Images of HVR-S270U

[Alexander Ibrahim]

These are images I took at GV Expo 2007.

The camera here is fully armed and operational.

All of these images are scaled, and possibly cropped.

I painted over my hand in one image with medium opacity, and clone stamped out a fingerprint of mine.

In other words, I tried to keep the images true to what I saw, and protect the innocent.

[Alexander Ibrahim]

Same caveats as the first post in this thread.

[David Parks]

Thanks Alexander.
What is your impression of the build quality of the 270?
I noticed that there was a time code in/output, did you happen to notice if there was a similarI/O on Z7? I'm thinking probably not.

And finally, on the 270 was it lightweight enough to only have one attchment point on the tripod, or do you think it would be wiser to use a full legnth tripod adaptor (if they even sell one) for safety sake?

Thanks again for taking the time to post these pictures,

Cheers.

[Chris Hurd]

Great stuff -- exactly the sort of thing we're looking for on DV Info Net. Much appreciated,

[Alexander Ibrahim]

Originally Posted by David Parks

Thanks Alexander.

You are all most welcome.

What is your impression of the build quality of the 270?

If you are asking how durable the camera is, I thought it was solid.

I wouldn't recommend using it to subdue criminals, but it should serve in normal use for a long while.

I can't say I really thought about using it under extreme conditions, or even under heavy ENG use. Thinking back though I think it would deal well.

If you are asking about the "fit and finish" of the camera, it was exactly as I'd expect from a shoulder mount camera. Probably superior to the DSR it replaces, and definitely nicer than the old JVC DV500's.

I did not like the feel of the controls on the Zeiss lenses. The rings felt like they were stuck in molasses to me. Not as nice as the feel of the lenses shipped with the JVC ProHD cams, the EX1 or the HVX200. I had a little trouble doing snap zooms using the ring.

That said, the controls were reliable, predictable and repeatable. A huge step up from most lenses we are accustomed to in this price range.

By the way, you switch between auto and manual focus just like on the EX1, by pulling the focus ring towards the rear of the camera for manual, and pushing it forward for auto.

The glass was great for the price though. Still, I'd plan on replacing the lens for serious use.

I noticed that there was a time code in/output, did you happen to notice if there was a similarI/O on Z7? I'm thinking probably not.

Nope definitely no TC on the Z7. Since its missing on the EX1 as well I guess Sony thinks thats a feature to be reserved for higher price points.

And finally, on the 270 was it lightweight enough to only have one attchment point on the tripod, or do you think it would be wiser to use a full legnth tripod adaptor (if they even sell one) for safety sake?

Well, full disclosure: Sony had it on a single screw, and the camera was spinning around on the sticks.

That said, I thought it was light enough to secure with a single screw. I figure either someone partly unscrewed the plate or there was something wrong with the head/plate..

If I had to buy a new head or plates to use two or more screws, then I'd hold off until I could test it more thoroughly. If your current setup supports multiple screws then I'd use them.