Following the recent announcement of the new European model HVR-V1E HDV camcorder, Sony has announced the HVR-V1U US version.

The V1U is true 24fps capable at 1080P (does 30p and 60i also) and records standard HDV to MiniDV tape. Three 1/4″ CMOS ClearVID chips allow a feature called Smooth Slow Record, which can capture a six-second burst of smooth slow motion at 240fps.

Douglas Spotted Eagle has posted a short “First Look” review of the HVR-V1U camera, and includes footage and a raw HDV .MT2 file for your geekly perusal. He’s also addressed low light performance, of particular concern to event shooters:

“The quarter-inch sensors were an initial concern when I first was told of their size, however this has proven to be a false issue. Under identical light, this camcorder with its 1/4-inch chips equal or outperform virtually every other HDV camcorder I’ve ever shot with. Because of the unique DSP, diagonal pixels, interpolation, and ClearVid technology, CMOS has demonstrated that it absolutely can create great pictures, even in less than ideal lighting situations.”

Sony has also concurrently announced the HVR-DR60 hard disk storage unit. It is a 60GB drive that can record 4.5 hours and connects via firewire. The DR60 offers several timecode options, a 14 second pre-record buffer, sudden-motion sensors, and runs off Sony L-series batteries (the same kind used in the camera). The NP-F970 battery will run the drive unit for over 13hrs. Impressive.

(Via Camcorderinfo)