rating: 4.50

Sony HVR-Z7U Camcorder

Sony HVR-Z7U Camcorder
Sony HVR-Z7U Camcorder(6) Sony HVR-Z7U Camcorder(5) Sony HVR-Z7U Camcorder(4)
The Sony HVR-Z7U is an HDV handheld camcorder featuring a lens mount. Previously unheard of for such a compact unit, the HVR-Z7U incorporates the convenience of a handheld camcorder with the flexibility of larger ENG cameras

The Sony HVR-Z7U is an HDV handheld camcorder featuring a lens mount. Previously unheard of for such a compact unit, the HVR-Z7U incorporates the convenience of a handheld camcorder with the flexibility of larger ENG cameras.

Features:
Interchangeable Lenses
ClearVID 3CMOS Technology
Record to Compact Flash
High Definition on MiniDV Tapes with HDV
24p Capability
HDMI Output
Specifications:
Signal System HDV: 1080/60i, 1080/24p, 1080/30p
DVCAM/DV: 480/60i (NTSC) Image Device 1/3" 3CMOS Exmor Sensor system Lens Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Zoom Lens, 12x (Optical)
f = 4.4-52.8mm
f = 32-384mm at 16:9 mode
f = 39.5-47.4mm (4:3 mode)
filter diameter: 72mm 1 closePlease Note:1/3" Lenses from Fujinon and Canon Availible
2/3" and 1/2" Can be Used by Adding a Standard Lens Adapter.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Not Specified by Manufacturer Horizontal Resolution 1080 Lines Sensitivity Not Specified By Manufacturer Minimum Illumination 1.5 lux (Auto Gain, Auto Iris, 1/30 Shutter) Vertical Smear Not Specified by Manufacturer Built-in Filters Clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64 LCD Monitor 3.2", 16:9 Aspect Ratio, 1 MegaPixel Xtrafine LCD Viewfinder 0.45", 16:9 Aspect Ratio, 852 x 480 Resolution Scan Matching Yes Memory Card Slot MemoryStick Duo Media Shutter Speed Range Auto: 1/60-1/2000

Manual
60i/30p: 1/4-1/10000
24p: 1/3 - 1/10000 Gain Selection 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 dB VTR Tape Format DVCAM Small Cassette
HDV Record and Play
DVCAM Record and Play
DV Record and Play Tape Speed HDV: 18.8 mm/s
DVCAM: 28.2 mm/s
DV SP Mode: 18.8 mm/s Signal-to-Noise Ratio Not Specified by Manufacturer Maximum Recording Time HDV: 63 min (with PHDVM-63DM Cassette)
DVCAM: 41 min (with PHDVM-63DM Cassette)
DV: 63 min (with PHDVM-63DM Cassette) Audio Audio Dynamic Range Not Specified by Manufacturer Audio Signal Format HDV
MPEG1 Audio Layer II
DVCAM/DV
16-bit/48kHz 2 Channel Mode
12-bit/32kHz 4 Channel Mode Audio Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz Signal to Noise Ratio Not Specified by Manufacturer General Input and Output Connectors Composite: 10-Pin Video/Audio (x1 Output)
Component: Special Connector (x1 Output)
FireWire/i.LINK: 6-Pin (x1 Input, x1 Output)
XLR Audio: XLR 3-Pin Female, 2-Channel
Headphone: Stereo Mini-Jack
HDMI Power Requirements Battery Pack: 7.2 VDC
AC Adapter: 8.4 VDC Power Consumption HDV: 7.2W
DVCAM/DV: 6.9W Operating Temperature 32-104°F (0-40°C) Dimensions (WxHxD) Not Specified By Manufacturer Weight 5.3 lb (2.4 kg)

    

Sony HVR-Z7U Camcorder user reviews

    "Sony HVR-Z7U Camcorder is the best camera I have ever had - I have owned all (well, almost all) of the Sony 3CCD camcorders - from VX2000 to Z1U. Now I could say that finally I am moving from an amateur user (it wasn't easy to use many manual things on my previous camera) to the real professional. You just can't ignore well designed and placed controls on Z7U. Picture quality is just great."
"
--- 4dimad rated: 5
    ""I use the Sony hvr z7u, for documentaries, music shows and theatre plays, mostly. It`s a great camera with great picture definition, a superb hd picture and very good as dv too.I`ve been working with events that are longer than one hour, up to 3 or 4 hours some times. No problem with the relay function in it`s menu and my cf card 16gb, I can go for ever, without losing material for the time that I would lose for Cassette change. And very ease to sync it later on with my final cut, as it keeps the time code. The only cons that I can think of right now is the weight for a CamCorder if have to hold it for a long period."

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--- Natofor rated: 5
    ":"I'm a professional videomaker & have used Sony products for more than 20-years. Based in Africa & frequenting the USA I produce several programs a month for different applications & audiences. From hunting in Africa, fishing in Venezuela to corporate video's for military & medical application.My previous camera Sony Z-1U was great 'cause I could film in PAL/NTSC for different formats. The Sony HVR-Z7U Camcorder can't do that but I think all the new features on it makes up for that. One of the features I was interested in was that the Z-7 could work with a memory stick. I had serious problems with my Z-1U in places like the Rain forrest and out on the Atlantic ocean where high humidity was a problem. Now I'm prepared with an Compact Flash back-up.[...]"

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--- Spielberg rated: 4
    ""I just received my Sony HVR-Z7U Camcorder and while I haven't yet had the chance to work much with it, I have shot some test footage. I must say the picture quality is absolutely amazing. The features on this camera are endless. I'd have to say my favorite feature so far is the 24p option for interlaced recording. This feature, called "24A" under the HD interlaced option, allows you to record the 2:3 pull-down information with the footage so that you can remove it in post-production and thus edit in true 24p progressive... the film look! Being a film maker this is unmatched in importance. The ability to record simultaneously to compact flash card is also an excellent feature. You don't have to entirely be a professional to successfully operate this camera as it has many auto-features available... however for a professional, this camera is more than enough. Also, the ability to interchange the lens is a huge plus, since the Z1U is unable to do this. I've heard some call this a "short" camera. By no means is there anything short about this camera, as it is larger than it looks. Sure its shorter than a shoulder-mounted camera, but its still large for a hand held. I've also heard some call it "heavy". Maybe I'm just an ape of a man, but it is not that heavy at all. For any professional, this camera is the way to go for any type of shooting. The only downside I can possibly think of, and this can be considered nit-picking, is the battery life. Go with the package deal that comes with the Anton Bauer Elipz 10K Battery... it lasts all day."

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--- Steve Belcher rated: 5
    "Sony HVR-Z7U Camcorder is an amazing tool. It has all of the functionality and features of cameras far more expensive. I use Final Cut Express and the workflow with this camera was seamless and easy. I love the hybrid recording capability. I've already shot over 2 hours of test footage with this camera and haven't even run a single inch of tape across the heads! Unlike other HDV cameras, the Z7U performs wonderfully in low-light situations. What a great idea it was to be able to adjust the back focus of the lens without the need for a lens tech! So far all I've shot is test footage, but this camera really performs well in every environment I've used it in thus far. There are still many functions that I've yet to test but to date I am extremely pleased with the quality of video and audio that this camera records. Thanks for sticking with the HDV format, Sony, and for adding all of the professional features that are incorporated into this camera!"

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--- Scott_B rated: 5
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