From
the Manufacturer
Introducing
the Sony HVR-Z7U Professional
Camcorder, an industry-leading HDV
handheld camcorder that features 1/3-inch bayonet joint
interchangeable lenses, native progressive recording, and
solid-state memory recording. A streamlined nonlinear editing
workflow can be achieved using the supplied Memory Recording Unit,
which provides HDV/DVCAM/DV file recording on a widely available
CompactFlash solid-state memory card. This groundbreaking new
camcorder features 1080/24p/30p HDV native progressive recording
modes and also includes an HDMI or HD/SD-SDI output. This
next-generation system features the HVR-M35U Video Cassette
Recorder,which has HD/SD-SDI output. These new solutions enhance
the operational versatility of the Sony's professional HDV lineup,
and open up a world of possibilities for high-definition digital
video production. Whether it’s for documentaries, mainstream
news, low-budget movies, music videos, Internet, education, or a
wide range of industrial applications, Sony’s new HDV camcorders
are ideal.
Sony HVR-Z7U Highlights
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HDV,
DVCAM and DV Recording on a miniDV Cassette tape The
HVR-Z7U accepts miniDV cassette tapes,which provide over 60
minutes recording time for HDV and DV formats, over 40 minutes for
DVCAM format.
An Ideal Handheld Camcorder Design Sony
has responded to professional user feedback to create the ideal
handheld camcorder with ergonomically designed body-weight balance
and a well-planned layout of buttons and connectors to reduce
camera operator fatigue.
New XtraFine LCD and EVF Offer High-resolution, High-contrast
Images
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XtraFine
LCD A
3.2-inch (viewable area, measured diagnally) type XtraFine LCD
is located on the HVR-Z7U in the same position as on the
HVR-Z1U. The high pixel number of approximately 921,000 dots
is around four times greater than the LCD of the HVR-Z1U, and
this higher resolution allows for easier focus adjustments.
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XtraFine
EVF The
0.45 inch type XtraFine EVF (Electronic View Finder) has
approximately 1,227,000 dots (852x3[RGB]x480). This device has
three independent LEDs for R,G, and B colors. This technology
allows users to check objects with remarkable color
reproduction and resolution. The EVF has a selectable display
mode between color or black and white.
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Common
Features of the XtraFine LCD and EVF 100%
full-scan display – helps you to check the entire recorded
area. Plus, 6500k color temperature--standard for professional
monitors.
InfoLITHIUM
L Series Battery Compatible The
HVR-Z7U professional camcorder uses the same InfoLithium batteries as the HVR-Z1U,
HVR-V1U, and DSR-PD170, so you can fully utilize your existing
battery and charger assets.
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HDMI
output connector Uncompressed
digital HD video and audio signals are output from the HDMI
connector. You can see stunning HD images on the HDMI-compatible
monitor display. During shooting, the pre-compressed
1920x1080i/4:2:2 signal is output from the HDMI connector.
Smooth Slow Rec The
Smooth Slow Rec function of the HVR-Z7U professional camcorder enables
slow-motion playback by capturing images 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, DVCAM, or
DV format) as slow-motion pictures lasting 12 seconds. This allows
recorded images to be checked immediately in the field. Although
the resolution of the picture quality is decreased, this function
is effective for some applications that don’t need full HD
quality, such as Internet movies or the analysis of moving objects
like a golf swing, for example.
Two Accessory Shoes The
HVR-Z7U features two accessory shoes. There is a cold shoe on the
front that can be removed to make room for a mattebox. While at
the rear, there is a screw-hole type shoe located on the
handle,which can be changed to a cold shoe, if required, using
supplied parts.
Two Screw Holes for Secure Connection To
provide a more secure connection between the camcorder and tripod
plate or other accessories, two screw holes have been
incorporated.
One-touch Clip-type Microphone Holder A
one-touch clip-type microphone holder makes it easy to remove the
microphone for quick storage.
New Lineup Expanding the HDV Format World Sony’s
commitment to HDV has resulted in the remarkable evolution of
cutting-edge technology equipment, such as the HVR-Z7U,which uses
the popular HDV1080i recording specification. The HDV1080i
specification uses one of the 'MPEG2 Long GOP' compression
profiles. This highly efficient and robust "MPEG2 Long
GOP" codec - which is also used in the Sony XDCAM HD and
XDCAM EX series--enables users to record stunning-quality HD
video. The HVR-Z7U provides over 60 minutes of recording time
using the widely available miniDV videotape. Native editing in the
HDV format is now supported by most popular NLE (Nonlinear
editing) software. Additionally, the HDV signals can be recorded
as a file on non-tape media. For example,when using the supplied
CompactFlash (CF) Memory Recording Unit--images can be stored on a
standard CF card for quick nonlinear editing. The optional
HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit can be used in the same manner,
with images being recorded on to its large-capacity 60GB hard
drive, which provides 4.5 hours of recording time.
Switchable Recording and Playback--HDV1080i/DVCAM/DV The
HVR-Z7U can switch between HDV 1080i, DVCAM, and DV recording,
providing full flexibility to record in either standard definition
or high definition depending on your production needs.
Built-in Down-converter for SD Production Sony
HVR-Z7U professional camcorder can convert material from 1080i down to 480i, and output
the video signals through its i.LINK interface and other SD output
connectors. This allows users to edit recorded material with a
compatible nonlinear editing system using current DV editing
software, as well as record SD signals to an external VTR.
Cutting-edge imaging System for New Camcorders
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1/3
inch-type 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system The
newly developed 1/3-inch type 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system has
45-degree rotated pixels on each chip in order to increase the
signal density,while each pixel maintains sufficient surface area.
In combination with Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP), the 3
ClearVid CMOS Sensor system achieves high resolution, high
sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and excellent color reproduction.
The pixel shift interpolation technique has been traditionally
used in small 3CCD camcorders. However, it normally requires the
combination of all three color element (RGB) signals to maximize
resolution. If an object lacks one or more color elements, the
resolution of the object may be degraded. The 3 ClearVid CMOS
Sensor system is different. It can always produce maximum
resolution, regardless of the balance between color elements,
thanks to its unique and sophisticated interpolation technology.
Enhanced Functionality via the Technology of Exmor
Sony
HVR-Z7U professional camcorder offers cutting-edge features, such as the technology of
Exmor developed by Sony,which utilizes the full potential of the 3
ClearVid CMOS Sensor system. The technology of Exmor,which
features the column-parallel A/D conversion technique and the dual
noise cancelling method are also used in other camera products
from Sony. Multiple A/D (analog to digital) converters on each
pixel row convert analog signals to digital as soon as they are
generated, unlike traditional technology that only has one A/D
converter on each chip. The technology of Exmor can eliminate the
influence of external noise that enters the signal chain during
transfer to the A/D converter, resulting in high-quality digital
signals with extremely low noise. This significantly enhances
shooting in low-light environments. By adopting this
groundbreaking technology, the new 1/3-inch 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor
system enables the HVR-Z7U to achieve a low light sensitivity of
just 1.5 lux.
Interchangeable Lens System Offers Unlimited Possibilities
Carl Zeiss Lens for HD Video as Standard A
high-quality, multi-purpose Carl Zeiss lens for HD video comes as
standard with the Sony
HVR-Z7U professional camcorder. Stunning resolution and contrast is
achieved thanks to the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* coating, which
suppresses unwanted reflections. A specially designed wide-angle
lens is also available as an option, to suit a diverse range of
shooting requirements.
Easy-to-use Interchangeable Lens for Fixed-lens Camcorder Users These
lenses give the Sony HVR-Z7U the same functionality as popular
fixed-lens camcorders like the HVR-Z1U and HVR-V1U, thanks to
built-in features such as auto-focus, optical stabilizer,and
automatic back-focus adjustment. Current users of the above
camcorders will easily become adept at using the HVR-Z7U and even
if they have never used interchangeable lenses.
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Natural-touch
Lens Operation
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Focus The
newly designed focus ring offers two types of manual focus,
plus an auto focus mode that can be easily switched by sliding
the focus ring forward or backward. When the focus ring is in
the front position, the lens works in the same way as the
HVR-Z1U, HVR-V1U, and DSR-PD170. In this case, either manual
or auto focus mode can be selected by the assignable button on
the lens. On the other hand, when the focus ring is set to the
rear position, the focus ring has a physical stop at infinity
and works in the same way as a professional interchangeable
lens, with fixed-focus-position and distance indicators.
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Zoom Fast,
intuitive manual-zoom response is provided by an internal
gearwheel mechanism that provides accurate zoom positioning. A
high-quality servo-motor provides the smooth zooming
performance that industry professionals have come to rely on.
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Iris The
iris ring encircles the lens barrel. Manual iris adjustment is
possible with an ENG-type ring system that allows fine
exposure control for challenging lighting situations.
Wide
Range of Lenses
The flexible bayonet lens attachment system allows you to use a
wide range of lenses. Standard 1/3-inch HD video lenses, from
manufacturers such as Fujinon and Canon, can be attached directly
to the HVR-Z7U. If you’d like to attach a 2/3-inch or 1/2-inch
HD video lens on the Sony
HVR-Z7U, it is possible to do so by adding a
standard lens adaptor from the lens manufacturer. The HVR-Z7U
camcorders have 12-pin lens connectors allowing compatibility with
professional ENG lenses. This feature is very useful not only for
those who already have these professional HD video lenses, but
also for those who prefer to use HD digital cinema lenses for
their unique contrast, color, and atmosphere.
New Manual Camera settings
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Three
ND filters (1/4, 1/16, 1/64) The
HVR-Z7U has three built-in ND (Neutral Density) filters,which
help users to reduce light intensity under bright shooting
conditions.
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Negative
Gain settings
of -6 and -3 dB have also been added to help reduce
sensitivity under bright lighting conditions. When the iris
needs to be opened to create a short depth of field, a
suitable brightness can be achieved with this function.
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The
Smooth Gain function is
a smooth transition gain system that avoids sudden brightness
changes caused by manual gain-level adjustment. With this
function, the brightness changes gradually when the gain-level
position is switched and avoids any sudden, unwanted iris
adjustment.
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The
Smooth WB Feature is
a smooth transition white balance system that avoids unnatural
sudden color temperature changes between preset white balance
settings. For example, this function is useful when you move
from an artificial, low-light environment inside a building,
to bright natural sunlight outside.
Shooting
Support Functions
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Advanced
Histogram The
Histogram Indicator for brightness can be displayed on the LCD
monitor and viewfinder, allowing operators to easily evaluate
the brightness of captured images. A target window appears in
the center of the screen and the brightness level is indicated
by a vertical red line in the histogram. The zebra indicator
level appears as a yellow vertical line in the histogram as
reference for proper exposure.
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Six
types of AE available
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AE
Window Six
types of AE (Auto Exposure) can be selected to automatically
adjust the exposure to the most suitable level.
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Camera
Leveling The
HVR-Z7U has a built-in 3D gravity (3G) sensor, which detects
the horizontal level of the camcorder and displays it via an
indicator in the LCD/EVF. This digital leveler function makes
it possible to obtain a horizontal level reading even when
shooting without a tripod.
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Focus
Marking When
the focus position needs to be manually moved to pre-decided
positions, you can put up to two markers (A and B) on a focus
position indicator in the LCD/EVF as reference points. When
the focus position becomes aligned with one of these markers,
it will begin to flash. This allows you to keep your eye on
the subject of your shot, without having to check the focus
indicator on the lens.
Picture
Profile Up
to six different picture-quality settings, including gamma and
color settings, can be registered in the memory as picture
profiles. This labor-saving function allows operators to easily
recall customized picturequality settings for various shooting
conditions. It is also useful for matching footage shot at
different times or for multi-camera setups. The picture-profile
functions of the Sony
HVR-Z7U include enhanced versions from the
HVR-Z1U or HVR-V1U, plus a selection of new functions.
Color Depth Generally,
the brightness of a video image increases as the color level
becomes more vivid. In these new camcorders, the brightness and
color level are processed independently so that more flexible
tone--for instance, a dark image with a vivid color--is realized
by 3D-LUT color processing.
Note: 3D-LUT = three-dimensional look-up table.
Color Correction The
Color Correction function of the Sony HVR-Z1U has been improved in the
Sony
HVR-Z7U camcorder. Color Correction provides two functions for
creative shooting. The Color Extraction function can retain up to
two desired colors of monitored pictures in the screen, while
making all other colors black and white. The advanced function
allows users to select the color simply by pressing a button to
memorize the center color of the captured image.
