Sony HVR-A1 E

Sony have done it again, they have produced a camera for my type of lifestyle, and despite trying, this just wont break!

As with all my reviews, the gear I own gets tested to near destruction, some items make it, some dont - others go above and beyond my expectations, or even that of my fellow colleagues! This Camera has seen quite a bit of action in its short life with me, and although things are hanging off it, and held on with blu ...
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With the Sony HVR-A1E, you are able to switch between HDV, DVCAM and DV recording giving you full flexibility to record in either Standard or High Definition depending on your requirements. Taking still images is also possible with the HVR-A1E.

As a professional, Sony recognises that your needs are different to that of a consumer. As a result the HVR-A1E incorporates a number of specific features to support your needs.
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Sony have done it again, they have produced a camera for my type of lifestyle, and despite trying, this just wont break!

As with all my reviews, the gear I own gets tested to near destruction, some items make it, some dont - others go above and beyond my expectations, or even that of my fellow colleagues! This Camera has seen quite a bit of action in its short life with me, and although things are hanging off it, and held on with blu tac and sticky tape, it all works fine!

The HVR A1E is a Professional HDV camcorder. It has 1080 lines horizontal resolution - much higher than its competitors of the same price range.

In the box comes :
Microphone
Microphone Unit
Adaptor Unit
Power Cable and Battery
Remote Controller
Component Video Cable
AV Cable
Memory Stick Duo 16MB
Memory Stick Duo Adaptor
USB Cable
and of course, the Manual

This is an incredibly small camera for all the advanced features used for professional use held inside. When I bought it on the internet, I expected a shoulder unit to arrive, or perhaps something on wheels, but instead, a great grandson of the HandyCam arrived !

Using technology such as CMOS means the HVR-A1E is an ultra-compact camcorder capable of providing HDV in full 1080 line resolution.

Building on the affordability of HDV, the HVR-A1E provides users a migration path from Standard Definition whilst retaining the qualities of the popular DVCAM range such as ease of use and i.LINK (IEEE1394) connectivity.

Ideal for situations where space is at a premium, the HVR-A1E further broadens the range of HDV tools available to support professional users - it really delivers \"HD for Everyone\", and its this that makes the camera unique - as in its price - Around £1000, a lot for a camera? not when that film needs to be high quality!

With the Sony HVR-A1E, you are able to switch between HDV, DVCAM and DV recording giving you full flexibility to record in either Standard or High Definition depending on your requirements. Taking still images is also possible with the HVR-A1E.

As a professional, Sony recognises that your needs are different to that of a consumer. As a result the HVR-A1E incorporates a number of specific features to support your needs.

Just like the rest of the HDV and DVCAM range, the HVR-A1E benefits from two years Silver Support warranty as standard providing a unique after-sales care programme offering enhanced support and service - so when it breaks, I will try and make it look as new as possible before sending it back!

It is quite a technical unit, so I wouldnt advice it as a family camera, unless you like that sort of thing, the user manual, as are all of them, a bit too much to read, but as time goes on, you slowly get your head around it all!

I havent tested this in extremes of cold or altitude, but I can say that in Heat, and also in Humid wet areas, it works just fine, it also works well after being dropped, but I wouldnt do this too often! 

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