Sony XDCAMTM - Manual (Page 9)

1/2-inch type Three HD Power HAD CCD
The XDCAM HD camcorders are equipped with
three 1/2-inch-type HD Power HAD™ CCDs, each
with a high density of approximately 1.56 megapixels
(1440 x 1080). These extremely high-performance
CCDs provide an outstanding sensitivity of F9 (at
2000 lx, 3200K), a remarkable signal-to-noise ratio
of 54 dB, and a low vertical smear level of -120 dB.
12-bit A/D Conversion
The XDCAM HD camcorders incorporate a high-
integrity 12-bit A/D conversion circuit, which allows
images captured by the Power HAD CCDs to be
processed with great precision. This high-resolution
A/D conversion allows the contrast to be reproduced
faithfully in both mid-to-dark tone and bright areas
of the picture.
Advanced Digital Signal Processing
(ADSP)
A key to quality in DSP cameras is how many bits
are used in their non-linear processes, such as
gamma correction. The ADSP of the XDCAM HD
camcorders uses more than 30 bits in non-linear
processes, minimising round-off errors to maintain
the high quality of the Power HAD CCDs. The ADSP
also enables highly sophisticated image controls,
such as skin tone detail control and Dynamic
Contrast Controls.
Multi-format Recording
– HD/SD and Interlace/Progressive
One of the big appeals of the XDCAM HD cam-
corders is their highly flexible multi-format recording
capability. Users can select a recording format from
HD (MPEG HD) or SD (DVCAM), 59.94i/50i interlace
mode, or 29.97P/25P/23.98P progressive mode.
Operators can use this camcorder for multiple
purposes, both today and into the future.
Creative Versatility for
Movie Making
The XDCAM HD camcorders, part of Sony's proud
CineAlta family, provide many creative features for
producing a variety of movies. They offer the Slow
& Quick Motion Function (PDW-F350 only) for
stunningly impressive slow and fast motion images,
and Selectable Gamma Curves that are inherited
from the top-of-the-line CineAlta camcorder. The
Interval Recording function is another tool to create
unique ultra-fast moving images.
Slow & Quick Motion Function (PDW-F350)
The PDW-F350 offers a powerful Slow & Quick
Motion Function that enables users to create elegant
fast- and slow-motion footage – commonly known
as over- and under-cranking in film shooting. The
PDW-F350 can capture images at frame rates
selectable from four fps (frame per second) to 60 fps
in increments of 1 fps. For example, when viewed at
23.98P, images captured at four fps will appear six
times faster than normal. Conversely, images captured
at 60 fps will appear 2.5 times slower than normal.
The quality of the slow- and fast-motion images
created using the Sony PDW-F350 camcorder is
extremely high and incomparable to those created
in the editing process.
Another spectacular thing about this feature is that
users can see the results right in the camcorder’s
LCD screen, without using any converters or
processing on non-linear editing systems.
This great feature maximises users’ shooting
creativity while achieving a high level of overall
efficiency.
*When capturing at 31-60 fps (in 23.98P/29.97P mode)/26-50 fps (in
25P mode), the camcorders provide lower vertical resolution than in nor-
mal capturing mode.
Interval Recording Function For Versatility and
Creativity
The XDCAM HD camcorders offer an Interval
Recording Function, which intermittently records
signals at pre-determined intervals. This is conve-
nient for shooting over long periods of time, and
also when creating pictures with special effects of
extremely quick motion.
Selectable Gamma Curves
The XDCAM HD camcorders allow operators to
choose from five types of gamma curves (Standard,
CINE 1, 2, 3 and 4). The CINE 1-4 gamma curves
provide natural tonal reproductions for scenes with
wide dynamic ranges. The CINE 1 and 2 curves are
inherited from HyperGamma, which is available on
the top-of-the-line CineAlta camcorder.
PRODUCT FEATURES
Format
23.98P/29.97P
25P
Capturing
4P-60P in 1P increments
4P-50P in 1P increments
CINE 1
CINE 2
CINE 3
CINE 4
Standard
9