The HVR-Z1U features 3 developed Super HAD 1/3" CCDs. These 16:9 native CCDs, combined with a high quality 12X Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar Lens and  14 bit A/D and DXP Digital Extended Processor, result in precise image acquisition with superb detail and clarity.

The advanced CCD design allows more light to reach the pixel imager, reducing video noise and improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The HVR-Z1U records this exceptional imagery using the recently adopted HDV 1080i format onto a DVCAM™ mini cassette.