Chapter 1 Introduction

The AJ-SPX900E memory card camera-recorder integrates a camera unit equipped with three CCDs, incorporating a 2/3-inch on- chip lens featuring progressive drive technology, and a video recorder/player (VTR) that supports DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV formats.

The camera offers a choice of interlaced scanning and progressive scanning modes. The AJ-SPX900E provides for a wide range of uses, with such features as film-like gamma correction capability for authoring, and storage-type gain-up capability for news picture shooting.

Utilising P2 cards, which require no mechanism, as media, your AJ-SPX900E offers greater responsibility, operability, and portability. It is highly resistant to shock and vibration during recording, and therefore ensures stable operation for capturing quality video images under the most adverse conditions.

1-1 Camera Unit Features

Three CCDs with a 2/3-inch on-chip lens that supports progressive scanning

The camera supports aspect ratios of 16:9 and 4:3. Operators can choose between interlaced scanning and progressive scanning modes, to handle a wide range of applications.

In progressive scan mode, signals from and to the recorder/ player are converted to interlaced signals.

Innovative 14-bit A/D Converted Digital Signal Processing Circuit

This model utilises new 14-bit linear A/D conversion technology to digitise video. The signal processor, operating at 36 MHz, provides finer reproduction of video, together with enhanced stability and reliability.

Storage-type Sensitivity Enhancement

The camera unit is equipped with a storage-type gain-up capability featuring progressive drive technology. This capability adds up to 20 dB to the standard gain increase.

Digital Zoom

The camera unit features progressive digital zoom. This is particularly effective when you want to zoom-in closer on the subject.

12-axis Independent color Correction

Operating as a paint function, this capability independently corrects colors for each of the 12 axes. This feature helps to produce fine images.

Film-like Gamma Correction

This capability provides a choice of four gamma types. In addition to the standard mode, two types of film-like gammas are available to help enhance video expression in productions. The newly developed News Gamma accurately records changes in shadow areas and reduces whiteout in highlighted areas. This is particularly useful for on-site news shooting.

<Note>

While your AJ-SPX900E supports progressive scanning, constantly increasing the storage-type gain causes a slight degree of brightening at the upper left corner of the screen due to CCD characteristics. Note also that the dynamic range of video signals in progressive scanning mode is about half that in interlaced driving mode.

Auto White Balance with Automatic Tracking capability

The white balance is automatically adjusted in real time, according to the subject. This is effective for urgent recording, where you can’t spare the time to make an adjustment through the auto white balance feature.

Data Management Capability

Your AJ-SPX900E has inbuilt data storage capacity for one user and four scene files. In addition, an SD card can be used as a setup card to store data for up to eight setups.

<Note>

The SD cards used on your video camera-recorder must conform to SD standards. The cards must be formatted using the AJ-SPX900E. However, SD cards formatted, according to SD standards with other devices, including PCs, are also recognised by the AJ-SPX900E.

SD cards with capacities of 8 MB or more are recommended.

Customisable USER Buttons and USER MENU

The camera unit has three USER buttons, operable by a single press, to which frequently used function may be assigned. The on-screen menu is also customisable. You can create an original user menu screen by selecting frequently used menu items. The menu thus created can be displayed with a single touch of the MENU button.

MARKER SELECT Button

Your video camera-recorder has a button on the front that allows you to view marker information on the viewfinder screen. This is useful for checking the view angle during shooting.

Support for ECU

Your video camera-recorder supports the extension control unit AJ-EC3E.

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