HVR-Z1N/Z1P: Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
HVR-Z1N/Z1P: Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
HVR-Z1N/Z1P: Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
HVR-Z1N/Z1P
Bringing Compact and Cost-effective HD Acquisition into the Field the HVR-Z1 HDV 1080i Camcorder
The rapid transition to HD programming in broadcasting and postproduction has introduced a tremendous demand for an entry-level path into the HD world. Sony's response to this demand is the HVR-Z1 Digital HD Video Camera Recorder a compact and cost-effective HD camcorder that builds on the market-acclaimed DVCAMTM recorders. The HVR-Z1 camcorder adopts the all-new, 1/4-inch HD format the HDV 1080i specification of the HDVTM format. Combined with three high-resolution 1/3-inch type mega pixel CCDs, the HVR-Z1 captures and plays back 1080i HD signals, while maintaining the DVCAM/DV recording and playback capabilities provided on current Sony DVCAM models. What's more, the HVR-Z1 offers a down-conversion capability of its 1080i recordings. These features allow the HVR-Z1 to be active immediately in current SD systems, while also providing a step-by-step migration to the HD world operators can continue to acquire in DVCAM or DV, and switch to the HDV as needed, or acquire in HDV 1080i from the start and use the down-conversion capability as required. In addition to a unique camcorder body design and with its multitude of camera features, the HVR-Z1 offers maximum operability in the field, as well as opening up a new range of opportunities for creative shooting. Combining these features with the HD picture quality that HDV format provides, the HVR-Z1 becomes an exciting acquisition tool for a variety of applications today and tomorrow from video journalism, wedding and event videography, corporate and training productions, and digital movie-making, up to broadcast newsgathering. Offered at a price tag comparable to Sony DVCAM camcorders, the HVR-Z1 paves the way into cost-effective but uncompromised HD program production.
Images Simulated
HDV FORMAT
CAMERA FEATURES
A New Addition to the HD Format that Broadens the Scope of HD Program Production
HDV 1080i Specification1
The HDV 1080i specification of the HDV format features 1080 effective scanning lines (interlace scanning system) and 1,440 horizontal pixels. It adopts the MPEG-2 compression format (MP@H-14 for video), which uses 8-bit digital component recording with a sampling rate of 4:2:0. MPEG-1 Audio Layer II is used as the audio compression format, allowing for two-channel recording with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz/16-bit. The HDV 1080i specification provides high picture quality that can be used for HDTV program production.
1 The HDV format also defines the HDV 720p specification, which features 720 effective scanning lines (progressive scanning system) and 1,280 horizontal pixels.
14-bit HD DXP
The HVR-Z1 incorporates a high-integrity 14-bit HD DXP (Digital eXtended Processor), which features a 14-bit A/D converter and advanced camera processing. This 14-bit HD DXP can process the high-quality images captured by the 1080i HD CCDs with greater precision than conventional 10-bit A/D LSIs. In particular, this higher bit resolution allows the contrast to be reproduced more faithfully in mid-tone areas of the picture. The 14-bit HD DXP also enables highly sophisticated image controls, such as Cinematone Gamma, and Color Correction functions.
Optical 12x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T * Zoom Lens Compatible with Existing and New DV Videocassette Tape
As a member of the proven DV family of formats, the HDV format has, from the outset, been developed for compatibility with all grades of DV videocassette tape. This allows operators to use high-grade DV videocassette tapes for applications where high robustness is critical, or consumer-grade videocassette tapes for more economical operations. For heavy-duty applications, a new high-grade Mini Cassette tape has been developed; the DigitalMasterTM PHDVM-63DM. This tape is compatible with the HDV, DVCAM and DV formats. The HVR-Z1 is equipped with a new Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* high definition lens with a 12x zoom function. Its fully coated glass is the same as used on Carl Zeiss prime lenses, producing sharp, high-contrast images, with virtually no chromatic aberration. This lens is designed with a wide viewing angle, and a focal length ranging from 32.5 mm to 390 mm in 16:9 mode2, and from 40 mm to 480 mm in 4:3 mode2, thanks to a large filter diameter of 72 mm.
2 These values are calculated to be equivalent to the 35 mm film.
RECORDER FEATURES
Multi-format Recording and Playback Capabilities, Supporting HDV 1080i, DVCAM and DV
Switchable Recording and Playback HDV 1080i/DVCAM/DV 4 and 60i/50i
The HVR-Z1 can switch between HDV 1080i, DVCAM and DV recording, providing full flexibility to record in either Standard or High Definition depending on production needs. In addition, it can be switched between 60i and 50i modes (NTSC and PAL), allowing for flexible productions without the need for two separate camcorders with each standard.
4 The HVR-Z1 supports DV SP mode only; no support for DV LP mode.
HD Codec EngineTM
The HVR-Z1 employs the highly advanced HD Codec Engine, which efficiently compresses base band HD signal data at approx. 25 Mb/s with MPEG-2 compression, while maintaining optimal HD quality. Designed for reduced energy consumption, this powerful digital signal processor fits perfectly inside the compact and streamlined body of the HVR-Z1.
i.LINKTM5 Interface
The HVR-Z1 is equipped with a 4-pin i.LINK interface. This allows for on-cable digital transfer6 of audio, video, and command signals to a connected VTR or nonlinear editing system in the HDV, DVCAM and DV formats.
5 i.LINK is a trademark of Sony Corporation used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connector. Not all products with an i.LINK connector will necessarily communicate with each other. For information on compatibility, operating conditions and proper connection, please refer to the documentation supplied with any device with an i.LINK connector. For information on devices that include an i.LINK connection, please contact your nearest Sony office. 6 Insert and assemble editing using HDV material is not recommended with the HVR-Z1.
i.LINK
Input Output Analog Analog Analog S-Video Composite Component Composite S-Video 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
uuu uu
i.LINK
Input Output Analog Analog Analog Composite S-Video Component Composite S-Video 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
uuu uu uu uuu u 1 connection has a priority.
uu
uuu
2-channel Independent Audio Record Level Control with Audio Level Meter
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. The audio level meter can be recalled quickly and easily by a Status Check function.
OPERATIONAL VERSATILITY
Built-in Microphone
Iris Dial
AE Override
The AE (Auto Exposure) Override function allows operators to manually change exposure settings during the AE mode via an iris dial. This allows operators to set the desired exposure settings immediately, with no need to set all exposure settings modes to manual. This function can easily be recalled at the touch of an Assign Button.
Zoom Levers
Hyper Gain
The Hyper Gain function can automatically boost the gain level up to approx. +36 dB at the touch of an Assign Button. This makes it possible to shoot in extremely low-light conditions.
Marker
Three types of markers can be displayed on the LCD monitor and viewfinder simply by pressing an Assign Button:
CENTER: Displays a marker at the center of the screen 4:3: Displays a marker in the shape of 4:3 when using a widescreen monitor SAFETY ZONE: Displays a marker indicating the range that can be displayed on a standard TV (4:3 and 16:9) for home use (80%)
OPERATIONAL VERSATILITY
AF Assist
The AF (Auto Focus) Assist function allows operators to focus on desired subjects when using the AF mode. Operators can manually change focus positions using a focus ring during AF mode, allowing AF reference focus positions to be shifted to manually changed positions. This is useful, for example, when operators want to focus on subjects far away through a window.
Expanded Focus
At the touch of a button, the center of the screen on the LCD monitor and viewfinder can be magnified to about twice the size, making it easier to confirm focus settings during manual focusing.
Expanded Focus ON
Quick Rec.
When operators do not want to miss a single recording opportunity, the time until the recording restarts from stop mode7 can easily be shortened.
7 When standby mode continues for more than three minutes, it is automatically switched to stop mode.
Image Simulated
Peaking
The Peaking function can perform an effect on pictures displayed in the LCD monitor and viewfinder that allows operators to easily adjust focus positions. It enhances the outline of the image, which the camera focuses on most, and colors the outline to make it more visible. Enhance levels can be selected from a choice of HIGH, MIDDLE, and LOW, and the outline color from RED, WHITE, and YELLOW.
Peaking OFF
Peaking ON
Status Check
With the touch of a button, operators can display settings menus for audio, output signal and camera, as well as Assign Button and Picture Profile functions, superimposed over the video on the LCD monitor, allowing for easy status or settings checks during recording, playback and feeding.
Zebra/Peaking Switch Picture Profile
Picture ProfileTM
Up to six different picture-quality settings can be registered in the memory as picture profiles and displayed on the LCD monitor at the touch of a button. This function allows operators to easily call up customized picture-quality settings to the camera to suit various shooting conditions, save on the labor needed to reset the camera each time for the same conditions. At the default setting, six picture profiles are registered, with recommended settings for typical shooting conditions. The setting items include Color Level, Color Phase, Sharpness, Skintone Detail, Skintone Level, AE Shift, AGC Limit, Auto Iris Limit, White Balance Shift, ATW Sensitivity, Black Stretch, Cinematone Gamma, and Cineframe. The default picture profiles include For recording in HDV, For recording in DV, For recording peoples pictures, For recording film-like pictures, For recording sunset pictures, and For recording in black and white.
Personal Menu
The Personal Menu function allows operators to make a customized settings menu with frequently used menu items, and to easily recall it at the touch of a button. Up to 28 menu items each for the camera and VTR settings can be added to the Personal Menu, and their order can be arranged in the menu.
Battery Info
Battery Info
Information on the compatible battery pack attached to the camera can be displayed on the LCD monitor with the touch of a button. The batterys current charge level and its current remaining recording time can be checked when the power is turned off. The remaining recording time available for the selected recording format also appears.
CREATIVE VERSATILITY
Shot TransitionTM
The Shot Transition function allows for smooth automatic scene transitions. The operator can program start and end settings for zoom, focus, iris, gain, shutter speed and white balance into the cameras A /B buttons and, by pressing the start button, a smooth transition will take place according to the set time, because the camera automatically calculates the intermediate values during the scene transition. The transition progress can be checked using an indicator displayed on the LCD monitor. This is very useful when complex camera settings are required during the scene transition for example, when shooting subjects moving from the background to the foreground of a scene. In addition, a start timer function is also available for the Shot Transition function, helping to prevent operators from missing a shot. Transition types can be selected from a choice of LINEAR, SOFT STOP, and SOFT TRANS, transition time can be set from 2 to 15 seconds, and the start delay time can be selected from 5, 10 and 20 seconds.
CineframeTM
The Cineframe feature allows picture movement to be reproduced like a film. Combined with the use of the Cinematone Gamma feature, this allows a cinematic and film-like look to be achieved. Three types of Cineframe modes can be selected.
Cineframe 24 and 30 The Cineframe 24 and Cineframe 30 features are used in 60i mode and can reproduce the picture movement like films of 24 or 30 frames/ second8 in HDV, DVCAM and DV formats. Cineframe 25 The Cineframe 25 feature is used in 50i mode and can reproduce the picture movement like films of 25 frames/second in HDV, DVCAM and DV formats.
8 Using the Cineframe 24 or Cineframe 30 features respectively.
Color Correction
The Color Correction feature provides two functions for creative shooting. The Color Extraction function can retain up to two desired colors of monitored pictures in the screen by designating color hue, saturation and range, while making the other colors black and white. This provides interesting in-camera color effects that can emphasize particular colors in the screen. In addition, the Color Revision function can change the hue of only the colors designated by Color Extraction, while retaining the hue of the other colors. This also provides interesting in-camera effects.
Cinematone GammaTM
The HVR-Z1 provides a special gamma feature the Cinematone Gamma which allows operators to quickly setup and load a gamma curve with similar contrast characteristics to a film gamma curve. Three gamma curves can be selected from OFF (normal gamma), TYPE1, or TYPE2.
Gamma characteristics
Normal
Color Extraction
Color Revision
Color Correction Images Simulated
10
In order to provide the flexibility required for professional shooting, the HVR-Z1 offers a variety of convenient functions:
AE Response Flicker Reduce (by AGC) Zebra Patterns (100% or 70 to 100% (adjustable by 5%)) Date Stamping Audio Lock (DVCAM/ DV mode only) Audio Limiter
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Some of the following accessories may not be available in certain countries. For details, please contact your nearest Sony office.
NP-F570/F770/F970
InfoLITHIUM Rechargeable Battery Pack
VCL-HG0872
Wide Conversion Lens
VF-72CPK
PL Filter Kit
HVL-20DW2
Battery Video Light
VCT-FXA
Shoulder Brace
VCT-1170RM
Video Tripod with Remote Control
LCS-VCB
Soft Carrying Case
LCR-FXA
Rain Jacket
LCH-FXA
Hard Carrying Case
VMC-IL4408A/IL4415/IL4435
i.LINK Cable (4-pin to 4-pin)
VMC-IL4615/IL4635
i.LINK Cable (4-pin to 6-pin)
PHDVM-63DM
DigitalMaster Mini Cassette Tape
UWP-C1
UHF Synthesized Wireless Microphone Package
ECM-678
Electret Condenser Microphone
ECM-674
Microphone
11
SPECIFICATIONS
Camera section Lens Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens, 12x (optical), f = 4. 5 to 54 mm, f = 32.5 to 390 mm* at 16:9 mode, f = 40 to 480 mm* at 4:3 mode, F = 1.6 to 2.8, filter diameter: 72 mm 1/6 ND, 1/32 ND Auto, manual (focus ring/infinity position), one push auto 3-chip 1/3-inch type CCDs Approx. 1,070,000 pixels (effective), approx. 1,120,000 pixels (total) Auto, one-push auto, indoor (3200 K), outdoor (5800 K 7 steps) 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/90, 1/100, 1/125, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/725, 60i/NTSC mode 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000, 1/3000, 1/4000, 1/6000, 1/10000 s 1/3, 1/6, 1/12, 1/25, 1/50, 1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/150, 1/215, 1/300, 1/425, 1/600, 50i/PAL mode 1/1000, 1/1250, 1/1750, 1/2500, 1/3500, 1/6000, 1/10000 s Auto, manual 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 dB (adjustable for H, M and L gain positions) 3 lx with F1.6 at 18 dB 1080/60i, 1080/50i, 480/60i (NTSC), 576/50i (PAL) 1080/60i, 1080/50i, 480/60i (NTSC), 576/50i (PAL), 480/60p, 576/50p Max. 18.812 mm/s with PHDVM-63DM cassette Max. 28.218 mm/s with PHDVM-63DM cassette Max. 63 min with PHDVM-63DM cassette Max. 41 min with PHDVM-63DM cassette Approx. 2 min 40 s with PHDVM-63DM cassette AUDIO/VIDEO jack x1 Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 unbalanced, sync negative Audio signal: 327 mV (at load impedance 47 k), input impedance more than 47 k, output impedance less than 2.2 k Mini-DIN 4-pin x 1 Y: 1 Vp-p, 75 unbalanced, sync negative C: 0.286 Vp-p (NTSC), 0.3 Vp-p (PAL), 75 unbalanced COMPONENT OUTPUT jack Y: 1 Vp-p (0.3 V, sync negative) Pr/Pb (Cr/Cb): 525 mVp-p (75% color bar), input impedance 75 4-pin XLR 3-pin female x 2, 327 mV, -60 dBu: 3 k, +40 dBu: 10.8 k, power supply: approx. 40 V Stereo minijack (3.5 mm) Stereo mini-minijack (2.5 mm) 0.44-inch type, approx. 252,000 pixels (1120 x 225), hybrid type 3.5-inch type, approx. 250,000 pixels (1120 x 224), hybrid type Stereo type, noise reduction on/off Approx. 2.1 kg (4 lb 10 oz) (camcorder only) DC 7.2 V (battery pack) Approx. 8.0 W (recording mode with LCD viewfinder on) Approx. 7.6 W (recording mode with LCD viewfinder on) 0 to 40 C (32 to 104 K) -20 to +60 C (-4 to 140 K) AC-VQ850 AC adaptor/charger, power cord, connecting cord, lens hood, large eyecup, RMT-841 wireless Remote Commander unit, A/V connecting cable, component video cable, shoe adaptor, NP-F570 InfoLITHIUM rechargeable battery pack, size AA (R6) batteries (2), cleaning cassette, shoulder strap, operating instructions * These values are calculated to be equivalent to the 35 mm film.
Built-in filter Focus Imaging device Picture elements White balance Shutter speed
Exposure Gain Minimum illumination VTR section Recording format Play out/Down conversion format Tape speed Playback/Recording time Fast forward/Rewind time Input/Output connectors Audio/Video input/output
S-video input/output
i.LINK XLR audio input Headphone LANC Built-in input/output devices LCD viewfinder LCD monitor Microphone General Mass Power requirements Power consumption Operating temperature Storage temperature Supplied accessories
HDV DVCAM/DV
unit: mm (inches)
Distributed by
2005 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. All non-metric weights and measurements are approximate. Sony, DVCAM, DigitalMaster, SteadyShot, HD Codec Engine, i.LINK, InfoLITHIUM, Remote Commander, Picture Profile, Shot Transition, Cinematone Gamma, and Cineframe are trademarks of Sony Corporation. HDV and the HDV logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation and Victor Company of Japan, Limited. Vario-Sonnar T* is a trademark of Carl Zeiss AG.
MSD2006-535(10211V3)WEL0004