Sony HVR-V1U HDV Camcorder Review (page 2)

Progressive, Naturally

The addition of progressive scan modes in the V1U is clearly a nod to the increasing use of this level of camcorder for independent video producers. The V1U uses native progressive scan chips so there is no interpolating being done behind the scenes to degrade image quality. There are three types of frame rate shooting modes, 24p, 24pSCNa and 30p. The 24p mode does a good job of simulating the standard frame rate of film and the 24pSCNa is useful for 24p progressive editing such as in film production. Shooting in 30p reduces the strobing effect for pans and fast subjects but is still recording in true progressive mode and retains a somewhat film-like quality. Other image control features are the four color/gamma presets that include Portrait, Cinema, Sunset and monotone (B&W), plus two that are user definable. These settings cover camera setup functions such as color level, phase, sharpness, skin tone detail, black compensation, and more. Producers shooting in progressive modes may be particularly fond of the cinema settings that increase color saturation and gives the user two types of Cinematone Gamma choices.

Audio

Two XLR inputs and an external mini-shotgun external mic also set the V1U apart from its consumer brethren. You have ready access to input level controls via small dials along with auto/manual and phantom power switches all on the front part of the handle. We tested audio quality in both auto gain and manual modes at distances of three and six feet from the microphone. Of course, sound quality was better at the closer distance, but in both recording modes, we were able to capture good sounding audio. In auto, we listened closely for excessive gain in quiet sections and tape transport noise; we were pleased to hear next to nothing. Using manual controls, we found we needed to set levels rather high to acquire decent levels and we did notice a little more amplification noise. Keep in mind, however, that this is judging the performance of an on-camera mic. The majority of producers will use a lapel or off-camera shotgun close to the subject.

Serious Fun

One purely fun feature we tested the Smooth Slow recording mode by videotaping an archer shooting arrows at a target. While the arrow itself remained mostly a blur, the V1U captured all the recoil reactions in amazing slow motion. The image quality could not, however, be considered HD as the video is heavily compressed.

All fun aside, we found the V1U to be a very well built camcorder with an incredible amount of user control over image capture, processing and display. The V1U is a great performing and versatile camcorder worth a close look.

TECH SPECS

Tape Format: Mini DV/DVCAM cassette
Video Signal: NTSC, 1080/60i specification
Video Recording: HDV/DVCAM
Audio Recording: (HDV) 16 bit MPEG-1 Audio Layer-2
Audio Recording: (DVCAM) 12-/16-bit PCM
Viewfinder: Electric; color and black and white
Image Device: 1/4-inch, 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system
Picture Elements: Approx. 1,037,000 pixels (effective), approx. 1,120,000 pixels (total)
Lens: Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T zoom lens, 20x (optical), f = 3.9 to 78 mm, f = 37.4 to 748 mm* at 16:9 mode, f = 45.7 to 914 mm* at 4:3 mode, F = 1.6 to 2.8
Filter Diameter: 62mm
Manual Shutter Speed: 1/4-second to 1/10000 sec.
Scan Rates: 24p, 24pSCNa, 30p
Exposure: Auto, manual (Type1/Type2)
Recording Format: 1080/60i, 480/60i (NTSC)
Play: Out/Down
Conversion Format: 1080/60i, 480/60i (NTSC)
Minimum Illumination: 4 lux with F1.6 at 18dB
Audio/Video Output: XLR input, A/V OUT jack, 10-pin connector
HDV/DV Input/Output: i.LINK interface (IEEE 1394, 4-pin connector)
HDMI Output: HDMI connector
Composite Video: 1 Vp-p, 75? unbalanced, sync negative
Weight: Approx. 3 lb. 6 oz. (camcorder only)

STRENGTHS

• Fast
• Sharp imaging
• Good color saturation
• Excellent user control over major camcorder features

WEAKNESSES

• Moderately high-priced
• Slow auto-focus response in certain circumstances

SUMMARY

The V1U is a well-built, feature-packed HDV camcorder capable of producing professional quality video.

Contributing editor Brian Peterson is a video production consultant, trainer, and lecturer.

$4,890
Sony Business Solutions & Systems
1 Sony Drive
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
http://bssc.sel.sony.com