Switchable Recording and Playback- HDV1080i/DVCAM/DV

The HVR-Z7E can switch between HDV1080i, DVCAM, and DV recording, providing full flexibility to record in either standard definition or high definition depending on your production needs

Built-in Down-converter for SD Production

The HVR-Z7E can convert material from 1080i down to 576i, and output the video signals through its i.LINK interface and other SD output connectors.

This allows users to edit recorded material with a compatible nonlinear editing system using current DV editing software, as well as record SD signals to an external VTR.

1/3-inch type 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor System

The newly developed 1/3-inch type 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor™ system has 45-degree rotated pixels on each chip in order to increase the signal density, while each pixel maintains sufficient surface area.

In combination with Enhanced Imaging Processor™ (EIP), the 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system achieves high resolution, high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and excellent colour reproduction.

The pixel shift interpolation technique has been traditionally used in low-end 3CCD camcorders. However, it normally requires the combination of all three colour element (RGB) signals to maximize resolution. If an object lacks one or more colour elements, the resolution of the object may be degraded.

The 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system is different. It can always produce maximum resolution, regardless of the balance between colour elements, thanks to its unique and sophisticated interpolation technology.

Enhanced Functionality via the Technology of "Exmor

The HVR-Z7E offers cutting-edge features, such as the technology of "Exmor™" developed by Sony, which utilizes the full potential of the 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system.

The technology of "Exmor", which features the column-parallel A/D conversion technique, is also used in the PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX camcorder and ?(Alpha)Digital SLR (Single Lens-Reflex) camera from Sony.

Multiple A/D (analog to digital) converters on each pixel row convert analog signals to digital as soon as they are generated, unlike traditional technology that only has one A/D converter on each chip. The technology of "Exmor" can eliminate the influence of external noise that enters the signal chain during transfer to the A/D converter, resulting in high-quality digital signals with extremely low noise. This significantly enhances shooting in low-light environments.

By adopting this groundbreaking technology, the new 1/3-inch 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system enables the HVR-Z7E to achieve a low light sensitivity of just 1.5 lux.

This will be of extreme importance to customers who shoot in lighting conditions that they can't control, e.g. wedding videographers.

Wide Range of Lenses

The flexible bayonet lens attachment system allows you to use a wide range of lenses.

Standard 1/3-inch HD video lenses, from manufacturers such as Fujinon and Canon, can be attached directly to the HVR-Z7E.

If you'd like to attach a 2/3-inch or 1/2-inch HD video lens on to the HVR-Z7E, it is possible to do so by adding a standard lens adaptor from the lens manufacturer. The HVR-Z7E camcorder has 12-pin lens connectors allowing compatibility with professional ENG lenses.

This feature is very useful not only for those who already have these professional HD video lenses, but also for those who prefer to use HD digital cinema lenses for their unique contrast, colour, and atmosphere.

Carl Zeiss Lens for HD Video as Standard

A high-quality, multi-purpose Carl Zeiss lens for HD video comes as standard with the HVR-S270E and HVR-Z7E. Stunning resolution and contrast is achieved thanks to the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar™ T* coating, which suppresses unwanted reflections. A specially designed wide-angle lens is also available as an option, to suit a diverse range of shooting requirements.

Alpha Lens Compatibility

With a special adaptor from Sony, it is also possible to use the Alpha lens series designed for Sony Digital SLR still cameras. By using Alpha lenses in various configurations, creative effects can be achieved. This approach is ideal for filmmakers on a budget or those who already own Alpha lenses.

25p HDV Native Progressive Recording Modes

The HVR-Z7E newly features 25p HDV native progressive recording modes.

The 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system and EIP create true 1080p images, which can then be recorded as progressive signals by the HVR-Z7E in HDV format.

The progressive HDV stream can be output from an i.LINK connector and used for progressive editing with compatible NLE software.

Native progressive recording modes are suitable for output to film, CG composition, viewing on a progressive monitor, or as an Internet movie.

Note: interlaced video is output from connectors other than i.LINK

25p Progressive Scan Modes

In these modes, the 1080p image captured by the 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system is also recorded as an interlaced signal by dividing each frame into two fields. This enables compatibility with current editing and monitoring equipment that only accept interlace signals, while maintaining the quality of the 1080p image.

Progressive scan modes are suitable for feature films, documentaries, and music videos, which have to be recorded as interlaced video for viewing on interlaced monitors, but want to offer a "progressive look" to their motion.

A streamlined nonlinear editing workflow for HDV

HDV signals can be recorded as a file on non-tape media. For example, when using the supplied CompactFlash (CF) solid-state memory recording unit - images can be stored on a standard CF card for quick nonlinear editing. The optional HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit can be used in the same manner, with images being recorded on to its large-capacity 60GB hard drive, which provides 4.5 hours of recording time.