With a high quality CMOS sensor, the Sony HVR-A1 provides HDV in 1080i standard while still remaining light and compact. It retains the Sony DVCAM range's inherent ease of use and features such as IEEE1394 Firewire connectivity.
1/3-inch, 2.97 megapixel CMOS sensor
This 4:3 format sensor is designed to give maximum sensitivity and minimal noise levels, complemented by advanced noise reduction techniques programmed into the camera. Fast data processing is achieved through a multichannel readout structure and the low power requirements of CMOS mean that the camera's dimensions can be kept compact. Finally by using CMOS, verical smear is eliminated.
Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP)
Designed to handle large amounts of data rapidly, the EIP also employs an algorithm that separates image information into brightness and texture components. This ensures that detail is retained even in shadow areas of an image, especially useful for backlit scenes or if detail in shadow areas is required at the editing stage.
The HVR-A1 uses the highly advanced HD Codec Engine, which compresses HD signal data at approx 25 MB/s with MPEG-2 compression. This ensures low energy consumption while retaining optimal HD quality.
Zeiss optics
The 10x zoom lens uses the same fully coated glass as Carl Zeiss prime lenses, giving excellent sharpness and next to no chromatic aberration.
Image Stabiliser
The Super SteadyShot electronic image stabiliser also automatically adjusts the active image area for a given zoom setting to obtain the best possible results.
Full Scan Mode
With Super SteadyShot off, the camera can be set to record at approximately two megapixels at every zoom setting, giving superior image quality.
3 recording and playback formats
Record or play back in HDV 1080i, DVCAM or DV quality (SP mode) to offer maximum flexibility.
Playback HD footage in SD
If you have recorded in HD but need to edit (digital via IEEE1394 i.LINK or analogue) in standard definition, the HVR-A1 can down-convert and is also able to convert the 16:9 ratio HDV image into Letterbox, Squeeze or Edge Crop SD formats. The HVR-A1 is also capable of recording full native resolution 16:9 footage in either DVCAM or DV formats.
Still image capture
Still images of 1920x1440 resolution can be captured onto Memory Stick Duo media even while recording video footage. It is also possible to grab stills at 1440x810 resolution from existing HDV video footage and write onto the memory card.
Audio options
Equipped with both an internal stereo and an external monaural directional microphone plus two XLR audio inputs.
Colour or Black and White switchable viewfinder
252,000 pixels, 16:9 aspect ratio finder that can be switched between colour and monochrome depending on personal preference.
2.7" LCD Monitor
Has 123,000 pixel resolution touch screen with 16:9 aspect ratio.
Four ways to zoom
Achieved by operating the zoom lever, zoom buttons on the camera, zoom buttons on the remote control or finally by adjusting the zoom/ focus ring.
Exposure Lever
Can either be used to set exposure manually or override auto settings by up to 15 steps.
Tele Macro
This mode allows macro images to be taken from a distance, preventing shadows falling on the subject and also giving a shallower depth of field for stronger compositions.
Shot Transition
The camera can be pre-programmed with start and end values for transitions of zoom, focus and white balance and the camera will perform a smooth transition within the set time.
Other useful functions include:
- Backlight compensation
- Histogram Indicator (for live brightness analysis)
- Cinema mode- sets gamma and frame rate values to mimic film
- Up to 300 minutes' recording time with optional NP-QM91 battery
- Simultaneous LCD and viewfinder operation (selectable)
- Expanded focus (enlarges centre area for easier focusing)
- Peaking- highlights areas the camera is focusing on
- Zebra- displays striped pattern on area the camera is primarily using for exposure
- Super Night Shot with built in IR illumination
- Skin Tone Detail- Reduces detailed signal for skin colour for smooth reproduction
- Black Stretch- shows more contrast detail in dark areas while maintaining absolute black values