Sony HVR-V1 Reviews: Sony MiniDV storage camcorder

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Product Features

Optical Zoom Ratio	20
The amount by which the camera optics (lens) can bring the subject closer.
Media Format	Memory Stick
This is the type of storage that your digital camera or camcorder uses to save images to. The main types of card media format: Compact Flash Micro SD MMC (Multi Media Card) SD Card (Secure Digital) SDHC (Secure Disk High Capacity)
Media Format	MiniDV
This is the type of storage that your digital camera or camcorder uses to save images to. The main types of card media format: Compact Flash Micro SD MMC (Multi Media Card) SD Card (Secure Digital) SDHC (Secure Disk High Capacity)
Digital Zoom Ratio	30
Not to be confused with optical zoom, digital zoom enlarges a portion of the image thus simulating optical zoom. In doing so, some image quality is lost.
Image Stabilisation	Yes
If a photo is taken at a slow shutter speed, or at a long focal length, the effects of ‘hand shake’ will be amplified. Some cameras come with built-in image stabilisation which is designed to act against this to produce sharper images. It’s great for low light shots without a tripod, like at a gig.
resolution (Megapixel)	1.1
Manual Focus	Yes
Almost all modern cameras have autofocus. Manual focus allows you to override the autofocus and set the distance yourself. This is especially useful if your camera is struggling to focus in a low-light or confusing scene.
Battery Life in Hours	1.3
Battery life is important if you travel a lot. Long train journeys can be a pain if you don’t get more than 3 hours of life out of your laptop. It’s worth remembering that a lot of trains offer power sockets now so don’t be put off by a low battery life unless your lifestyle demands ultra portability.
Weight (g)	1500
The weight of the product in grams.
Docking Station	No
A docking station, also known as a cradle, is used to rest your equipment whilst it charges and also allows transfer of data to a computer.
Screen Size in Inches	3.5
Screen size is measured diagonally from corner to corner.
16:9 Recording Format	Yes
USB Port	Yes
Socket for connecting devices such as a computers and other components
Remote Control	Yes
Waterproof	No
If your camcorder is waterproof you will be able to film under water which is perfect for diving and snorkeling.
Digital Still Photography	Yes
A Digital Still Photography function on a camcorder allows you to use the camcorder as if it was a digital camera. Camcorders with photo function often save to a separate memory card such as an SD Card.
Night Recording	No
Night Recording is a special mode that allows you to record in low light situations.

Also known as: Sony HVR-V1P, HVR-V1, Sony HVR V1P, HVR-V1E

Progressive scan (25p) capability and full HDV resolution

The HVR-V1E is a compact and lightweight professional HDV camcorder, sharing similar dimensions to the popular DSR-PD170P

The HVR-V1E is the first Sony professional to incorporate 3 ClearVid CMOS sensors. Coupled with Sony’s Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP) these sensors provide high sensitivity, low noise and a wide dynamic range to help achieve high-quality, smearless images.

In addition to offering 1080/50i acquisition, it also provides 25p shooting – making it ideal for film-makers with smaller budgets and those who wish to create a more cinematic look and feel to their production.

Other professional features include timecode preset function, two XLR microphone inputs, a timecode link to synchronise time codes between multiple cameras and HDV/DVCAM/DV recording and playback for flexible workflow options.

High Definition or Standard Definition – the choice is yours

With switchable HDV, DVCAM and DV recording and playback capability, the Sony HVR-V1E gives professional users even more flexibility to choose the best format for their production

Industry Support

Sony HDV 1080i has rapidly become a popular choice for professionals, and third party industry support includes Non Linear Editing Systems such as Sony, Adobe, Apple, Avid and Canopus.

Designed for Professionals

Like the rest of the professional HDV range, features used by true professionals such as XLR microphone inputs, timecode preset, camera profile, and manual settings are incorporated into the HVR-V1E.

Long Recording Times

Using the Sony Digital Master tapes, recording times of 63 minutes are achievable in HDV mode.

Compatible with existing HDV equipment & software

Because the HVR-V1E’s 25p scan signal is recorded as a 50i signal (by dividing each frame into two fields) it can be played back or fed to an editing suite using the thousands of Sony professional HDV equipment already in use throughout the world.

• More info at Sony's website
• User manual