The HVR-HD1000E model supports both the HDV and the standard-definition DV formats. In DV mode, the unit can work exclusively as a DV camcorder, allowing users to maintain their current DV workflow without any disruptions. When needed, the camcorder can be instantly switched to high-definition mode.

The HDV format allows users to shoot approximately 60 minutes of HD video on a 6mm cassette tape. Sony’s highest-quality 6mm videotape, DigitalMaster™, is the recommended professional media for HDV applications. These 63-minute cassettes (model PHDVM63DM) use Sony’s AME (Advanced Metal Evaporated) II technology and features dual-active magnetic layers.

The new camcorder also has several down-conversion modes that output converted standard-definition signals to users’ current SD production systems, including displays and DV non-linear editing systems, while retaining an HD master tape for future use.

The camcorder adapts to a wide range of shooting situations and features a high-end Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonner T* 10x optical zoom lens to help reduce reflection. The Super SteadyShot™ (optical) feature of the unit is an image stabilizer using an active optical lens method that helps avoid any deterioration in image quality. The lens itself shifts vertically and horizontally to compensate for the polarized light axis in real-time.

The HVR-HD1000E camcorder uses Sony’s 1/2.9-inch ClearVid™ CMOS sensor system with its unique pixel layout rotated 45 degrees to provide higher resolution and sensitivity.

The camcorder’s photo creation functions can produce photo data for DVD jacket designs, website content, news, photo albums and other applications.

Users can capture up to 6.1 mega-pixel still images in Photo mode. In addition, it can capture up to 4.6 mega-pixel still images even while HD video is being recorded. For added flexibility, the new camera can capture still images from any moment of HDV recording in print-ready quality of up to 1.2 mega-pixels.

The camcorder also has a new configuration with an LCD monitor and an electronic view finder (EVF). The LCD monitor is in front of the camera operator when the camcorder is shoulder-mounted, and it is attached to the EVF level. This unique layout enables traditional EVF monitoring, as well as LCD monitoring for the operator even while the camcorder is held on the shoulder.

“The 180-degree tilt mechanism allows for LCD monitoring when the camcorder is held in a high- or low-angle position,” Ott said. “The 360-degree swivel mechanism will allow LCD monitoring from the front, right or even left of the camcorder so that a reporter or a director can monitor what is being captured by the camcorder.”

The “Smooth Slow Rec” function allows users to perform slow-motion playback by capturing images at four times faster than the normal field rate (240 fields/s). In this mode, quad-speed images are captured for three seconds, stored in the camcorder’s built-in buffer memory, and then recorded to tape (in either the HDV, DVCAM™, or DV formats) as slow-motion pictures lasting 12 seconds. When using this function, Ott said the resolution of the camera image is decreased.

The Super NightShot™ function of the new model uses a built-in infrared light emitter to record objects in zero lux light levels and to allow night-time monitoring and surveillance.

A multi-function assignable lens ring is located on the lens unit, and any one of the following functions can be assigned to the ring for easy adjustment: focus (default), zoom, brightness, shutter, auto exposure shift and white balance shift.

Other features include up to 10 hours operation using an optional NP-F970 battery, a range of digital I/O (HDMI, i.LINK®, USB, Memory Stick Duo™ slot), supplied external stereo microphone (ECM-PS1), and a multi-language menu.

Record HD on inexpensive miniDV Cassette Tape
Video and television technology, as well as viewer preferences, are moving from standard definition (SD) to high definition (HD) - just like black and white television moved to colour in the past.

HD has almost twice the number of scanning lines available than SD. This means you can see much sharper detail and finer image quality when your work is viewed on a HD display monitor. The HVR-HD1000E adopts the popular HDV format for HD recording. The HDV format allows you to shoot approximate 63 minutes of HD video on a miniDV cassette tape.*

There are two standards of HDV format. One is HDV720p and the other is HDV1080i, which has 1,080 scanning lines and is used by most broadcasters already using HD. Sony has adopted the HDV1080i standard for all its HDV products.

* When the PHDVM-63DM miniDV cassette tape is used. The PHDVM-63DV is recommended for the HDV recording mode. The recording data rate of HDV1080i format is almost the same as that of DV format.

Full Compatibility with your Current DV System
If you don't want to upgrade your existing NLE system to HD, or simply want the option to work in DV, the HVR-HD1000E has a down-conversion feature that outputs converted DV signals through the i.LINK connector* to your current DV non-linear editing system, while also retaining a HD master on the tape for future use.

Furthermore, the HVR-HD1000E offers a DV recording mode (4:3 or 16:9**), which can provide a recording time of approximately 120 minutes in LP mode.***

* i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connector. Not all products with an i.LINK connector will necessarily communicate with each other. For information on compatibility, operating conditions, and proper connection, please refer to the documentation supplied with any device with an i.LINK connector. For information on devices that include an i.LINK connection, please contact your nearest Sony office.

** Squeezed recording.

*** When a DVM80PRL standard miniDV cassette tape is used. If you record in LP mode, pictures may appear mosaic-like or sound may be interrupted when you play back the tape on other camcorders or VCRs which do not support Sony LP mode.

Nonlinear acquisition with HVR-DR60
The optional external HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit gives you a hybrid operation, where video and audio is recorded simultaneously to hard disk drive (HDD) and tape. The HDV or DV images are recorded as movie files in the HDD for quick nonlinear editing, enabling the operator to archive the source tape as soon as the shoot is finished.

Easy to use
The shoulder-mount design of the HVR-HD1000E is lightweight and easy to use even for beginners, it allows for easy balance and stable operation.

Capture stills and video
To further enhance the multi-tasking of hard-working videographers, the HVR-HD1000E offers three still mode options that could be used to capture images for a DVD cover or even wedding album;

- 1.2-megapixel 1440x810 pixel images taken from playback of standard HDV footage

- 4.6 megapixel 16:9 aspect photos captured while simultaneously shooting HDV

- 6.1 megapixel 2838x2136 4:3 aspect images shot when not recording video footage.