Sony Professional HDV HVR-Z5E
Warranty
Optical
Battery
LCD
: Non Warranty
: 20 x
: Lithium
: 3.2 "
The new camcorder uses Sony’s new 1/3-inch 3 Clear Vid CMOS Sensor™ system enhanced by the technology of Exmor™. With its 45-degree rotated pixel layout, the 3 Clear Vid CMOS Sensor system offers sufficient pixel surface area while it keeps high resolution. The technology of Exmor features a unique column-parallel analogue-to-digital conversion technique and dual noise canceling, resulting in high quality digital signals with extremely low noise, similar to the imaging technology used in the PMW-EX1 camcorder. The integration of the two new technologies allows the new camcorder to perform significantly better in low-light environments with sensitivity of 1.5 lux.*
The cam-corder’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 cam-corder’s advanced image sensor and image-processing technology. This lens offers a wide 29.5mm angle lens and brand new 20x optical zoom, as well as three ND filters (1/4, 1/16, 1/64) and independent focus, zoom and iris rings.
The HVR-Z5E also offers 1080/25p Native progressive recording along with the usual flexibility to switch between HDV/DV-CAM and DV recording (1080/50i, 576/50i). 60Hz operation will also be available via an optional service upgrade. The camcorder 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-Z5E is equipped with the same new Extra Fine™ LCD and Extra Fine EVF as seen on the HVR-Z7E and HVR-S270E, which offers high-resolution and high-contrast images with remarkable colour reproduction. It can deliver more than 60 minutes of recording time on mini-DV videotapes, and approximate recording times of 63 minutes** with Sony’s Digital Master cassettes (PHDVM-63DM).
Features
1/3” 3ClearVid CMOS Sensor
–1920x1080 (After interpolation)
–High resolution, and wide dynamic range.
–High speed recording
–Lower power consumption
•Technology of “Exmor”
–Column A/D Converter contributes less noise influence.
•Minimum Illumination : 1.5lux (Shutter-speed 1/25)
•Fixed Lens - 20x Optical Zoom, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*–
–f4.1 - 81.8mm (29.5-590mm in 35mm conversion)
–F1.6 - 3.4
–Filter Diameter : 72mm , –Three ND filters
•Three Electrical Lens Ring
– Focus ring , –Zoom ring ,–Iris ring
Major "G Lens" Features on HVR-Z5E
The 29.5mm wide-angle "G Lens" (equivalent to 35mm film) on the HVR-Z5E offers a field of view that's ideal for shooting situations ranging from broad landscape shots to conditions where sufficient distance from the subject is difficult to obtain. A 20x optical zoom also enables shooting over a wide zoom range.
Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements reduce chromatic aberrations caused by differences in light refraction to minimize color fringing. The advanced 10-group, 15-element lens structure also includes compound spheric lenses for images that are crisp and clear even when shooting movies at high zoom ratios.
Advanced optical lens technology makes the most of Sony's 3 Clear Vid CMOS Sensor to realize sharper images with higher resolution and less noise even when shooting in very low light.
The six-blade iris diaphragm is nearly circular, enabling the creation of extremely beautiful background blur.
Natural-touch Lens Operation
Newly designed focus, zoom and iris control functions provide convenient lens operation. The iris ring, located next to the zoom ring as with traditional professional lenses, allows users to adjust exposure with great precision. The zoom function is variable and can be controlled by using the lens barrel ring, the lever at the lens grip or lever on the camera handle. Additionally, once you select the high-speed zoom mode, you can zoom from wide to telephoto 1.5x faster than with the HVR-V1E.
The HVR-Z5E also provides 3 built-in ND (Neutral Density) filters and allows the use of an optional 0.8x wide conversion lens.
1/3 inch-type 3 Clear Vid CMOS Sensor system
The newly developed 1/3-inch type 3 Clear Vid 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 Clear Vid CMOS Sensor system achieves high resolution, high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and excellent color reproduction. The pixel shift interpolation technique has been traditionally used in small 3CCD camcorders. However, it normally requires the combination of all three color element (RGB) signals to maximize resolution. If an object lacks one or more color elements, the resolution of the object may be degraded.
The 3 Clear Vid CMOS Sensor system is different because it can always produce maximum resolution, regardless of the balance between colour elements, thanks to its unique and sophisticated interpolation technology.
Enhanced functionality with the technology of Exmor
Exmor technology, which utilizes the full potential of the 3 Clear Vid CMOS Sensor system. Exmor features the column-parallel A/D conversion technique and the dual noise canceling method also used in the Sony's top-of-the-line models.
Multiple A/D (analogue to digital) converters on each pixel row convert analogue signals to digital as soon as they are generated, unlike traditional technology that only has one A/D converter on each chip.
Exmor technology 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 Clear Vid CMOS Sensor system enables the HVR-Z5E to achieve a low light sensitivity of just 1.5 lux*
* At 1/25 shutter, auto iris and auto gain
Switchable Recording and Playback - HDV1080i/DV-CAM/DV
The HVR-Z5E can switch between HDV 1080i, DV-CAM and standard DV recording, providing the ultimate flexibility to suit your production needs. 60Hz operation for 1080/60i/24p/30p plus SD 480i is available through a chargeable service upgrade
Selectable Progressive Modes
The HVR-Z5E has two types of progressive shooting modes.
25p HDV Native Progressive Recording Mode
The HVR-Z5E camcorders newly feature 25p native progressive recording mode. The 3 Clear Vid CMOS Sensor system and EIP create true 1080p images, which can then be recorded as progressive signals by the HVR-Z5E camcorder 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 Mode
In this mode, the 1080p image captured by the 3 Clear Vid 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 interlaced signals, while maintaining the quality of the 1080p image.
Built-in Down-converter for SD Production
Output a down-converted video signal through the i.LINK interface and other SD output connectors. This allows users to edit recorded material with a compatible non-linear editing system using current DV editing software, as well as record SD signals to an external VTR.
* Letterbox mode is not available from the i.LINK connector. i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connector. Not all products with an i.LINK connector will necessarily communicate with each other. For information on compatibility, operating conditions, and proper connection, please refer to the documentation supplied with any device with an i.LINK connector. For information on devices that include an i.LINK connection, please contact your nearest Sony service center.
Versatile Audio Input Selection
The HVR-Z5E features versatile audio input selection with a newly designed high-quality built-in stereo microphone, as well as two XLR audio input channels for professional microphones or connecting to an external-line audio source.
By adjusting the INPUT ASSIGN switch located on the side panel of the HVR-Z5E, you can easily assign the 2 audio input channels to the built-in stereo microphone, external-line audio, or dedicate one channel to each and record them separately or mixed. When assigned to one channel, the built-in stereo microphone acts as a wide-directional monaural microphone.
The high quality ECM-XM1 monaural microphone is a supplied accessory with the HVR-Z5E.
Extra Fine™ LCD Panel
A 3.2-inch type Extra Fine LCD is located on the HVR-Z5E in the same position as on the HVR-Z1E. With approximately 921,000 pixels, this is 4x greater than the LCD of the HVR-Z1E. The Extra Fine LCD displays virtually 100% of the recorded picture area at 6500K color temperature.
Extra Fine EVF
The 0.45 inch type Extra Fine EVF (Electronic View Finder) has approximately 1,227,000 pixels (852x3[RGB]x480). This device has three independent LEDs for Red, Green, and Blue colors. This technology allows users to monitor objects with remarkable color reproduction accuracy and high resolution*. The EVF has a selectable display mode between Co lour or Black and White. The Extra Fine EVF displays virtually 100% of the picture area at 6500K color temperature.
* When the camcorder is panned quickly or when an object in the screen moves quickly, the primary colors of R/G/B may be seen on the object in the EVF momentarily.
Info LITHIUM™ L Series Battery Compatibility
The HVR-Z5 uses the same batteries as the HVR-Z1, HVR-V1, and DSR-PD170P, so you can use your existing chargers and batteries.
HDMI output connector
Uncompressed digital HD video and audio signals are output from the HDMI connector. You can see stunning HD images on an HDMI-compatible monitor display. During shooting, a pre-compressed 1920x1080i/4:2:2 signal is output from the HDMI connector
Two Accessory Shoe Connectors
The HVR-Z5E features two accessory shoe connectors. One is a cold shoe on the top of the microphone unit at the front, and the other is a screw-hole type shoe located on the handle. The rear side shoe can be changed to a cold shoe using supplied parts.
One-touch Clip-type Microphone Holder
A one-touch clip-type microphone holder makes it easy to attach and remove the microphone for quick setup/storage.
Smooth WB (white balance)
The Smooth WB feature is a smooth transition white balance system that avoids unnaturally sudden color temperature changes between preset white balance settings. This function is useful when you move from an artificial, low-light environment inside a building, to bright natural sunlight outside.
Smooth Gain
The Smooth Gain function is a smooth transition gain system that avoids sudden brightness changes caused by manual gain-level adjustment. With this function, the brightness changes gradually when the gain-level position is switched and avoids any sudden, unwanted iris adjustment.
Negative Gain
Negative gain settings of -6 and -3 dB have also been added to help reduce sensitivity under bright lighting conditions. When the iris needs to be opened to create a short depth of field, a suitable brightness level can be achieved with this function.
AGC Range Configuration
The range of the AGC (Automatic Gain Control) function can be set by assigning its upper and lower limits. The use of minus gain can be achieved by setting the lower limit of the AGC. Once MINUS AGC is set to ON, the minimum AGC parameter is set to approximately -3dB. If you set it to OFF, the minimum AGC parameter set to 0dB.
Advanced Histogram
The Histogram Indicator for brightness can be displayed on the LCD monitor and viewfinder, allowing operators to easily evaluate the brightness of captured images. A target window appears in the center of the screen and the brightness level is indicated by a vertical red line in the histogram. The zebra indicator level appears as a yellow vertical line in the histogram as a reference for proper exposure.
Picture Profile™
Up to six different picture-quality settings, including gamma and color settings can be registered in the memory as picture profiles.
Color Depth
Generally, the brightness of a video image increases as the color level becomes more vivid. In these new camcorders, the brightness and color level are processed independently so that more flexible tone - for instance, a dark image with vivid color - is realized by 3D-LUT* color processing.
Color Correction
The Color Correction function of the HVR-Z1E has been improved in the HVR-Z5E. Color Correction provides two functions for creative shooting. The Color Extraction function can retain up to two desired colors of monitored pictures on the screen, while making all other colors black and white. The advanced function allows users to select the color simply by pressing a button to memorize the center color of the captured image
The Color Revision function can change the hue of the color specifically designated by the Co lour Extraction function. This function is good not only for creating impressive images, but also for blue or green screen shooting in order to normalize uneven color. The color data is stored in each Picture Profile so that users can select the most suitable color setting for each shooting situation.
WB (White Balance) Shift
The WB Shift function allows users to create a custom color or to adjust the color temperature of the camcorder. There are two WB Shift options to choose from:
LB-CC type: adjusting the LB axis (color temperature) and CC filter effect.
R-B level type: adjusting the red and blue levels