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Amazon.com Product Description
The HVR-A1U is a compact and lightweight handy-type camcorder, ideal for shooting environments that require mobility. Its size, combined with its long battery life (up to 80 minutes of high-definition recording with the included battery), make it easy to get the shots you need, when you need them.
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| See large image |
HDV 1080iThe HDV 1080i specification features 1080 effective interlaced scanning lines and 1,440 horizontal pixels. Interlaced pictures, which have been common to TV broadcasts from the beginning, alternately display odd and even numbered lines between each screen refresh. The HVR-A1U can also record at the HDV 720p specification, which features 720 effective progressive scanning lines and 1,280 horizontal pixels. Progressive scanning fills both odd and even numbered lines with each refresh, providing a flicker-free picture.
Not yet ready for HD? The HVR-A1U can convert material from 1080i down to 480i and output this digital video signal through its i.LINK interface or as analog signals through component, composite, or S-video connectors. When down-converting these signals, the aspect ratio displayed can be converted from 16:9 to 4:3, and display modes can be selected from squeeze, letterbox or edge crop.
1/3-inch Type, 2.97-megapixel CMOS sensor
The HVR-A1U incorporates one 1/3-inch type primary color CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) 2.97-megapixel sensor with a formatted for a 4:3 aspect ratio. The advantage of a CMOS sensor over CCD is it's ability to process a large volume of picture data at a very small size, which makes it possible for a camera this size to capture HD video. The trade off for this kind of chip over CCD, however, is a small loss in picture uniformity and dynamic range.
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| Keep an eye on audio levels on the LCD monitor |
AudioThe HVR-A1U adopts the MPEG-2 compression format, which uses 8-bit digital component recording with a sampling rate of 4:2:0. The camera uses MPEG-1 Audio Layer II audio compression format, allowing for two-channel recording with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz/16-bit. It features a built-in stereo microphone, as well as two XLR audio input connectors for use with professional-grade microphones or external audio sources. Each input level for CH1 and CH2 can be independently adjusted using two audio level dials on the camera body and viewed with an audio level meter on the LCD monitor.
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens
The HVR-A1U is equipped with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* high definition lens with a 10x zoom function. It has the same optical coating as is used on all of the Carl Zeiss prime lenses, which produces sharp, high-contrast images with virtually no chromatic aberration.
In order to facilitate zoom control and recording operation during low-angle shooting, an additional zoom lever has been added to the camera body. There's also a zoom/focus ring located on the lens body that allows for fine adjustments in zoom position. Furthermore, the supplied wireless Remote Commander unit can be used for external control.
Large, 16:9 widescreen color viewfinder and LCD monitor
View your subject through the built-in viewfinder, the swing-out LCD display, or both. The HVR-A1U features a 0.44-inch type color LCD viewfinder and a 2.7-inch color LCD monitor, both in a 16:9 aspect ratio. You'll save battery time by using just one, but you may want to use one for adjusting focus and the other for monitoring audio levels. When eschewing auto focus for the fine-tuning manual focus, you can double the magnification at the center of the screen, making it easier to confirm focus settings during manual focusing. Also, the camera's "peaking" function can provide sharp outlines on the monitor to help with manual focus.
Electronic Super SteadyShot system
Sony's electronic Super SteadyShot System helps remove the slight hand jitter and vibration that is often the bane of video production--especially during telephoto shots. It does this by trimming off edges of the frame on the fly to counteract movement.
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| Tele Macro picks up details on subjects from a distance |
Tele MacroIt may seem like a contradiction in terms, but the Tele Macro function allows you to capture a macro image from a distance, which is useful for shooting small moving objects. Additionally, this function puts your subject in proper focus while leaving the background out of focus.
The Hollywood look
The HVR-A1U has features that can make your videos look more like they were shot on film. Cinematone Gamma allows operators to quickly setup and load a gamma curve with similar contrast characteristics to a film gamma curve. The Cineframe feature allows movement to be reproduced at 24 frames per second--the speed of film--as opposed to video's 30 frames per second standard.
No new tape stock
The HVR-A1U is compatible with conventional DV tape stock, but Sony recommends the use of DigitalMaster PHDVM-63DM tape, with its dual layer of magnetic material, which delivers higher RF output, lower noise, 95% fewer errors and 60% fewer dropouts compared to regular DV tape.
More camera features
| ·Assign button -- get quick access to a variety of settings |
| ·Time Code Preset -- fill in any timecode starting value |
| ·Shot Transition -- creates smooth automatic transitions between scenes |
| ·Color Bar -- Two types |
| ·Status Check -- displays camera setting menus for audio, output signal, assign button and exposure lever functions and hours meter on the LCD monitor |
| ·Zebra -- displays a striped pattern in the LCD monitor and viewfinder across highlight areas, helping manual exposure settings |
| ·Quick REC -- shortens the record interval from stop mode. |
| ·Personal Menu -- allows operators to customize the setting menu |
| ·Battery Info -- displays the attached battery's current charge level and its current remaining recording time on the LCD monitor |
| ·Histogram Indicator -- allows you to easily evaluate the brightness of your scene |
| ·Super Night Shot -- allows operators to capture images in black and white using a built-in infrared light |
| ·Skin Tone Detail -- reduces detailed signal for skin color, smoothening the reproduction of human skin |
| ·Black Stretch -- allows more contrast to be seen in dark parts of the picture without affecting mid-tones |
| ·Backlight Compensation -- produces natural tones for both light and dark areas of backlit subject |
What's in the box
HVR-A1U camera, AC-L15 AC adaptor, power code, NP-FM50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack, lens hood with lens cover, RMT-831 wireless Remote Commander unit, A/V connecting cable with S video, component video cable, USB cable, Memory Stick Duo (16 MB), Memory Stick Duo adaptor, ECM-NV1 monaural electret condenser microphone, XLR audio adaptor, shoulder strap, and operating instructions.
Manufacturer Description
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 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 HVR-A1U features a newly developed 1/3-inch C-MOS imager. This 1,920 by 1,080 native imager is also capable of 3 megapixel still images. Combined with a high quality Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens and Sony's 14 bit A/D and DXP digital Extended Processor, result in precise image acquisition with superb detail and clarity. The HVR-A1U records this exceptional imagery using the recently adopted HDV 1080i format onto a DVCAM mini cassette.
HDV 1080i Specification
The HDV 1080i specification of the HDV format features 1,080 effective scanning lines (interlace scanning system) and 1,440 horizontal pixels. It adopts the MPEG-2 compression format (MP@H-14 for video), which uses 8-bit digital component recording with a sampling rate of 4:2:0. MPEG-1 Audio Layer II is used as the audio compression format, allowing for two-channel recording with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz/16-bit. The HDV 1080i specification provides high picture quality that can be used for HDTV program production.
Compatible with Existing and New DV Videocassette Tape
As a member of the proven DV family of formats, the HDV format has, from the outset, been developed for compatibility with all grades of DV videocassette tape. This allows operators to use high-grade DV videocassette tapes for applications where high robustness is critical, or consumer grade videocassette tapes for more economical operations. For heavy-duty applications, a new high-grade mini cassette tape has been developed; the DigitalMaster PHDVM-63DM. This tape is compatible with the HDV, DVCAM, and DV formats.
Long Recording Time
The HDV format adopts the same track pitch and tape speed as the DV format, thus offering the same recording time -- a maximum of 63 minutes when recording on a DigitalMaster mini cassette tape.
1/3-inch Type, 2.97-megapixel CMOS Sensor
The HVR-A1U incorporates one 1/3-inch type primary color CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor with a total pixel number of 2.97 million and a 4:3 aspect ratio, which has been developed based on Sony's many years of experience in developing imaging devices. This CMOS sensor can produce high-quality images with high sensitivity and low noise levels, which is superior to most of traditional CMOS sensors due to advantages such as its unique pixel design, which optimizes the photo-sensor area in each pixel, and advanced noise reduction technique. Another key advantage of this CMOS sensor is its high-speed processing capability. Since data captured using a single CMOS sensor for high-definition format recording is extremely large, it would take considerable time to transfer and process by traditional methods. With the Sony CMOS sensor, such large data can be processed at an incredibly high speed thanks to its flexible multi-channel readout structure. Use of the CMOS sensor also allows even large amounts of HDresolution data to be processed with amazingly low power requirements, thus making the camcorder's overall size extremely compact. Lastly, CMOS sensors can eliminate vertical smear, even though the pixel size is small.
Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP)
The EIP is Sony's newly developed image processing IC intended for high-speed processing of large amounts of data captured by the CMOS sensor. In addition, the EIP employs the unique algorithm that first separates image data into texture patterns and brightness components and then processes these two elements independently. This makes it possible to have high details in the blacks as well as in brightly illuminated areas of the picture, delivering a clear image with a wide dynamic range even under backlight conditions. Combined use of the EIP and CMOS sensor allows the camcorder to provide extremely high image quality with a high level of gradation and detailed image reproduction.
Optical 10x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Zoom Lens
The HVR-A1U is equipped with the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T high-definition lens with 10x zoom function. Its fully coated glass is the same as used on Carl Zeiss prime lenses, producing sharp, high-contrast images, with virtually no chromatic aberration.
Electronic Super SteadyShot System
The Super SteadyShot system used in the HVR-A1U detects horizontal and vertical movements and electronically compensates for unsteady camera handling. The active image area (the number of pixels used) in the CMOS sensor is automatically adjusted for the Super SteadyShot system to achieve the best performance at each zoom position.
Full Scan Mode
The HVR-A1U camcorder offers a Full Scan mode, which allows the camcorder to capture images with the resolution of approximately two million pixels at every zoom position when the Super SteadyShot system is off. With this mode, images of higher picture quality can be obtained.
Switchable Recording and Playback - HDV 1080i/DVCAM/DV
The HVR-A1U can switch between HDV 1080i, DVCAM, and DV recording, providing full flexibility to record in either standard or high-definition format depending on production needs. The HVR-A1U supports DV SP mode only; no support for DV LP mode.
Down-conversion Playback Capabilities
The HVR-A1U can convert material from 1080i down to 480i, and output these video signals through its i.LINK interface. In addition, these signals can also be output via either analog component, composite, or S-Video connectors. This allows editing of recorded material with a nonlinear editing system using current DV editing software as well as recording SD signals to an external VTR, while simultaneously recording HDV signals with the HVR-A1U. The HVR-A1U can also down-convert to 480P and output these signals through its analog component video connectors. When down-converting these signals, the aspect ratio displayed can be converted from 16:9 to 4:3. Display modes can be selected from Squeeze, Letterbox, or Edge crop.
HD Codec Engine
The HVR-A1U employs the highly advanced HD Codec Engine feature, which efficiently compresses base band HD signal data at approximately 25 Mb/s with MPEG-2 compression, while maintaining optimal HD quality. Designed for reduced energy consumption, this powerful digital signal processor fits perfectly inside the compact and streamlined body of the HVR-A1U.
Still Picture Recording to Memory Stick Duo Media
The HVR-A1U incorporates a high-resolution digital camera function. Thanks to the 2.97-megapixel CMOS sensor, still pictures with 1,920 x 1,440 pixels can be recorded to Memory Stick Duo media. Still pictures can be captured by pressing the dedicated `Photo' button, and this can be done even when recording video to tape, without any interruptions. In addition, any desired video frame recorded on tape can be captured as a still image with 1,440 x 810 pixels and recorded onto Memory Stick Duo media after video shooting.
16:9 Widescreen Acquisition in DVCAM and DV Formats
The HVR-A1U is capable of native 16:9 widescreen image capturing, with a high resolution of 720 x 480 pixels in DVCAM and DV formats, and providing true 16:9 images in Standard Definition.
i.LINK Interface
The HVR-A1U is equipped with a 4-pin i.LINK interface. This allows for on-cable digital transfer6 of audio, video, and command signals to a connected, compatible VTR or nonlinear editing system in the HDV, DVCAM, and DV formats.
2-channel XLR Audio Input
The HVR-A1U provides two XLR audio input connectors for connecting professional microphones or for feeding an external-line audio source. Phantom power of approximately 48 V can be supplied for the external condenser microphone. Input 1 audio can be recorded on CH1 only, or on both CH1 and CH2 audio tracks, with easy selection via a switch. The HVR-A1U also comes equipped with two types of microphones; an external directional microphone and a built-in stereo microphone.
2-channel Independent Audio Record Level Control with Audio Level Meter
Each input level for CH1 and CH2 can be independently adjusted and viewed with an audio level meter on the LCD monitor.
Compact and Lightweight Design
The HVR-A1U features an extremely compact and lightweight body, providing an unprecedented level of mobility in HD field acquisition. The camcorder itself weighs only 1 pound 7 ounces and just 2 pounds 14 ounces including the lens hood, XLR audio adaptor, directional microphone, NP-QM91D InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery Pack, and PHDVM-63DM DigitalMaster Mini Cassette Tape.
16:9, Color/Black-and-white Switchable LCD Viewfinder
The 0.44-inch type color LCD viewfinder displays high resolution color pictures of approximately 252,000 pixels in a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9. Operators can select to display pictures in either color or black and white to match the user's preference.
2.7-inch Type, 16:9 Widescreen, Hybrid, Color LCD Monitor
The HVR-A1U includes a 2.7-inch type color LCD monitor with a high resolution of approximately 123,200 pixels, which allows the input source to be viewed during recording or the playback picture to be checked on location in a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9. This large screen is also helpful in setting menus or audio recording levels, as well as monitoring the camera and audio status. The hybrid LCD monitor used in the camcorder combines the characteristics of both transmissive and reflective LCD panels, providing clear viewing even in bright daylight conditions as well as in dark conditions. This LCD monitor also provides touch-panel control for easy operations.
Variety of Zoom Operation
The HVR-A1U provides four types of zoom control functions to offer diverse shooting styles:
- "Zoom lever" located on the camera body
- "Zoom/focus ring" located on the lens body - allows fine adjustments in zoom position
- "Zoom buttons" located on the LCD monitor - convenient for low-angle shooting
- Supplied wireless Remote Commander unit
Exposure Lever
The HVR-A1U enables exposure control both manually and automatically. The Exposure Lever provides two types of exposure control:
- Manual exposure control to manually change exposure settings using the Exposure Lever.
- AE (Auto Exposure) Shift function to adjust AE level by 15 steps using the Exposure Lever, while the AE mode is activated, for more accurate automatic exposure settings.
Tele Macro
The Tele Macro function allows operators to capture a macro image from a distance, which is especially useful for shooting small moving objects. With this function, close-up images can be shot without the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. In addition, the image of the subject is shot in proper focus, while the background is unfocussed, allowing the subject to stand out.
Backlight Compensation
The Backlight Compensation function allows the HVR-A1U to produce natural and rich tones for both light and dark areas of an image under backlight conditions. Conventional systems of backlight compensation tend to make the details in light areas sacrificed, but the Backlight Compensation function of the HVR-A1U can deliver superior images with a very wide dynamic range by increasing only the brightness of dark areas while properly retaining the brightness of light areas.
Other convenient functions
- Simultaneous operation of LCD monitor and viewfinder
- Expanded focus - magnifies the center of the screen on the LCD monitor and viewfinder to about twice the size, helping manual focusing.
- Peaking - enhances the outline of the image where the camera focuses on most, and displays the enhanced outline with color in the LCD monitor and viewfinder, helping manual focusing.
- Zebra - displays a striped pattern in the LCD monitor and viewfinder across highlight areas, helping manual exposure settings (100% or 70 to 100% (adjustable by 5% steps)).
- Quick REC - shortens the time until the recording starts from stop mode.
- Status check - displays camera setting menus for audio, output signal, assign button and exposure lever functions and hours meter on the LCD monitor with the touch of a button for easy check.
- Personal menu - allows operators to customize the setting menu to display frequently used menu items.
- Battery info - displays the attached battery's current charge level and its current remaining recording time on the LCD monitor with the touch of a button, when the power is turned off.
- Super Night Shot - allows operators to capture images in black and white using a built-in infrared light, even in no light conditions.
- Skin tone detail - reduces detailed signal for skin color, smoothening the reproduction of human skin.
- Black Stretch - allows more contrast to be seen in dark parts of the picture without affecting mid-tones while maintaining the absolute black level.
- Color Bar - Two types
- White Balance - Auto, One Push Auto, Indoor (3200 K), and Outdoor (5800 K)
What's in the Box:
Sony HVR-A1U, AC-L15 AC adaptor, power code, NP-FM50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack, lens hood with lens cover, RMT-831 wireless Remote Commander unit, A/V connecting cable with S video, component video cable, USB cable, Memory Stick Duo (16 MB), Memory Stick Duo adaptor, ECM-NV1 monaural electret condenser microphone, XLR audio adaptor, shoulder strap, operating instructions.
Customer Reviews
Great but not Perfect
I have been shooting consumer video since 1981. I started with a reel to reel system, worked with a camera and VHS portapack, did 8mm, Hi-8 and replaced my Digital 8 camcorder with this HDV camcorder earlier this year. Primarily, I use it for family functions, but I do shoot things that require me to gather better sound than what comes out of the built-in mics. The primary reason I bought this camcorder was - at the time - it was the lowest price HDV camcorder that had a way to connect to external audio sources. I wanted a Canon A1, but didn't want to wait the extra year or two it would take to save up for that!
I also liked the idea that it used tape. I have a DVR that I fill up all the time and then have to dump onto tape or DVD to store what I want to keep. Also, in my informal in-store tests, the picture with the AVCHD codec just didn't look as good... at this time. I use standard DV tape mostly, but I clean my heads regularly and only record on the tapes once. I can think of two lost half-seconds of video where the key frame was corrupted in about forty hours of collection.
Primarily, I found three things to be important going from SD to HD. One, picture stability. Use a tripod as much as you can and don't make sudden movements. Two, you need a lot of light to shoot good HDV. Three, focus is absolutely critical in HD.
The touch screen menu system took me awhile to get used to. However, you can adjust the menus to have a personal set of menus; putting the menu selections you use mostly at the beginning of the list. Even so, Murphy's Law seems to dictate that you need to hit at least two menus to get to what you want. On a tripod, I find I can navigate quickly to the fader button without too much shake; this is much harder to do when I am doing a handheld shot. Also, I strongly suggest you get an LCD protector for the screen.
In bright light, the camera is fantastic. I've shot landscapes that just blew me away watching on a 46" plasma HDTV. My son played flag football and I covered that - a la NFL films - all in close up and with lots of action in the frame. It looked great and very clear, even in slow motion.
Inside, it's a little different. Family functions tend to take place in low light: table lights, kitchen overhead light, that sort of thing. The camera is not designed to shoot in those light levels (to be fair, no HDV camera seems to be at this time). The video can get very grainy (especially with a lot of dark areas in the frame) and the colors tend to go reddish. I'd say it compares to my Hi-8 camcorder from the early 90's in terms of sensitivity. On the small LCD screen, it's pretty much impossible to determine how grainy it will look. You won't be able to tell until you play it back on something normal sized and then the artifacts can be distracting. I would say anything below a bright kitchen needs some additional light. I've tried a couple of LCD lights that fit on the camcorder, but I haven't found one that I like yet, so I won't recommend one at this time.
However, so far, the stuff I have shot at school seems to look fine under lots of fluorescents. And HDV seems to have a wider range than standard video. You can have a lot of light and dark in a frame before you completely blow it out and have white glowing blobs instead of kids in a spotlight against a dark background (parents have had camcorders for an entire generation; you'd think they would have noticed this by now!). And the camera does have a "Zebra" function that will alert you to areas of your frame that need to be toned down.
The final thing is focus. Again, in bright light, this isn't too big of a problem. Even in flag football, the auto focus worked remarkably well, adjusting to the focus point within a second in almost all cases. Indoors, it does okay with one big exception that I just found out: Christmas tree lights totally screw it up. I don't know what it is, but our tree lights, my friend's tree lights and my aunt's tree lights all had the auto focus totally confused. However, the focus can be manually controlled by a switch on the side and through the dial at the front of the camera. I quickly zoomed in all the way, focused and then began to shoot. In any case, I recommend you zoom in all the way before you shoot as it is very difficult to tell on a three inch LCD screen if the scene is properly focused, but it is very easy to tell when you are watching it on a 46" HDTV!
There is a single button on the side called "ASSIGN" that you can have set up to do a number of things. However, you cannot assign ANY function to the button, just SOME functions. For example, you can't set it to black fader.
A "nice to have" would have been an HDMI out. You have two proprietary outputs for standard video and component HD video that I have hooked to my HDTV permanently. I need both of them because the component only outputs the video, so I have to use the RCA outs of the standard audio as well.
The 10X zoom is okay. I think I would have liked about 15 - 20X though, especially since I primarily use the camera with a tripod. Another issue with a tripod is when you eject a tape. It exits from the bottom, so - at least on my tripod - you have to take it off the tripod, take the connection plate off and then reconnect it after you put in a new tape. This is an annoyance for me about twice a month as I generally shoot 60 minutes of tape every couple of weeks; not critical, but more of why did they change it from the top loading mechanism on my Digital 8 camcorder?
The battery life with the original stock battery that would get sucked dry in less than an hour. However, I picked up a six hour battery and got rid of that issue. Actually, that helps to balance the camcorder in my hand when I use the audio breakout box which fits on the top of the camera towards the front. I use that a lot because the built-in microphones seem to pick up more sound from the sides rather than straight on and they really seem to pick up a lot of wind noise. The external microphone that comes with the camera isn't bad. I shot a football game with thirty mile an hour gusts and only the worst ones came through the wind screen.
The camera will shot still pictures to a Sony MemoryStick. I have a 1GB stick and can fit something like 800 pictures on it. The pictures are okay (no flash) and they are in the 16:9 format of the camcorder. One nice thing is to be able to take a still while recording video. Again, in flag football, I could be shooting the action and then taking a still or two while the kids were running and the 10X zoom was much better than my 3X on my snapshot digital camera.
The camcorder comes with a hood for the lens with a built in lens cover. Unfortunately, if you want to put on any filters, the lens shade can't be used. I have a clear filter on my lens to prevent scratches, use the 37mm lens cover from my Digital 8 camcorder and generally live without the hood.
All in all, I'm pleased with the camera and generally astounded with the quality of the video. It took me a couple of months of use before I was totally comfortable with the camera layout and didn't accidentally turn it off when I wanted to start shooting. It's taken me longer to figure out how to best shoot in HD versus SD, but I'm getting there! I'd recommend the camera though there are now consumer level camcorders with external audio options that you might want to research before buying this one.
Could be better if it uses HDD
This is a great camcorder, taking nice videos.
One thing I like to see in their next version is using hard disk, instead of using tape. Tape is not reliable. HDD is a lot easier for repeat use.
Excellent Professional Film Camcorder
At first i wanted to buy the DVX100B ,i did not know that better products could exist, in other hand every time i called DVX100b dealers they were very rude, i really don't understand why !!!!!and they told me i could not use the DVX unless i purchased the lens which was so confusing, so after arguing many time because of their rude and cold attitudes i decided to call Panasonic them self, they told me that NO lens should ever been purchased for that camera to work, and that the lens already comes attached , they also said that such dealer are illegally their try to rip people off big time , seller like bestcameraprice, or express cameras and other expocameras ,are doing the same stupid thing , and on top they are very rude, like it's out of style,!!! it also look as if it's the same Dealer that has several website and try to act up as different one from the other be ware!!!
I started to accept the possibilities of using other brands,for my work, cause i was looking for the Hollywood look and 24fr/PS and a pro camera, so i stared looking around after many ,many long, and sometimes frustrating hours Thank God i discover the SONY HVR A1 the Perfect one " The one hat gives you 24fr/s and the Hollywood look, and the craziest of all it delivers AMAZING HIGH DEFINITION which the DVX 100B don't so in conclusion the Sony HVR A1 is a great Professional Power Pack Camcorder it is a slap in the face to those that are accustomed to the same thing !
The HVR A1 is a must have.
