Sony HVR-A1U Review Camcorder
Published by Digital Video Camera / Camcorder Review Staff February 8th, 2006 in Sony, Camcorder Reviews
Sony has expanded the HDV line-up by introducing the HVR-A1U camcorder - an extremely compact and lightweight camcorder, ideal for applications where space is at a premium or extreme mobility is required. This camcorder is equipped with a newly developed 1/3-inch type, 2.97-megapixel (total) CMOS sensor and an all new Enhanced Imaging Processor(tm) that optimizes the performance of the CMOS sensor, providing outstanding high-definition picture quality. Available at an extremely affordable price, the HVR-A1U will be another powerful option for HD field acquisition by all video professionals.
The HVR-A1U 1080i HDV camcorder provides real 1080i HD acquisition, with superb image quality and comprehensive functionality for professional use, in a “handy” camcorder form factor. This new HDV camcorder will help to expand the adoption of HDV and lead the entry level HD market by providing a compact and low cost solution. The new HVR-A1U features a newly developed 1/3 inch C-MOS imager. This new 1920×1080 native imager is also capable of 3 mega-pixel still images. Combined with a high quality Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens and Sony’s new 14 bit A/D and DXP digital Extended Processor, result in precise image acquisition with superb detail and clarity.. The new HVR-A1U records this exceptional imagery using the recently adopted HDV 1080i format onto a DVCAMâ„¢ mini cassette.
CNET Specs can be found More Info here
Digital Producer Magazine has a review of the Sony HVR-A1U and write - “Bringing its fourth HDV camera to market, Sony is about to start shipping the second in their professional offerings for the HDV shooter. The HVR-A1U is the latest addition to the HDV market, and is a dynamite camcorder both for DV shooters and HDV shooters. Good things come in small packages.
Palm-sized, the HVR-A1U doesn’t look like what it is; a power-packed camcorder with professional features. Although this camcorder is on the same body frame as the consumer-oriented HDR-HC1E , the similarities end there. Although the HDR-HC1E camera is a very impressive camcorder for the price, by the time you add a Studio Devices or Beachtek device, an external mic, better hood, you’ll be at the same cost as the A1U, and that’s without the other special features found on this camcorder.”
Sundance Media Group has a review of the Sony HVR-A1U and write - “Good things can come in small packages, and this newest offering from Sony’s professional division is no different. This is the sort of camcorder that can be handed to television reporters to take home for those late-night calls and a camera crew might be taking a while to get to the scene, or perhaps used for corporate production.
With a street price of around US$2700.00, this isn’t the cheapest camcorder on the block, but it’s to date the least expensive HDV camcorder available, and best of all, it’s coming in at 1080i, which suggests Sony is very future-looking to the time when all television is 1080. The small package will pack well, and it’s small size makes it perfect for mounting on the front of a car, motorcycle, or parachute helmet. The low cost makes it perfect as a crash-cam or high-risk camera where a more expensive camera might be too risky to place.”
More Info here