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 colour reproduction.

The pixel shift interpolation technique has been traditionally used in small 3CCD camcorders. However, it normally requires the combination of all three colour element (RGB) signals to maximise resolution. If an object lacks one or more colour 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 colour elements, thanks to its unique and sophisticated interpolation technology.

Enhanced Functionality due to “Exmor” Technology

Both the HVR-Z7E and HVR-S270E offer cutting-edge features, such as the “Exmor™”technology developed

by Sony, which utilises the full potential of the 3 ClearVid

CMOS Sensor system.

The “Exmor” technology, which features the column-parallel A/D conversion technique and the dual

noise cancelling method are also used in other new camera products from Sony, such as the PMW-EX1.

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. The“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 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system enables the HVR-Z7E and HVR-S270E to achieve a low light sensitivity of just 1.5 lux*.

* at 1/25 shutter, auto iris and auto gain.

Pixel Layout

1080 Pixels

Pixels (Photo Diodes)

Signals after interpolation

Current Technology

 

Sensor

Photo Diodes

 

Noise

Noise

Cancelling

Cancelling

A/D Converter

:Noise

 

“Exmor” technology

 

Sensor

Photo Diodes

 

Noise

Noise

Cancelling

Cancelling

A/D Converter

A/D Converter

Noise

Noise

Cancelling

Cancelling

:Noise

 

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Sony HVR-M35E, HVR-Z7E, HVR-S270E Inch-type 3 ClearVid Cmos Sensor system, Enhanced Functionality due to Exmor Technology