The new HVR-Z1U features three newly developed Super HAD 1/3" CCDs. These new 16:9 native CCDs, combined with a high quality 12X Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens and Sony's new 14 bit A/D and DXP Digital Extended Processor, result in precise image acquisition with superb detail and clarity. The advanced CCD design allows more light to reach the pixel imager, reducing video noise and improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The new HVR-Z1U records this exceptional imagery using the recently adopted HDV 1080i format onto a DVCAM™ mini cassette. Please note that the directional shotgun microphone is not included with this camcorder. The Supplied Accessories are: AC-VQ850 AC Adaptor/Charger; Remote Commander® Unit RMT-841; A/V Cable; Component Video Cable; Shoulder Strap; Large Eyecup; Shoe Extender; Lens Hood with Integral Lens Cap; NPF-570 InfoLithium® "L" battery.

Features:

• HDV 1080, 50i/60i/30F/25F Recording and Playback capable
• 3-1/3" 16:9 newly developed Super HAD CCD Imagers, 1.12M Pixels Gross
• High quality 12X Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens
• Super SteadyShot® Optical Stabilization System
• Non-Perpetual Manual Zoom Ring
• Manual Focus Ring
• Manual Iris Control w/24 steps
• 3.5" (-viewable area, measured diagonally) 16:9 Hybrid LCD Display (250K Pixels)
• Large 16:9 Color & B/W switchable EVF
• Simultaneous use of EVF and LCD display
• Built-in Wide Range Stereo Microphone
• Balanced Audio XLR input connectors (x2) with Selectable Phantom Power
• 6 User Assignable Buttons for quick access to frequently used functions
• i.LINK® DV Interface (IEEE1394)* (*i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other. Please refer to the documentation that comes with any device having an i.LINK connector for information on compatibility, operating conditions, & proper connection.
• MPEG2 Real Time Encode System for real time processing of HD data
• 14 Bit DXP (Digital Extended Processor) combines 14 bit A/D converter with an advanced camera processing system
• Switchable HDV/DVCAM/DV Format Recording
• 60i/50i (NTSC/PAL) switchable
• Built-in HD to SD down conversion
• Precision 16:9 SD DV recording
• Expanded Focus Function for easy confirmation of focus setting during manual focusing
• EVF & LCD Peaking Indicator
• Advanced Zebra Indicator
• CineFrame™ and Cinematone™ functions for cinema like recordings (25F/30F/24F)
• Picture Profile™ feature offers 6 memory locations for storing important camera settings such as: color phase, skintone detail, auto iris limit, AWB sensitivity, Cinematone setting, & CineFrame setting
• Shot Transition Function offers automatic transition of various shooting parameters between shots
• CineFrame 24 meter 3:2 Pulldown Function
• Hypergain Function
• Analog/Digital Conversion with Pass-Through
• Manual White Balance Adjustment
• Manual gain switch with user assignable L/M/H settings
• Handle mounted ZOOM/REC control
• 3 position ND filter switch-explain-values (ND)
• One button status check feature for easy confirmation of various parameters such as audio setup, output setup, assign button status, & Picture Profile setting
• Personal Menu function allows the assignment of frequently used menu items for quick one button access
• Battery Info function allows the battery's charge level and remaining run time to be checked with the camera's power turned off
• Over 5 1/2 hours of operation on a single NPF-970 battery using the LCD and EVF simultaneously