The Sony HVR-Z1 is a professional, broadcast quality, HDV camcorder. It has become popular for producers of documentaries and other television programs because of its small size and relatively low cost. It records in 1080i

1080i

1080i is the shorthand name for a high-definition television mode. The i means interlaced video; 1080i differs from 1080p, in which the p stands for progressive scan. The term 1080i assumes a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, implying a frame size of 1920×1080 pixels...

.

It uses the DV

DV

DV is a format for the digital recording and playing back of digital video. The DV codec was launched in 1995 with joint efforts of leading producers of video camcorders....

 recording format however it can record in DV, DVCAM and HDV

HDV

HDV is a format for recording of high-definition video on DV cassette tape. The format was originally developed by JVC and supported by Sony, Canon and Sharp...

 versions of the format. It can also record in PAL

PAL

PAL, short for Phase Alternating Line, is an analogue television colour encoding system used in broadcast television systems in many countries. Other common analogue television systems are NTSC and SECAM. This page primarily discusses the PAL colour encoding system...

 (25 frames) and NTSC

NTSC

NTSC, named for the National Television System Committee, is the analog television system that is used in most of North America, most of South America , Burma, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and some Pacific island nations and territories .Most countries using the NTSC standard, as...

(30 frames).

External links

• Adam Wilt's DV page with in-depth technical information
• Digital Video Information Network messageboards
• DVworkshops.com Free DV Video Handbook. Cameras, Lights and Interview techniques
• Tips and training for working with DVCPROHD, HDV and DV.
• UK Sony Z1 camera resource site, hints, tips & guides about the Sony Z1.