- Powered by NP-FM50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack.
- CMOS camera system , records to conventional DV tape stock.
- 16:9 widescreen , 4:3 conversion capable.
- High-definition video camera records in 1080i, 720p, and 720i specification with analog down-converting.
- Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 10x optical zoom lens; digital Super Steady System dampens hand jitter and vibration.
- 16:9 widescreen ; 4:3 conversion capable.
- Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens; digital Super Steady System dampens hand jitter and vibration.
- CMOS camera system; records to conventional DV tape stock.
Product Description
-------------------
The Sony HVR-A1U camcorder captures 1080i HDV images using a
newly developed 1/3-inch type, 2.97-megapixel (total) CMOS sensor
with new Enhanced Imaging Processor(tm) technology that optimizes
the performance of the CMOS sensor. The result is HD quality
imaging that has been used to produce television and professional
film content. Available at an extremely affordable price, the
HVR-A1U will be another powerful option for HD field acquisition
by all video professionals.
.com
----
The HVR-A1U is a compact and lightweight handy-type camcorder,
ideal for shooting environments that require mobility. Its size,
combined with its long battery life (up to 80 minutes of
high-definition with the included battery), make it
easy to get the s you need, when you need them.
HDV 1080i
The HDV 1080i specification features 1080 effective interlaced
scanning lines and 1,440 horizontal pixels. Interlaced pictures,
which have been common to TV broadcasts from the beginning,
alternately display odd and even numbered lines between each
screen refresh. The HVR-A1U can also record at the HDV 720p
specification, which features 720 effective progressive scanning
lines and 1,280 horizontal pixels. Progressive scanning fills
both odd and even numbered lines with each refresh, providing a
flicker-free picture. Not yet ready for HD? The HVR-A1U can
convert material from 1080i down to 480i and output this digital
video signal through its i.LINK interface or as analog signals
through component, composite, or S-video connectors. When
down-converting these signals, the aspect ratio displayed can be
converted from 16:9 to 4:3, and display modes can be selected
from squeeze, letterbox or edge crop.
1/3-inch Type, 2.97-megapixel CMOS sensor
The HVR-A1U incorporates one 1/3-inch type primary color CMOS
(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) 2.97-megapixel sensor
with a formatted for a 4:3 aspect ratio. The advantage of a CMOS
sensor over CCD is it's ability to process a large volume of
picture data at a very small size, which makes it possible for a
camera this size to capture HD video. The trade off for this kind
of chip over CCD, however, is a small loss in picture uniformity
and dynamic range.
Audio
The HVR-A1U adopts the MPEG-2 compression format, which uses
8-bit digital component with a sampling rate of 4:2:0.
The camera uses MPEG-1 Audio Layer II audio compression format,
allowing for two-channel with a sampling frequency of
48 kHz/16-bit. It features a built-in stereo microphone, as well
as two XLR audio input connectors for use with professional-grade
microphones or external audio sources. 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. Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens
The HVR-A1U is equipped with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* high
definition lens with a 10x zoom function. It has the same optical
coating as is used on all of the Carl Zeiss prime lenses, which
produces sharp, high-contrast images with virtually no chromatic
aberration.
In order to facilitate zoom control and operation
during low-angle shooting, an additional zoom lever has been
added to the camera body. There's also a zoom/focus ring located
on the lens body that allows for fine adjustments in zoom
position. Furthermore, the supplied wireless Remote Commander
unit can be used for external control.
Large, 16:9 widescreen color viewfinder and LCD monitor
View your subject through the built-in viewfinder, the swing-out
LCD display, or both. The HVR-A1U features a 0.44-inch type color
LCD viewfinder and a 2.7-inch color LCD monitor, both in a 16:9
aspect ratio. You'll save battery time by using just one, but you
may want to use one for adjusting focus and the other for
monitoring audio levels. When eschewing auto focus for the
fine-tuning manual focus, you can double the magnification at the
center of the screen, making it easier to confirm focus settings
during manual focusing. Also, the camera's "peaking" function can
provide sharp outlines on the monitor to help with manual focus.
Electronic Super Steady system
Sony's electronic Super Steady System helps remove the
slight hand jitter and vibration that is often the bane of video
production--especially during telephoto s. It does this by
trimming off edges of the frame on the fly to counteract
movement.
Tele Macro
It may seem like a contradiction in terms, but the Tele Macro
function allows you to capture a macro image from a distance,
which is useful for shooting small moving objects. Additionally,
this function puts your subject in proper focus while leaving the
background out of focus. The Hollywood look
The HVR-A1U has features that can make your videos look more
like they were on film. Cinematone Gamma allows operators to
quickly setup and load a gamma curve with similar contrast
characteristics to a film gamma curve. The Cineframe feature
allows movement to be reproduced at 24 frames per second--the
speed of film--as sed to video's 30 frames per second
standard.
No new tape stock
The HVR-A1U is compatible with conventional DV tape stock, but
Sony recommends the use of DigitalMaster PHDVM-63DM tape, with
its dual layer of magnetic material, which delivers higher RF
output, lower noise, 95% fewer errors and 60% fewer dropouts
compared to regular DV tape.
More camera features
What's in the box
HVR-A1U camera, AC-L15 AC adaptor, power code, NP-FM50
InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack, lens hood with lens cover,
RMT-831 wireless Remote Commander unit, A/V connecting cable with
S video, component video cable, USB cable, Memory Stick Duo (16
MB), Memory Stick Duo adaptor, ECM-NV1 monaural electret
condenser microphone, XLR audio adaptor, shoulder strap, and
operating instructions.
P.when('A').execute(function(A) {
A.on('a:expander:toggle_description:toggle:collapse',
function(data) {
window.scroll(0, data.expander.$expander[0].offsetTop-100);
});
});
From the Manufacturer
---------------------
The HVR-A1U 1080i HDV camcorder provides real 1080i HD
acquisition, with superb image quality and comprehensive
functionality for professional use, in a "handy" camcorder form
factor. This HDV camcorder will help to expand the adoption of
HDV and lead the entry level HD market by providing a compact and
low cost solution. The HVR-A1U features a newly developed
1/3-inch C-MOS imager. This 1,920 by 1,080 native imager is also
capable of 3 megapixel still images. Combined with a high quality
Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens and Sony's 14 bit A/D
and DXP digital Extended Processor, result in precise image
acquisition with superb detail and clarity. The HVR-A1U records
this exceptional imagery using the recently adopted HDV 1080i
format onto a DVCAM mini cassette.
HDV 1080i Specification
The HDV 1080i specification of the HDV format features 1,080
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
with a sampling rate of 4:2:0. MPEG-1 Audio Layer II is used as
the audio compression format, allowing for two-channel
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.
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
DigitalMaster PHDVM-63DM. This tape is compatible with the HDV,
DVCAM, and DV formats.
Long Time
The HDV format adopts the same track pitch and tape speed as the
DV format, thus offering the same time -- a maximum of
63 minutes when on a DigitalMaster mini cassette tape.
1/3-inch Type, 2.97-megapixel CMOS Sensor
The HVR-A1U incorporates one 1/3-inch type primary color CMOS
(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor with a total
pixel number of 2.97 million and a 4:3 aspect ratio, which has
been developed based on Sony's many years of experience in
developing imaging devices. This CMOS sensor can produce
high-quality images with high sensitivity and low noise levels,
which is superior to most of traditional CMOS sensors due to
advantages such as its unique pixel design, which optimizes the
photo-sensor area in each pixel, and advanced noise reduction
technique. Another key advantage of this CMOS sensor is its
high-speed processing capability. Since data captured using a
single CMOS sensor for high-definition format is
extremely large, it would take considerable time to transfer and
process by traditional methods. With the Sony CMOS sensor, such
large data can be processed at an incredibly high speed thanks to
its flexible multi-channel readout structure. Use of the CMOS
sensor also allows even large as of HDresolution data to be
processed with amazingly low power requirements, thus making the
camcorder's overall size extremely compact. Lastly, CMOS sensors
can eliminate vertical smear, even though the pixel size is
small.
Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP)
The EIP is Sony's newly developed image processing IC intended
for high-speed processing of large as of data captured by
the CMOS sensor. In addition, the EIP employs the unique
algorithm that first separates image data into texture patterns
and brightness components and then processes these two elements
independently. This makes it possible to have high details in the
blacks as well as in brightly illuminated areas of the picture,
delivering a clear image with a wide dynamic range even under
backlight conditions. Combined use of the EIP and CMOS sensor
allows the camcorder to provide extremely high image quality with
a high level of gradation and detailed image reproduction.
Optical 10x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Zoom Lens
The HVR-A1U is equipped with the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T
high-definition lens with 10x 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.
Electronic Super Steady System
The Super Steady system used in the HVR-A1U detects
horizontal and vertical movements and electronically compensates
for unsteady camera handling. The active image area (the number
of pixels used) in the CMOS sensor is automatically adjusted for
the Super Steady system to achieve the best performance at
each zoom position.
Full Scan Mode
The HVR-A1U camcorder offers a Full Scan mode, which allows the
camcorder to capture images with the resolution of approximately
two million pixels at every zoom position when the Super
Steady system is off. With this mode, images of higher
picture quality can be obtained.
Switchable and Playback HDV 1080i/DVCAM/DV
The HVR-A1U can switch between HDV 1080i, DVCAM, and DV
, providing full flexibility to record in either
standard or high-definition format depending on production needs.
The HVR-A1U supports DV SP mode only; no support for DV LP mode.
Down-conversion Playback Capabilities
The HVR-A1U can convert material from 1080i down to 480i, and
output these video signals through its i.LINK interface. In
addition, these signals can also be output via either analog
component, composite, or S-Video connectors. This allows editing
of recorded material with a nonlinear editing system using
current DV editing software as well as SD signals to an
external VTR, while simultaneously HDV signals with the
HVR-A1U. The HVR-A1U can also down-convert to 480P and output
these signals through its analog component video connectors. When
down-converting these signals, the aspect ratio displayed can be
converted from 16:9 to 4:3. Display modes can be selected from
Squeeze, Letterbox, or Edge crop.
HD Codec Engine
The HVR-A1U employs the highly advanced HD Codec Engine feature,
which efficiently compresses base band HD signal data at
approximately 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-A1U.
Still Picture to Memory Stick Duo Media
The HVR-A1U incorporates a high-resolution digital camera
function. Thanks to the 2.97-megapixel CMOS sensor, still
pictures with 1,920 x 1,440 pixels can be recorded to Memory
Stick Duo media. Still pictures can be captured by pressing the
dedicated Photo' button, and this can be done even when
video to tape, without any interruptions. In addition,
any desired video frame recorded on tape can be captured as a
still image with 1,440 x 810 pixels and recorded onto Memory
Stick Duo media after video shooting.
16:9 Widescreen Acquisition in DVCAM and DV Formats
The HVR-A1U is capable of native 16:9 widescreen image
capturing, with a high resolution of 720 x 480 pixels in DVCAM
and DV formats, and providing true 16:9 images in Standard
Definition.
i.LINK Interface
The HVR-A1U 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, compatible VTR or nonlinear
editing system in the HDV, DVCAM, and DV formats.
2-channel XLR Audio Input
The HVR-A1U provides two XLR audio input connectors for
connecting professional microphones or for feeding an
external-line audio source. Phantom power of approximately 48 V
can be supplied for the external condenser microphone. Input 1
audio can be recorded on CH1 only, or on both CH1 and CH2 audio
tracks, with easy selection via a switch. The HVR-A1U also comes
equipped with two types of microphones; an external directional
microphone and a built-in stereo microphone.
2-channel Independent Audio Record Level Control with Audio Level
Meter
Each input level for CH1 and CH2 can be independently adjusted
and viewed with an audio level meter on the LCD monitor.
Compact and Lightweight Design
The HVR-A1U features an extremely compact and lightweight body,
providing an unprecedented level of mobility in HD field
acquisition. The camcorder itself weighs only 1 pound 7 ounces
and just 2 pounds 14 ounces including the lens hood, XLR audio
adaptor, directional microphone, NP-QM91D InfoLithium
Rechargeable Battery Pack, and PHDVM-63DM DigitalMaster Mini
Cassette Tape.
16:9, Color/Black-and-white Switchable LCD Viewfinder
The 0.44-inch type color LCD viewfinder displays high resolution
color pictures of approximately 252,000 pixels in a widescreen
aspect ratio of 16:9. Operators can select to display pictures in
either color or black and white to match the user's preference.
2.7-inch Type, 16:9 Widescreen, Hybrid, Color LCD Monitor
The HVR-A1U includes a 2.7-inch type color LCD monitor with a
high resolution of approximately 123,200 pixels, which allows the
input source to be viewed during or the playback
picture to be checked on location in a widescreen aspect ratio of
16:9. This large screen is also helpful in setting menus or audio
levels, as well as monitoring the camera and audio
status. The hybrid LCD monitor used in the camcorder combines the
characteristics of both transmissive and reflective LCD panels,
providing clear viewing even in bright daylight conditions as
well as in dark conditions. This LCD monitor also provides
touch-panel control for easy operations.
Variety of Zoom Operation
The HVR-A1U provides four types of zoom control functions to
offer diverse shooting styles:
* "Zoom lever" located on the camera body
* "Zoom/focus ring" located on the lens body allows fine
adjustments in zoom position
* "Zoom buttons" located on the LCD monitor convenient for
low-angle shooting
* Supplied wireless Remote Commander unit
Exposure Lever
The HVR-A1U enables exposure control both manually and
automatically. The Exposure Lever provides two types of exposure
control:
* Manual exposure control to manually change exposure settings
using the Exposure Lever.
* AE (Auto Exposure) Shift function to adjust AE level by 15
steps using the Exposure Lever, while the AE mode is activated,
for more accurate automatic exposure settings.
Tele Macro
The Tele Macro function allows operators to capture a macro
image from a distance, which is especially useful for shooting
small moving objects. With this function, close-up images can be
without the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. In
addition, the image of the subject is in proper focus, while
the background is unfocussed, allowing the subject to stand out.
Backlight Compensation
The Backlight Compensation function allows the HVR-A1U to
produce natural and rich tones for both light and dark areas of
an image under backlight conditions. Conventional systems of
backlight compensation tend to make the details in light areas
sacrificed, but the Backlight Compensation function of the
HVR-A1U can deliver superior images with a very wide dynamic
range by increasing only the brightness of dark areas while
properly retaining the brightness of light areas.
Other convenient functions
* Simultaneous operation of LCD monitor and viewfinder
* Expanded focus - magnifies the center of the screen on the LCD
monitor and viewfinder to about twice the size, helping manual
focusing.
* Peaking - enhances the outline of the image where the camera
focuses on most, and displays the enhanced outline with color in
the LCD monitor and viewfinder, helping manual focusing.
* Zebra - displays a striped pattern in the LCD monitor and
viewfinder across highlight areas, helping manual exposure
settings (100% or 70 to 100% (adjustable by 5% steps)).
* Quick REC - shortens the time until the starts from
stop mode.
* Status check - displays camera setting menus for audio, output
signal, assign button and exposure lever functions and hours
meter on the LCD monitor with the touch of a button for easy
check.
* Personal menu - allows operators to customize the setting menu
to display frequently used menu items.
* Battery info - displays the attached battery's current charge
level and its current remaining time on the LCD monitor
with the touch of a button, when the power is turned off.
* Super Night - allows operators to capture images in black
and white using a built-in infrared light, even in no light
conditions.
* Skin tone detail - reduces detailed signal for skin color,
smoothening the reproduction of human skin.
* Black Stretch - allows more contrast to be seen in dark parts
of the picture without affecting mid-tones while maintaining the
absolute black level.
* Color Bar - Two types
* White Balance - Auto, One Push Auto, Indoor (3200 K), and
Outdoor (5800 K)
What's in the Box:
Sony HVR-A1U, AC-L15 AC adaptor, power code, NP-FM50 InfoLithium
rechargeable battery pack, lens hood with lens cover, RMT-831
wireless Remote Commander unit, A/V connecting cable with S
video, component video cable, USB cable, Memory Stick Duo (16
MB), Memory Stick Duo adaptor, ECM-NV1 monaural electret
condenser microphone, XLR audio adaptor, shoulder strap,
operating instructions.
See more ( javascript:void(0) )
