Sony has upped the ante in the HDV camcorder race with its new HVR-V1U,
an under-$5,000, ultra-compact model that offers native 24p image
capture on new CMOS sensors.
The camcorder uses three 1/4-inch ClearVid CMOS chips combined with
Sony's Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP) technology to produce greater
sensitivity, higher resolution, lower noise, and a wider dynamic range
than previous models.

The camcorder also allows simultaneously recording to both an
attachable hard-disk recording unit (optional model HVR-DR60) and to an
internal HDV tape cassette.

Unlike "progressive-look" pictures interpolated from interlace scan
camera systems, the HVR-V1U camcorder's trio of CMOS sensors work
natively to capture progressive images at 24p, 30p or 60p while
maintaining full 1080 HDV resolution.

EIP technology improves dynamic range through the use of an algorithm
that separates image data into its texture patterns and brightness
components. This allows better tonality in both the light and dark
areas of the image and provides extremely high levels of
gradation.

Sony said the combo of the new CMOS chip and the EIP technologies also
result in a feature called "smooth slow recording." Due to the speed of
the camcorder's signal processing, video images can be captured at very
high speeds, up to 240 fields per second, allowing fast movements to be
recorded in precise detail without creating artifacts or signal
degradation.

The new hard-disk recording unit is a 1.8-inch 60 GB drive with a
capacity of up to 4.5 hours in either the HDV or DVCAM/DV mode. The
drive has a built-in shock absorber that automatically protects it at a
force of up to three Gs.

Also included is a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens with extra-low
dispersion glass and a 20x optical zoom lens with F2.8 at the telephoto
end.

The HVR-V1U camcorder ($4,800 list) and HVR-DR60 hard-disk recording
unit ($1,800 list) are set for December delivery.

For more information, visit www.sony.com