Comments on: Sony finally adds interchangeable lens model to pro-HDV lineup

The HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270U add interchangeable lenses to Sony's pro-camcorder lineup.

[shaocaholica]

DSLR lens aspect ratio clarification

DSLR lenses in general produce at most a full frame image circle which is way bigger than 1/3", 2/3", etc video sensors. So the aspect ratio doesn't really matter since there enough image to go around at any aspect ratio considering how small the video sensor is.

Even smaller APS-C DSLR lenses project a big enough image circle for video sensors. The only time you'd have trouble is if the video sensor is somehow bigger than APS-C(1.11") which right now is impossible unless you're talking about the Red One.

[cyde01]

Nice camera

I use the HVR-Z1U for work and this camera frankly sounds great. The specs say it's low light performance is remarkably better, and it has the 24p and 30p recording of the V1U. Plus, interchangeable lenses!!! And compact flash recording that's way cheaper than P2!!! I love that Sony is finally moving away from proprietary formats. Sony is frankly giving videographers no reason to buy the competition.

One thing I want to mention: the main advantage to buying handhelds compared to over the shoulders is ease of use. However, cameras like the HVR-Z1U and the HVX-200 are so heavy that they would be easier to use if they were over the shoulder cameras!! I would love it if this new camera was as light as the HVR-V1U, especially with the new Steadicam Merlin. But with larger CMOS sensors and an interchangeable lens, I don't know if that is possible.

[bgetchel]

Fact correction

Most digital SLRs are based upon a 3:2 aspect ratio (at least all of the major manufacturers), not a 4:3.

Also, as has been mentioned, the 1/3" sensors in modern camcorders are five (5) times SMALLER than that of the 36mm sensor in many current dSLRs. The aspect ratio will have no impact as the image circle projected by any SLR lens is huge by comparison. Sort-of like shining a flood light on a grasshopper.