Sony’s XDCAM HD422 Series of optical disc products, are the latest addition to its pro-HD cameras

Sony expands XDHDCAM range

Geny Caloisi, 15 April 2009

Sony has launched the XDCAM HD422 and PDW-F800 CineAlta camcorders and PDW-F1600 deck to offer video makers extended production tools. The XDCAM HD422 Series of optical disc products, are the latest addition to its pro-HD cameras, for motion picture and TV episodic production, and for ENG/EFP applications.

The PDW-F800 CineAlta camcorder and PDW-F1600 deck expand the capabilities of the MPEG HD422 codec, with both offering a frame rate of 23.98P natively in 1080 mode and multi-format recording flexibility as standard - including standard-definition recording to support legacy formats (MPEG IMX, DVCAM and 4:2:0 HD content). They also provide multi-format (1080i/720P) recording, as well as HD/SD conversion and cross-conversion during playback between 1080i and 720P.

Users can record HD content (approximately 95 minutes at 50 Mbps) to the dual-layer 50GB version of Sony's optical Professional Disc media, model PFD50DLA. The camera and deck can also handle content on PFD-23A single layer discs.

The PDW-F800 adds variable frame rate recording for slow and quick motion capabilities, also commonly known as ‘over-cranking' and ‘under-cranking.' The ability to shoot at slower or faster frame rates than playback delivers high-quality motion effects. These effects can be played back and viewed in the camera so any creative adjustments can be made immediately on site.

The camcorder uses three of Sony's 2/3in Power HAD FX progressive CCDs that can produce a resolution of 1920x1080.