Sony has expanded its new XDCAM HD line to include two camcorders and two decks. The same Professional Disc media used in the SD version of the XDCAM system is also compatible with the new HD version.
The two XDCAM HD camcorders, models PDW-F330 and PDW-F350, both offer 24P recording in SD or HD, interval recording and slow shutter. The PDW-F350 additionally offers variable frame rate recording capabilities.
The PDW-F350 enables variable frame rate recording at a range of frame rates from 4fps to 60 fps in one-frame increments. It also enables 24-, 25- and 30P image capture, without any additional conversion required.
The XDCAM HD line can record 1080i video in three data recording rates: 18-, 25-, 35Mb/s. The system records using an HD MPEG-2 Long GOP video compression codec.
The PDW-F70 and PDW-F30 decks enable high-speed data transfer between compatible nonlinear devices. Both decks upconvert XDCAM SD content recorded in the DVCAM format to 1080i high definition at output, and all XDCAM HD camcorders and decks can downconvert HD material to SD in anamorphic, letterboxed or 4:3 format.
Among the features is an expand function that takes a clip that has been initially tagged as a thumbnail and divides it into 12 even time intervals for easier searches. Freeze mix enables a videographer to switch between pre-recorded material and live footage by showing these images on the LCD screen or viewfinder. Slow shutter allows a maximum of 64 frames to be accumulated.
For more information, visit www.sony.com/professional.
