Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 15, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Native progressive recording, significantly improved low-light performance and a new fixed G-series lens are just three of the many innovative features that characterize the new generation of the HDV family. The new compact HVR-Z5E camcorder—successor to the highly successful HVR-Z1E—and the HVR-MRC1K memory-card recorder have been optimized specifically for television and corporate-video production, as well as lower-budget cinema productions. The memory-card recorder enables hybrid recording to CompactFlash cards and tape. It can be used with the new camcorder and with all other professional Sony HDV camcorders.
“The centerpiece of the new HDV generation is the HVR-Z5E camcorder. Developing a product intended to surpass the phenomenal success of its predecessor, the HVR-Z1E, was a major challenge,” explains Bill Drummond, European Product Marketing Manager. “We achieved this goal by maintaining close dialogue with users. Our engineers met with European customers to discuss ways of improving the HVR-Z1E. With the HVR-Z5E, we can now present the result of that collaboration.”
The new HVR-Z5E camcorder uses the new 1/3-inch 3 ClearVid CMOS sensor system based on Exmor technology. The 3 ClearVid CMOS sensor system uses a unique 45-degree pixel layout to deliver excellent resolution and high sensitivity. Exmor technology provides column-parallel A/D conversion and dual noise reduction, ensuring a high-quality digital signal with extremely low noise—similar to the imaging technology used in the PMW-EX1 camcorder. Thanks to these two new technologies, the HVR-Z5E delivers significantly better performance in poor lighting conditions, with a sensitivity of 1.5 lux (at a shutter speed of 1/25 second, automatic gain and automatic iris).
Another highlight of the HVR-Z5E is the brand-new fixed G-series lens, which perfectly complements the camcorder’s high-performance sensor system. It offers a 29.5 mm wide angle and 20x optical zoom, three ND filters (1/4, 1/16 and 1/64), and separate focus, zoom and iris rings.
The camcorder supports native progressive recording at 1080/25p and can be switched between HDV/DVCAM and DV (1080/50i, 576/50i). With an optional service upgrade, it can also process 60 Hz material. It can downconvert footage from HD to SD and output video signals through the i.LINK interface and other SD connections. An HDMI output is also provided.
Like the HVR-Z7E and HVR-S270E, the HVR-Z5E is equipped with an XtraFine LCD and XtraFine viewfinder that display high-resolution, high-contrast images with excellent color reproduction. The HVR-Z5E records up to 60 minutes on miniDV videocassettes and approximately 63 minutes on Sony DigitalMaster cassettes (PHDVM-63DM).
The hybrid HVR-MRC1K memory-card recorder was previously available as an accessory for the HVR-Z7E and HVR-S270E and is now being offered as a standalone product in response to strong customer demand.
With the HVR-MRC1K, Sony once again supports hybrid recording. Users can freely choose their media (tape or CompactFlash cards), recording format (HD & HD, HD & SD, or SD & SD) and workflow (direct archiving to tape or rapid ingest into a nonlinear editing system using the CompactFlash card).
The recorder captures the camcorder’s HDV1080i, DVCAM or DV signal and enables simultaneous recording of HDV/DVCAM/DV data to a CompactFlash solid-state card and to tape. An 8 GB CompactFlash card provides around 36 minutes of recording in HDV, DVCAM and DV formats, while a 16 GB card provides approximately 72 minutes.
The HVR-Z5E camcorder and HVR-MRC1K recorder are optimally matched. The recorder can be mounted directly on the back of the camcorder without cables. It automatically synchronizes with the camcorder’s recording operation. A dedicated shoe connection handles input and output of the HDV/DVCAM/DV stream and supplies power to the recorder. The HVR-MRC1K includes a bracket that allows existing professional HDV and DVCAM users to mount the recorder on the camcorder’s cold shoe. The supplied bracket also lets the HVR-MRC1K attach to the cold shoe of any other HDV or DVCAM camcorder. It is then connected easily via i.LINK and powered by L-series infoLITHIUM batteries.
“Hybrid devices offer the greatest possible flexibility,” explains Bill Drummond. “Our customers can therefore migrate to tapeless recording whenever they choose. When developing new products, Sony always ensures backward compatibility so that investments remain future-proof. The HVR-Z5E also demonstrates once again that we take customer feedback seriously and incorporate it into new developments.”
The HVR-MRC1K recorder will be available from October, and the HVR-Z5E camcorder from December.
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