UPDATE: Sony Delivers Two New HDV Camcorders for the Pro's Wishlist

by David Kender
Published on Nov 15, 2007 9:01 AM



November 15, 2007 – Late yesterday, Sony unveiled two new professional HDV camcorders, the HVR-Z7U ($6,850 MSRP) and the HVR-S270U ($10,500 MSRP). Both models offer interchangeable lenses, and the option to dual-record HDV/DVCAM/DV files to tape and CompactFlash cards (with an included detachable memory-recording unit). The camcorders are expected to ship in February 2008.

The new camcorders will feature three 1/3-inch ClearVID CMOS sensors, enhanced by Sony’s “Exmor technology,” which reportedly uses a unique analog-to-digital conversion technique for reduced noise and improved low light performance. By comparison, the HVR-Z1U employs three 1/3-inch CCDs, and the HVR-V1U uses three smaller 1/4-inch ClearVID CMOS chips.

Other key features shared between the HVR-Z7U and the HVR-S270U include a 12x zoom, optical image stabilization, a 1/3-inch bayonet mount for additional lenses. They also offers an adapter for the use of Sony’s α –series of SLR cameras. Recording modes include native progressive 1080p, 24p, 30p in HDV recording, as well as 1080i. The camcorders can automatically down-convert from HD to SD through FireWire or SD outputs.


Sony HVR-Z7U

There are some key differences between models that (at least partially) justifies the near-$4000 price gap. The lower-priced HVR-Z7U is a smaller body, and not shoulder-mounted. As such, the EVF is located on the rear of the body. The HVR-Z7U includes an HDMI output for full-HD digital display.

 
Sony HVR-S270U

The HVR-S270U has a much larger, shoulder-mounted body, leaving room for more external controls. The left side features a monochrome LCD display of recording time, audio levels, and battery life. In addition to MiniDV cassettes, the HVR-S270U accepts standard-size cassettes, extending recording time from 63 minutes to 4.5 hours. While the HVR-S270U has no HDMI, it does offer the more pro-friendly SD/HD-SDI connection, supporting embedded audio and timecode.

The new camcorders are expected to start shipping in February. The HVR-Z7U retails for $6,850 and the HVR-S270U retails for $10,500.

UPDATE: We spoke with Bob Ott, Vice President of Marketing for Pro Audio, Video, and Optical Networks, and Tom Di Nome, Senior PR Manager Professional Broadcast and Production Systems Products, Professional Media, Videoconferencing at Sony. They took time to answer questions about the new camcorders and give us some information that’s not in the press release.
 
One item of key interest is the new memory card unit, which is not pictured in the provided images. The unit was described to be about the size of the battery. It features a single Compact Flash (CF) card slot and connects to the camcorders via a multi-pin dock. Power comes from the camcorder’s main battery. The unit also has a FireWire connection for transfer to other devices. Ott stated that the memory card unit could be compatible with the HVR-V1U and HVR-Z1U camcorders via the FireWire. Though they had done no testing to the effect, he stated that it might also be possible for non-Sony camcorders use the unit. Unfortunately, the memory card unit will not be sold separately for the time being. The only way to obtain one is to purchase the new HVR-Z7U or HVR-S270U.
 
When asked why Sony chose to use CF cards rather than Memory Stick or SxS, they replied that CF was acceptable to the intended videographer. That target market includes event and wedding videographers, industrial use, and low-end/small market television. An 8GB card holds approximately 35 minutes of video, and a 16GB card holds roughly 72 minutes. A data speed of 300x is recommended.
 
Though Sony has a number of HDV models on the market now, including the HVR-V1U, HVR-Z1U, HVR-A1U, HVR-HD1000, the new HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270U, and the HDR-FX1 and HDR-FX7 (both released through the consumer division), they have announced no plans to drop any of the models.
 
Full specs sheets were not available at the time of release, but CamcorderInfo.com will have them as soon as they become known.

HVR-Z7U control panel (above)
HVR-S270U control panel (below)

HVR-Z7U mic mount (above)
HVR-S270U mic mount (below)