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FREUDENBERG_FILMS
03-01-2008, 09:19 PM
Looks like SONY want a piece of the PANASONIC market.

only this is its HDV..... But if Sony go HD?

Sony may have over heard what everyone around have been screaming for....... interchangeable lens

http://www.videoguys.com.au/ProdImages/HVR-Z7.jpg
http://www.videoguys.com.au/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=3255

Features:

New flexibility, new features, new opportunities

The HVR-Z7P is the world's first HDV handheld camcorder with an interchangeable lens system, native progressive recording, and solid-state memory recording.

A variety of video lenses can be attached to the HVR-Z7P, which is equipped with a universal standard 1/3-inch bayonet mount mechanism for the quick changing of lenses.

Added to this a streamlined nonlinear editing workflow can be achieved using the supplied memory-recording unit, which provides HDV/DVCAM/DV file recording on a standard CompactFlash® solid-state memory card. This offers customers varying levels of flexibility and hybrid operation which is becoming an important requirement in video production.

The HVR-Z7P also features 25p HDV native progressive recording mode and HDMI output.

This new handheld Camcorder further enhances the operational versatility of the Sony professional HDV lineup, and opens up a world of possibilities for high-definition digital video production. Whether it's for documentaries, general TV production, low-budget movies, music videos, IPTV, education, or a wide range of corporate and event videography applications, Sony's new HVR-Z7P is ideal.



NEW Interchangeable Lens System
This camcorder is fitted with a new 1/3inch interchangeable lens system allowing customers either to use the supplied Carl Zeiss lens or use a whole range of other lenses available on the market.

* This is the first compact camcorder to offer interchangeable lens options.

* Flexible usage - the camera can be used for a myriad of different applications using different lenses, from TV work, through to budget movie making and with the use of still's lenses, wildlife videography.

* Various optional lens adaptor rings will allow conversion to 1/2inch or 2/3inch, plus an additional lens adaptor for Sony Alpha lenses.

* The supplied lens features professional operation with a new manual focus ring and zoom and iris rings.


NEW 1/3inch ClearVid CMOS Processor
Newly developed 1/3inch x 3 ClearVid CMOS processor offers high resolution, high sensitivity, wide dynamic range and excellent colour reproduction.

* Offers greater resolution than existing pixel-shift technologies regardless of the balance between colour elements.

* Offers great low-light capabilities especially important for camera operators who cannot control their ambient lighting., e.g. wedding videographers.

* Lower power consumption than traditional CCD's.

* 'Exmor' technology employed in the the new CMOS processor reduces noise in the A/D process.


NEW Selectable 25p Progressive Modes
The HVR-Z7P offers the ability to choose between a 25p scanning mode (sames as HVR-V1E) but also a 25p 'native' recording mode. In this native recording mode the picture is both scanned and recorded as a progressive image.

Further improves the progressive reproduction by both scanning and recording progressively.
Provides further flexibility of use. e.g. The camera can be used for a variety of applications from budget-movie making in 25p mode to standard interlace TV productions.
Offers camera operators the use of the progressive 'filmic look', coupled with gamma curve correction makes the camera ideal for movie production.



Key Features
Switchable Recording and Playback- HDV1080i/DVCAM/DV
The HVR-Z7P can switch between HDV1080i, DVCAM, and DV recording, providing full flexibility to record in either standard definition or high definition depending on your production needs

Built-in Down-converter for SD Production
The HVR-Z7P can convert material from 1080i down to 576i, and output the video signals through its i.LINK interface and other SD output connectors.

This allows users to edit recorded material with a compatible nonlinear editing system using current DV editing software, as well as record SD signals to an external VTR.

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 low-end 3CCD camcorders. However, it normally requires the combination of all three colour element (RGB) signals to maximize 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 via the Technology of "Exmor
The HVR-Z7P offers cutting-edge features, such as the technology of "Exmor™" developed by Sony, which utilizes the full potential of the 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system.

The technology of "Exmor", which features the column-parallel A/D conversion technique, is also used in the PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX camcorder and ?(Alpha)Digital SLR (Single Lens-Reflex) camera from Sony.

Multiple A/D (analog to digital) converters on each pixel row convert analog signals to digital as soon as they are generated, unlike traditional technology that only has one A/D converter on each chip. The technology of "Exmor" 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-Z7P to achieve a low light sensitivity of just 1.5 lux.

This will be of extreme importance to customers who shoot in lighting conditions that they can't control, e.g. wedding videographers.

Wide Range of Lenses
The flexible bayonet lens attachment system allows you to use a wide range of lenses.

Standard 1/3-inch HD video lenses, from manufacturers such as Fujinon and Canon, can be attached directly to the HVR-Z7P.

If you'd like to attach a 2/3-inch or 1/2-inch HD video lens on to the HVR-Z7P, it is possible to do so by adding a standard lens adaptor from the lens manufacturer. The HVR-Z7P camcorder has 12-pin lens connectors allowing compatibility with professional ENG lenses.

This feature is very useful not only for those who already have these professional HD video lenses, but also for those who prefer to use HD digital cinema lenses for their unique contrast, colour, and atmosphere.

Carl Zeiss Lens for HD Video as Standard
A high-quality, multi-purpose Carl Zeiss lens for HD video comes as standard with the HVR-S270E and HVR-Z7P. Stunning resolution and contrast is achieved thanks to the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar™ T* coating, which suppresses unwanted reflections. A specially designed wide-angle lens is also available as an option, to suit a diverse range of shooting requirements.

Alpha Lens Compatibility
With a special adaptor from Sony, it is also possible to use the Alpha lens series designed for Sony Digital SLR still cameras. By using Alpha lenses in various configurations, creative effects can be achieved. This approach is ideal for filmmakers on a budget or those who already own Alpha lenses.

25p HDV Native Progressive Recording Modes
The HVR-Z7P newly features 25p HDV native progressive recording modes.

The 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system and EIP create true 1080p images, which can then be recorded as progressive signals by the HVR-Z7P in HDV format.

The progressive HDV stream can be output from an i.LINK connector and used for progressive editing with compatible NLE software.

Native progressive recording modes are suitable for output to film, CG composition, viewing on a progressive monitor, or as an Internet movie.

Note: interlaced video is output from connectors other than i.LINK

25p Progressive Scan Modes
In these modes, the 1080p image captured by the 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system is also recorded as an interlaced signal by dividing each frame into two fields. This enables compatibility with current editing and monitoring equipment that only accept interlace signals, while maintaining the quality of the 1080p image.

Progressive scan modes are suitable for feature films, documentaries, and music videos, which have to be recorded as interlaced video for viewing on interlaced monitors, but want to offer a "progressive look" to their motion.

A streamlined nonlinear editing workflow for HDV
HDV signals can be recorded as a file on non-tape media. For example, when using the supplied CompactFlash (CF) solid-state memory recording unit - images can be stored on a standard CF card for quick nonlinear editing. The optional HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit can be used in the same manner, with images being recorded on to its large-capacity 60GB hard drive, which provides 4.5 hours of recording time.

PhantomVideo
03-02-2008, 02:47 AM
Would struggle to call it a condender but a nice cam for wee stuff, the Compact flash would be excellent

FREUDENBERG_FILMS
03-02-2008, 03:02 AM
I have a HVX and love it. But seeing this could mean that Panasonic might see a camera like this a threat with the interchangeable lens.

Maybe the HVX next model up from the HVX will have a removable lens.

cheers

Michael Freudenberg

Spartacus
03-02-2008, 03:15 AM
If this baby had a DigiBeta mode, I´d be interested...
As a former XL2 owner, interchangeable lenses only concern me with ENG style cams, for a small form factor a fixed lens is more suitable for my needs...
Only exeption would be directly attaching a 35mm adapter through a relay lens...

Looking forward to see some footage from that sweety!

FREUDENBERG_FILMS
03-02-2008, 03:20 AM
If this baby had a DigiBeta mode, I´d be interested...
As a former XL2 owner, interchangeable lenses only concern me with ENG style cams, for a small form factor a fixed lens is more suitable for my needs...
Only exeption would be directly attaching a 35mm adapter through a relay lens...

Looking forward to see some footage from that sweety!

I agree. I was told by my camera distributer when looking for a HD camera that out of all the removable lens cameras hes sold only two customers actually bough a different lens for it later on down the track.

But still if you had the option of a removable lens you wouldn't have to spend over 2k for a 35mm lens adapter to fit over the front of the non removable lens.

cheers

Michael Freudenberg

SPZ
03-02-2008, 07:31 PM
This is more of a competitor to the HMC 150. Notice sony put an HDV recording mechanism and not SxS recording or the new XDCAM EX codec. Naturally, feeling it would butcher its Shoulder Mount XDCAM line-up.

For the price the HPX is probably still the way to go... An HPX Body can be had at 10k- a letus 35mm for 2/3 cameras goes for 2k aprox. So a complete package with (35mm still lenses) should go for about 13 to 14k tops. A bit more expensive, but you get what you pay for... :)

Kholi
03-02-2008, 07:56 PM
I wish I could get an entire Letus Ex + Relay + HPX500 Setup for 14k. I really don't think that's it, though.

Seriously, once you get your relay you're in RED ONE body Territory which honestly sucks. If you can get a RED ONE body for 17k (and now that they're en masse there's no real arguement about waiting) And an HPX500 + Relay for 14k (This number is about right) then they're ballpark at this point and honestly? Why not spend the extra 3k on a RED ONE and get a Nikon mount from Douglas?

Off topic, I know. On Topic:

Doesn't this thing shoot to tape?

DOSMedia
03-03-2008, 12:11 PM
All that camera is, is a z1u with interchangeable lenses. I would call it more of a contender towards cannon.
Also in my mind its a little over priced. I saw it for like 6500 through b&h i believe.

And yes kholi it only shoots on tape.

Matthew R. Rodwell
03-03-2008, 12:18 PM
All that camera is, is a z1u with interchangeable lenses. I would call it more of a contender towards cannon.
Also in my mind its a little over priced. I saw it for like 6500 through b&h i believe.

And yes kholi it only shoots on tape.

It also records to compact flash cards.

3xm
03-03-2008, 01:04 PM
Kholi,

We have two RED cameras and I can tell you that an HPX500 with a good relay lens system would be a big welcome....it would compete nicely. Simply put, the RED creates beautiful images, but its workflow currently sucks!!! and it still has some bugs/shortcomings that are being addressed. Currently the P2 workflow is way better and more compatible. (I miss it everyday). I am sure RED will improve this over time though.

Also a usuable RED configuration is more like $24,000 (and that's with Nikon lenses). Not to mention that you will most like need to upgrade your tripods, cranes etc.... that thing is heavy fully loaded!!!

I am not bashing RED (obviously since we have 2 of them) I am just making people aware that it's not the dream camera....yet. I would still hold on to your hvx/hpx....

Barry_Green
03-03-2008, 01:10 PM
My thoughts exactly.

In Red's defense, the product is not yet finished, it is still classified as being in "beta" and will continue to be in "beta" throughout March. Buyers are offered the chance to delay their purchase until it's out of beta. Most of us are plunging ahead anyway, but the big caution is that the workflow... well, yes, 3xm said it -- you're really gonna miss your P2 when it comes time to work with the footage.

NAB holds a lot of promise for Red workflow developments though.