NEW HDV CAMCORDER AND RECORDING UNIT DELIVER TRUE VERSATILITY
Sony of Canada recently unveiled the latest generation of HDV™ production technology with a new professional compact camcorder, the HVR-Z5U, and a Compact Flash™ (CF) memory recording unit, the HVR-MRC1K. Sony also introduced a consumer version of the HVR-Z5U, called the HDS-FX1000.

The HVR-Z5U professional camcorder features a new fixed Sony “G Lens” system, native “Progressive” recording capabilities, increased sensitivity for low-light conditions and an array of other features designed for live events, general TV production, videographers, budget movie-makers and corporate video production professionals. The HVR-MRC1K memory recording unit offers a CF recording option, not only for the new camcorder, but also for all existing Sony professional HDV and DVCAM camcorders.

“Creating a product to rival the phenomenal success of the HVR-Z1U was always going to be a challenge, but the fantastic feedback we got from our existing users has helped us do just that with this new camcorder,” said Brian Young, Marketing Manager, Acquisition Systems, Broadcast Communication Solutions Group, Sony of Canada Ltd. “Our engineers met with various customer groups to understand where we could improve on the Z1U and we are delivering this product based on those customer suggestions.”

HVR-Z5U


The HVR-Z5U employs the latest generation of Sony’s new 1/3-inch 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor™ system enhanced by the latest technology of Exmor™. The same imagers are employed in the successful HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270 cameras.

With its 45-degree rotated pixel layout, the 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system offers sufficient pixel surface area for excellent sensitivity while maintaining image resolution of 1920x1080. The Exmor™ technology features a unique column-parallel analogue-to-digital conversion technique and dual noise cancelling, resulting in high quality digital signals with extremely low noise, similar to the imaging technology used in the PMW-EX1 and EX3 XDCAM EX camcorders. Integration of the two technologies allows the HVR-Z5U to perform significantly better in low-light environments with a sensitivity of 1.5 lux.

The camcorder’s shooting flexibility is further increased through the addition of a brand new fixed “G Lens”. This sophisticated lens incorporates Sony's unique optical design and quality control, and has been optimized to complement the camcorder’s advanced image sensor and image-processing technology. This lens offers a very wide 29.5mm angle and brand new 20x optical zoom, as well as three ND filters (1/4, 1/16, 1/64) along with independent manual/auto focus, zoom and iris rings.

The HVR-Z5U also offers videographers a broad range of image control and frame rate options including 1080/30p and 1080/24P true native “Progressive” recording along with the usual flexibility to switch between HDV/DVCAM and DV recording (1080/60i, 480/60i). As with the HVR-Z7U, 50Hz operation is available via an optional (chargeable) service upgrade at Sony of Canada Ltd. Service Centres. The HVR-Z5U can down-convert material from HD to SD, and output the video signals through its i.LINK interface and other SD output connectors. HDMI output is also available.

The HVR-Z5U is equipped with the same new XtraFine™ LCD and XtraFine EVF as the HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270U, so it delivers high-resolution and high-contrast images with remarkable colour reproduction at 6500 degrees Kelvin. It can record more than 60 minutes of material on a single miniDV or HDV videotape, and approximately 63 minutes with Sony’s DigitalMaster cassettes (PHDVM-63DM).

HVR-MRC1K – New HYBRID Memory Recorder

At this year’s International Broadcast Convention (IBC) in Europe, Sony launched the new HVR-MRC1K HYBRID memory recorder. Previously, this unit was only supplied as an accessory with the purchase of an HVR-Z7U or HVR-S270U, but due to strong customer feedback it will now be available as a standalone product for use with any existing 1080 HDV or DVCAM camera. The HVR-MRC1K provides the benefits of solid state recording and faster-than-real-time NLE ingest with a CF card, providing low-cost back-up and archive recording on the camera with tape.

The HVR-MRC1K demonstrates Sony’s commitment to HYBRID recording options. The choice of media (Tape or CF), format recorded (HD&HD, HD&SD, SD&SD) and workflow (direct archive with tape or high speed NLE ingest with CF) is now available to professional HDV users.

This unit captures the HDV1080i, DVCAM or DV stream via i.LINK output from the camcorder, allowing users to record HDV/DVCAM/DV files to a standard CF solid-state memory card while simultaneously recording to tape. The recording times on an 8 and 16 GB CF card in HDV, DVCAM and DV format are approximately 36 and 72 minutes, respectively.

The new HVR-Z5U has been specially-designed to work seamlessly with the optional HVR-MRC1K memory recording unit, offering direct docking attachment for power and i.LINK on the rear of the camcorder, eliminating the need for cables. Alternatively, the HVR-Z5U can be used with other HDV/DVCAM or DV cameras with the supplied cold shoe mount and battery/i.LINK interface adapter. The unit automatically synchronizes with the recording action of the camcorder, and inputs and outputs an HDV/DVCAM/DV stream.

“The ongoing development of the HYBRID recording concept used in the MRC1 is very exciting for Sony and the production industry, and another great demonstration that we are listening to our customers.” said Young. “Backward compatibility has always been a design goal for Sony. Now, the ability to use any Sony professional HDV, DVCAM or even DV camcorder automatically gives customers the choice to migrate to a tapeless workflow on their terms, while still enjoying the low-cost benefits of tape.”

Accessories
A range of new HDV accessories was also introduced at IBC:

RM-1000BP Remote Commander
  • Multifunction LANC Camera Control Remote for studio and production applications
  • Remotely controls all main camcorder functions including Iris, Gain, White Balance, Paint, Picture, Profile, etc.
  • Better Human User Interface (HUI) for professional production applications
VCL-HG0872K Wide Conversion Lens
  • High-resolution wide conversion lens and matte box for the HVR-Z5U
  • Bayonet mount for quick, easy attachment
  • Supports large French Flag and 4” x 5.65” filter holder
  • Quick, convenient integrated lens shutter (hood)
LCS-BP1BP Soft Carrying Case
  • Custom backpack-style carrying case with shoulder and waist straps
  • Storage for accessories in protective pouches
  • Optional VCT-SP1BP camcorder support can be attached
  • Fits all Sony HDV and EX1 cameras
LCH-GT1BP Hard Carrying Case
  • Hard-shell carrying case, custom-designed for Sony handheld camcorders and accessories
  • Integrated wheels for easy transport
HVL-LBPA Battery Video Light
  • New version of the popular HVLLBP with a supplied indoor/outdoor colour filter kit (5,500K to 3,200K)
Pricing and availability

The new HVR-MRC1K is available at a tentative list price of CDN$900, while the HVR-Z5U and accessories are scheduled for December availability. The tentative list price for the HVR-Z5U is $5,000. Pricing for the accessories will be announced at a later date.

Learn more about the full range of Sony HDV products and accessories at www.sony.ca/hdv.