Product Description

The Sony HVR-A1U camcorder captures 1080i HDV images using a newly developed 1/3-inch type, 2.97-megapixel (total) CMOS sensor with new Enhanced Imaging Processor(tm) technology that optimizes the performance of the CMOS sensor. The result is HD quality imaging that has been used to produce television and professional film content. Available at an extremely affordable price, the HVR-A1U will be another powerful option for HD field acquisition by all video professionals.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1036 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sony
• Model: HVRA1U
• Released on: 2005-10-01
• Dimensions: 6.10 pounds
• Display size: 2.7

Features

• High-definition video camera records in 1080i, 720p, and 720i specification with analog down-converting
• 16:9 widescreen recording; 4:3 conversion capable
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens; digital Super SteadyShot System dampens hand jitter and vibration
• CMOS camera system; records to conventional DV tape stock
• Powered by NP-FM50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack

Amazon.com Product Description
The HVR-A1U is a compact and lightweight handy-type camcorder, ideal for shooting environments that require mobility. Its size, combined with its long battery life (up to 80 minutes of high-definition recording with the included battery), make it easy to get the shots you need, when you need them.

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HDV 1080i
The HDV 1080i specification features 1080 effective interlaced scanning lines and 1,440 horizontal pixels. Interlaced pictures, which have been common to TV broadcasts from the beginning, alternately display odd and even numbered lines between each screen refresh. The HVR-A1U can also record at the HDV 720p specification, which features 720 effective progressive scanning lines and 1,280 horizontal pixels. Progressive scanning fills both odd and even numbered lines with each refresh, providing a flicker-free picture.

Not yet ready for HD? The HVR-A1U can convert material from 1080i down to 480i and output this digital video signal through its i.LINK interface or as analog signals through component, composite, or S-video connectors. When down-converting these signals, the aspect ratio displayed can be converted from 16:9 to 4:3, and display modes can be selected from squeeze, letterbox or edge crop.

1/3-inch Type, 2.97-megapixel CMOS sensor
The HVR-A1U incorporates one 1/3-inch type primary color CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) 2.97-megapixel sensor with a formatted for a 4:3 aspect ratio. The advantage of a CMOS sensor over CCD is it's ability to process a large volume of picture data at a very small size, which makes it possible for a camera this size to capture HD video. The trade off for this kind of chip over CCD, however, is a small loss in picture uniformity and dynamic range.

Keep an eye on audio levels on the LCD monitor

Audio
The HVR-A1U adopts the MPEG-2 compression format, which uses 8-bit digital component recording with a sampling rate of 4:2:0. The camera uses MPEG-1 Audio Layer II audio compression format, allowing for two-channel recording with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz/16-bit. It features a built-in stereo microphone, as well as two XLR audio input connectors for use with professional-grade microphones or external audio sources. Each input level for CH1 and CH2 can be independently adjusted using two audio level dials on the camera body and viewed with an audio level meter on the LCD monitor.

Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens
The HVR-A1U is equipped with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* high definition lens with a 10x zoom function. It has the same optical coating as is used on all of the Carl Zeiss prime lenses, which produces sharp, high-contrast images with virtually no chromatic aberration.

In order to facilitate zoom control and recording operation during low-angle shooting, an additional zoom lever has been added to the camera body. There's also a zoom/focus ring located on the lens body that allows for fine adjustments in zoom position. Furthermore, the supplied wireless Remote Commander unit can be used for external control.

Large, 16:9 widescreen color viewfinder and LCD monitor
View your subject through the built-in viewfinder, the swing-out LCD display, or both. The HVR-A1U features a 0.44-inch type color LCD viewfinder and a 2.7-inch color LCD monitor, both in a 16:9 aspect ratio. You'll save battery time by using just one, but you may want to use one for adjusting focus and the other for monitoring audio levels. When eschewing auto focus for the fine-tuning manual focus, you can double the magnification at the center of the screen, making it easier to confirm focus settings during manual focusing. Also, the camera's "peaking" function can provide sharp outlines on the monitor to help with manual focus.

Electronic Super SteadyShot system
Sony's electronic Super SteadyShot System helps remove the slight hand jitter and vibration that is often the bane of video production--especially during telephoto shots. It does this by trimming off edges of the frame on the fly to counteract movement.

Tele Macro picks up details on subjects from a distance

Tele Macro
It may seem like a contradiction in terms, but the Tele Macro function allows you to capture a macro image from a distance, which is useful for shooting small moving objects. Additionally, this function puts your subject in proper focus while leaving the background out of focus.

The Hollywood look
The HVR-A1U has features that can make your videos look more like they were shot on film. Cinematone Gamma allows operators to quickly setup and load a gamma curve with similar contrast characteristics to a film gamma curve. The Cineframe feature allows movement to be reproduced at 24 frames per second--the speed of film--as opposed to video's 30 frames per second standard.

No new tape stock
The HVR-A1U is compatible with conventional DV tape stock, but Sony recommends the use of DigitalMaster PHDVM-63DM tape, with its dual layer of magnetic material, which delivers higher RF output, lower noise, 95% fewer errors and 60% fewer dropouts compared to regular DV tape.

More camera features

·Assign button -- get quick access to a variety of settings		·Time Code Preset -- fill in any timecode starting value
·Shot Transition -- creates smooth automatic transitions between scenes		·Color Bar -- Two types
·Status Check -- displays camera setting menus for audio, output signal, assign button and exposure lever functions and hours meter on the LCD monitor		·Zebra -- displays a striped pattern in the LCD monitor and viewfinder across highlight areas, helping manual exposure settings
·Quick REC -- shortens the record interval from stop mode.		·Personal Menu -- allows operators to customize the setting menu
·Battery Info -- displays the attached battery's current charge level and its current remaining recording time on the LCD monitor		·Histogram Indicator -- allows you to easily evaluate the brightness of your scene
·Super Night Shot -- allows operators to capture images in black and white using a built-in infrared light		·Skin Tone Detail -- reduces detailed signal for skin color, smoothening the reproduction of human skin
·Black Stretch -- allows more contrast to be seen in dark parts of the picture without affecting mid-tones		·Backlight Compensation -- produces natural tones for both light and dark areas of backlit subject

What's in the box
HVR-A1U camera, AC-L15 AC adaptor, power code, NP-FM50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack, lens hood with lens cover, RMT-831 wireless Remote Commander unit, A/V connecting cable with S video, component video cable, USB cable, Memory Stick Duo (16 MB), Memory Stick Duo adaptor, ECM-NV1 monaural electret condenser microphone, XLR audio adaptor, shoulder strap, and operating instructions.

Manufacturer Description
The HVR-A1U 1080i HDV camcorder provides real 1080i HD acquisition, with superb image quality and comprehensive functionality for professional use, in a "handy" camcorder form factor. This HDV camcorder will help to expand the adoption of HDV and lead the entry level HD market by providing a compact and low cost solution. The HVR-A1U features a newly developed 1/3-inch C-MOS imager. This 1,920 by 1,080 native imager is also capable of 3 megapixel still images. Combined with a high quality Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens and Sony's 14 bit A/D and DXP digital Extended Processor, result in precise image acquisition with superb detail and clarity. The HVR-A1U records this exceptional imagery using the recently adopted HDV 1080i format onto a DVCAM mini cassette.

HDV 1080i Specification
The HDV 1080i specification of the HDV format features 1,080 effective scanning lines (interlace scanning system) and 1,440 horizontal pixels. It adopts the MPEG-2 compression format (MP@H-14 for video), which uses 8-bit digital component recording with a sampling rate of 4:2:0. MPEG-1 Audio Layer II is used as the audio compression format, allowing for two-channel recording with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz/16-bit. The HDV 1080i specification provides high picture quality that can be used for HDTV program production.

Compatible with Existing and New DV Videocassette Tape
As a member of the proven DV family of formats, the HDV format has, from the outset, been developed for compatibility with all grades of DV videocassette tape. This allows operators to use high-grade DV videocassette tapes for applications where high robustness is critical, or consumer grade videocassette tapes for more economical operations. For heavy-duty applications, a new high-grade mini cassette tape has been developed; the DigitalMaster PHDVM-63DM. This tape is compatible with the HDV, DVCAM, and DV formats.

Long Recording Time
The HDV format adopts the same track pitch and tape speed as the DV format, thus offering the same recording time -- a maximum of 63 minutes when recording on a DigitalMaster mini cassette tape.

1/3-inch Type, 2.97-megapixel CMOS Sensor
The HVR-A1U incorporates one 1/3-inch type primary color CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor with a total pixel number of 2.97 million and a 4:3 aspect ratio, which has been developed based on Sony's many years of experience in developing imaging devices. This CMOS sensor can produce high-quality images with high sensitivity and low noise levels, which is superior to most of traditional CMOS sensors due to advantages such as its unique pixel design, which optimizes the photo-sensor area in each pixel, and advanced noise reduction technique. Another key advantage of this CMOS sensor is its high-speed processing capability. Since data captured using a single CMOS sensor for high-definition format recording is extremely large, it would take considerable time to transfer and process by traditional methods. With the Sony CMOS sensor, such large data can be processed at an incredibly high speed thanks to its flexible multi-channel readout structure. Use of the CMOS sensor also allows even large amounts of HDresolution data to be processed with amazingly low power requirements, thus making the camcorder's overall size extremely compact. Lastly, CMOS sensors can eliminate vertical smear, even though the pixel size is small.

Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP)
The EIP is Sony's newly developed image processing IC intended for high-speed processing of large amounts of data captured by the CMOS sensor. In addition, the EIP employs the unique algorithm that first separates image data into texture patterns and brightness components and then processes these two elements independently. This makes it possible to have high details in the blacks as well as in brightly illuminated areas of the picture, delivering a clear image with a wide dynamic range even under backlight conditions. Combined use of the EIP and CMOS sensor allows the camcorder to provide extremely high image quality with a high level of gradation and detailed image reproduction.

Optical 10x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Zoom Lens
The HVR-A1U is equipped with the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T high-definition lens with 10x zoom function. Its fully coated glass is the same as used on Carl Zeiss prime lenses, producing sharp, high-contrast images, with virtually no chromatic aberration.

Electronic Super SteadyShot System
The Super SteadyShot system used in the HVR-A1U detects horizontal and vertical movements and electronically compensates for unsteady camera handling. The active image area (the number of pixels used) in the CMOS sensor is automatically adjusted for the Super SteadyShot system to achieve the best performance at each zoom position.

Full Scan Mode
The HVR-A1U camcorder offers a Full Scan mode, which allows the camcorder to capture images with the resolution of approximately two million pixels at every zoom position when the Super SteadyShot system is off. With this mode, images of higher picture quality can be obtained.

Switchable Recording and Playback – HDV 1080i/DVCAM/DV
The HVR-A1U can switch between HDV 1080i, DVCAM, and DV recording, providing full flexibility to record in either standard or high-definition format depending on production needs. The HVR-A1U supports DV SP mode only; no support for DV LP mode.

Down-conversion Playback Capabilities
The HVR-A1U can convert material from 1080i down to 480i, and output these video signals through its i.LINK interface. In addition, these signals can also be output via either analog component, composite, or S-Video connectors. This allows editing of recorded material with a nonlinear editing system using current DV editing software as well as recording SD signals to an external VTR, while simultaneously recording HDV signals with the HVR-A1U. The HVR-A1U can also down-convert to 480P and output these signals through its analog component video connectors. When down-converting these signals, the aspect ratio displayed can be converted from 16:9 to 4:3. Display modes can be selected from Squeeze, Letterbox, or Edge crop.

HD Codec Engine
The HVR-A1U employs the highly advanced HD Codec Engine feature, which efficiently compresses base band HD signal data at approximately 25 Mb/s with MPEG-2 compression, while maintaining optimal HD quality. Designed for reduced energy consumption, this powerful digital signal processor fits perfectly inside the compact and streamlined body of the HVR-A1U.

Still Picture Recording to Memory Stick Duo Media
The HVR-A1U incorporates a high-resolution digital camera function. Thanks to the 2.97-megapixel CMOS sensor, still pictures with 1,920 x 1,440 pixels can be recorded to Memory Stick Duo media. Still pictures can be captured by pressing the dedicated ‘Photo' button, and this can be done even when recording video to tape, without any interruptions. In addition, any desired video frame recorded on tape can be captured as a still image with 1,440 x 810 pixels and recorded onto Memory Stick Duo media after video shooting.

16:9 Widescreen Acquisition in DVCAM and DV Formats
The HVR-A1U is capable of native 16:9 widescreen image capturing, with a high resolution of 720 x 480 pixels in DVCAM and DV formats, and providing true 16:9 images in Standard Definition.

i.LINK Interface
The HVR-A1U is equipped with a 4-pin i.LINK interface. This allows for on-cable digital transfer6 of audio, video, and command signals to a connected, compatible VTR or nonlinear editing system in the HDV, DVCAM, and DV formats.

2-channel XLR Audio Input
The HVR-A1U provides two XLR audio input connectors for connecting professional microphones or for feeding an external-line audio source. Phantom power of approximately 48 V can be supplied for the external condenser microphone. Input 1 audio can be recorded on CH1 only, or on both CH1 and CH2 audio tracks, with easy selection via a switch. The HVR-A1U also comes equipped with two types of microphones; an external directional microphone and a built-in stereo microphone.

2-channel Independent Audio Record Level Control with Audio Level Meter
Each input level for CH1 and CH2 can be independently adjusted and viewed with an audio level meter on the LCD monitor.

Compact and Lightweight Design
The HVR-A1U features an extremely compact and lightweight body, providing an unprecedented level of mobility in HD field acquisition. The camcorder itself weighs only 1 pound 7 ounces and just 2 pounds 14 ounces including the lens hood, XLR audio adaptor, directional microphone, NP-QM91D InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery Pack, and PHDVM-63DM DigitalMaster Mini Cassette Tape.

16:9, Color/Black-and-white Switchable LCD Viewfinder
The 0.44-inch type color LCD viewfinder displays high resolution color pictures of approximately 252,000 pixels in a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9. Operators can select to display pictures in either color or black and white to match the user's preference.

2.7-inch Type, 16:9 Widescreen, Hybrid, Color LCD Monitor
The HVR-A1U includes a 2.7-inch type color LCD monitor with a high resolution of approximately 123,200 pixels, which allows the input source to be viewed during recording or the playback picture to be checked on location in a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9. This large screen is also helpful in setting menus or audio recording levels, as well as monitoring the camera and audio status. The hybrid LCD monitor used in the camcorder combines the characteristics of both transmissive and reflective LCD panels, providing clear viewing even in bright daylight conditions as well as in dark conditions. This LCD monitor also provides touch-panel control for easy operations.

Variety of Zoom Operation
The HVR-A1U provides four types of zoom control functions to offer diverse shooting styles:

• "Zoom lever" located on the camera body
• "Zoom/focus ring" located on the lens body – allows fine adjustments in zoom position
• "Zoom buttons" located on the LCD monitor – convenient for low-angle shooting
• Supplied wireless Remote Commander unit

Exposure Lever
The HVR-A1U enables exposure control both manually and automatically. The Exposure Lever provides two types of exposure control:

• Manual exposure control to manually change exposure settings using the Exposure Lever.
• AE (Auto Exposure) Shift function to adjust AE level by 15 steps using the Exposure Lever, while the AE mode is activated, for more accurate automatic exposure settings.

Tele Macro
The Tele Macro function allows operators to capture a macro image from a distance, which is especially useful for shooting small moving objects. With this function, close-up images can be shot without the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. In addition, the image of the subject is shot in proper focus, while the background is unfocussed, allowing the subject to stand out.

Backlight Compensation
The Backlight Compensation function allows the HVR-A1U to produce natural and rich tones for both light and dark areas of an image under backlight conditions. Conventional systems of backlight compensation tend to make the details in light areas sacrificed, but the Backlight Compensation function of the HVR-A1U can deliver superior images with a very wide dynamic range by increasing only the brightness of dark areas while properly retaining the brightness of light areas.

Other convenient functions

• Simultaneous operation of LCD monitor and viewfinder
• Expanded focus - magnifies the center of the screen on the LCD monitor and viewfinder to about twice the size, helping manual focusing.
• Peaking - enhances the outline of the image where the camera focuses on most, and displays the enhanced outline with color in the LCD monitor and viewfinder, helping manual focusing.
• Zebra - displays a striped pattern in the LCD monitor and viewfinder across highlight areas, helping manual exposure settings (100% or 70 to 100% (adjustable by 5% steps)).
• Quick REC - shortens the time until the recording starts from stop mode.
• Status check - displays camera setting menus for audio, output signal, assign button and exposure lever functions and hours meter on the LCD monitor with the touch of a button for easy check.
• Personal menu - allows operators to customize the setting menu to display frequently used menu items.
• Battery info - displays the attached battery's current charge level and its current remaining recording time on the LCD monitor with the touch of a button, when the power is turned off.
• Super Night Shot - allows operators to capture images in black and white using a built-in infrared light, even in no light conditions.
• Skin tone detail - reduces detailed signal for skin color, smoothening the reproduction of human skin.
• Black Stretch - allows more contrast to be seen in dark parts of the picture without affecting mid-tones while maintaining the absolute black level.
• Color Bar - Two types
• White Balance - Auto, One Push Auto, Indoor (3200 K), and Outdoor (5800 K)

What's in the Box:
Sony HVR-A1U, AC-L15 AC adaptor, power code, NP-FM50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack, lens hood with lens cover, RMT-831 wireless Remote Commander unit, A/V connecting cable with S video, component video cable, USB cable, Memory Stick Duo (16 MB), Memory Stick Duo adaptor, ECM-NV1 monaural electret condenser microphone, XLR audio adaptor, shoulder strap, operating instructions.

Customer Reviews

Great Camera
I bought this camera to start my production business with and it was the best move I could have made. This camera is great for a beginner like me. It is user friendly while still allowing for ajustments. The HD is also amazing, my customers that have there videos in HD are absolutely floored we they get their finished product. A few things that I can recommend are getting a tripod as well as an extended battery. The stock battery only provides about 45 min with LCD and if you add anything other then the shotgun mic it lowers it even more. Make sure you use only high quality tapes. (I found out the hard way) Good tapes for this camera are going to cost about $10 to $15 but they are worth it when you reduce the time for re-tape due to drop-out on the film. All together this for me is a great camera for the price. Anything better is going to run you about $8000 or more.

It's the HDR-HC1 on steroids
Correction: High-definition video camera records in 1080i, or 480 NTSC (known as standard DV or DV) specification with analog down-converting. -->It does NOT record in 720p, or 720i. However, this is not an issue, just a correction. Also, all the output (for editing) is firewire; a digital format. You can watch the output on a TV using composite, svhs or component. Audio is RCA L/R.

As the other gentleman observed, this is more a serious amateur (dare I say pro?) camcorder that begs to be used. This is far more than the average user would want or need. It's bigger and heavier than the basic camcorder. But it shoots HDV 1080i and has gained a reputation as a documentary camera in situations where the camera may get damaged.

Key features over the sibling HC1 and HC3
It's same size as the HC1, except the added on audio "stalk".
No built in flash, but you are shooting video, not stills.
Audio is far more flexible than the other ones. HC3 is in-camera only. HC1 L&R channels are tied together, no independent controls. HC1 also will only accept unbalanced input (or spend $269 on BeachAudio converter and another $200 on shotgun to get equivalent). A1u is balanced input (XLR) and separate audio.

A1u also has black stretch switch for better definition of darker shaded scenes. Also if you output to 4:3 SDV, you can choose letterbox, stretch or cropped output. Other camcorders don't offer this (not sure about HC3).
Overall a1u has over 50 added features vs HC1.

Also, if you intend to edit HDV, it's an expensive proposition. Be sure to thoroughly research this before committing. It requires a fairly beefy PC. Expect to consume about 13 gig per hour of video.

You can output SDV today and edit that with any $50 video editing program and later on re-output in HDV and burn to Hi-def once that becomes mainstreamed... futureproofing yourself.

7/08 -- While AVCHD (flash memory) cameras are now becoming popular, they require even more powerful PC's to edit and as of this writing, software to edit the files is only now becoming available. So make sure you look at the entire workflow before jumping in. One nice thing is most all HD camcorders have either HDMI or component video out and can be used to play back to a HDTV in at full resolution. It's pretty awesome and will make you glad you bought one, even if you have to possibly wait to buy the rest of the components needed to edit.

PS Look for the Sony HVR-A1U in "Ice Road Truckers" and "Deadliest Catch" and other similar HD programs.

Real Professional Camcorder
This camcorder is from the Sony Professional division with pro level warranty support. Sound is 70% of the experience and this camcorder delivers pro level XLR connectors with 48V power. For best sound results manually set the volume as high as possble keeping the peaks below 0db. The CMOS sensor produces amazing HD quality. A head shot of a person wearing a ball cap facing into strong direct sun with a deep shadow across their face does not blow out the highlights and shows full details in the shadow. I'm using Sony Vegas 7 to edit the results and I'm very happy with both the camcorder and Vegas.

This is bigger than the small consumer camcords but is about the same size as my old Sony Digital 8 camcorder and it's smaller than any other pro camcorder. Pro shooters are always amazed and comment on how small it is. Nothing produces this level of pro results without spending a lot more money.

While as good or better than the current crop of small HD consumer camcorders for shooing in low light there are better pro models such as the Sony Z1 and V1 for low light. The manual settings are via the touch screen and a not included PDA stylus is a must have to keep finger prints of the screen. 24fps can be done but you need Cineform Connect HD to do the pulldown from the Sony CF24 as the native CF24 is choppy until you use Cineform. If 24fps is a must the Sony V1 is a better choice.