The Sony HVR-A1U is the entry level HDV camcorder that records high definition video as well as DVCAM and DV standard-definition video. The camera uses a single three million pixel CMOS chip to capture images. The use of a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) chip allows the camera to capture amazing high quality images while consuming less battery power and making the camera smaller overall. The Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP), a Sony created technology, enables the camcorder to capture and process high-definition video and high resolution still images with the highest levels of contrast and detail.

• See the Most with CMOS

The HVR-A1U realizes new levels of compact design and efficiency with a single 3 megapixel CMOS imaging chip. Compared to a CCD (Charged Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) works more efficiently and burns less battery power. It uses both positive and negative polarity circuits, only one at any given time.

• Professional Audio Inputs

As with its big brother the HVR-Z1U 3-CCD camcorder, this single chip camera offers professional shooters balanced XLR audio inputs with phantom power and attenuation options. A shotgun microphone can be mounted on top the camcorder as a large, shoulder-mount ENG style camera would.

• Zeiss Lens

The professional video and filmmaker will not be disappointed with the quality of glass at the front of the A1U camera. Sony has engineered the camera around a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens for the latest in anti-reflective coatings and new levels of HDTV-quality resolving power in a compact design. This camera's 10x zoom lens has a maximum wide angle of 5.1 mm which will show a 50° horizontal angle of view.

• 1080 Lines Resolution

The HVR-A1U is a tiny camera capable of recording in several frame rates including NTSC. When it is set up to record standard definition video this camera is an NTSC device that stripes the tape at 30 interlace frames per second. When it is selected to record in HDV it can record 60i, 30p or 24 frames per second. Its widescreen chip captures over 1000 horizontal lines and 1440 vertical lines no matter what you dial in for record format.