Sony 900, 930, 950 manual Camera Head, Skin tone detail function, Frequency control, Ratio control

2 2-2.Camera Head

The HDC-900 Series is an outstanding new-generation HD camera with a true multi-purpose system in which many new technologies have been incorporated such as Sony’s ADSP (Advanced Digital Signal Processing),

anewly developed 2.2-million pixel CCD and 12-bit A/ D conversion. 12-bit A/D conversion improves gradation analysis by a factor of four compared to 10- bit conversion, significantly improving control over picture tonal reproduction, and accuracy of color reproduction. A 600% dynamic range in conjunction with the 12-bit A/D and the superior DSP processing ensure superb processing of overexposed picture information and the handling of specular highlights. Just some of the state-of-the-art features are:

• Optical filter wheels

• Multiple output capability

• Optical fibre digital transmission

•Memory Stick (media card operation)

•Triple skin tone detail

•Adaptive detail control

•Electronic soft focus

•Adaptive highlight control

•Knee saturation

•Multi matrix control

These improvements contribute to an unsurpassed image quality, making the HDC-900 Series a true ‘top- of-the-line’ studio/OB camera.

The HDC-950/930 is the portable version of the HDC-900 and has identical video processing circuitry. Both models have the same signal performance and can be controlled either at the camera head or by remote control through studio system peripherals such as the HDCU-900/HDCU-950 Camera Control Unit, MSU-700A/750 Master Set-up Unit and CNU-700/500 Camera Command Network Units. Because of this design concept, users of the HDC-950/930 have the same features, the same operational performance and the same operational ‘feel’ as the HDC-900 - an optimized solution to meet the needs of high-end users for a companion studio portable camera.

The flexible interfacing of the HDC-900 and HDC- 950/930 means that they are not only high-end HD broadcasting cameras, but they can also be easily integrated into conventional studio/OB vehicle systems that use earlier BVP-900/700/500 Series cameras.

The HDC-900/950 family has the following features:

High picture quality and high performance

The new 2/3-type 1080 FIT CCD with 2,200,000 pixels, a unique CCD output signal processing circuit, and a 12-bit A/D converter provide high picture quality and excellent performance for the HDC-900 and HDC-950.

Ahigh-cost-performance IT type - HDC-930 - is also available.

Newly designed integrated unit (HDC-950/930 only) Low power consumption and high efficiency of heat radiation were -addressed by integrating the camera and camera adapter into a single unit, improving the reliability. In addition, five filter discs each for CC and ND are provided as standard to match the operability of the studio-useHDC-900.

Multiple formats

The HDC-900 and HDC-950 operate with various formats, covering 24PsF, 50i, 25PsF, 30PsF, as well as 60i systems, while the HDC-930 operates with 50i and 60i systems.

Memory Stick*1 operation

The camera is equipped with a Memory Stick drive, which enables setup data storage and software upgrading using Memory Stick media cards.

*1 “Memory Stick” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

Selection of gamma table

Multiple gamma tables are provided, enabling you to use multiple formats and perform flexible image creation.

Wide variety of detail control functions

Skin tone detail function

Allows control (emphasis or suppression) of the detail level for just a certain hue or chroma area in the image, by creating a detail gate signal from hue color components centered on skin tones. Detail boost

frequency control

The boost frequency can be adjusted from 20 MHz to 30 MHz. This allows the detail thickness to be set appropriately for the subject, thus enabling more subtle image expression.

H/V ratio control

The ratio between horizontal and vertical detail can be adjusted.

White/black limiter

The white side and black side detail can be limited independently.

Easy menu-based setting

Selections and settings for shutter speed, ECS, Super EVS mode, viewfinder display items, video gain, safety zone marker*2 or center marker*3, screen size marker, etc. may be made quickly and easily using setup menus displayed on the viewfinder screen or an external monitor.

*2 Safety zone marker: A box-shaped marker displayed on the viewfinder screen which indicates 80%, 90%, 92.5%, or 95% of the total screen area.

*3 Center marker: A cross-shaped marker that indicates the center of the viewfinder screen.

Wide variety of viewfinder display options

Along with items such as operation messages, a zebra pattern*4, a safety zone marker, and a center marker, camera settings may also be displayed on the viewfinder screen using text and symbols. Further, there are other indicators arranged above and below the viewfinder, such as a tally lamp, battery warning indicator, and an indicator to tell that one or more settings are other than standard. This makes it simple to check the status of the camera.

*4 Zebra pattern: A stripe pattern displayed on the viewfinder screen which indicates the portions where the video level is above about 70% or 100%. Used to check the video level of the subject.

Optical digital transmission

The camera uses electro-optical composite cable for 1.5-gigabit digital optical transmission between the camera and a camera control unit.

High-resolution 2-type multi-format viewfinder (HDC- 950/930 only)

Along with developing the HDC-950, a 2-type multi- format viewfinder HDVF-20A is provided.

Prevention of electrical shock

When the power connection is unsafe, the power supply from the HDCU (Camera Control Unit) will be shut off.

HDC-900/950/930 Series Product Information Manual Chapter 2 Total System 17