Key Features High Quality, High Resolution Imaging Chip Once light enters the high quality dedicated lens (not removable), it is directed to the CCD (charged coupled device) that turns the light into video. The CCD has 680,000 pixels (picture elements) to turn almost any lighting condition into great looking 500+ lines video, with detail and range beyond what you thought was possible.  High Quality 15x Optical Zoom Lens Good glass is the best start to good video. The MD-9000 has a 15x optical zoom lens (3.1 - 46.5mm) that is up to the task of industrial video acquisition. In a pinch, the operator may chose to engage the digital zoom function (which goes all the way to 750x!) to get closer to the action. The camera has a large, smooth-operating touch-sensitive rocker switch, conveniently located on the handgrip.  Sophisticated Recording with Automatic Settings The shoulder mounted MD-9000 has an impressive complement of automatic features to help the busy videographer get the most important shots in almost any conditions. A digital stabilization circuit helps the shooter get jitter-free video almost anywhere. Auto tracing white balance lets the shooter go from daylight to tungsten lighting conditions (and back, if you like), without stopping to custom white balance. Several auto exposure programs address common shooting situations. Sporting events, beach or skiing locations, portrait shooting, backlight or spotlight conditions are all covered.  Ubiquitous DV Format for World-Wide Convenience You cannot dispute the numbers. 8-bit 4:1:1 color sampling, 5:1 compression, 25mbps data rate, and over 500 lines of resolution to tape all result in professional looking video acquisition. Mini DV tapes are inexpensive and available most everywhere. Convenient 60-minute tapes puts everything down in a logical standard. Audio is likewise recorded digitally, and the format supports up to 4 channels of audio directly onto the tape.  Manual and Auto Functions Depending on the shooting conditions, you may choose to jog between auto and manual focus, iris, shutter, white balance and audio level control. The lucky operator can take all the credit him/herself with full knowledge that the camera almost always can get the shots needed, even in difficult conditions.  In-Camera Picture Effects Impress the clients. Sometimes the most tasteful effects can be achieved in the camera. The MD-9000 has a nice variety of transitions and picture looks to convey a feeling or moment. Chose from Wipe, Mix, Strobe, Gain-Up, Trail, Mosaic, Mirror and others, to make a unique statement with your video productions.  Input or Output Your Video Analog or Digital IEEE-1394 or Firewire is a digital in and out that can transfer video to or from a VTR (video tape recorder) or computer, as you would expect from a digital camcorder. But don't stop there. The MD-9000 has analog ins and outs, too. Transfer video from your television, VCR, DVD or another camcorder - if you like.  Built-In LCD Monitor Tired of maintaining, transporting and setting up a location monitor? The attached 2.5-inch color LCD monitor gives you the option to leave it home. It is positionable to almost any angle, including self-portrait position.  Full Specifications:   PAL System, 25 frames / 50 interlaced fields per second Image Device: 1-CCD, 1/4 inch, Interline Transfer type, 680,000 Pixels  Horizontal Resolution: 530-line Resolution to Tape  Sensitivity: f/11 @ 2000 Lux Minimum Illumination: 1 Lux with Gain-up  Built-in Filters: 3200K, 5600K   2.5-inch Active Matrix type LCD Monitor  Speaker  Viewfinder  Microphone  VTR Section:   Mini DV Format  Tape Speed: 18.812mm / sec.  Maximum Recording Time: 80 minutes with Mini DV cassette  Audio Section:   Audio Signal Format:  16-bit/48kHz/2-channel, 12-bit/32kHz/4-channel  Audio Signal to Noise Ratio: 60dB or more  Input / Output Connectors:   Ext. Audio - RCA (x1) Microphone - Mini (x1) Analog Video-In - RCA (x1), S-Video (x1)  Signal Outputs  Composite Video Out - RCA (x 1) S-Video Out - SVHS (x1) Firewire - 4-pin (x 1) Audio Out - RCA (x2)  DC In - 4-pin XLR (x1) Earphone - Stereo Mini (x1) Lens - Dedicated Viewfinder - Dedicated General Specifications:   Power Requirements  7.2 - 7.9v DC  Power Consumption: 4w with LCD monitor, 3.2w without LCD  Operating Temperature: 32 to 104 degrees F, 0 to 40 degrees C  Dimensions (HxWxD): 8-6/16 x 8-7/8 x 17" (213 x 225 x 432mm)  Weight  4.4 lbs. (without battery) Supplied Accessories:   Shoulder Strap  Lens Cap  DC Cable  AC Adaptor/Charger  Wireless Remote Control  Battery for Remote  Cleaning Tape  AC Cable  1.6Ah Battery Pack