A1U with pixel-shift? at DVinfo.net

Xander Christ · October 24th, 2005, 07:25 PM

Maybe I overlooked this in the forums here, but Sony's Pro site highlights the HVR-A1U with a "resolution of 1440x1080 with pixel shift". How is pixel shift possible with only one sensor? I thought the A1U used a real 1440 x 1080 pixel sensor (unlike the Z1U's 960x1080 CCDs with pixel shift).

Also, what's this rumor about an A2U coming out in a couple of months?

Wayne Morellini · November 2nd, 2005, 06:32 PM

The single chip is actually above 1920*1080 in resolution, so why would they need it?

It is possible to do pixel shift from a 1 chip, if you read out groups of binned (combined) pixels of each colour out shifted from each other. But for accuracy this needs to be at least 3*3 bins of pixels, which adds up to exactly the resolution you started with. It may be better for low light. If you go to 2*2 bin, you get less accuracy. But because they only need 1440*1080, maybe there is some special pixel binning process.

A2U, where did you hear that, that would be interesting?

Alexander Karol · November 2nd, 2005, 06:35 PM

There is no way an A2U is coming out anytime soon. The A1U was released a little over a month ago.

I think you have taken it too literally when reading Paul Chun's post:

"I'm on the fence with this one and I like the small size and the ability to record in HDV without attracting too much attention if I take off the XLR box. I just don't want to purchase this camera now and 2 months from now Sony comes out with the A2U with the top loading cassette mechanism and some new cool features. Help me make up my mind... suggestions??? Should I buy and not have any remorse?"

I'm sure he was being sarcastic.

October 24th, 2005, 07:25 PM	#1
Xander Christ Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 115	A1U with pixel-shift? Maybe I overlooked this in the forums here, but Sony's Pro site highlights the HVR-A1U with a "resolution of 1440x1080 with pixel shift". How is pixel shift possible with only one sensor? I thought the A1U used a real 1440 x 1080 pixel sensor (unlike the Z1U's 960x1080 CCDs with pixel shift). Also, what's this rumor about an A2U coming out in a couple of months? Last edited by Xander Christ; October 24th, 2005 at 08:41 PM.

November 2nd, 2005, 06:32 PM	#2
Wayne Morellini Inner Circle Join Date: May 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 2,762	The single chip is actually above 19201080 in resolution, so why would they need it? It is possible to do pixel shift from a 1 chip, if you read out groups of binned (combined) pixels of each colour out shifted from each other. But for accuracy this needs to be at least 33 bins of pixels, which adds up to exactly the resolution you started with. It may be better for low light. If you go to 22 bin, you get less accuracy. But because they only need 14401080, maybe there is some special pixel binning process. A2U, where did you hear that, that would be interesting?

November 2nd, 2005, 06:35 PM	#3
Alexander Karol Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 198	There is no way an A2U is coming out anytime soon. The A1U was released a little over a month ago. I think you have taken it too literally when reading Paul Chun's post: "I'm on the fence with this one and I like the small size and the ability to record in HDV without attracting too much attention if I take off the XLR box. I just don't want to purchase this camera now and 2 months from now Sony comes out with the A2U with the top loading cassette mechanism and some new cool features. Help me make up my mind... suggestions??? Should I buy and not have any remorse?" I'm sure he was being sarcastic.