Description

The highly respected HDW-F900 camcorder has now been refined into the next-generation HDW-F900R, offering a variety of further enhanced functionalities. The HDW-F900R camcorder records images in accordance with the CIF (Common Image Format) standard, which specifies a sampling structure of 1920 x 1080 active pixels (horizontal x vertical). Plus, as well as recording at 24P, the HDW-F900R camcorder is switchable to record at 25P, 29.97P progressive scan, and also at 50 or 59.94 Hz interlaced scan.

The HDWF900R also provides a comprehensive range of features for creative shooting such as enhanced gamma features and colorimetry controls. Plus, the design of the HDW-F900R is highly compact and lightweight, giving users higher levels of mobility and comfort when shooting.

To further enhance the creative and operational versatility of the camcorder, a wide range of optional accessories are available. These include a picture cache board, a 2-3 Pull-down and down converter board, and a slow-shutter board. In combination with its renowned 24P capability and attractive cost efficiency, all of these great functionalities make the HDW-F900R the perfect solution for shooting television series , documentaries, commercials, as well as motion pictures.

Highlights:

Camera image capture complies with the ITU-R, BT 709-3 Recommendation for High Definition Production and International Programe Exchange

Equipped with 2/3" type 2,200,00 sensor FIT imager, providing high resolution 16:9 images

Compact, lightweight and robust body design with cinematography accessories attached

Continuous recording time of up to 50 minutes (24P mode)

Newly developed LSI for ADSP (advanced digital signal processor) improves picture quality, ensuring picture stability and operational reliability while reducing total power consumption

Features

HAD sensor technology

The HDW-F900R uses Hyper HAD sensor technology incorporating the latest FIT sensor and on-chip lens structure. Three 2/3-inch FIT CCDs each with 2.2 million-pixels provide excellent imaging quality acquiring pictures at 1920 x 1080 CIF (Common Interchange Format) resolution.

12 bit ADSP

12 bit A/D conversion and advanced digital signal processing ensures excellent tonal reproduction, for the most demanding applications.

Choice of Multiple frame rates

You can select from a number of frame rates to match the required look for each production. 50i and 59.94i can be selected to acquire interlaced "TV look" pictures, with 23.98P, 24P, 25P and 29.97P also available for "film look" (progressive) images. Please note that 30P and 60i modes are not supported.

TruEye Processing

TruEye virtually eliminates hue distortion, especially in extreme lighting conditions. TruEye processes videa data in a similar way to the human eye - processing brightness, hue and saturation. This significantly improves the reproduction of natural skin tones.

Multi Matrix

Multi Matrix provides further in-camera creative control and can be used to match colourimetry during multiple camcorder shoots. It is also effective for manipulating the hue and saturation of specific selected colours within a scene. One example would be to adjust the hue and saturation of a flower petal without changing other colours within the picture.

Auto Trace White

Auto Trace White (ATW) is a feature that automatically adjusts the white balance as lighting conditions change. This is ideal when shooting in rapidly changing lighting conditions (for example, when moving from an indoor to an outdoor location). Conventional Auto White Balance is also available.

Creative control with User Gamma

The CvpFileEditor can be used with the HDW-F900R for creation of custom gamma curves. Existing gamma curves, generated for use with the original HDW-F900 can also be applied.

Long record duration onto HDCAM cassettes

The HDW-F900R records up to 50 minutes onto a small HDCAM tape when shooting in 24P mode. Maximum record durations at 50i and 59.94i are 48 minutes and 40 minutes.

Dual optical filter wheel

The HDW-F900R is equipped with dual optical filter wheels. You can choose from the following Neutral Density (ND) settings: CLEAR, 1/4ND, 1/16ND and 1/64ND, and the following Colour Correction (CC) settings A:5600K, B:3200K, C:4300K and D:6300K.

Optional HD to SD down conversion

The HKDW-702 HD to SD downconverter option used with the HDW-730S and HDW-750P HDCAM camcorders can be used with the HDW-F900R. SDI or analogue VBS can be output from the camcorder when this option is fitted. Alternatively, the new HKDW-902R board can be installed. In addition to downconvertion, 2-3 pulldown is supported which allows NTSC monitoring at 59.94i when the camcorder is running at 23.98PsF.

Slow Shutter and Image Inversion

The new HKDW-905R option can be installed into the HDW-F900R to add slow shutter capability (up to 64 frames) and image inversion. The slow shutter feature can be used to either boost sensitivity or to enable motion blur to be used as a creative tool. Image inversion allows the camcorder to be used with a wider range of anamorphic and film.

Picture Cache Recording

It's always annoying to miss a great shot, especially when shooting wildlife footage. Picture cache recording provides an additional chance to capture the action even if it occurred before the REC button was pressed. An optional HKDW-703 can be installed into the camcorder to provide this feature. This allows you to capture up to 8 seconds of material immediately before you press the record button.

Time Lapse

The HKDW-703 also provides Time Lapse (Interval) Recording. In MANUAL mode, 1 to 8 frames are recorded each time the REC button is pressed. In AUTO mode, the overall recording time is set (e.g. 10 minutes) along with the playback time on tape (e.g. 10 seconds). Using the picture cache to achieve Time Lapse reduces the mechanical wear to the record mechanism.

More choices for signal output

The HDW-F900R is equipped with two HD-SDI outputs as standard, allowing high definition pictures to be monitored directly on-site without the need for an additional adapter. One of these outputs can be switched to standard definition when the camcorder is fitted with an optional HKDW-702 or HKDW-902R board.

Same optical axis as the original HDW-F900

The HDW-F900R uses the same optical axis as the original HDW-F900. The lens accessories developed for the HDW-F900 can be used without modification.

Great audio performance

Four channels of digital audio can be input to the HDW-F900R via two XLR inputs. Each XLR receives 2 channels of AES/EBU audio data at 20 bits resolution.

Slot-in wireless receiver

You can slot a Sony wireless receiver directly into the chassis of the HDW-750P. This adds wireless receiver functionality without compromising the compact ergonomic design of the camcorder. A Sony WRR-855A/B can be used.

Rugged and ergonomic design

The design of the HDW-F900R is based on years of Sony experience in camera design and provides a high level of mobility and balance to minimise fatigue in all shooting conditions. Combined with the viewfinder, battery, cassette and microphone, the total weight is only 5.4 Kg.

Benefits

Superb High Definition pictures

The HDW-F900R acquires pictures in 1080-line resolution, providing an unforgettable High Definition viewing experience for your audience.

Increased marketability of your programmes

HDCAM has achieved an enviable reputation for quality, and programmes shot in HDCAM are accepted by many of the world's most prestigious broadcasters. Shooting in HDCAM, especially at the internationally accepted frame rate of 24P, opens up new opportunities for international co-production and distribution.

Peace of mind for High Definition post production

Over 27,000 HDCAM VTRs and camcorders are in use worldwide, and the number of post houses equipped with HDCAM grows every day. You can relax in the knowledge that there is an HDCAM facility close by to add the finishing touches to your project.

Easy integration with Standard Definition

Today more and more programme makers are shooting HDCAM, with many of them using existing SD suites for post production. This approach provides many advantages. These include the lower cost associated with SD post production, and the benefit of retaining an exceptionally high quality HDCAM original recording for future distribution opportunities. And even when downconverted to SD, pictures from HDCAM camcorders will look noticably better than those originated in SD.

Differentiation in a crowded market

The original HDW-F900 built an unrivalled reputation around the world for the production of the very best in quality programming, helping establish HDCAM as the preferred High Definition format worldwide. In today's multi-channel world, shooting with the HDW-F900R ensures that your pictures stand out to grab the attention of the viewers, essential in today's multi-channel environment.

Ease-of-use for minimum re-training

The latest in a long line of digital camcorders from Sony, the HDW-F900R retains the ergonomic design and familiar operation for which Sony camcorders have become renowned. With the HDW-F900R, you avoid expensive operational retraining and can generate great pictures from day one.

Specifications