Sony HVR-A1U

Sony’s Second Offering In Its PRO HDV Lineup Is The HVR-A1U. This camcorder is squarely aimed at the budget HDV’er, and for the price is a surprising offering. I recently had the opportunity to work with the camera for a few weeks as my company, VASST, offers a plug-in specifically for HDV use. Sony sent me the new camcorder to test with our plug-in. In the course of the two weeks we’ve had the camera, I’ve taped a wedding, some wildlife and performed several tests under various lighting and motion conditions, in order to report back to Sony on how the camcorder performs. Because of this, and because I am testing a prerelease version, this is not a standard, rated Studio/monthly review. But Sony was gracious enough let me speak my mind and offer a sneak preview for readers.

This camcorder is aimed squarely at the entry-level professional who wants to get into HDV but doesn’t want to spend a lot of cash doing it. It’s optimal for event shooters or for shooters that need a low-profile camcorder. Although this isn’t an ENG camera, it’s perfect for reporters to stash in their cars for those "last minute/no crew" shots. Additionally, the camera fits into the "I want the best video possible for my family projects, but I don’t want a big camcorder" techno-nut.

The HVR-A1U is centered around a single 1/3-inch CCD coupled with CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and the Sony proprietary EIP (Enhanced Image Processor). While only a single CCD, CMOS technology provides a surprising level of visual quality, and makes the camera a perfect stepping stone to get into the world of HD, or an inexpensive second HDV cam in a Z1/FX1 production lineup. Sony suggests that it would make a great crash cam, helmet cam or low-profile device; given its size, I’d have to agree.

Every menu aspect of this camera is accessed in the camera’s LCD screen. While a fingertip accesses the menu easily, I suggest using a PDA pen-it won’t leave finger smudges on the screen. The audio is impressive for such a low-cost model, offering two balanced, low-impedance connectors complete with phantom power and bass roll off. The audio module, mounted atop the camcorder body, features a holder (which can be removed) for an external microphone. The module plugs into the camcorder body via Sony’s proprietary AIS, or Active Interface Shoe, which is a little strange on the consumer version (HVR-HC1), but fits right into the setup of the HVR-A1U. The audio unit mounts on a shoe on the front of the camera body, and the shoe could be used to mount a light, microphone or wireless accessory if the professional audio unit wasn’t needed. The HVR-A1U offers unbalanced inputs if the balanced module ins’t used.

If you regularly shoot in badly lit environments, you’ll appreciate Super nightshot, a feature similar to Hypergain in the HVR-Z1U that is wonderful for shooting in extreme low light, particularly when you use it with Black Stretch.

When you consider what’s inside the AIU-transitions, manual or auto focus/zoom, an exposure lever that lets you adjust exposure on the fly, Black Stretch, CinemaTone, off settable time code, and 4:3 framing markers-it’s hard to believe the price is so low. It’s got a lot going for it in such a rugged, compact size.