The Sony HVR-S270U is an HDV camcorder designed for ENG applications, while still being highly cost-effective. Incorporating all the benefits of HDV technology, the camera can also take advantage of standard-size DV tapes for increased run-times.

Additionally, the HVR-S270U can also record directly to compact flash cards, via the camera's supplied memory recording unit. Combined with Sony's entire family of HDV products, the HVR-S270U is a great camcorder for almost any production, including documentaries, news, low-budget movies, music videos, and industrials.

• ClearVID 3CMOS Technology: Sony's ClearVID sensors are positioned at a 45° angle. Since each pixel is positioned at this angle the result is far clearer diagonal lines. Images will appear crisper, without the apparent "jaggies" that often plague video signals.

• Record to Compact Flash: The camera comes with an attachable recording unit, allowing users to record HDV and DV to CompactFlash cards. With cards getting larger and larger in capacity, the ability to take advantage of tapeless workflow while still using cheap media is a welcome addition.

• High Definition on MiniDV Tapes with HDV: The HDV format, used in the HVR-S270U allows high definition recording on standard MiniDV tapes. This is accomplished by using the very popular MPEG-2 compression technique used in many applications, including DVDs and satellite television.

• 24p Capability: In 24p mode, images from the CMOS can be 2:3 pulldown-converted and recorded onto tape in the standard 60i HDV format. The tape can then be played back or edited using an ordinary HDV system. True 24p editing can be achieved by uploading 2:3 pulldown-converted images via an i.LINK FireWire interface to a compatible non-linear editing system. The resultant images resemble the visual motion of film!

• HDMI Output: Many consumer products are adopting High Definition Media Interface (HDMI) connections for transmitting uncompressed digital HD video signals. Sony has upped the ante by incorporating this into the already extensive array of video output choices on the HVR-Z7U. Connect the camera to any HDTV via this interface and view all your footage the way it was meant to be seen: purely digital!

• High Definition LCD: When shooting HD footage, standard LCD screens can be very deceiving; what looked perfect amidst a full-day video shoot can sometimes prove very soft or out of focus while in post-production. The HVR-S270U comes equipped with 1-MegaPixel LCD screen, eliminating this oft-pesky phenomenon. Record with confidence, knowing that what you see is what you will get. The LCD is well-placed on the top of the viewfinder for simple operation.

Specifications

Signal System: HDV: 1080/60i
DVCAM/DV: 480/60i (NTSC)

Image Device: 1/3" 3CMOS Exmor Sensor system

Lens: Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Zoom Lens, 12x (Optical)
f = 4.4-52.8mm
f = 32-384mm at 16:9 mode
f = 39.5-47.4mm (4:3 mode)
filter diameter: 72mm

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Not Specified by Manufacturer

Horizontal Resolution: 1080 Lines

Sensitivity: Not Specified By Manufacturer

Minimum Illumination: 1.5 lux (Auto Gain, Auto Iris, 1/30 Shutter)

Vertical Smear: Not Specified by Manufacturer

Built-in Filters: Clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64

LCD Monitor: 3.2", 16:9 Aspect Ratio, 1 MegaPixel Xtrafine LCD

Viewfinder: 0.45", 16:9 Aspect Ratio, 852 x 480 Resolution

Scan Matching: Yes

Memory Card Slot: MemoryStick Duo Media

Shutter Speed Range: Auto: 1/60-1/2000

Manual
60i/30p: 1/4-1/10000
24p: 1/3 - 1/10000

Gain Selection: 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 dB

VTR

Tape Format: DVCAM Small Cassette
HDV Record and Play
DVCAM Record and Play
DV Record and Play

Tape Speed: HDV: 18.8 mm/s
DVCAM: 28.2 mm/s
DV SP Mode: 18.8 mm/s

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Not Specified by Manufacturer

Maximum Recording Time: HDV: 276 min (with PHDV-276DM Cassette)
DVCAM: 184 min (with PHDV-276DM Cassette)
DV: 276 min (with PHDV-276DM Cassette)

Audio

Audio Dynamic Range: Not Specified by Manufacturer

Audio Signal Format: HDV
MPEG1 Audio Layer II
DVCAM/DV
16-bit/48kHz 2 Channel Mode
12-bit/32kHz 4 Channel Mode

Audio Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz

Signal to Noise Ratio: Not Specified by Manufacturer

General

Input and Output Connectors: Composite Video: BNC (x1 Output)
Component Video: BNCx3 (x1 Output)
HD/SD-SDI: BNC (x1 Output)
Unbalanced Audio (x1 Output)
HDMI (x1 Output)
FireWire/i.LINK: 6-Pin (x1 Input, x1 Output)
XLR Audio: XLR 3-Pin Female, 4-Channel
Headphone: Stereo Mini-Jack

Power Requirements: Battery Pack: 12 VDC
AC Adapter: 14.4 VDC

Power Consumption: HDV: 12.5W
DVCAM/DV: 11.9W

Operating Temperature: 32-104°F (0-40°C)

Dimensions (WxHxD): Not Specified By Manufacturer

Weight: 13.9 lb (6.3 kg)

What's in the Box

Sony HVR-S270U 1080i HDV Camcorder
Included
Lens Hood
CR2025 Lithium Battery
Eye-Cup
Shoe Kit
ECM-XM1 Monaural Electolet Condenser Microphone
Shoulder Belt
CD-ROM Operating Instructions
Printed Operating Instructions
HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit Kit
1-Year Warranty