Product Description

Sony HVR-Z7U is the world's first HDV handheld camcorder that uses 1/3-inch bayonet mount interchangeable lenses. This new HDV camcorder delivers the enhanced functionality professionals have been asking for, such as an interchangeable lens system, native progressive recording, and solid-state memory recording functionality. A streamlined nonlinear editing workflow is achieved using the supplied Memory Recording Unit, which provides HDV/DVCAM/DV file recording on a widely available Compact Flash solid-state memory card. as well as recording onto HDV tape. This groundbreaking camcorder also features 1080/24p/30p HDV native progressive recording modes, as well as HDMI output. Three integral Neutral Density lens filters Switchable HD/SD Recording and Playback - HDV1080i/DVCAM/DV Smooth Slow Recording capability New 3.2 (viewable area measured diagonally) type XtraFine LCD Two accessory shoes 0.45 type EVF offers high-resolution, high-contrast images with 100% full-scan, and 6500 k color temperature (standard for professional monitors). Sony InfoLITHIUM L Series Battery Compatible HDMI output connector Includes Flash Memory recording Unit which records onto easily obtained Compact Flash memory card media

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9647 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: HVRZ7U
• Dimensions: 12.00 pounds
• Display size: 3.2

Features

• Sony's first professional handheld HDV camcorder with an interchangeable lens system
• Comes with a 1/3-inch-type 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system
• Features a Carl Zeiss 12x optical zoom lens
• HDV, DVCAM and DV recording on a miniDV cassette tape; Switchable HD/SD recording and playback
• Includes a 3.2-inch XtraFine LCD viewfinder

From the Manufacturer
From the Manufacturer

Introducing the Sony HVR-Z7U Professional Camcorder, an industry-leading HDV handheld camcorder that features 1/3-inch bayonet joint interchangeable lenses, native progressive recording, and solid-state memory recording. A streamlined nonlinear editing workflow can be achieved using the supplied Memory Recording Unit, which provides HDV/DVCAM/DV file recording on a widely available CompactFlash solid-state memory card. This groundbreaking new camcorder features 1080/24p/30p HDV native progressive recording modes and also includes an HDMI or HD/SD-SDI output. This next-generation system features the HVR-M35U Video Cassette Recorder,which has HD/SD-SDI output. These new solutions enhance the operational versatility of the Sony's professional HDV lineup, and open up a world of possibilities for high-definition digital video production. Whether it’s for documentaries, mainstream news, low-budget movies, music videos, Internet, education, or a wide range of industrial applications, Sony’s new HDV camcorders are ideal.

Sony HVR-Z7U Highlights

HDV, DVCAM and DV Recording on a miniDV Cassette tape The HVR-Z7U accepts miniDV cassette tapes,which provide over 60 minutes recording time for HDV and DV formats, over 40 minutes for DVCAM format.

An Ideal Handheld Camcorder Design Sony has responded to professional user feedback to create the ideal handheld camcorder with ergonomically designed body-weight balance and a well-planned layout of buttons and connectors to reduce camera operator fatigue.

New XtraFine LCD and EVF Offer High-resolution, High-contrast Images

• XtraFine LCD A 3.2-inch (viewable area, measured diagnally) type XtraFine LCD is located on the HVR-Z7U in the same position as on the HVR-Z1U. The high pixel number of approximately 921,000 dots is around four times greater than the LCD of the HVR-Z1U, and this higher resolution allows for easier focus adjustments.
• XtraFine EVF The 0.45 inch type XtraFine EVF (Electronic View Finder) has approximately 1,227,000 dots (852x3[RGB]x480). This device has three independent LEDs for R,G, and B colors. This technology allows users to check objects with remarkable color reproduction and resolution. The EVF has a selectable display mode between color or black and white.
• Common Features of the XtraFine LCD and EVF 100% full-scan display – helps you to check the entire recorded area. Plus, 6500k color temperature--standard for professional monitors.

InfoLITHIUM L Series Battery Compatible The HVR-Z7U uses the same InfoLithium batteries as the HVR-Z1U, HVR-V1U, and DSR-PD170, so you can fully utilize your existing battery and charger assets.

HDMI output connector Uncompressed digital HD video and audio signals are output from the HDMI connector. You can see stunning HD images on the HDMI-compatible monitor display. During shooting, the pre-compressed 1920x1080i/4:2:2 signal is output from the HDMI connector.

Smooth Slow Rec The Smooth Slow Rec function of the HVR-Z7U camcorder enables slow-motion playback by capturing images four times faster than the normal field rate (240 fields/s). In this mode, quad-speed images are captured for three seconds, stored in the built-in buffer memory, and then recorded to tape (in either HDV, DVCAM, or DV format) as slow-motion pictures lasting 12 seconds. This allows recorded images to be checked immediately in the field. Although the resolution of the picture quality is decreased, this function is effective for some applications that don’t need full HD quality, such as Internet movies or the analysis of moving objects like a golf swing, for example.

Two Accessory Shoes The HVR-Z7U features two accessory shoes. There is a cold shoe on the front that can be removed to make room for a mattebox. While at the rear, there is a screw-hole type shoe located on the handle,which can be changed to a cold shoe, if required, using supplied parts.

Two Screw Holes for Secure Connection To provide a more secure connection between the camcorder and tripod plate or other accessories, two screw holes have been incorporated.

One-touch Clip-type Microphone Holder A one-touch clip-type microphone holder makes it easy to remove the microphone for quick storage.

New Lineup Expanding the HDV Format World Sony’s commitment to HDV has resulted in the remarkable evolution of cutting-edge technology equipment, such as the HVR-Z7U,which uses the popular HDV1080i recording specification. The HDV1080i specification uses one of the 'MPEG2 Long GOP' compression profiles. This highly efficient and robust "MPEG2 Long GOP" codec - which is also used in the Sony XDCAM HD and XDCAM EX series--enables users to record stunning-quality HD video. The HVR-Z7U provides over 60 minutes of recording time using the widely available miniDV videotape. Native editing in the HDV format is now supported by most popular NLE (Nonlinear editing) software. Additionally, the HDV signals can be recorded as a file on non-tape media. For example,when using the supplied CompactFlash (CF) Memory Recording Unit--images can be stored on a standard CF card for quick nonlinear editing. The optional HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit can be used in the same manner, with images being recorded on to its large-capacity 60GB hard drive, which provides 4.5 hours of recording time.

Switchable Recording and Playback--HDV1080i/DVCAM/DV The HVR-Z7U can switch between HDV 1080i, DVCAM, and DV recording, providing full flexibility to record in either standard definition or high definition depending on your production needs.

Built-in Down-converter for SD Production The HVR-Z7U can convert material from 1080i down to 480i, and output the video signals through its i.LINK interface and other SD output connectors. This allows users to edit recorded material with a compatible nonlinear editing system using current DV editing software, as well as record SD signals to an external VTR.

Cutting-edge imaging System for New Camcorders

1/3 inch-type 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system The newly developed 1/3-inch type 3 ClearVid 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 ClearVid 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 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system is different. It can always produce maximum resolution, regardless of the balance between color elements, thanks to its unique and sophisticated interpolation technology.

Enhanced Functionality via the Technology of Exmor The HVR-Z7U offers cutting-edge features, such as the technology of Exmor developed by Sony,which utilizes the full potential of the 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system. The technology of Exmor,which features the column-parallel A/D conversion technique and the dual noise cancelling method are also used in other camera products from Sony. Multiple A/D (analog to digital) converters on each pixel row convert analog signals to digital as soon as they are generated, unlike traditional technology that only has one A/D converter on each chip. The technology of Exmor 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 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system enables the HVR-Z7U to achieve a low light sensitivity of just 1.5 lux.

Interchangeable Lens System Offers Unlimited Possibilities

Carl Zeiss Lens for HD Video as Standard A high-quality,multi-purpose Carl Zeiss lens for HD video comes as standard with the HVR-Z7U. Stunning resolution and contrast is achieved thanks to the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* coating, which suppresses unwanted reflections. A specially designed wide-angle lens is also available as an option, to suit a diverse range of shooting requirements.

Easy-to-use Interchangeable Lens for Fixed-lens Camcorder Users These lenses give the Sony HVR-Z7U the same functionality as popular fixed-lens camcorders like the HVR-Z1U and HVR-V1U, thanks to built-in features such as auto-focus, optical stabilizer,and automatic back-focus adjustment. Current users of the above camcorders will easily become adept at using the HVR-Z7U and even if they have never used interchangeable lenses.

Natural-touch Lens Operation

• Focus The newly designed focus ring offers two types of manual focus, plus an auto focus mode that can be easily switched by sliding the focus ring forward or backward. When the focus ring is in the front position, the lens works in the same way as the HVR-Z1U, HVR-V1U, and DSR-PD170. In this case, either manual or auto focus mode can be selected by the assignable button on the lens. On the other hand, when the focus ring is set to the rear position, the focus ring has a physical stop at infinity and works in the same way as a professional interchangeable lens, with fixed-focus-position and distance indicators.
• Zoom Fast, intuitive manual-zoom response is provided by an internal gearwheel mechanism that provides accurate zoom positioning. A high-quality servo-motor provides the smooth zooming performance that industry professionals have come to rely on.
• Iris The iris ring encircles the lens barrel. Manual iris adjustment is possible with an ENG-type ring system that allows fine exposure control for challenging lighting situations.

Wide Range of Lenses

The flexible bayonet lens attachment system allows you to use a wide range of lenses. Standard 1/3-inch HD video lenses, from manufacturers such as Fujinon and Canon, can be attached directly to the HVR-Z7U. If you’d like to attach a 2/3-inch or 1/2-inch HD video lens on the HVR-Z7U, it is possible to do so by adding a standard lens adaptor from the lens manufacturer. The HVR-Z7U camcorders have 12-pin lens connectors allowing compatibility with professional ENG lenses. This feature is very useful not only for those who already have these professional HD video lenses, but also for those who prefer to use HD digital cinema lenses for their unique contrast, color, and atmosphere.

New Manual Camera settings

• Three ND filters (1/4, 1/16, 1/64) The HVR-Z7U has three built-in ND (Neutral Density) filters,which help users to reduce light intensity under bright shooting conditions.
• 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 can be achieved with this function.
• 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.
• The Smooth WB Feature is a smooth transition white balance system that avoids unnatural sudden color temperature changes between preset white balance settings. For example, this function is useful when you move from an artificial, low-light environment inside a building, to bright natural sunlight outside.

Shooting Support Functions

• 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 reference for proper exposure.

  Six types of AE available

• AE Window Six types of AE (Auto Exposure) can be selected to automatically adjust the exposure to the most suitable level.
• Camera Leveling The HVR-Z7U has a built-in 3D gravity (3G) sensor, which detects the horizontal level of the camcorder and displays it via an indicator in the LCD/EVF. This digital leveler function makes it possible to obtain a horizontal level reading even when shooting without a tripod.
• Focus Marking When the focus position needs to be manually moved to pre-decided positions, you can put up to two markers (A and B) on a focus position indicator in the LCD/EVF as reference points. When the focus position becomes aligned with one of these markers, it will begin to flash. This allows you to keep your eye on the subject of your shot, without having to check the focus indicator on the lens.

Picture Profile Up to six different picture-quality settings, including gamma and color settings, can be registered in the memory as picture profiles. This labor-saving function allows operators to easily recall customized picturequality settings for various shooting conditions. It is also useful for matching footage shot at different times or for multi-camera setups. The picture-profile functions of the HVR-Z7U include enhanced versions from the HVR-Z1U or HVR-V1U, plus a selection of new functions.

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 a vivid color--is realized by 3D-LUT color processing.
Note: 3D-LUT = three-dimensional look-up table.

Color Correction The Color Correction function of the HVR-Z1U has been improved in the HVR-Z7U camcorder. Color Correction provides two functions for creative shooting. The Color Extraction function can retain up to two desired colors of monitored pictures in 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 only the color designated by the Color 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 Shift The WB (White Balance) Shift function allows users to create an impressive color or to adjust the color temperature of the camcorder. There are two WB Shift options to choose from:
1: LB-CC type: adjusting the LB axis (color temperature) and CC filter effect
2: Level type: adjusting the red and blue levels

Skintone Detail This function allows users to change the sharpness of an object with a specific color, and is particularly good for making skin tones look more natural. The target color can be specified by controlling the Phase/Range/Saturation/Y Level/Y Range parameters or by pressing a button to specify the color of an object with a color picker. If the sharpness of the background object is decreased, the blur looks more natural.

New Supplied Monaural Microphone ECM-XM1T he supplied ECM-XM1 microphone's S/N ratio is 78 dB, a sensitivity increase of 14 dB over its predecessor, the ECM-NV1.

Selectable Progressive Modes
The HVR-Z7U has two types of progressive shooting modes:

1: 24p/30p HDV Native Progressive Recording Modes The HVR-Z7U camcorder features 24p/30p HDV native progressive recording modes. The 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system and EIP create true 1080p images,which can then be recorded as progressive signals by the HVR-Z7U camcorder in HDV format.

2: 24p/30p Progressive Scan Modes In these modes, the 1080p image captured by the 3 ClearVid 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 interlace signals, while maintaining the quality of the 1080p image. When using the '24p scan' setting, captured images are recorded as 60i through means of 2-3 pull-down. Progressive scan modes are suitable for feature films, documentaries, and music videos,which have to be recorded as interlaced video for viewing on interlaced monitors, but want to offer a 'progressive look' to their motion. 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. It is also possible to edit footage recorded in the '24p scan' mode as progressive material. NLE software that is compatible with the '24p scan' mode can remove the 2-3 pull-down, then edit the footage as 24p material. For 30p, most NLE software can output the edited timeline in progressive format by merging odd and even fields.

Memory Recording Unit

• HDV in IT Workflow by CompactFlash Memory Recording Unit The Memory Recording Unit is supplied with each camcorder to support HDV tape recording. It captures the HDV1080i, DVCAM, or DV stream output from the camcorder and records it as movie file while you are simultaneously recording to tape. You can use a standard CompactFlash (CF) card,which offers secure recording, high-speed access, large data capacity, removable media convenience, and high durability against external vibration. The CF card is used for HDV camcorders because the media is easily obtainable for file recording in the same way as miniDV tape is easily obtainable for HDV recording. This general versatility is very important for those who frequently need to obtain media quickly, such as someone shooting a documentary or news reports while moving from city to city.
• HDV/DVCAM/DV File Recording on Easily Obtained CompactFlash Card The recording time on a 16-GB CF card in HDV, DVCAM and DV format is approximately 72 minutes.
• Integration Without Cabling The Memory Recording Unit can be integrated to the HVR-Z7U without the need for cabling, simply by attaching it onto the special shoe connector. This smart combination never interferes with shooting operations. The Memory Recording Unit automatically synchronizes with the recording action of the camcorder-- i.e., when the camcorder starts or stops recording, so does the unit.

Hybrid Operation Realizes Archiving, IT Workflow, and HD/SD Parallel Recording The Memory Recording Unit provides a hybrid operation,where images are recorded to tape and a CF card simultaneously, in a similar fashion to the HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit. This means you can immediately access a movie file for streamlined NLE work,while keeping the master source tape in a safe place. The file format is M2T for HDV mode and AVI or RawDV for DVCAM/DV modes. In the same fashion as HVR-DR60 operation, these files can be edited using popular NLE software. In addition,when the built-in down-converter of the connected HDV camcorder is active, SD images can be recorded on a CF card while HD images are recorded to tape. HD master tape is recorded and SD movie files are created at the same time. HDV or DVCAM tape-based users can gradually move to IT workflow with this hybrid-operation. Tape-less recording is also available if desired.

Independent Use With the Supplied Cradle The Memory Recording Unit can be used as an external recording unit, just like the HVR-DR60, by attaching the supplied cradle that has an i.LINK connector, battery attachment, and DC power input. When the Memory Recording Unit is connected to a compatible PC via the i.LINK connector, it is recognized as an external drive and can be used to access files. When connected to a compatible video device (such as a VTR or NLE system) via the i.LINK connector, it can be used to input/output a HDV/DVCAM/DV stream.

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Customer Reviews

Great for the price
Sony HVR-Z7U Review

For the last 3 years I have been using the first Sony HDV camera, the Z1U, with great results. We took it in over 21 countries for the filming of a documentary and it preformed just great. However my Z1U, as much as I loved it, was growing old, so I went for the next generation, the Z7U, that I just got a couple days ago.
The first thing to notice as I unpacked it is that is noticeably heavier. I knew that from the spec sheet, but I thought I wouldn't notice the 0.6 pound difference. Anyway, the newness of the camera and the fact that is a lot shorter than its predecessor got me excited enough to get over it.
I also noticed and liked the new frontal design where the far reaching built in microphone of the Z1U is missing. This allows for bringing the camera much closer to the airplane or car window for instance, something I will value as a documentarian.

The Lens
The removable lens hood is easily removable by the push of a button, opposed to the screw system of the Z1U, a nice little touch, to be valued when you're strapped for time.
The main advantage that I went for on this camera is the removable lens. So first thing I did I removed the Vario Sonnar 12x lens that comes with it. The process was easy and intuitive. Upon my first field test, I got to like this lens a lot better than the built in Z1U. It seems that the new model achieves a much better shallow dept of field, the nirvana of any professional. I also really liked the "Digital Extender" function, built in this lens, that brings the subject 1.5x closer when you're zoomed in to the max. First I thought in might be a cheapo "blow up the pixels" trick, but while watching the footage on a 50inch HD monitor, I could not tell any quality drop while using the "Extender".
The focus ring is large and handy and must be pushed forward for "Auto focus". This is handy as you shoot, but it is guaranteed to move the shot if you're on a tripod shooting. I remember that the centrally located AF button of the Z1U could be moved without any jerk while shooting. The other disappointment is that there is no Autofocus push button, unless you go trough a convoluted programming procedure from the book.
The zoom is handy and smooth, and what I liked the most is that the servo zoom is a lot smoother than the older one. More than that, the servo zoom on the handle bar can be programmed to various speeds and once it reaches the upper or lower limit it will ease to a stop. Totally cool and professional.
The iris is located as third ring on the lens. I liked that too, and there is an Auto Iris button, but I like doing my own exposure.

The Camera
There are 3 ND filters as opposed to two and they work like a charm. I was able to shoot a sunset reflection on the water without closing the iris at all or being overexposed...
There are 3 gain levels and they are programmable as a new feature. I dindt change the DB levels but I used them all and could not see any image graining even on the "H" setting. I wish that was the case with the Z1U. So, yes, the low light performance of the new Z7U is net better, a Godsend for a documentarian that can't always control the lighting.
The white balance seems to be the same, not much to do there, same with the menus, and status check. The picture profile has a number of sophistication's such as "black gain" and color depth that were a bit above my comprehension without further reading.

The display and the outputs

The first major disappointment was the smaller LCD screen. More than that the colors on it were pale and while is it worked well in the sun, it was still simply too small. I got in trouble a lot in the past by not seeing where the focus was, so I was hoping on a larger display. Sony says that is superior since it has more pixels, but I'd preferred it bigger.
The VCR functions are the same, and the HDV tape is in the back facing the cameraman, not upwards. This is great if you're changing tapes in the rain or a sandstorm like it happened once while I was in Egypt.
The most valuable new output is the HDMI of course. I connected it directly to my plasma TV and it looks just great. I also liked the full size firewire connector.
The new Sony Compact Flash recorder unit is small and it fits in the back, over the battery compartment so you'll need to remove it first if you want to change the battery. That is OK I guess. The unit is small and luckily it takes the wide available CF card. Thank you Sony for not requiring us to buy your overpriced Sony Stick and other non-compatible "Sony Only" kind of cards. And thank you for having a dual kind of output storage. I am a "tape" faithful for storage and backup purposes, but it is nice to have the CF option. I have not tried it yet.
The biggest disappointment happened when I tried to playback on the new camera tapes recorded by the old Z1U. As soon as I put them in, the Z7U ejected them out. They were recorded in the "1080I 60FPS" a format fully compatible with the Z7U. This is highly troublesome since I have hundreds of tapes filmed on 5 continents that I might have to re-digitize one day should my hard disks crash. What am I to do, buy an $3000 VTR?

Sound
The included microphone is nice and sensitive, but I rarely record more than the ambient sound on the built in mic. There are 2 XLR inputs, nothing new there. I like that the mic is easily detachable and can save space while packing the camera. Also with an XLR extension cord it can be used for interviews on a table mount if you're lacking a lapel microphone... This couldn't be done with the old model.

The camera also has the capability to take still pics even while shooting. It has an SD Ram slot and a button can be assigned for picture taking. I never cared much for this feature since you can extract just as good pictures from the HD Video files.


Conclusion
The new HVR-Z7U is a pretty good piece of equipment for the $6000 USD price tag. Despite a couple of shortcomings I don't regret getting it. I really hope Sony will come up with longer lens soon that would make the main new feature "interchangeable lens" so much more valuable. So far Sony offers just some one wide lens for this unit. That's disappointing, great cinema and nature shots require long lens and none are available specifically for this camera. Sony offers some options that require adapters and reduced functionality for use of their still camera lenses with the Z7U, but I am skeptical about using such non specific products.

Mitch Anderson

Mitch Anderson is the producer of the film "The World Without US" . This feature-length documentary debates the implications and consequences of US military involvement in the world today.
The World Without US - With Niall Ferguson

Best decision ever.
I recieved 2 defective JVC GY-HD110's from Amazon. Sent them back and fronted the extra cash for this one. Best decision I have ever made. Recording to Compact Flash cuts my editing time in half. The battery time is 4 times longer with the stock battery than the JVC too! I love everything about it.