The Sony HVR-Z5U is the highly-anticipated successor to the acclaimed HVR-Z1U. The camera improves upon its predecessor in a variety of areas, including overall performance and range of features. CinemaTone technology enhances both gamma and color, providing exceptional images that exhibit a beautiful film-like aesthetic. What makes the camera unique is its ability to shoot to both tape and compact flash simultaneously when using the HVR-MRC1K compact flash memory recording unit. At the heart of the camcorder are three 1/3" ClearVid CMOS Exmor sensors, which capture detailed imagery even in extreme low light. Combined with a professional wide-angle lens and a super-high resolution LCD screen, the camera is ideal for all handheld professional applications, including weddings, news, independent film production and reality television. High Definition on MiniDV Tapes with HDVThe HDV format, used in the HVR-Z5U allows high definition recording on standard MiniDV tapes. Experience "Window-to-the-world" clarity using the very popular MPEG-2 compression technique responsible for many forms of media used today, including DVDs and high-definition satellite television. The camera can also switch back to normal MiniDV mode when necessary.Watch Your CinemaToneThe HVR-Z5U features CinemaToneTM technology, which comes in two flavors. CinemaTone GammaTM crushes blacks while keeping the mids and highlights detailed, while CinemaTone ColorTM deepens color reproduction for richer hues. Combine the two and footage becomes incredibly film-like. CinemaTone Gamma curves can be accessed by the touch of a button.G-orgeous G-Series LensThe HVR-Z5U makes full use of a low dispersion glass 29.5-590mm G-Lens with a 20x optical zoom and 3 built-in ND filters. The lens comes equipped with a manual focus, iris and zoom, making it the first camera in its class to feature a fully professional lens! Bravo. The lens has a digital extender that increases magnification by 1.5x, making the lens achieve up to 30x digital zoom levels.ClearVID 3CMOS TechnologySony's ClearVID sensors are positioned at a 45° angle. Since each pixel is positioned in this manner, the result is far clearer diagonal lines. Images will appear crisper, without the apparent "jaggies" that often plague video signals. Enhanced Image Processing (EIP) is responsible for processing large amounts of pixel color information, recording 4:2:2 chroma before being thrown to 4:2:0 HDV tape.Exmor InsideLow-light situations can sometimes be difficult for cameras of this size due to their relatively small sensors. The result can often be additional noise or image degradation, sometimes sending otherwise usable footage to the proverbial "digital cutting room floor". By incorporating Exmor technology, Sony has once again raised the bar for handheld cameras at this price-point, reducing the lux rating from 3 to 1.5! The HVR-Z5U's ultra-sensitive 1/3" CMOS Exmor sensors take advantage of technology originally developed for their flagship XDCAM EX camera, the PMW-EX1, delivering an amazing signal-to-noise ratio.24p CapabilityIn 24p mode, images from the CMOS can be 2:3 pulldown-converted and recorded onto tape in the standard 60i HDV format. The tape can then be played back or edited using an ordinary HDV system. True 24p editing can be achieved by uploading 2:3 pulldown-converted images via an i.LINK FireWire interface to a compatible non-linear editing system. The resultant images resemble the visual motion of film! The camera can also shoot in both standard 60i for richer temporal motion, as well as 30p, which is great for lifting stills.High Resolution LCDWhen shooting HD footage, standard LCD screens can be very deceiving; what looked perfect amidst a full-day video shoot can sometimes prove very soft or out of focus while in post-production. This is a direct result of a simple fact: most camera-mounted LCDs cannot resolve images in the same way they are being recorded. The HVR-Z5U comes equipped with a 1-MegaPixel LCD screen, making it 4 times as clear as the LCD on the HVR-Z1U, eliminating this oft-pesky phenomenon. Record with confidence knowing that what you see is what you will get.Extended Dynamic RangeThe camera's 30% extension in dynamic range translates into more detail in both highlights and shadows. Increased dynamic range can be very useful when color correcting during post production.Focus AssistUsers will be delighted by the HVR-Z5U's focus assist feature; peaking focus assist provides a simple way to ensure images are in perfect tack-sharp clarity. The process highlights high-contrast areas that represent sharp lines making focus operation incredibly quick and easy.Advanced Audio RecordingThe built-in microphone features full stereo recording capability capturing crystal clear audio. If more directional audio recording is necessary, providing a high level of flexibility while allowing operators to tackle a wide range of projects.                 

Signal System	NTSC 1080/60i, 30p, 24p
Image Device	1/3" ClearVid 3CMOS with ExmorTM Technology 1.2 MegaPixels Each
Lens	20x G-Lens 29.5-590mm (35mm Equivalent), f/1.6-3.4 72mm Filter Thread
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	Not Specified By Manufacturer
Horizontal Resolution	1080 Lines
Sensitivity	Not Specified By Manufacturer
Minimum Illumination	1.5 lux
Vertical Smear	Not Applicable
Built-in Filters	1/6, 1/32, 1/64
LCD Monitor	3.2", 921,000 Pixels
Viewfinder	0.45" Color, 1.2 MegaPixels
Scan Matching	Not Specified By Manufacturer
Memory Card Slot	MemoryStick Duo for Scene Files Compact Flash for Video Recording (Requires Optional Addon)
Shutter Speed Range	60i/30p: 1/4-1/10000 24p: 1/3-1/10000
Gain Selection	-6, -3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21dB

 

VTR
Tape Format	HDV
Tape Speed	DV: 18.8mm/s HDV: 18.8mm/s
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	Not Specified By Manufacturer
Maximum Recording Time	HDV: 63 min (with PHDVM-63DM Cassette) DV: 63 min (with PHDVM-63DM Cassette) Tapeless HDV: 72 min (16GB CompactFlash using HVR-MRC1K Addon Unit)

 

Audio
Audio Dynamic Range	Not Specified By Manufacturer
Audio Signal Format	HDV MPEG1 Audio Layer II
Audio Frequency Response	20Hz to 20kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio	Not Specified By Manufacturer

 

General
Input and Output Connectors	Component Video: 10-Pin Connector A/V Out (x1 Output) Composite Video: 10-Pin Connector A/V Out (x1 Output) Analog Audio L/R Output: 10-Pin Connector A/V Out (x2 Output) Analog Audio L/R Input: XLR 3-Pin Female (x2 Input) FireWire (x1 Input/Output) Headphone: Stereo Mini Jack Digital Video Output: HDMI (x1 Output) Remote: LANC (x1 Input)
Power Requirements	Battery Pack: 7.2VDC AC Adapter: 8.4VDC
Power Consumption	7.1W
Operating Temperature	32-104F (0-40C)
Dimensions (WxHxD)	6.8 x 7.5 x 17.8" (16.9 x 18.8 x 45.1cm)
Weight	5 lbs (2.2kg)

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