Sony HVR-Z5E HVRZ5E User Manual

The HVR-Z5E can switch between HDV 1080i, DVCAM and 

standard DV recording, providing the ultimate flexibility to suit your 

production needs. 

The HVR-Z5E can convert material from 1080i down to 575i and 

output the video signals through its i.LINK interface and other  

SD output connectors. This allows users to edit recorded material 

with a compatible non-linear editing system using current DV 

editing software, as well as record SD signals to an external VTR.

*  Letterbox mode is not available from the i.LINK connector. i.LINK is a trademark of Sony  

used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connector. Not all products 

with an i.LINK connector will necessarily communicate with each other. For information  

on compatibility, operating conditions, and proper connection, please refer to the 

documentation supplied with any device with an i.LINK connector. For information on 

devices that include an i.LINK connection, please contact your nearest Sony service centre.

The HVR-Z5E features versatile audio input selection with a newly 

designed high-quality built-in stereo microphone, as well as two XLR 

audio input channels for professional microphones or connecting to 

an external-line audio source. 

By adjusting the INPUT ASSIGN switch located on the side panel 

of the HVR-Z5E, you can easily assign the 2 audio input channels 

to the built-in stereo microphone, external-line audio, or dedicate 

one channel to each and record them separately or mixed. When 

assigned to one channel, the built-in stereo microphone acts as a 

wide-directional monaural microphone. The high-quality ECM-XM1 

monaural microphone is a supplied accessory with the HVR-Z5E.

A 3.2-inch type XtraFine LCD is located on the HVR-Z5E in the same 

position as on the HVR-Z1E. With approximately 921,000 pixels, 

this is 4x greater than the LCD of the HVR-Z1E. The XtraFine LCD 

displays virtually 100% of the recorded picture area at 6500K colour 

temperature.

The 0.45 inch type XtraFine EVF (Electronic View Finder) has 

approximately 1,227,000 pixels (852x3[RGB]x480). This device 

has three independent LEDs for Red, Green, and Blue colours. 

This technology allows users to monitor objects with remarkable 

colour reproduction accuracy and high resolution*. The EVF has a 

selectable display mode between Colour or Black and White. The 

XtraFine EVF displays virtually 100% of the picture area at 6500K 

colour temperature.

*  When the camcorder is panned quickly or when an object in the screen moves quickly, 

the primary colours of R/G/B may be seen on the object in the EVF momentarily.

The HVR-Z5E uses the same batteries as the HVR-Z1E, HVR-V1E and 

DSR-PD170P, so you can use your existing chargers and batteries.

Up to six different picture-quality settings, including gamma and 

colour settings can be registered in the memory as picture profiles. 

The Smooth Slow Rec function of the HVR-Z5E camcorder enables 

smooth slow-motion playback of images capturing 4x faster than 

normal (200 fields/s). 

The Shot Transition function allows for smooth automatic scene 

transitions. After you have programmed a shot’s START and END 

point settings (e.g., for zoom, focus, iris, gain, shutter speed and 

white balance) and pressed the start button, a smooth picture 

transition takes place over the duration of the shot by automatically 

calculating intermediate setting values. 

The HVR-Z5E provides seven ASSIGN buttons for quick access to 

frequently used functions suitable for variable shooting conditions. 

Some default functions are pre-assigned by name. 

The HVR-Z5E is ready for HDV HYBRID operation with the optional 

HVR-MRC1K Memory Recording Unit. In HYBRID operation you 

can simultaneously record video footage to tape and to a 

standard CompactFlash (CF) card. The HVR-Z5E has a special 

shoe connector* for direct attachment of the HVR-MRC1K without 

the use of a cable. This smart combination never interferes 

with shooting operations. The ergonomically integrated design 

provides easier handling in any shooting situation. The HVR-MRC1K 

automatically synchronises with the recording commands of the 

HVR-Z5E. Various recording options are available when using the 

HVR-MRC1K in HYBRID operation. These include Synchronous 

recording, Relay recording or HVR-MRC1K only recording. 

Furthermore, the HVR-Z5E can display HVR-MRC1K status information 

on its LCD for convenient reference. The display data includes 

Connection status, REC status and the remaining CF recording 

time. It is very convenient to be able to monitor the HVR-MRC1K’s 

operation without having to check the rear display panel.

*  The intelligent shoe connector inputs and outputs an HDV/DV stream and supplies power 

to the Memory Recording Unit HVR-MRC1K. The i.LINK connector is not available when 

the unit is attached to the camcorder. 

Sony, DVCAM, ClearVid CMOS Sensor, Exmor, Enhanced Imaging Processor, i.LINK, 

InfoLITHIUM and their respective logos are trademarks of Sony Corporation. 

G Lens, XtraFine, Shot Transition are trademarks of Sony Corporation. HDV and the  

HDV logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation and Victor Company of Japan, Limited.  

Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.  All non-metric  

weights and measurements are approximate. All other trademarks are the property  

of their respective owners.

New “G Lens”

Optional Memory  

Recording Unit

HYBRID Ready