"Auto lock" is to put the camera into full auto mode, the lock means it locks the shutter speed, aperture and other settings, "Expaned focus" gives you the oportunity to really zoom into something so you can adjust your focus nice and sharp.
Hi, thanks for watching and commenting. That’s really useful. I love it when people reach out and teach me new things. Appreciate it. Hope you enjoyed the video. Please consider subscribing if you like this type of content.
Expanded focus expands the view on the screen so you can fine focus on something in a small part of your picture without having to zoom in and back out again
Thanks mate, very informative! I've been looking into the A1E as I want to introduce a certain "look" into my work. I use the old JVC everios they are great and even give a "VHS" look you know with the lines but have no option to attach a proper mic like the A1E
Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad the video was useful. The A1E is a lovely little camera. I only got rid of it because I wasn’t using it as regularly but the video quality is still excellent for what you want it for.
Great video! They made the HDV tapes slightly more robust compared to normal DV tapes due to the fact that if you get a tape glitch on standard DV tape, shooting in SD, you might lose a frame or 2. But shooting HD to a DV tape, due to it's MPEG2 codec and the way it records images to the tape (GOP frames or something) if you have a tape glitch you could potentially lose a few seconds worth of recording. I don't think these cameras were ever that popular for HD Broadcast primarily due to the fact that the technology its self wasn't very reliable. Most of these HDV cameras were used in their DVCAM mode because you'll get better SD pictures then if you were to shoot on a normal DVCAM or DV camera.
That’s really interesting. Thanks for adding this here. I am just an amateur teaching myself as I go, so appreciate any extra input from others. I recently came to understand that if you use the HDMI out and record straight to an external recorder (I picked up the Atomos Ninja Star) you can get the best uncompressed signal. Fascinating really.) Maybe I will do an update video at some point. Oh and you have a new subscriber 😀
Hello, Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad the video helped. Well, as long as the device has an HDMI in input which is capable of receiving the RAW signal, it should be fine. (I assume you are referring to the Z5E). I have monitored myself on my Samsung TV and that is 5 years old. Please feel free to ask any other questions you might have and please consider subscribing.
17:33 - The "Fix" zoom speed setting can be set even slower, via the menu. Regarding ND filters - they basically allow 2 things to happen: 1. Lets you shoot outdoors while keeping a 180 degree shutter angle (shutter speed 1\50 at 25fps) 2. Lets you use an optimal aperture (not higher than f\8) at the 1\50 shutter speed. Not using an ND filter would require using a small aperture, which lower image sharpness due to diffraction.
Hello, thanks for reaching out. Can you tell me a little bit more about what you are trying to do and what, if any, other equipment you might be using.
Thank you for this video! For me, the Sony A1E camera was the best camera I ever used, the ultimate camera to make documentaries. My only problem with this camera now, is that it films on HDV tapes, which are now obsolete. Can you recommend a camera most similar to this camera, but that films digital onto SD cards rather than tapes? Many thanks!
Thanks for watching and commenting. Well before I try and answer your question, you might be interested in the video below. In it I talk about how you use the HVR-MRC1 on older digital cameras. That might solve your problem if you want to get another one. czcams.com/video/T1zW4OTbGAQ/video.html In relation to what camera might be similar, i would suggest looking at the Sony NX5. It came out in 2010, so about 5 years after the A1E. That also writes to a standard memory card. pro.sony/en_GB/products/handheld-camcorders/hxr-nx5e Hope that helps. If you like this kind of content, please consider subscribing. 😀
Thanks for the video, really helpful! Was wondering which SD card to buy as i can't seem to find one that would be best for my Sony a1e, is the memory stick only for taking images and not recording videos? Thanks
Hello. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad you found the video helpful. Well I Would suggest buying a Memory Stick Pro Duo. You can still buy them online, alternatively, you can buy an adapter card which can take Micro SD cards. I’d stick to the pro duos though. Unfortunately you can’t record videos to the memory cards.
Hi Adrian,something that may be of interest to you,a while ago I bought a Canon 3ccd XM1 camcorder which works very well,when I got the Sony MRC 1 unit to use with the Sony Z1 I tried it on the XM1 but without success,so I recorded something on tape using the XM1 and then played the tape in the Z1 and set the MRC 1 to record from the tape,and was very pleased that I could get video from the XM1 to the compact flash on the MRC and from there to computer,I then tried the MRC on a Sony TRV110 E which worked successfully as on the Z1 including synchronous start/stop,so then I tried it with a Panasonic NV GS70A miniDV but with no success,so I think maybe the MRC is configured to work mainly with Sony camcorders. Have a good Christmas 🎆🎅 Alan
That’s really interesting. I absolutely love playing around with older tech and trying to find work arounds. I have never played around with an XM1 but they are pretty to look at. Have you got a preference? Happy Holidays to you also. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@ReelFilm2016 The XM1 is a decent camcorder and for DV Standard Def it gives a good picture,of course the Z1 is approaching twice the weight of XM1 and has HDV so the picture is superior.But I was just pleased to be able get the video off the XM1 without resorting to firewire which is a right pain in the ??se.
Hello! I hope this finds you well I was wondering if you already had tried to convert the aspect ratio displayed from 16:9 to 4:3 on the HVR A1E. I would like to purchase it and as this option would be quite important for me i am trying to make sure it is possible. The manual says, The HVR-A1E can convert material from 1080i down to 576i, and output these video signals through its i.LINKTM4 interface. In addition, these signals can also be output via either analog component, composite, or S-Video connectors. This allows editing of recorded material with a nonlinear editing system using current DV editing software as well as recording SD signals to an external VTR, while simultaneously recording HDV signals with the HVR-A1E. The HVR-A1E can also downconvert to 576P and output these signals through its analog component video connectors. When down-converting these signals, the aspect ratio displayed can be converted from 16:9 to 4:3. Display modes can be selected from Squeeze, Letterbox, or Edge crop. I guess the "Edge crop" would sounds like a good option how ever the manual does not show how to do it/does not show any button or anything. I also figured that it maybe would only be possible in post/editing production but i am not sure i understood everything. I apologies for my lack of vocabulary as i am quite new to the subject. Would you maybe have an idea on how this would work? Thank you so such for your amazing work! Andy
Hello, thanks for watching and commenting. Sadly, I no longer own the A1E but it’s good that you have found the manual online and done your research. I mean, if the manual states that it can down convert, that’s a positive. I am going to assume that the option to do this would be found in the video settings. It’s a lovely little camera which produces a lovely crisp picture. Sorry I can’t be of any further help on this occasion. If you like this kind of content, please consider subscribing. 😀😀
Oddly specific question about the HVR-A1E, but haven't been able to find the answer anywhere (including for the HDR-HC1 as well): when you switch the control ring around the lens to control zoom instead of focus, are you able to achieve the same level of rapid zoom adjustment as you would on the HVR-Z5E using its manual zoom ring? The power zooms are rather snappy on Sony Handycams but I'm curious if the sort of "automated manual" of the control ring is able to respond faster and more accurately?
I don’t own the HVR-A1E anymore. I sold it not long after I made this video. However, if anyone is reading this in the community, can you answer this. Good question.
no you cannot, it’s not super snappy and seems delayed by a little bit (a third of a second I guess?) so you won’t be able to make a sharp spin on the ring and have it zoom in instantly. It is more accurate for the speed than using the rocker but you can’t go any faster than the rocker does
Hello, thanks for watching and commenting. No, you can’t shoot directly to a memory stick with these cameras as they are. You can however take photographs, which can be sent to the memory card. But if you are fortunate enough to have the HVR MRC1, you can directly connect that to the rear of the HVR Z5E and record directly to a CF card. If you have the MRC1 and its accompanying cradle, you can connect it to the A1E and record directly to the MRC1, using the digital out and firewire.
@@OGkotajarvi best places would be eBay or Facebook marketplace. Make sure you get the cradle if you want to use it with your A1E. See link below. pro.sony/s3/cms-static-content/operation-manual/3290149121.pdf
still got one of these.....Sony HVR-V1U 3-CMOS 1080i Professional HDV in absolutely imaculate condition. I am in South Africa, so transport is an issue, but if somebody wants it, ill send pics etc and we can arrange a deal. Im currently using a canon r5, but am more into wildlife stills.
@@SavageNooodle So the model no. for the charger I got with my HVR Z5E is - AC - VQ1050. That’s for the larger style batteries. The A1E - AC-SQ950. Smaller style batteries. Hope that helps and let me know how you get on. If you haven’t subscribed, please consider it. 😀
I have always been fond of cameras like these, as well as broadcast cameras, etcetera... And the other day I FINALLY found an HVR-A1E and it has been doing well, and then the darn flexwire beneath the tape tray cracked and I can not get the tray to retract into the camera, rendering the camera unusable and causing me a stabbing pain in the heart. Is there any way I could possibly make the camera usable again by having my PC live capture what my camera sees without having to have it registering a tape inserted, or somehow pushing that tray back or something that won't cost me money - because for others it seems easy to throw around thousands of dollars on repairs, new cameras and equipment and I just can not. Any help?
Thanks for watching and commenting. So sorry to hear about your issue with the A1E. 😔 When it comes to camera problems like the one you have, I am not the guy to help you out. I am terrible with internal electronics / moving mechanisms. However, I would recommend googling your issue and trying to find a forum that has comments from people with similar issues. Sign up to the forum and then see if you can find someone to repair the camera for you. Failing that, you could sell the camera for spares and repairs. The mountable mic controls are often sought after. Battery Charger etc. Then use some of your money toward another. I am just in the process of selling my A1E. I totally agree with you in regards to discarding older cameras. The more I learn, the more I realise how capable some of these older cameras still are. They are also handy to get that true retro look. I hope my comment might bring a small smile to your face whilst you try and sort your A1E out. What part of Europe are you from?
@@ReelFilm2016 Thank you so much for the reply :) I appreciate. I am actually from South Africa - but we use European standard technology, and in cameras that would be PAL 50Hz. I would maybe try doing that - maybe get a firewire cable; that way I could actually still get my PC to read the signal the camera picks up from its sensor. I want to get myself the old Sony Betacam SX ENG Camera - I just love these old things.
@@InspiredSkeptic South Africa, wow, you are a long way away. Yes, you can certainly link them up to computers. That might be an option. I love the older camera too. I actually have a review of one here. czcams.com/video/VCzWe38X8I4/video.html
@@ReelFilm2016 I will definitely go view that video. Yes, SA is quite a distance, haha. I wish I could live in the Netherlands, where my whole family comes from (but unfortunately they are all deceased now).
I am very lucky to have a Sony DU1. that came attached to a cam.. The other night finally got it to work with Firewire out from a DSR450 with broken deck.. It, the DU1 was set to NTSC.. where it needed to be set to PAL.... Prior to that to overcome the broken deck I used an old Sony Handycam that had Firewire input connected with Firewire to revord signal from DSR450.. Switch it to play mode and lo and behold just pressing record button on DSR450 starts recording on DV Handycam! . I have recorded from Firewire to laptop on the go with Sony Vegas..but thats awkward. The DU1 gives 3 hours recording.. I power from home made battery in a box from stripped Aldi power packs.. No problem with varying voltage.. i.e 12 to 14 V from that box.. There's a DU1 on eBay US less than $200
"Auto lock" is to put the camera into full auto mode, the lock means it locks the shutter speed, aperture and other settings, "Expaned focus" gives you the oportunity to really zoom into something so you can adjust your focus nice and sharp.
Hi, thanks for watching and commenting.
That’s really useful. I love it when people reach out and teach me new things. Appreciate it.
Hope you enjoyed the video.
Please consider subscribing if you like this type of content.
Expanded focus expands the view on the screen so you can fine focus on something in a small part of your picture without having to zoom in and back out again
Thanks for watching and commenting. Thanks you for this. I am always learning, so I appreciate this insight.
Thanks mate, very informative! I've been looking into the A1E as I want to introduce a certain "look" into my work. I use the old JVC everios they are great and even give a "VHS" look you know with the lines but have no option to attach a proper mic like the A1E
Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad the video was useful.
The A1E is a lovely little camera. I only got rid of it because I wasn’t using it as regularly but the video quality is still excellent for what you want it for.
Great video!
They made the HDV tapes slightly more robust compared to normal DV tapes due to the fact that if you get a tape glitch on standard DV tape, shooting in SD, you might lose a frame or 2. But shooting HD to a DV tape, due to it's MPEG2 codec and the way it records images to the tape (GOP frames or something) if you have a tape glitch you could potentially lose a few seconds worth of recording.
I don't think these cameras were ever that popular for HD Broadcast primarily due to the fact that the technology its self wasn't very reliable. Most of these HDV cameras were used in their DVCAM mode because you'll get better SD pictures then if you were to shoot on a normal DVCAM or DV camera.
That’s really interesting. Thanks for adding this here.
I am just an amateur teaching myself as I go, so appreciate any extra input from others.
I recently came to understand that if you use the HDMI out and record straight to an external recorder (I picked up the Atomos Ninja Star) you can get the best uncompressed signal. Fascinating really.)
Maybe I will do an update video at some point. Oh and you have a new subscriber 😀
Thanks.. Reading your comment informs me that maybe I should be content with my DRS.. 570ws & 450ws.!
I really needed this video. Can you use the HDMI to get video to your computer?
W
Hello,
Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad the video helped.
Well, as long as the device has an HDMI in input which is capable of receiving the RAW signal, it should be fine. (I assume you are referring to the Z5E).
I have monitored myself on my Samsung TV and that is 5 years old.
Please feel free to ask any other questions you might have and please consider subscribing.
17:33 - The "Fix" zoom speed setting can be set even slower, via the menu.
Regarding ND filters - they basically allow 2 things to happen:
1. Lets you shoot outdoors while keeping a 180 degree shutter angle (shutter speed 1\50 at 25fps)
2. Lets you use an optimal aperture (not higher than f\8) at the 1\50 shutter speed. Not using an ND filter would require using a small aperture, which lower image sharpness due to diffraction.
Thanks for this. Very helpful. I am learning all the time so appreciate input from those with professional knowledge. 👍🏻
Why cant i record videos on my Hvr A1e? It says Movie recording is not supported
Hello, thanks for reaching out. Can you tell me a little bit more about what you are trying to do and what, if any, other equipment you might be using.
Thank you for this video! For me, the Sony A1E camera was the best camera I ever used, the ultimate camera to make documentaries.
My only problem with this camera now, is that it films on HDV tapes, which are now obsolete.
Can you recommend a camera most similar to this camera, but that films digital onto SD cards rather than tapes? Many thanks!
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Well before I try and answer your question, you might be interested in the video below. In it I talk about how you use the HVR-MRC1 on older digital cameras. That might solve your problem if you want to get another one.
czcams.com/video/T1zW4OTbGAQ/video.html
In relation to what camera might be similar, i would suggest looking at the Sony NX5. It came out in 2010, so about 5 years after the A1E. That also writes to a standard memory card.
pro.sony/en_GB/products/handheld-camcorders/hxr-nx5e
Hope that helps. If you like this kind of content, please consider subscribing. 😀
Did you get your Interlaced issue sorted???
If not, just create an Interlaced Project???
What software are you using???
I use Final Cut Pro. I am no expert. I believe I tried to do what you suggested but it was still progressive.
Thanks for the video, really helpful! Was wondering which SD card to buy as i can't seem to find one that would be best for my Sony a1e, is the memory stick only for taking images and not recording videos? Thanks
Hello. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad you found the video helpful. Well I Would suggest buying a Memory Stick Pro Duo. You can still buy them online, alternatively, you can buy an adapter card which can take Micro SD cards. I’d stick to the pro duos though.
Unfortunately you can’t record videos to the memory cards.
Hi Adrian,something that may be of interest to you,a while ago I bought a Canon 3ccd XM1 camcorder which works very well,when I got the Sony MRC 1 unit to use with the Sony Z1 I tried it on the XM1 but without success,so I recorded something on tape using the XM1 and then played the tape in the Z1 and set the MRC 1 to record from the tape,and was very pleased that I could get video from the XM1 to the compact flash on the MRC and from there to computer,I then tried the MRC on a Sony TRV110 E which worked successfully as on the Z1 including synchronous start/stop,so then I tried it with a Panasonic NV GS70A miniDV but with no success,so I think maybe the MRC is configured to work mainly with Sony camcorders.
Have a good Christmas 🎆🎅
Alan
That’s really interesting. I absolutely love playing around with older tech and trying to find work arounds.
I have never played around with an XM1 but they are pretty to look at. Have you got a preference?
Happy Holidays to you also. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@ReelFilm2016 The XM1 is a decent camcorder and for DV Standard Def it gives a good picture,of course the Z1 is approaching twice the weight of XM1 and has HDV so the picture is superior.But I was just pleased to be able get the video off the XM1 without resorting to firewire which is a right pain in the ??se.
@@alanvanallen7762 Yep. I know that feeling. But good for persevering.
Hello!
I hope this finds you well
I was wondering if you already had tried to convert the aspect ratio
displayed from 16:9 to 4:3 on the HVR A1E. I would like to purchase it and as this option would be quite important for me i am trying to make sure it is possible. The manual says,
The HVR-A1E can convert material from 1080i down to 576i,
and output these video signals through its i.LINKTM4 interface.
In addition, these signals can also be output via either analog
component, composite, or S-Video connectors. This allows
editing of recorded material with a nonlinear editing system
using current DV editing software as well as recording SD
signals to an external VTR, while simultaneously recording HDV
signals with the HVR-A1E. The HVR-A1E can also downconvert to 576P and output these signals through its analog
component video connectors.
When down-converting these signals, the aspect ratio
displayed can be converted from 16:9 to 4:3. Display modes
can be selected from Squeeze, Letterbox, or Edge crop.
I guess the "Edge crop" would sounds like a good option how ever the manual does not show how to do it/does not show any button or anything. I also figured that it maybe would only be possible in post/editing production but i am not sure i understood everything. I apologies for my lack of vocabulary as i am quite new to the subject.
Would you maybe have an idea on how this would work?
Thank you so such for your amazing work!
Andy
Hello, thanks for watching and commenting.
Sadly, I no longer own the A1E but it’s good that you have found the manual online and done your research.
I mean, if the manual states that it can down convert, that’s a positive. I am going to assume that the option to do this would be found in the video settings.
It’s a lovely little camera which produces a lovely crisp picture.
Sorry I can’t be of any further help on this occasion.
If you like this kind of content, please consider subscribing. 😀😀
Oddly specific question about the HVR-A1E, but haven't been able to find the answer anywhere (including for the HDR-HC1 as well): when you switch the control ring around the lens to control zoom instead of focus, are you able to achieve the same level of rapid zoom adjustment as you would on the HVR-Z5E using its manual zoom ring? The power zooms are rather snappy on Sony Handycams but I'm curious if the sort of "automated manual" of the control ring is able to respond faster and more accurately?
I don’t own the HVR-A1E anymore. I sold it not long after I made this video. However, if anyone is reading this in the community, can you answer this. Good question.
no you cannot, it’s not super snappy and seems delayed by a little bit (a third of a second I guess?) so you won’t be able to make a sharp spin on the ring and have it zoom in instantly. It is more accurate for the speed than using the rocker but you can’t go any faster than the rocker does
So you can shoot videos and save them to the memorystick but you need to have caset to do that?!
Hello, thanks for watching and commenting.
No, you can’t shoot directly to a memory stick with these cameras as they are.
You can however take photographs, which can be sent to the memory card.
But if you are fortunate enough to have the HVR MRC1, you can directly connect that to the rear of the HVR Z5E and record directly to a CF card.
If you have the MRC1 and its accompanying cradle, you can connect it to the A1E and record directly to the MRC1, using the digital out and firewire.
@@ReelFilm2016 oh okay, i have this camera A1E and, where i can get that MRC1? I think i need it!
@@OGkotajarvi best places would be eBay or Facebook marketplace. Make sure you get the cradle if you want to use it with your A1E. See link below.
pro.sony/s3/cms-static-content/operation-manual/3290149121.pdf
still got one of these.....Sony HVR-V1U 3-CMOS 1080i Professional HDV in absolutely imaculate condition. I am in South Africa, so transport is an issue, but if somebody wants it, ill send pics etc and we can arrange a deal. Im currently using a canon r5, but am more into wildlife stills.
I am sure someone will want it. Such nice cameras. Thanks for watching if you like this type of content, please consider subscribing.
what type of a charger does it use? I am looking to buy one since I have lost mine
Are you referring to the battery charger? Also, what camera?
@@ReelFilm2016 Charging cable og battery charger. Either will do. Camera, HVR-A1P
@@SavageNooodle I’ll have a look tomorrow and get back to you.
@@SavageNooodle So the model no. for the charger I got with my HVR Z5E is - AC - VQ1050. That’s for the larger style batteries.
The A1E - AC-SQ950. Smaller style batteries. Hope that helps and let me know how you get on.
If you haven’t subscribed, please consider it. 😀
@@ReelFilm2016 Will that charger work for HVR-A1P? My battery model is NP-QM71D, will it work?
I have always been fond of cameras like these, as well as broadcast cameras, etcetera... And the other day I FINALLY found an HVR-A1E and it has been doing well, and then the darn flexwire beneath the tape tray cracked and I can not get the tray to retract into the camera, rendering the camera unusable and causing me a stabbing pain in the heart. Is there any way I could possibly make the camera usable again by having my PC live capture what my camera sees without having to have it registering a tape inserted, or somehow pushing that tray back or something that won't cost me money - because for others it seems easy to throw around thousands of dollars on repairs, new cameras and equipment and I just can not. Any help?
Thanks for watching and commenting. So sorry to hear about your issue with the A1E. 😔
When it comes to camera problems like the one you have, I am not the guy to help you out.
I am terrible with internal electronics / moving mechanisms. However, I would recommend googling your issue and trying to find a forum that has comments from people with similar issues. Sign up to the forum and then see if you can find someone to repair the camera for you.
Failing that, you could sell the camera for spares and repairs. The mountable mic controls are often sought after. Battery Charger etc. Then use some of your money toward another. I am just in the process of selling my A1E.
I totally agree with you in regards to discarding older cameras. The more I learn, the more I realise how capable some of these older cameras still are. They are also handy to get that true retro look.
I hope my comment might bring a small smile to your face whilst you try and sort your A1E out. What part of Europe are you from?
@@ReelFilm2016 Thank you so much for the reply :) I appreciate. I am actually from South Africa - but we use European standard technology, and in cameras that would be PAL 50Hz.
I would maybe try doing that - maybe get a firewire cable; that way I could actually still get my PC to read the signal the camera picks up from its sensor.
I want to get myself the old Sony Betacam SX ENG Camera - I just love these old things.
@@InspiredSkeptic South Africa, wow, you are a long way away.
Yes, you can certainly link them up to computers. That might be an option.
I love the older camera too. I actually have a review of one here.
czcams.com/video/VCzWe38X8I4/video.html
@@ReelFilm2016 I will definitely go view that video. Yes, SA is quite a distance, haha. I wish I could live in the Netherlands, where my whole family comes from (but unfortunately they are all deceased now).
I am very lucky to have a Sony DU1. that came attached to a cam.. The other night finally got it to work with Firewire out from a DSR450 with broken deck.. It, the DU1 was set to NTSC.. where it needed to be set to PAL.... Prior to that to overcome the broken deck I used an old Sony Handycam that had Firewire input connected with Firewire to revord signal from DSR450.. Switch it to play mode and lo and behold just pressing record button on DSR450 starts recording on DV Handycam! . I have recorded from Firewire to laptop on the go with Sony Vegas..but thats awkward. The DU1 gives 3 hours recording.. I power from home made battery in a box from stripped Aldi power packs.. No problem with varying voltage.. i.e 12 to 14 V from that box.. There's a DU1 on eBay US less than $200
BREAKING NEWS : Land Sheriff formally declares abandonment of can openers.