Sony Professional HVR-A1U CMOS High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom | 
| Brand: Sony
Category: Photography
List Price: $2,750.00
Buy New: $2,399.00
as of 3/10/2010 21:48 PST details
You Save: $351.00 (13%)
New (3) from $2,399.00
Rating:  14 reviews
Sales Rank: 1303
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: Yes
Optical Zoom: 10
Display Size: 2.7
Maximum Focal Length: 51
Minimum Focal Length: 5.1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 6.1
Dimensions (in): 14.1 x 7.6 x 6.6
MPN: HVRA1U
Model: HVRA1U
UPC: 027242687004
EAN: 0027242687004
ASIN: B000ENON1A
Release Date: October 1, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | High-definition video camera records in 1080i, 720p, and 720i specification with analog down-converting | | • | 16:9 widescreen recording; 4:3 conversion capable | | • | Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens; digital Super SteadyShot System dampens hand jitter and vibration | | • | CMOS camera system; records to conventional DV tape stock | | • | Powered by NP-FM50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The HVR-A1U 1080i HDV camcorder provides real 1080i HD acquisition, with superb image quality and comprehensive functionality for professional use, in a "handy" camcorder form factor. This new HDV camcorder will help to expand the adoption of HDV and lead the entry-level HD market by providing a compact and low cost solution. The new HVR-A1U features a newly developed 1/3-inch C-MOS imager. This new 1920x1080 native imager is also capable of 3 mega-pixel still images. Combined with a high quality Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens and Sony's new 14 bit A/D and DXP digital Extended Processor, result in precise image acquisition with superb detail and clarity. The new HVR-A1U records this exceptional imagery using the recently adopted HDV 1080i format onto a DVCAM mini cassette.
Amazon.com Product Description
The HVR-A1U is a compact and lightweight handy-type camcorder, ideal for shooting environments that require mobility. Its size, combined with its long battery life (up to 80 minutes of high-definition recording with the included battery), make it easy to get the shots you need, when you need them.  | | See large image | HDV 1080i
The HDV 1080i specification features 1080 effective interlaced scanning lines and 1,440 horizontal pixels. Interlaced pictures, which have been common to TV broadcasts from the beginning, alternately display odd and even numbered lines between each screen refresh. The HVR-A1U can also record at the HDV 720p specification, which features 720 effective progressive scanning lines and 1,280 horizontal pixels. Progressive scanning fills both odd and even numbered lines with each refresh, providing a flicker-free picture. Not yet ready for HD? The HVR-A1U can convert material from 1080i down to 480i and output this digital video signal through its i.LINK interface or as analog signals through component, composite, or S-video connectors. When down-converting these signals, the aspect ratio displayed can be converted from 16:9 to 4:3, and display modes can be selected from squeeze, letterbox or edge crop. 1/3-inch Type, 2.97-megapixel CMOS sensor
The HVR-A1U incorporates one 1/3-inch type primary color CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) 2.97-megapixel sensor with a formatted for a 4:3 aspect ratio. The advantage of a CMOS sensor over CCD is it's ability to process a large volume of picture data at a very small size, which makes it possible for a camera this size to capture HD video. The trade off for this kind of chip over CCD, however, is a small loss in picture uniformity and dynamic range.  | | Keep an eye on audio levels on the LCD monitor |
Audio
The HVR-A1U adopts the MPEG-2 compression format, which uses 8-bit digital component recording with a sampling rate of 4:2:0. The camera uses MPEG-1 Audio Layer II audio compression format, allowing for two-channel recording with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz/16-bit. It features a built-in stereo microphone, as well as two XLR audio input connectors for use with professional-grade microphones or external audio sources. Each input level for CH1 and CH2 can be independently adjusted using two audio level dials on the camera body and viewed with an audio level meter on the LCD monitor. Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens
The HVR-A1U is equipped with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* high definition lens with a 10x zoom function. It has the same optical coating as is used on all of the Carl Zeiss prime lenses, which produces sharp, high-contrast images with virtually no chromatic aberration. In order to facilitate zoom control and recording operation during low-angle shooting, an additional zoom lever has been added to the camera body. There's also a zoom/focus ring located on the lens body that allows for fine adjustments in zoom position. Furthermore, the supplied wireless Remote Commander unit can be used for external control. Large, 16:9 widescreen color viewfinder and LCD monitor
View your subject through the built-in viewfinder, the swing-out LCD display, or both. The HVR-A1U features a 0.44-inch type color LCD viewfinder and a 2.7-inch color LCD monitor, both in a 16:9 aspect ratio. You'll save battery time by using just one, but you may want to use one for adjusting focus and the other for monitoring audio levels. When eschewing auto focus for the fine-tuning manual focus, you can double the magnification at the center of the screen, making it easier to confirm focus settings during manual focusing. Also, the camera's "peaking" function can provide sharp outlines on the monitor to help with manual focus. Electronic Super SteadyShot system
Sony's electronic Super SteadyShot System helps remove the slight hand jitter and vibration that is often the bane of video production--especially during telephoto shots. It does this by trimming off edges of the frame on the fly to counteract movement.  | | Tele Macro picks up details on subjects from a distance |
Tele Macro
It may seem like a contradiction in terms, but the Tele Macro function allows you to capture a macro image from a distance, which is useful for shooting small moving objects. Additionally, this function puts your subject in proper focus while leaving the background out of focus. The Hollywood look
The HVR-A1U has features that can make your videos look more like they were shot on film. Cinematone Gamma allows operators to quickly setup and load a gamma curve with similar contrast characteristics to a film gamma curve. The Cineframe feature allows movement to be reproduced at 24 frames per second--the speed of film--as opposed to video's 30 frames per second standard. No new tape stock
The HVR-A1U is compatible with conventional DV tape stock, but Sony recommends the use of DigitalMaster PHDVM-63DM tape, with its dual layer of magnetic material, which delivers higher RF output, lower noise, 95% fewer errors and 60% fewer dropouts compared to regular DV tape. More camera features | ·Assign button -- get quick access to a variety of settings | | ·Time Code Preset -- fill in any timecode starting value | | ·Shot Transition -- creates smooth automatic transitions between scenes | | ·Color Bar -- Two types | | ·Status Check -- displays camera setting menus for audio, output signal, assign button and exposure lever functions and hours meter on the LCD monitor | | ·Zebra -- displays a striped pattern in the LCD monitor and viewfinder across highlight areas, helping manual exposure settings | | ·Quick REC -- shortens the record interval from stop mode. | | ·Personal Menu -- allows operators to customize the setting menu | | ·Battery Info -- displays the attached battery's current charge level and its current remaining recording time on the LCD monitor | | ·Histogram Indicator -- allows you to easily evaluate the brightness of your scene | | ·Super Night Shot -- allows operators to capture images in black and white using a built-in infrared light | | ·Skin Tone Detail -- reduces detailed signal for skin color, smoothening the reproduction of human skin | | ·Black Stretch -- allows more contrast to be seen in dark parts of the picture without affecting mid-tones | | ·Backlight Compensation -- produces natural tones for both light and dark areas of backlit subject | What's in the box
HVR-A1U camera, AC-L15 AC adaptor, power code, NP-FM50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack, lens hood with lens cover, RMT-831 wireless Remote Commander unit, A/V connecting cable with S video, component video cable, USB cable, Memory Stick Duo (16 MB), Memory Stick Duo adaptor, ECM-NV1 monaural electret condenser microphone, XLR audio adaptor, shoulder strap, and operating instructions.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 14
a bit different than what i thought January 20, 2010
Jesse N Chandler (LA)
the audio is fantastic the extra place to hook up mikes and stuff is one of the best features. It also can convert hdv to dv or keep it as HDV some other cool effects include sepia shooting, blurred shots, as well as black and white. The touch screen is very nice to have, but it is nothing revolutionary. The picture quality is just OK. i have seen much better quality film on cheaper models. It shoots in a max of 1080i. Night vision is another cool feature. Although, i have found that the infrared DOES NOT shoot well past 15 ft nor does it shoot through car windows(inside to out) unless outside of vehicle is exposed to light. So far no problems with the camera, but something that is very important that i almost overlooked is the fact that the picture in a dim area is very poor even with the exposure adjusted.
Very Handy, But Falls Short of a Great Camera September 8, 2009
Eric S. Nowels (Brooklyn, NY)
This camera is loaded with great features that are hard to find in prosumer grade miniDV / HDV, but the CMOS sensor doesn't cut it for me.
Having xlr inputs as well as minijack that accepts both mic and line level signals is essential in my line of work. So is easy on the fly manual exposure and audio gain control, manual focus, long battery life and consistent white balance and last, but far from least is good image quality in less than stellar lighting conditions. The A1U did not deliver on this last criteria. My only complaint about this camera is it's slow lens and noisy sensor. The camera relies far too much on gain rather than aperture to increase exposure which adds grain, color artifact and a shift in color balance and contrast.
Sony did a great job of cramming a lot of these features into a small camera while retaining an intuitive set of controls. For things like white balance and manual audio controls the LCD menus can be cumbersome to navigate, but the physical buttons and dials on the body of the camera make accessing exposure, focus, and zoom plus a custom assignable button a snap.
Great Second Camera June 23, 2009
Mr & Mrs. Marshall (San Diego, CA USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I intended for this camera to augment my main camera (Sony FX-1) on video shoots. I am a serious hobbyist. My first perception of this camera was "man it's smaller than I thought it would be". The dollars per cubic inch ratio is very high.
Second observation: In daylight I used the cam to shoot some baby hummingbirds in their nest. I thought "no big deal", but when I reviewed the tape on a high def monitor I was stunned by how good the pic was. (I guess I never tried that shot with my FX-1.)
Third: in low light, like at a dance recital, the autofocus can have problems. I don't think you want to be more than 60 ft from the subject. Also be zoomed in, that seems to take care of autofocus issues.
Fourth: the mic is great for live music. This camera excells at guerilla music shoots, where you have to move around a lot. I often put it on a monopod for an overhead shot.
Fifth: must be unmounted to swap a tape. Decide for yourself whether this is important. If you are shooting a recital in the dark and have to unmount the thing, swap tapes, and remount in_the_dark then maybe this camera isn't for you.
Sixth: for what it's worth, the cam captures all colors pretty well except the deep reds. Before the commies start crying ;) let me say that I edit this cam's footage together with the FX-1 footage. The FX-1 goes down to a deeper "blood red" which pwns the a1u's footage.
Seventh: None of my cams have problems with tape. Simply buy the tdk or sony 10 packs at Costco. Try to stick with one brand of tape though. (No need for $10 tapes.)
The A1U has earned its way into my inventory. I am glad that I started with an FX-1 (heavy artillery), augmented with the A1U (when the shot is more important than the deep blood reds), and rounded out with a used FX-1 from B&H.
I'd recommend a preowned FX-1 over a new A1U though.
Great Camcorder March 9, 2009
Jeff Cemer (Salt Lake City, Utah)
This is a great Camcorder. I'll pick up another soon. It's weakness is low light recording, but is well worth the cost. I can't believe the size. This thing is tiny for the features.
 Great camera for the price!! June 8, 2008
Nick Bibbo (Denver NY)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
I recently had the Canon GL1 and thought it was time to upgrade to Hi-Def. After reading about 30 customer and 20 pro reviews it was the only camera that was offered pro features and great image quality worth way more then the price. It is all because of the CMOS sensor the camera uses. It consumes less power, less money to produce, better image quality then CCD and does not smear light. Some people say it's a consumer camera because it only has a one chip sensor instead of three like a CCD sensor but a CMOS sensor is a lot different then a CCD. A single chip CMOS sensor is three mega-pixels just like three CCD chips. It should be considered a pro camera instead of a consumer camera.
OK; now what the camera can do..... It has a touch screen which is handy but you have to keep wiping it off because it smudges easily. The personalized menu is a great idea; you can have all your most used items at a touch away. The cineframe and cinematone features are a good idea if you want your movies to have a more professional Hollywood look to them. The picture quality in good light is almost identical the image quality of the Sony Z1U which cost $4,000 and that's really amazing!! The low light performance is not that good, this is a downside of the CMOS sensor. I really like the exposure lever, one strange thing is that the camera does not give exposure increments like F1.6 ..... F2.6 it just gives you a bar. Three quarters of the bar is for exposure and the last quarter of the bar is gain which digitally brightens the picture and makes the picture real grainy. Just make sure you adjust the exposure manually in dark places and turn the gain off by not going to the last quarter of the bar. It has some other great features and that I am not going to go in to but you can read about them on this page. One other thing is that this camera is quite compact and I am really amazed at the picture quality that it takes.
Over all it is great camera and a good choice for any one who needs a good Hi-Def camera for a low price.
I hope this review helps and I will be adding more to this review.
06/29/08
I don't know what the problem was with the guy below me. I think he had problems in low light with the camera, this camera is not the best in low light. The auto focus is a little slow indoors but it's a lot better in good light. He also had problems with the mic, there are a lot of settings for the mic and you have to set them right to get good sound. When rewinding tapes I did not think it made a horrendous noise but it does make different pitches as you rewind it. The camera is small, they made it compact so pros could get great images in tight places. If you need a good low light camera go with the Sony V1U.
07/18/08
Price went up $300 from when I bought it, I guess I made a good investment.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 14
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