The Sony HVR A1U
From the Sony Professional division comes the sony hvr a1u C-MOS 1080i HDV Camcorder.
This is a serious entry level professional HD camcorder. Bigger than the small consumer cams but smaller than other pro HD cameras. The price point follows this same formula. More expensive than the consumer models but considerably less expensive than other professional camcorders with equivalent features.
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Known for it’s compact size and rugged construction this has become the “go to” camera for on the fly video capture for professional broadcast productions and documentaries as well as serious hobbyists and beginning videographers. When discretion and durability are concerns this camcorder has you covered.
Whether you are looking to shoot broadcast quality video or capture footage of family and friends to show on your HD television in full 1080 High definition the sony hvr a1u is on task. High quality HD video and excellent sound recording with fluid zoom and focus capability, this camcorder begs to be used. Good things do indeed come in small packages. In the case of the sony hvr a1u about a pound and a half.
Features
The fit in your hand Sony HVR A1U is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Don’t be fooled by it’s small size. This camera is jam packed full of professional grade features found on much more expensive camcorders.
Audio Module
“The first thing that you notice about the Sony HVR A1U other than it’s diminutive size is the large Audio Module perched on the top of the camera”.
The module has two audio inputs, a shotgun microphone that produces top quality sound recording can be connected to one input while the other audio input can be used for a corded microphone for a speaker to use. What’s nice about this arrangement is you can not only get audio from your speaker/reporter but you will be able to pick up ambient sound on the other microphone and audio input. The audio unit mounts on a Sony proprietary AIS or “Active Interface Shoe”. The shoe is located at the top, front of the camcorder.
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Lens
The Sony HVR A1U comes with a rectangular lens hood and mechanical cover protecting the Carl Zeiss lens. The soft rubber hood acts as a good proximity indicator when getting in close. If you bump the subject it will cushion the effect.
10x optical zoom plus digital 40x or 20x on top of that is accomplished either by a manual zoom ring or automatically with the zoom button above your right thumb. Manual focus is with the same ring assembly. Three buttons on the side of the lens are for Backlight, Expanded Focus and Telemacro come in very handy for instant preset adjustments.
The auto exposure setting does exactly what you’d expect, automatically adjust the exposure. The exposure lever allows preprogramming of exposure settings for instant access. On the opposite side of the lens there are two buttons. One is a programmable button which may be programmed to your specification. The other is a nightshot mode button. Left and right microphones are built into the lens for non audio module sound recording.
Display
The 2.7 inch 16:9 flip out LCD display also acts as your menu guide with touch screen technology. Sony got rid of the preponderance of buttons normally found on high end camcorders and shifted their functions to an easy to use, well thought out touch screen LCD display panel. You will find functions here that you would only find on much more expensive camcorders.
You will need to spend some time calibrating the LCD screen and viewfinder. The use of a touch screen pen is advised. If you are using your finger to navigate the menus you are going to smudge it. This can effect the way your video looks on the screen. By using a touch screen pen you will keep it cleaner longer. Always pack some handi wipes as well for screen cleaning.
Battery
The battery compartment is at the back of the Sony HVR A1U. Standard Sony M series batteries are the ones it uses. You’ll get around two hours of battery life from the included standard M series battery. Of course this depends on which functions are enabled.
The battery is charged on board. You can get a separate charger so that you can have additional batteries ready to go.
Still Shots
You can take stills with the Sony HVR A1U. During video shooting or not. You will need a memory card to store them. Access to stills can also be gained via the USB port on the side.
Video Out
You have four outputs, USB, RGB Component, iLink1394 and additional video and composite video.
Media
Switchable HDV/DVCAM/DV (SP) format recording.
Conclusion
This camcorder is light weight and travels well. Perfect for getting high quality footage on your vacation or as an inconspicuous camera for sporting events, concerts or church. It would make an excellent action cam mounted on your motorcycle or ski helmet. If you are taking a professional camera into a dangerous situation you may prefer to loose this one over a more expensive model. Probably why it is in use on Discovery’s “Deadliest Catch” and “Ice Road Truckers”.
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