Sony PDW-355

The Sony PDW-F355 XDCAM HD Camcorder provides the durability and reliability professionals have become accustomed to with their full line of ENG camcorders, while adding many new features. What sets the XDCAM HD line apart from other cameras is the ability to shoot high definition video at manageable bitrates, without sacrificing quality.

Equipped with three 1/2" HD CCDs, the PDW-F355 is capable of recording a 1080i stream at different frame rates and bit rates, giving the user increased versatility to choose between quality and run time. The camera can also under and over crank, between 4 and 60 frames, which can be used for fast and slow motion effects.

SPECIFICATION:

  • HD-native 16:9/4:3 Switchable CCDs
  • Real-time SD output
  • Quick and Slow Motion
  • Advanced Optical Features
  • HD 1080 Recording at Selectable Frame & Bit Rates
  • DVCAM Recording and Up/Down conversion
  • High-quality Audio Recording
  • File-based Disc Recording
  • Advanced Scene Selection Functionality
  • Advanced Proxy Recording
  • High Level of Reliability
  • Comprehensive interfaces

HD-native 16:9/4:3 Switchable CCDs

XDCAM HD Camcorders incorporate three HD-native, 16:9/4:3 switchable 1/2-inch CCDs, offering outstanding-quality images with a low smear level and a high signal-to-noise ratio.

Real-time SD output

Even when recording in MPEG HD, XDCAM HD camcorders output a real-time SD signal via SD-SDI, i.LINK DV out and composite out, further enhancing versatility and operational compatibility (e.g. with monitors or recording equipment on location.)

Quick and Slow Motion

The PDW-F355 can record any frame rate between 4P to 50P for 25P playback mode, or, 4P to 60P for 24P/30P playback mode and content can be reviewed instantly. For example, you could shoot at 50P and playback at 25P - offering an in-camera 2.0x slow motion effect. Alternatively, a high speed effect can be created by shooting at for example 4 frames per second and played back at 25 fps. HD content can be played back on any XDCAM HD machine, DV content can be played back on any XDCAM SD product.

Advanced Optical Features

The XDCAM HD Camcorder has a built-in optical Neutral Density (ND) filter wheel with four positions and a slow shutter - supporting up to 64-frame accumulations. An auto-focus function is built-in (compatible lens required) and there is also an optional lens adaptor for 2/3-inch lenses.

HD 1080 Recording at Selectable Frame & Bit Rates

XDCAM HD products can record video signals in 1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 25P and native 23.98P - using a "MPEG HD" codec with industry standard MPEG-2 MP@HL compression. The user can also select the following bit rates; 35, 25 or 18Mb/s depending on picture quality and recording length requirements. When using the new 50GB Dual Layer Disc the highest bit rate of 35Mb/s results in a recording time of more than 145 minutes, while choosing 18Mb/s provides a recording time of more than 248 minutes - the longest recording time offered by any current professional HD camcorder. MPEG HD images are recorded at 1440x1080 pixels with 4:2:0 sampling.

DVCAM Recording and Up/Down conversion

To maximise HD/SD workflow flexibility, all XDCAM HD Camcorders can record in the ubiquitous DVCAM format with a choice of NTSC/PAL and 16:9/4:3 modes. In addition, both camcorder and decks incorporate a down-conversion capability that allows material recorded in the MPEG HD format to be converted to DV signals and output via the i.LINK port - enabling users to edit the material using compatible DV-based non-linear editors. DVCAM is recorded at 25Mb/s allowing approximately 185 minutes recording per Dual Layer disc. In NTSC mode, sampling is 4:1:1 with 480 active lines per frame. In PAL mode, sampling is 4:2:0 with 576 active lines per frame.

High-quality Audio Recording

XDCAM HD products can record two or four-channel, 16-bit, 48-kHz uncompressed (Linear PCM) audio - delivering high sound quality.

File-based Disc Recording

Because the XDCAM system records video and audio as IT-type files rather than a linear AV stream, XDCAM HD products offer a range of powerful benefits:

  • Instant random access to content
  • Automatic recording onto empty disc space (no need to worry about overwriting valuable content)
  • Easy integration into other IT-based equipment such as Non-Linear Editing and Arching Systems and Archive
  • Advanced network-based workflow via i.LINK FAM (File Access Mode) or Ethernet
  • High Speed File Transfer

Advanced Scene Selection Functionality

The PDW-F355's 16:9 3.5-inch colour LCD displays a highly advanced interface giving access to features most camcorders leave to post production. For example, a thumbnail display provides immediate access to detailed metadata or key scenes (selected automatically and/or manually) for quickly reviewing content on site. You can even perform simple cuts-only editing on the camera itself.

Advanced Proxy Recording

XDCAM HD products automatically record low-resolution AV data simultaneously with the HD or SD resolution data on the same disc. This low resolution content - called "Proxy Data" - uses MPEG-4 for a low data rate (1.5Mb/s for video and 0.5Mb/s for audio) while still offering reasonable quality. For a fast-breaking news story, Proxy Data can even be relayed over a low bandwidth link (e.g. mobile phone) and broadcast. In normal circumstances, Proxy AV applications include:

  • Immediate logging on location
  • Off-line editing
  • Daily rushes
  • Client Approvals

Proxy Data can be browsed and edited on most popular NLEs. In addition, all XDCAM HD products are supplied with PDZ-1 Proxy Browsing software for Windows PC which supports drag-and-drop content transfers.

High Level of Reliability

XDCAM HD camcorders share the same platform as the XDCAM SD products which have proven themselves in demanding applications all around the world. As there is no mechanical contact between media and recording heads, a high level of durability and long media life have been achieved. XDCAM products have also demonstrated exceptional resistance to shock, vibrations and extremes of climate.

Comprehensive interfaces

The PDW-F355 features a wide-range of input-outputs and interfaces for maximum production flexibility:

  • Input: Front stereo microphone, analogue audio (2-channel), timecode, gen-lock
  • Output: HD analogue component, SD analogue component, SD analogue composite, timecode
  • i.LINK interface supports File Access Mode (FAM) and DV OUT
  • HD down-conversion capability: DV output via i.LINK (DV OUT) port or base-band SD output via analogue component or SD-SDI output.

Additional features

  • Interval recording for time-lapse capture
  • Freeze mix
  • Remote Commander™ supplied
  • Assignable buttons enable operators to assign frequently used functions
  • Interval recording (automatic and manual) intermittently records signals at pre-determined intervals, ideal for recording over long periods
  • "Memory Stick"™ function for storage of camcorder set-up files
  • Metadata recording: UMID, Extended UMID, Essence Marks
  • Auto Tracing White Balance for automatic adjustments in camera colour temperature according to lighting changes