The Sony HVR-S270P is a PAL-system HDV camcorder designed for ENG applications. This high-quality, cost-effective camera incorporates all the benefits of HDV technology, while also taking advantage of standard-size MiniDV tapes for increased runtimes. At the same time, the HVR-S270P can record directly to CompactFlash cards via the camera's supplied memory recording unit. Combined with Sony's entire family of HDV products, the HVR-S270P is a great camcorder for almost any production, including documentaries, news, low-budget features, music videos, and industrials.

Sony's ClearVID sensors are positioned at a 45° angle. Since each pixel is positioned at this angle the result is far clearer diagonal lines. Images will appear crisper, without the apparent "jaggies" that often plague video signals.

The camera comes with an attachable recording unit, allowing users to record HDV and DV to CompactFlash cards. With card capacity getting larger and larger, the ability to take advantage of tapeless workflow while still using cheap media is a welcome addition.

The HDV format, used in the HVR-S270P, allows high-definition recording on standard MiniDV tapes. This is accomplished by using the very popular MPEG-2 compression technique used in many applications, including DVDs and satellite television.

The HVR-S270P features 25p HDV native progressive recording modes. The 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system and EIP create true 1080p images, which can then be recorded as progressive signals by the HVR-S270P in HDV format. The progressive HDV stream can be output from an i.LINK connector and used for progressive editing with compatible NLE software. Native progressive recording modes are suitable for output to film, CG composition, viewing on a progressive monitor, or as an Internet movie.

25p Progressive Scan Modes: In these modes, the 1080p image captured by the 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system is also recorded as an interlaced signal by dividing each frame into two fields. This enables compatibility with current editing and monitoring equipment that only accept interlace signals, while maintaining the quality of the 1080p image. Progressive scan modes are suitable for feature films, documentaries, and music videos, which have to be recorded as interlaced video for viewing on interlaced monitors, but want to offer a "progressive look" to their motion.

Many consumer products have adopted High Definition Media Interface (HDMI) connections for transmitting uncompressed digital HD video signals. Sony has upped the ante by incorporating this into the already extensive array of video output choices on the HVR-S270P. Connect the camera to any HDTV via this interface and view all your footage the way it was meant to be seen: purely digital!

When shooting HD footage, standard LCD screens can be very deceiving: what looked perfect amidst a full-day video shoot can sometimes prove very soft or out of focus while in post-production. The HVR-S270P comes equipped with 1-megapixel LCD screen, eliminating this oft-pesky phenomenon. Record with confidence, knowing that what you see is what you get. The LCD is well-placed on the top of the viewfinder for simple operation.