Sony HVR-Z1P manual HDV Format, Camera Features

HDV FORMAT

A New Addition to the HD Format that Broadens the Scope of HD Program Production

CAMERA FEATURES

New Technologies to Capture High-resolution Images of 1,440 (H) x 1,080 (V)

HDV 1080i Specification1

The HDV 1080i specification of the HDV format features

1080 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.

1 The HDV format also defines the HDV 720p specification, which features 720 effective scanning lines (progressive scanning system) and 1,280 horizontal pixels.

Track Pattern of the HDV 1080i Specification

3CCD Camera System with 1080i HD CCDs

The HVR-Z1 incorporates three 1/3-inch type 1080i HD CCDs, each with a 16:9 aspect ratio, a total pixel number of 1.12 M (1,012 x 1,111), and an effective pixel

number of 1.07 M (972 x 1,100).

The combined 3CCD system achieves a resolution of 1,440 x 1,080 by adopting the precise spatial offset technology and interlace scanning system.

14-bit HD DXP

The HVR-Z1 incorporates a high-integrity 14-bit HD DXP (Digital eXtended Processor), which features a 14-bit A/D converter and advanced camera processing. This 14-bit HD DXP can process the high-quality images captured by the 1080i HD CCDs with greater precision than conventional

10-bit A/D LSIs. In particular, this higher bit resolution allows the contrast to be reproduced more faithfully in mid-tone areas of the picture. The 14-bit HD DXP also enables highly sophisticated image controls, such as Cinematone Gamma, and Color Correction functions.

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 DigitalMasterTM 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 on a mini videocassette such as DigitalMaster tape.

Optical 12x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*®

Zoom Lens

The HVR-Z1 is equipped with a new Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* high definition lens with a 12x 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. This lens is designed with a wide viewing angle, and a focal length ranging from 32.5 mm to 390 mm in 16:9 mode2, and from 40 mm to 480 mm in 4:3 mode2, thanks to a large filter diameter of 72 mm.

2 These values are calculated to be equivalent to the 35 mm film.

Optical Super SteadyShotTM System

The HVR-Z1 employs the Super SteadyShot system, whereby horizontal and vertical movements can be detected independently by the sensors. The prism system located behind the lens adjusts and optically compensates for unsteady camera handling, and a choice of SteadyShot function types – “HARD”, “STANDARD”, “SOFT” or “WIDE CONV”3 – can easily be selected.

3 Select “HARD” to activate the SteadyShot functionality with stronger effect than “STANDARD”.

Select “SOFT” to activate the SteadyShot functionality with softer effect than “STANDARD”.

Select “WIDE CONV” for the most effective SteadyShot functionality when the optional VCL-HG0872 wide conversion lens is attached.

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