Sony HVR-A1U Professional HDV Camcorder

The Sony HVR-A1U is the entry level HDV camcorder that records high definition video as well as DVCAM and DV standard-definition video. The camera uses a single three million pixel CMOS chip to capture images. The use of a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) chip allows the camera to capture amazing high quality images while consuming less battery power and making the camera smaller overall. The Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP), a Sony created technology, enables the camcorder to capture and process high-definition video and high resolution still images with the highest levels of contrast and detail. See the Most with CMOSThe HVR-A1U realizes new levels of compact design and efficiency with a single 3 megapixel CMOS imaging chip. Compared to a CCD (Charged Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) works more efficiently and burns less battery power. It uses both positive and negative polarity circuits, only one at any given time.Professional Audio InputsAs with its big brother the HVR-Z1U 3-CCD camcorder, this single chip camera offers professional shooters balanced XLR audio inputs with phantom power and attenuation options. A shotgun microphone can be mounted on top the camcorder as a large, shoulder-mount ENG style camera would.Zeiss LensThe professional video and filmmaker will not be disappointed with the quality of glass at the front of the A1U camera. Sony has engineered the camera around a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens for the latest in anti-reflective coatings and new levels of HDTV-quality resolving power in a compact design. This camera's 10x zoom lens has a maximum wide angle of 5.1 mm which will show a 50° horizontal angle of view.1080 Lines ResolutionThe HVR-A1U is a tiny camera capable of recording in several frame rates including NTSC. When it is set up to record standard definition video this camera is an NTSC device that stripes the tape at 30 interlace frames per second. When it is selected to record in HDV it can record 60i, 30p or 24 frames per second. Its widescreen chip captures over 1000 horizontal lines and 1440 vertical lines no matter what you dial in for record format.                       

Product Description Sony HVR-A1U - camcorder - Mini DV (HDV)
Product Type Camcorder - 1080i - widescreen
Dimensions (WxDxH) 2.8 in x 4.1 in x 7.5 in
Weight 1.5 lbs
Media Type Mini DV (HDV)
Flash Memory 16 MB
Sensor Resolution 3.0 Mpix
Effective Sensor Resolution Video: 1.2 Mpix - Still: 2.8 Mpix
Supported Resolution 1080i, 480i
Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
Lens System 10 x zoom lens - 5.1 mm - 51 mm - f/1.8-2.1
Focus Adjustment Automatic, manual
Image Stabilizer Electronic (Super Steady Shot)
Microphone Microphone - built-in - stereo
Viewfinder Electronic - 0.54" - 16:9
Display LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7" - color
Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery
General
Product Type Camcorder - 1080i
Width 2.8 in
Depth 4.1 in
Height 7.5 in
Weight 1.5 lbs
Main Features
Camcorder Sensor Resolution 3.0 Mpix
Camcorder Effective Video Resolution 1.2 Mpix
Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 2.8 Mpix
Widescreen Video Capture Yes
Media Type Mini DV (HDV)
Color Support Color
Optical Sensor Type CMOS
Optical Sensor Size 1/3"
Min Illumination 7 lux
Recording Speed SP
Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
Image Stabilizer Electronic (Super Steady Shot)
Max Shutter Speed 1/10000 sec