 24p Advance Mode allows 60i/24p conversion with minimal picture degradation and on the fly 24 frame extraction.

*Systems compatible with 24PA as of June 2005: Apple Power Mac G4/G5 with FCP 4, Avid Xpress Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, Sonic Solutions Vegas

Improved color reproduction and advanced image adjustments built-in
?�

• Optimized color separation optics help provide true-to-life colors
• "Enriched" matrix setting offers more saturated colors
• Adjustable V detail level (edge correction in vertical direction), H/V detail balance, and detail coring (detail noise removal)
• Knee point (luminance compression) settings
• Auto, Low, Mid and High 24p/30p shooting functions for professionals
• Focus assist*
• Gain up (+12 dB max.)
• SMPTE color bar display and output

*Autofocus in 24p/30p mode requires slightly more focusing time than in 60i mode.

Wide-angle/zoom lens answers professional needs
The AG-DVX100B's zoom lens extends all the way to 4.5 millimeters (equivalent to 32.5mm on a 35mm lens), covering the full wide-angle range needed in most broadcast and professional shooting. It gives you ample range for close-ups, recording in small rooms, and self-recorded interviews. There's no need to carry around a bulky wide-angle conversion lens. And with a minimum object distance (MOD) of approximately 0.6 meter (1.9 feet) in telephoto mode, the AG-DVX100B has the maneuverability of a handheld camera.

Fast, smooth cam-driven manual zoom
The cam-driven (mechanical) manual zoom ring provides the same smooth, easy zooming as cameras with interchangeable lenses. Its direct operation gives you fast, precise zooming control. You'll also notice the AG-DVX100B's improved operating feel. When you turn the zoom ring, you experience the familiar steady resistance as with familiar 35mm lenses.

The AG-DVX100B is also equipped with a servo-driven zoom that allows slow zooming. Slowest zoom has been reduced to a dramatic 30 seconds from 20 seconds.

Focus assist

Enjoy quick, sharp focusing manually or automatically. In manual mode, the focus ring provides the similar operating feel and responsive control as conventional cameras with interchangeable lenses. In auto mode, you get the quick, sharp focusing needed in news gathering or when shooting at a high or low angle.

When set to infinity, the focal distance is immediately prepared for the next manual focus. When in manual mode, pressing the Push Auto button temporarily activates auto focus.

Macro focus can be achieved either manually or automatically when the zoom lens is in the wide angle position.

What's in the box
Camera, eye cup, lens hood, lens cap, lens cap strap, microphone holder, shoulder strap, AC adapter, AC cable, DC cable, battery, wireless remote control unit, Master Series tape

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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