Imaging - Sensors, Lens and Monitors
As with many recently released
camcorders, the main change is in the imaging sensors. Sony has replaced
the original's 3 1/3" interlaced CCDs with 3 progressive 1/3"
ClearVid CMOS Sensor™ image readers to improve low-light capabilities
and enable progressive frame rates. And to collect the light for these
new sensors, The HVRZ5U sports the new "G Lens", which offers
"excellent resolution, color, and contrast for breathtaking images
that rival expensive interchangeable lenses", according to the Sony
press release.
The new lens is a good improvement over the
original, mainly because of a greater 20X zoom, giving the G Lens a
focal length of 4.1mm to 82mm (equivalent to a 35mm format 29.5mm
Wide-Angle to 590mm telephoto in 16x9),with a manual or servo zoom
control selector. Plus, a digital zoom extender boosts the lens to 30X
if required. The lens stops run from f1.6 to 16, with the usual auto or
manual iris selector. The G Lens has a threaded filter mount of 72 mm,
pitch 0.75 mm. The HVR-Z5U's G Lens tops the earlier models
neutral-density filter options by 1, with choices of clear, 1/4, 1/16,
and 1/64 ND.
Another nice feature in the imaging area is ECS
(Electronic Clear Scan), with settings of 1/4 - 1/10000 for 60i/30p, and
1/3 - 1/10000 in 24p mode.
Two visual monitoring options
are built in: a 0.45 inch type Color LCD viewfinder and a swiveling 3.2
inch LCD monitor panel. Both views are in 16X9, and selectable data
displays can be shown on both.
Recording Options
The HVR-Z5U's standard recording media is
mini-HDV or mini-DV (standard def) cassettes. Sony recommends the HDV-type
cassettes for shooting in HD mode.
In addition, the HVR-Z5U is capable of using
the optional HVRDR60 hard disk recorder,
which easily mounts to the rear of the camera. This 60GB unit can record
up to 4.5 hours, and features a fourteen second cache recording
function. This means the recorder stores footage before you even hit the
record button in a continuous fourteen second span - a real life saver
when action gets going before you pull the trigger! Recording continues
when you do activate record, saving the pre-recorded section too. Tape
and hard drive recording can be done simultaneously for redundant
safety. Playback of material recorded on the hard drive can be viewed on
the cameras LCD screen.
Finally, another option for recording is the
HVR-MRC1K unit (shown in the picture above), which uses Compact Flash cards and offers the same
record cache function and simultaneous tape recording as the hard disk
option. The HVR-Z5U is definitely one of the most flexible camcorders
available for choices of recording media.
Like most HDV units on the market, the HVR-Z5U
can also be set up for standard definition mini-DV recording.
More
Pro Features
2 female XLR 3-pin audio inputs which
are line/mic/mic +48 V selectable enable easy use of professional audio
equipment without the hassle of adapter boxes required for prosumer-type
cameras.
Professional image control features such as the
Clear Scan functions mentioned above along with color correction and
depth, plus skintone detail are included, as well as advanced histogram
for fine exposure evaluation.
All of these professional control and input
interfaces and the new G Lens add up to an amazingly pro-friendly
package for such a small size and weight (just 5 lbs. 10 oz. with
battery and cassette loaded), making an excellent choice for tight
situations, shooting on the run and other times when low weight and an
unobtrusive look can really pay off.
Although Sony also offers the HDR-FX1000
"prosumer" version of this camera, the additional
features available on the HVR-Z5U make it the natural choice of the
working professional cameraman who wants to expand his camera package
options, as well as a very affordable main unit for many types of
videographers in a wide variety of situations. The capability for adding
a hard drive or Compact Flash recorder, plus standard pro input and
outputs for audio and video make the HVR-Z5U infinitely more usable in a
wide variety of professional production settings and recording options
that enhance shooting as well as post-production requirements.
Review
by Joe Gambaretto © 2009
Photo
and info source: Sony Electronics, Inc.
More info at: http://pro.sony.com
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