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Sony’s HVR-Z7U versus HVR-S270U: Close, but not quite twins.
By Marty Feldman, Manager, Broadcast Division, The Camera Company
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Sony’s two latest HDV high definition camcorders have more in common than not.
Both share Sony’s latest “ClearVid,” and “Exmor” third-inch CMOS chip technology.
ClearVid uses 45-degree rotated pixels on each chip . This ingenious alternative to traditional spatial offset (also known as pixel shift) provides increased signal density and
Effective surface area. Combined with “enhanced image processing” (EIP) both camcorders produce images with wider dynamic range and color reproduction than you would expect from a 1/3”imager. “Exmor,” technology maximizes the potential of the three “ClearVid” sensors. By using multiple analog to digital converters on each pixel row, external noise that enters the signal chain before A/D conversion is minimized and better low-light performance is the result. Both camcorders achieve an impressive 1.5 lux rating at 1/30th sec, shutter in auto iris with full gain.
Both camcorders can record in standard definition in DVCAM or DV, in addition to high definition HDV. Both come with Sony’s new memory recording unit, that records on relatively inexpensive CF memory cards (yielding up to 72 minutes recording time with a 16GB card, 133X speed, minimum). You can record to cards and tape simultaneously for backup. Sony also has a 60GB hard drive recorder (HVR-DR60) that
Can record up to 4.5 hours of standard or high definition video. In-camera down conversion in “Edge Crop,” “Letterbox,” or “Squeeze,” is also a coomon feature to both the HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270.
Both feature interchangeable lenses, and come standard with the very same supplied Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 12X 32-384mm (16:9) optical zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.6 (becomes f/2.0 at telephoto). The special Zeiss coating minimizes unwanted reflections, keeping contrast high. Both accept the same optional lenses and lens adapters.
Signal processing and extensive menu options, are also common to both of these camcorders and both camcorders share Sony’s two native true progressive shooting modes, in which either actual progressive frames are recorded in their entirety, or split up by dividing each progressive frame into two interlaced fields. 24p can also be recorded as 60i by using 2-3 pull-down (24p scan mode).
So, what’s the difference between these two camcorders, besides about a $3000 difference in street price? Be assured, there is a difference (as you’d expect for that much disparity in cost!) Only you can decide if the higher-priced HVR-S270U is worth the additional cost for your style of shooting.
First of all, the HVR-S270 is a true shoulder-mount camcorder. It replaces the venerable DVCAM standard definition-only HVR-250. It uses full-sized 12-volt (actually, up to 14.4 volt) V-Mount Sony (or IDX Endura) batteries (easily adapted to Anton Bauer mount with an adapter--not included). The HVR-Z7U uses the familiar “L” series Sony Lithium Ion 7.2V batteries. The HVR-Z7U is a hand-held camcorder, similar in form to the HVR-Z1U, Sony’s first HDV 3-chip camcorder. The larger 270 accepts all cassette sizes, with a maximum recording time (in DV, using the largest available cassette) of 4.6 hours. The HVR-Z7U is limited to Mini DV sized cassettes, typically 63 minutes in length. 80-minute cassettes, while available, are not recommended, due to the thinness of the longer tape.
The HVR-S270 weighs in at 13 lbs., 15 ounces, (less battery), while the HVR-Z7U is only 5 lbs., 4 ounces.
The HVR-S270U has uncompressed HD-SDI out for interfacing with broadcast switchers, monitors and other pro gear. The HVR-Z7U has HDMI out, a typical input to high-quality consumer HDTV’s and monitors, as well as some PCIe boards (such as those manufactured by Blackmagic Design). I-Link (FireWire), analog component and other outputs are identical, although the HVR-S270 has BNC connectors for component analog out. The HVR-Z7U has a 10-pin connector for A/V out.
The larger HVR-S270 has four channels of audio with four professional XLR audio connectors, two in front, two in the rear of the camcorder.
The HVR-Z7U has a front and rear accessory shoe. The front shoe is removable to allow the use of a matte box.
For those wishing additional support when using the smaller HVR-Z7U, Sony offers an excellent external body-worn camera support, the VCT-SP1BP, with light-weight carbon fiber support shaft, belt and harness.
For more information, visit: www.sony.com/broadcast.
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