First Sony Camcorder Based On HDCAM SR Format In Focus

Sony is unveiling the next generation of digital 24P technology, the SRW-9000 HDCAM SR camcorder.
Designed for television, commercial and motion picture production, the new model combines the format's image quality with the versatility of a one-piece camcorder.
The full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution camcorder uses 2/3-inch CCDs with a 14-bit A/D converter and digital signal processing to capture up to 1080/60P images with a high level of detail. In standard configuration, the camcorder is capable of 4:2:2 10-bit recording at 1080/23.98P, 24P, 25P, 29.97P and 1080/50i/59.94i. It can also record 4:2:2 1080/50P/59.94P.
Rob Willox, Director of Marketing, Sony Electronics' content creation group, said: "The HDCAM SR format is proven in the most demanding digital cinematography applications. Applying that legacy into a compact one-piece body design adds more flexibility to location work and is more 'Steadicam-friendly' as a B-camera complement to the F23. This mobile and cost-effective acquisition tool can further expand the use of HDCAM SR technology to a much broader audience."
A range of option cards are available for additional performance and features. The HKSR-9001 option board adds dual-link HD-SDI outputs and an extra AUX input port for connectivity to an external audio multiplexing device.
A picture cache board (HKSR-9002) will allow the camcorder to capture and record images with variable speed (SR Motion capability) from 1 to 60 fps. It also allows the camcorder to continuously record up to three seconds of video while the camcorder is in stand-by mode. When the record button is pushed, the stored images are recorded to HDCAM SR tape and the camcorder can continue recording in real time.
With the optional HKSR-9003 RGB 4:4:4 processing board, the camcorder offers full bandwidth digital 4:4:4 high-definition RGB recording and output cabability. The option also offers S-LOG Gamma, which is essentially a "digital negative", allowing users to flexibly tailor their images during post-production in the same way they would in a film-based workflow.
Complementing all HDCAM SR technologies is Sony's line of BCT-SR Series HDCAM SR digital videocassettes. These cassettes are designed and co-engineered to fully maximise the benefits of 4:4:4 RGB recording technology.
HDCAM SR recording media uses ultrafine high performance metal particles 50 per cent smaller than those in Sony's HDCAM tape applied in the thinnest magnetic coating, to enable wavelength recording to 0.29mm. The result is up to +7dB higher output than HDCAM tape.
The SRW-9000 is compatible with a wide range of accessories for Sony's HDW-F900 and F23 cameras, SRW-1 deck, and ARRI camera systems. Its physical size is equivalent to Sony's original HDW-F900 camcorder.
In addition, the SRW-9000 accepts the new HDVF-C30WR viewfinder, which is specially suited for Sony's F series cameras, and offers the new Ford Focus Assist Function. The new viewfinder also provides pre-installed viewing look-up tables (LUTs) for S-Log Gamma, enabling easy focus adjustment and intuitive photo-shooting operation.
The SRW-9000 HDCAM SR camcorder is planned to be available in December.
(KMcA/BMcC)