New flexibility, new features, new opportunities
The HVR-Z7P is the world's first HDV handheld camcorder with an interchangeable lens system, native progressive recording, and solid-state memory recording.
A variety of video lenses can be attached to the HVR-Z7P, which is equipped with a universal standard 1/3-inch bayonet mount mechanism for the quick changing of lenses.
Added to this a streamlined nonlinear editing workflow can be achieved using the supplied memory-recording unit, which provides HDV/DVCAM/DV file recording on a standard CompactFlash® solid-state memory card. This offers customers varying levels of flexibility and hybrid operation which is becoming an important requirement in video production.
The HVR-Z7P also features 25p HDV native progressive recording mode and HDMI output.
This new handheld Camcorder further enhances the operational versatility of the Sony professional HDV lineup, and opens up a world of possibilities for high-definition digital video production. Whether it's for documentaries, general TV production, low-budget movies, music videos, IPTV, education, or a wide range of corporate and event videography applications, Sony's new HVR-Z7P is ideal.
NEW Interchangeable Lens System
This camcorder is fitted with a new 1/3inch interchangeable lens system allowing customers either to use the supplied Carl Zeiss lens or use a whole range of other lenses available on the market.
- This is the first compact camcorder to offer interchangeable lens options.
- Flexible usage - the camera can be used for a myriad of different applications using different lenses, from TV work, through to budget movie making and with the use of still's lenses, wildlife videography.
- Various optional lens adaptor rings will allow conversion to 1/2inch or 2/3inch, plus an additional lens adaptor for Sony Alpha lenses.
- The supplied lens features professional operation with a new manual focus ring and zoom and iris rings.
NEW 1/3inch ClearVid CMOS Processor
Newly developed 1/3inch x 3 ClearVid CMOS processor offers high resolution, high sensitivity, wide dynamic range and excellent colour reproduction.
- Offers greater resolution than existing pixel-shift technologies regardless of the balance between colour elements.
- Offers great low-light capabilities especially important for camera operators who cannot control their ambient lighting., e.g. wedding videographers.
- Lower power consumption than traditional CCD's.
- 'Exmor' technology employed in the the new CMOS processor reduces noise in the A/D process.
NEW Selectable 25p Progressive Modes
The HVR-Z7P offers the ability to choose between a 25p scanning mode (sames as HVR-V1E) but also a 25p 'native' recording mode. In this native recording mode the picture is both scanned and recorded as a progressive image.
Further improves the progressive reproduction by both scanning and recording progressively.
Provides further flexibility of use. e.g. The camera can be used for a variety of applications from budget-movie making in 25p mode to standard interlace TV productions.
Offers camera operators the use of the progressive 'filmic look', coupled with gamma curve correction makes the camera ideal for movie production.
Key Features
Switchable Recording and Playback- HDV1080i/DVCAM/DVThe HVR-Z7P can switch between HDV1080i, 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 ProductionThe HVR-Z7P can convert material from 1080i down to 576i, 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.
1/3-inch type 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor SystemThe 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 colour reproduction.
The pixel shift interpolation technique has been traditionally used in low-end 3CCD camcorders. However, it normally requires the combination of all three colour element (RGB) signals to maximize resolution. If an object lacks one or more colour 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 colour elements, thanks to its unique and sophisticated interpolation technology.
Enhanced Functionality via the Technology of "ExmorThe HVR-Z7P 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, is also used in the PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX camcorder and ?(Alpha)Digital SLR (Single Lens-Reflex) camera 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-Z7P to achieve a low light sensitivity of just 1.5 lux.
This will be of extreme importance to customers who shoot in lighting conditions that they can't control, e.g. wedding videographers.
Wide Range of LensesThe 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-Z7P.
If you'd like to attach a 2/3-inch or 1/2-inch HD video lens on to the HVR-Z7P, it is possible to do so by adding a standard lens adaptor from the lens manufacturer. The HVR-Z7P camcorder has 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, colour, and atmosphere.
Carl Zeiss Lens for HD Video as StandardA high-quality, multi-purpose Carl Zeiss lens for HD video comes as standard with the HVR-S270E and HVR-Z7P. 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.
Alpha Lens CompatibilityWith a special adaptor from Sony, it is also possible to use the Alpha lens series designed for Sony Digital SLR still cameras. By using Alpha lenses in various configurations, creative effects can be achieved. This approach is ideal for filmmakers on a budget or those who already own Alpha lenses.
25p HDV Native Progressive Recording ModesThe HVR-Z7P newly features 25p HDV native progressive recording modes.
The 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system and EIP create true 1080p images, which can then be recorded as progressive signals by the HVR-Z7P in HDV format.
The progressive HDV stream can be output from an i.LINK connector and used for progressive editing with compatible NLE software.
Native progressive recording modes are suitable for output to film, CG composition, viewing on a progressive monitor, or as an Internet movie.
Note: interlaced video is output from connectors other than i.LINK25p Progressive Scan ModesIn these modes, the 1080p image captured by the 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system is also recorded as an interlaced signal by dividing each frame into two fields. This enables compatibility with current editing and monitoring equipment that only accept interlace signals, while maintaining the quality of the 1080p image.
Progressive scan modes are suitable for feature films, documentaries, and music videos, which have to be recorded as interlaced video for viewing on interlaced monitors, but want to offer a "progressive look" to their motion.
A streamlined nonlinear editing workflow for HDVHDV signals can be recorded as a file on non-tape media. For example, when using the supplied CompactFlash (CF) solid-state 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.
Camera section
Supplied Lens Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens, 12x (optical), f = 4.4 to 52.8 mm, f = 32.0 to 384 mm* at 16:9 mode, f = 39.5 to 474 mm* at 4:3 mode, filter diameter: 72 mm
Built-in filter Clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64
Imaging system 1/3-inch, progressive 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system with Exmor technology
Picture elements Approx. 1,037,000 pixels (effective), approx. 1,120,000 pixels (total)
Focus Auto,manual (focus ring/one push auto/infinity/AF assist/ focus macro)
White balance Auto, one-push auto (A/B positions), indoor (3200 K), outdoor (selectable level -7 to +7, approx. 500K/step), manual WB Temp (selectable 2300K to 15000K, 100K/step)
Manual shutter speed Auto: 1/50 - 1/1750 Manual: 50i/25p: 1/3 - 1/10000
Gain -6, -3, 0 , 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 dB
Minimum illumination 1.5 lux (auto gain, auto iris, 1/25 shutter)
VTR section
Recording format HDV1080/50i, DVCAM, DV SP 576/50i (PAL)
Play out/Down conversion format HDV1080/50i, DVCAM, DV SP 576/50i (PAL)
Playback/Recording time
HDV/DV SP: Max. 63 min with PHDVM-63DM cassette
DVCAM: Max. 41 min with PHDVM-63DM cassette
Input/Output connectors
Audio/Video output 10-pin connector A/V OUT jack (composite, unbalanced audio x2ch with the supplied cable)
Component video output Component out jack (special connector)
HDV/DV input/output i.LINK interface (IEEE 1394, 6-pin)
XLR audio input XLR 3-pin female x 2ch
Headphone Stereo mini jack (ø3.5 mm)
LANC Stereo mini-mini jack (ø2.5 mm)
Digital video output HDMI connector
Built-in output devices
LCD view finder 0.45-inch type (Viewable area measured diagonally), approx. 1,226,880 dots (852x480x3[RGB]), 16:9 aspect ratio
LCD monitor 3.2-inch type (Viewable area measured diagonally), XtraFine LCD, approx. 921,600 dots, hybrid type, 16:9 aspect ratio
General
Mass Approx. 2.4 kg (5 lb 4 oz) (w/ the supplied lens, w/o tape, battery)
Power requirements DC 7.2 V (battery pack), DC 8.4 V (AC adaptor)
Power consumption HDV Approx. 7.0 W (with ECM-XM1 / LCD EVF ON)
Power consumption DVCAM/DV Approx. 6.8 W (with ECM-XM1 / LCD EVF ON)
Operating temperature 0 to 40 °C (32 to 104 °F)
Storage temperature -20 to +60 °C (-4 to 140 °F)
Supplied memory recording unit
Recording media CompactFlash card (2GB or bigger, 133x or faster) (not supplied)
File system FAT32
File format HDV .M2T
File format DVCAM/DV .AVI (DV-AVI, type 1) or .DV (Raw-DV)
Connectors
special hot shoe
i.LINK-6pin (on the supplied cradle)
DC power input (on the supplied cradle)
infoLITHIUM L series battery slot (on the supplied cradle)
