Camcorders
Sony HVR-Z7E
With interchangeable lenses, 25p 'native' progressive mode, ability to record to compact flash, the Z7 moves the game on further.
New flexibility, new features, new opportunities
The HVR-Z7E 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-Z7E, 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-Z7E 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-Z7E is ideal.
Switchable Recording and Playback- HDV1080i/DVCAM/DV
The HVR-Z7E 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-Z7E 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-Z7E 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-Z7E 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-Z7E.
If you'd like to attach a 2/3-inch or 1/2-inch HD video lens on to the HVR-Z7E, it is possible to do so by adding a standard lens adaptor from the lens manufacturer. The HVR-Z7E 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-Z7E. 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.
25p HDV Native Progressive Recording Modes
The HVR-Z7E 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-Z7E 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.
| Lens | Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens, 12x (optical), f = 4.4 to 52.8 mm, f = 32.0 to 384 mm* at 16:9 mode f = 39.5 to 474 mm* at 4:3 mode, filter diameter: 72 mm |
| Built-in filter | Clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64 |
| Focus | Auto,manual (focus ring/one push auto/infinity/AF assist/ focus macro) |
| Imaging device | 1/3-inch, progressive 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system with Exmor technology |
| Picture elements | Approx. 1,037,000 pixels (effective), approx. 1,120,000 pixels (total) |
| White balance | Auto, one-push auto (A/B positions), indoor (3200 K), outdoor (selectable level -7 to +7, approx. 500K/step), manual WB Temp (selectable 2300K to 15000K, 100K/step) |
| Auto | 1/50 - 1/1750 |
| Shutter speed - Manual | 50i/25p: 1/3 - 1/10000 |
| Gain | -6, -3, 0 , 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 dB |
| Minimum illumination | 1.5 lux (auto gain, auto iris, 1/25 shutter) |
| Recording Format | HDV1080/50i, DVCAM, DV SP 576/50i (PAL) |
| HDV/DV SP | Max. 63 min with PHDVM-63DM cassette |
| DVCAM | Max. 41 min with PHDVM-63DM cassette |
| Audio/Video input/output | 10-pin connector A/V OUT jack (composite, unbalanced audio x2ch with the supplied cable) |
| Component video output | Component out jack (special connector) |
| i.LINK | i.LINK interface (IEEE 1394, 6-pin) |
| XLR audio input | XLR 3-pin female x 2 |
| Headphone | Stereo minijack (ͳ.5 mm) |
| Digital Video Out | HDMI connector |
| LANC | Stereo mini-minijack (Ͳ.5 mm) |
| Color LCD viewfinder | 0.45-inch type (Viewable area measured diagonally), approx. 1,226,880 dots (852x480x3[RGB]), 16:9 aspect ratio |
| Color LCD monitor | 3.2-inch type (Viewable area measured diagonally), XtraFine LCD, approx. 921,600 dots, hybrid type, 16:9 aspect ratio |
| Mass | Approx. 2.4 kg (5 lb 4 oz) (w/ the supplied lens, w/o tape, battery) |
| Power requirements | DC 7.2 V (battery pack), DC 8.4 V (AC adaptor) |
| HDV | Approx. 7.0 W (with ECM-XM1 / LCD EVF ON) |
| DVCAM/DV | Approx. 6.8 W (with ECM-XM1 / LCD EVF ON) |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 40 °C (32 to 104 °K) |
| Storage temperature | -20 to +60 °C (-4 to 140 °F) |
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Please note that this list is for guidance only. We will always advise you if for any reason the equipment is to be supplied with a different number of batteries.
Where applicable, all batteries will be fully charged before dispatch, except in the event of a turnaround where the client will be advised accordingly.
The following accessories are available to hire with the Sony HVR-Z7E -
| Daily Hire | £80.83 (£97.00) | Weekend Hire | £121.67 (£146.00) |
| Weekly Hire | £301.67 (£362.00) | 2 Weekly Hire | £470.83 (£565.00) |
| 3 Weekly Hire | £610.83 (£733.00) | Deposit | £1,388.00 |
Prices shown above as Ex VAT in black (Inc VAT in red). These prices are for hire only - courier charges will apply. All equipment will be delivered by 12pm on the day before the hire period and collected the day after the hire has finished. For more details, visit our How to Hire section.
