The Sony HVR-Z1U camcorder play not only HDV 1080i, but also DVCAM and DV standard definition tapes with spectacular quality that's anything but standard. In addition to native editing of the HDV signal, Sony's system provides seamless operation with many industry-leading NLEs, including Sony's own Vegas® 5 editing software.

Camera

• Three 1/3-inch 1.04 Megapixel CCDs for superb resolution and color rendering. Pixel offset technology achieves system resolution of 1440 x 1080.

• New generation Sony Super HAD CCD for high sensitivity and dynamic range.

• Native 16:9 CCD aspect ratio for widescreen shots without compromise in both SD and HD.

• Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar® T* High Definition lens with 12x optical zoom for superb contrast and resolution (32.5 to 390 mm, 35mm equivalent).

• Optical image stabilization for smoother, more watchable results under motion, when compared to non-stabilized images.

• Manual and automatic zoom, focus, shutter and 24-step iris for precise image control. Zoom indicator in the viewfinder.

• Auto Focus makes shooting in HD or SD a breeze.

• Programmable Shot Transition automatically executes a move in any combination of focus, zoom, iris, gain, shutter or white balance.

• HDV 1080i recording and playback. Captures the outstanding picture quality of 1080i high definition and standard definition onto mini DV tapes.

• DVCAM and DV format recording and playback, HD i.LINK downconvert for smooth migration from SD to HD.

• Switchable 50i/60i recording in HD and SD to support world markets.

• 480P true progressive mode for gorgeous standard definition imagery.

• CineFrame 24, 25 and 30-frame recording in HD or SD.

• SMPTE time code with presets DF/NDF select, RecRun/Free Run select Reset and Regeneration enables frame-accurate access to recorded scenes.

• Built-in downconversion to SD for compatibility with existing infrastructure.

• Flexible aspect ratio conversion from 16:9 to 4:3 with a choice of squeeze, crop or letterbox.

• i.LINK® IEEE1394 interface* for SD and HD maintains digital signal integrity.

• 3.5-inch Hybrid widescreen LCD (viewable area measured diagonally) doubles as a viewfinder and playback monitor that you can watch even in full sunlight.

• Expanded Focus mode magnifies the center of the screen 4x, making critical manual focus easy. Does not affect recorded image.

• Center, Safety and 4:3 Markers help define and protect the complete picture up to the edge.

• All Scan Monitoring (overscan) shows picture edges.

• Six assignable buttons are perfectly located to give fast access to a choice of 15 frequently-used menu functions.

• Hyper Gain supports night shooting at less than 1 lux.

• Six Picture Profiles make it easy to store and recall favorite “looks.â€�

• Two Cinematone Gamma settings manage exposure latitude to protect the highlights from blowing out or the blacks from crushing.

• Black Stretch for additional control over black gamma.

• Color Correction creates striking effects; adjusts up to two colors of a selected object leaving the rest B&W.

• Skin Tone Detail helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes and pores on the talent's skin with High, Medium or Low settings.

• Personal Menu button gives you fast access to the features used most often.

• Six gamma settings.

• Two balanced XLR audio inputs with 48-volt phantom power for professional microphones.

• Independent L/R audio level controls, independent L/R AGC, independent L/R audio level meters for precise control.

• Professional stereo microphone built in.

• Audio lock mode.

• Supplied AC-VQ850D professional battery charger/power supply frees up the camcorder during the charge cycle.

• Dimensions WHD 6-3/8 x 7-5/8 x 14-3/8 inches (163 x 194 x 365 mm); 4 lbs., 10 oz. (2.1 kg) including lens cap; 5 lbs., 5 oz. (2.4 kg) including lens cap, battery and tape.