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MediaConcepts
09-20-2006, 11:07 AM
Link to story: http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/b2b/broadcast_production/pro_audio_video/release/25017.html

SONY UNVEILS NEW HDV CAMCORDER WITH 24P CAPTURE FOR PROFESSIONAL VIDEOGRAPHERS

New Model Features Three ClearVid CMOS Sensor Technology; Complemented by 60 GB Hard-disk Recording Unit for Integration with NLE Systems

PARK RIDGE, N.J., Sept. 19, 2006 -- Sony is expanding its line-up of HDV™ products for professionals with the HVR-V1U HDV compact camcorder.
The new model delivers true 24P progressive scan capture, and uses three of Sony’s ClearVid CMOS Sensor™ chips combined with Sony's Enhanced Imaging Processor™ technology to provide greater sensitivity, higher resolution, lower noise and a wider dynamic range.

The professional camcorder enables simultaneous or “hybrid” recording to both an attachable hard-disk recording unit (model HVR-DR60), which is optional, and to the videotape used in the camcorder.

Together, the new camcorder and hard-disk recording unit join Sony’s comprehensive range of HDV production systems. By the end of this month, the company expects to have shipped about 91,000 units of professional HDV products worldwide, since introducing the format in January 2005.

“Our entire family of professional HDV products is based on the concept of offering options for customers,” said Bob Ott, vice president of marketing for Sony Electronics’ optical and network systems group. “This new camcorder and hard-disk recording unit deliver full production flexibility, and the HVR-V1U camcorder’s ability to capture true 24P images will appeal to any video professional desiring a ‘film-look’ for their work or for cinematographers working on tight budgets who still need high quality.”

Unlike "progressive-look" pictures interpolated from interlace scan camera systems, the HVR-V1U camcorder’s 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system natively captures progressive images at 24P, 30P or 60P, while maintaining full 1080 HDV resolution. Footage shot using the progressive scan feature can be played back on any of Sony’s HDV professional camcorders and VTRs, and be easily edited with compatible non-linear editing systems.
The new ClearVid CMOS Sensor combined with Sony’s Enhanced Imaging Processor technology deliver higher sensitivity and higher resolution.

According to Ott, the EIP technology achieves wide dynamic range through the use of a unique algorithm that separates image data into its texture patterns and brightness components. The technology allows the camera’s sensor to produce natural and rich tones for both light and dark areas of an image.

The EIP technology also enables the high-speed processing required for capturing high-definition video and still images at extremely high levels of gradation and image reproduction.

The combination of the ClearVid CMOS Sensor and the EIP technologies also result in a feature called “smooth slow rec. (recording).” Due to the speed of the camcorder’s signal processing, video images can be captured at very high speeds, up to 240 fields per second, allowing very fast movements to be recorded in precise detail without creating artifacts or signal degradation.

The new hard-disk recording unit is a 1.8-inch drive with a 60 GB capacity and offering up to 4.5 hours of recording time in either the HDV or DVCAM/DV mode. The unit features Smart Protection, which is combined with a built-in “shock absorber” that automatically protects it at a force of up to three Gs. When the sensor detects that the unit is being dropped, it immediately turns the power off and retracts the head to help prevent damage to the media.

The new hard-disk recording unit also has a cache recording, or buffer memory, function, allowing up to 14 seconds of video and audio signals to be continuously buffered in the memory while the camera is in stand-by mode. When the operator presses “record” that content is captured and then recording can continue in real time.

The camcorder features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens with Extra-low Dispersion Glass and a 20x optical zoom lens with F2.8 at the telephoto end for greater light sensitivity and long-range image acquisition for maximum shooting flexibility.

A Digital Extender feature also enables the telephoto focal length to be extended by approximately 1.5 times to a maximum of 1100mm at 35mm conversion.

Additional features of the HVR-V1U camcorder include:
A timecode preset function
A TC Link to synchronize time codes
Two XLR microphone inputs for independent sound recording
A Camera Profile feature to adjust the camera settings of multiple cameras for multi-camera operations using MemoryStick Duo™ media
A 3.5-inch (viewable area, measured diagonally) Clear Photo LCD plus™ viewing screen

New accessories, which will be introduced later this year, include:
HVL-LBP LED battery video light, which is powered by Sony’s infoLITHIUM® "L" Series battery (NP-F970/F770)
VCL-HG0862K – a wide conversion lens (exclusive for the HVR-V1U) that features a “bayonet joint” for easy attachment
SH-L35WBP LCD Hood (exclusive to the HVR-V1U)

Professional Media Optimized for HDV Applications
Complementing the new devices is Sony’s highest-quality 6mm HDV videotape, DigitalMaster™, which the company recommends for professional HDV applications. These 63-minute cassettes (model PHDVM63DM) use Sony’s Advanced Metal Evaporated II Technology and its dual-active magnetic layers.

The advanced AME II manufacturing process employs Hyper Evaticle IV magnetic grains, improved lubricants, and a refined Diamond-Like Carbon layer. DigitalMaster tape exhibits greater packing density of magnetic grains, higher retentivity, higher output and lower noise. The result is a more robust tape with 65 percent fewer dropouts and 90 percent fewer errors.

The HVR-V1U camcorder and HVR-DR60 hard-disk recording unit are expected to be available in December at suggested list prices of $4,800 and $1,800, respectively.

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chriswatson
09-20-2006, 11:20 AM
Very sweet! So at $4800 retail we're probably looking at $4K street? I might have to save my pennies and get one of these.

Chris Watson
Watson Videography

Mathew
09-20-2006, 11:22 AM
I like everything except for the 1/4" chips. You just can't cram that many pixels on a smaller chip and get decent low light sensitivity. Also I don't believe that this is the replacement for the Z1U.

ssvp
09-20-2006, 11:39 AM
I don't know about that HDD recorder..Odd looking placement

ssvp
09-20-2006, 11:42 AM
Large

AndrewMSV
09-20-2006, 12:52 PM
I don't know about that HDD recorder..Odd looking placement
I think if one were to include a HDD, a light, a wireless tranceiver, etc etc, they'd better just get a fig rig or some other thing that will hold all of that stuff.
If it were me, I think I'd keep my HDD on my belt or something. I dunno. You're right it looks unbalanced.

chriswatson
09-20-2006, 02:03 PM
I agree with you regarding the 1/4" chips. I'd feel better if it were 1/3. But all things considered, I think getting 1080P at the cost of an extra stop of light is a fair trade.

Chris Watson
Watson Videography
www.dallasweddingfilms.com

I like everything except for the 1/4" chips. You just can't cram that many pixels on a smaller chip and get decent low light sensitivity. Also I don't believe that this is the replacement for the Z1U.

Dee Boz
09-20-2006, 02:32 PM
I agree with you regarding the 1/4" chips. I'd feel better if it were 1/3. But all things considered, I think getting 1080P at the cost of an extra stop of light is a fair trade.

Yep..all about trade offs with cameras. There is no doubt that they will respond really well to gain adjustments and CCing like our current cams do so I dontworry at all.


Sounds like my decision is getting tougher by the week. :uhoh:

Dee Boz
09-20-2006, 02:42 PM
I like everything except for the 1/4" chips. You just can't cram that many pixels on a smaller chip and get decent low light sensitivity. Also I don't believe that this is the replacement for the Z1U.

You're not going to find the "perfect camera" dude. With every release you find something "wrong" with it as an excuse not to upgrade. Your DVXs are great cams but they have plenty of things to knit pick about as well.

I get that there is no demand in your area...but how about wanting to produce some superior imagery just for the sake of trying to go to the next level with your work? Content is more important yes..I know...but having content and great imagery should be everyone's goal.

I have had at least 5 brides in the last month comment about how "clear your samples look online compared to everyone else". Thats because I take a lot of my samples from HD and the results are a better..cleaner image at equal data rates.

No...they dont know its HD, but they DO see the difference HD makes.

JC/DV
09-20-2006, 02:46 PM
You're not going to find the "perfect camera" dude.

I have had at least 5 brides in the last month comment about how "clear your samples look online compared to everyone else". Thats because I take a lot of my samples from HD and the results are a better..cleaner image at equal data rates.

No...they dont know its HD, but they DO see the difference HD makes.

The near perfect camera: www.red.com (http://www.red.com)

I totally agree with your statement. Chip size doesn't always mean better... especially if the operator doesn't know how to use the equipemnt properly, just watch your local news channels.

Mathew
09-20-2006, 04:23 PM
You're not going to find the "perfect camera" dude. With every release you find something "wrong" with it as an excuse not to upgrade. Your DVXs are great cams but they have plenty of things to knit pick about as well.


No but there is such a thing as waiting until I actually need to upgrade. I'm kind of hoping that Panasonic shifts away from P2 and maybe gives us a true 16:9 DVX model. I just love the Leica lens and color balance of these cameras.

Mathew
09-20-2006, 04:27 PM
The near perfect camera: www.red.com (http://www.red.com)

I totally agree with your statement. Chip size doesn't always mean better... especially if the operator doesn't know how to use the equipemnt properly, just watch your local news channels.

Not the "Red" camera again... I'm betting it never delivers.

Chip size does matter because it allows the pixels to be larger thus more light sensitive. It also makes a big difference in the image density and DOF. While a 2/3" camera may have almost the same resolution as a 1/3 or 1/4" camera there is a pretty big difference in image quality. I personally would take a single chip 2/3" camera over a 3-chip 1/4" camera.

JC/DV
09-20-2006, 04:47 PM
Not the "Red" camera again... I'm betting it never delivers.

Chip size does matter because it allows the pixels to be larger thus more light sensitive. It also makes a big difference in the image density and DOF. While a 2/3" camera may have almost the same resolution as a 1/3 or 1/4" camera there is a pretty big difference in image quality. I personally would take a single chip 2/3" camera over a 3-chip 1/4" camera.
Read what I said: Chip size doesn't always mean better... especially if the operator doesn't know how to use the equipemnt properly, just watch your local news channels.

Then why does my little single 1/3" chipper look better than the 2/3" news cams? I do agree with your about it letting in more light and yada yada yada, but all in the end, it boils down to the operator.

Mossy
09-20-2006, 05:54 PM
Daniel,

About a week or so ago, my brother and his friend stopped around while I was watching your new demo. My brother's friend - who knows jack squat about video - immediately commented on the "great picture".

My business plan isn't allowing me at the moment but I desperately want HDV!!! And these new cams look great...

M

Dee Boz
09-20-2006, 06:27 PM
The near perfect camera: www.red.com (http://www.red.com)

I totally agree with your statement. Chip size doesn't always mean better... especially if the operator doesn't know how to use the equipemnt properly, just watch your local news channels.


Ha! Yeah, its pretty close if it lives up to the hype.

I checked out the Red booth at NAB this year and was kinda amused by the whole thing. It does seem a bit hokey and too futuristic and gimmicky but they sure did take a heck of a lot of preorder deposits. :uhoh:

JC/DV
09-20-2006, 07:00 PM
Here is a review I found from somewhere else... its from DSE:
http://www.sundancemediagroup.com/articles/camcorders/SonyHVR-V1_camcorder.htm

There are some screen grabs and M2T clip (haven't viewed the clip yet as I'm rendering something right now.)

Mathew
09-20-2006, 07:46 PM
... its from DSE:


Worthless. DSE is on Sony's payroll http://www.spottedeagle.com/touring.htm. The last Sony camera he reviewed, the HC1, he said that it was great in low light--if you consider 150 watts of tungsten to be low light.

Dee Boz
09-20-2006, 07:55 PM
My business plan isn't allowing me at the moment but I desperately want HDV!!! And these new cams look great...

M

I will tell you man...I am editing my first DV project in awhile and it looks like it was shot with a $300 one chipper and it was a PD150.

It spoils you real quick. I can hardly watch SD programming on my TV anymore. :wink:

jay
09-21-2006, 12:09 PM
I have had at least 5 brides in the last month comment about how "clear your samples look online compared to everyone else". Thats because I take a lot of my samples from HD and the results are a better..cleaner image at equal data rates.

No...they dont know its HD, but they DO see the difference HD makes.

Hey Daniel what HD cameras do you use?

RatVega
09-21-2006, 12:44 PM
I agree with you regarding the 1/4" chips. I'd feel better if it were 1/3. But all things considered, I think getting 1080P at the cost of an extra stop of light is a fair trade.

Chris Watson
Watson Videography
Don't overlook the fact that we're talking about a different imaging technology here; CMOS vs. CCD. Until recently, CCD had a clear edge, with CMOS images suffering from diminished quality.

I haven't seen anything to directly compare the two device technologies, but since the 1/4-inch CMOS chips are 1.2 million gross pixels each, the metrics appear to have changed...

RatVega
09-21-2006, 12:59 PM
With all the discussion over sensor technologies and such, no one has commented on:

1080/60p!!!

Heck, I'm currently trying to work up something to shoot 480/60p for a sports thing; this is HUGE!

On the RED side: I saw where they recently showed 4K footage from their sensor, so they're apparently not mired in engineering wonderland...

In general, I think we're all going to have to crack a few technical manuals and (to paraphrase Bob Dylan) "...don't criticize what you don't understand, for the times they are a-changin'..."

Dee Boz
09-21-2006, 01:13 PM
Hey Daniel what HD cameras do you use?

2 FX1s and an HC3.

But thats soon to change. :party-smiley-043:

Dee Boz
09-21-2006, 01:22 PM
Don't overlook the fact that we're talking about a different imaging technology here; CMOS vs. CCD. Until recently, CCD had a clear edge, with CMOS images suffering from diminished quality.

This is true..because my HC3 (CMOS) matches up very well with my FXs.

A lot better than my HC1 did.

JC/DV
09-21-2006, 03:08 PM
Worthless. DSE is on Sony's payroll http://www.spottedeagle.com/touring.htm. The last Sony camera he reviewed, the HC1, he said that it was great in low light--if you consider 150 watts of tungsten to be low light.

I don't think DSE is worthless, I and many others have gotten alot of benefit from his articles. I don't take anything I read as 100% gospel truth as there is ALWAYS some sort of bias.

The HC1 isn't "great" in low light, but (last time I'll say this hopefully) IT's IN THE OPERATOR'S SKILLS. Funny damn thing is that I haven't heard too many people say my footage is too dark now in low light. I think this next edit I will be working on will have some low light segments where I didn't use a light in some of it, so I'll place a shot or two so you can see.

chriswatson
09-21-2006, 03:11 PM
Yeah that made this a wait and see to a must buy for me. And with only one stop lost from the FX-1? I can live with that for 1080P.

Chris Watson
Watson Videography
www.dallasweddingfilms.com
With all the discussion over sensor technologies and such, no one has commented on:

1080/60p!!!

Heck, I'm currently trying to work up something to shoot 480/60p for a sports thing; this is HUGE!

On the RED side: I saw where they recently showed 4K footage from their sensor, so they're apparently not mired in engineering wonderland...

In general, I think we're all going to have to crack a few technical manuals and (to paraphrase Bob Dylan) "...don't criticize what you don't understand, for the times they are a-changin'..."

vegas06
09-22-2006, 07:07 AM
Yeah that made this a wait and see to a must buy for me. And with only one stop lost from the FX-1? I can live with that for 1080P.

Chris Watson
Watson Videography
www.dallasweddingfilms.com (http://www.dallasweddingfilms.com)
Chris is working in 1080P that much different than 1080i?

I do know that progressive footage are all single frames, compared to blended frames like that of interlaced.

But I have never worked with progressively shot footage before and was wondering if this makes a big difference in workflow and quality?

gl
09-22-2006, 09:48 AM
Too bad they didn't offer more codec options with the little HD attachment. I am hoping this HDV format will go away soon :P

-gl