Overview 1 Chapter

Features

The DSR-400/400P DVCAM* digital camcorder is equipped with a 2/3-inch type Power HAD* EX CCD with an aspect ratio of 4:3. The DSR-450WS/450WSP DVCAM digital camcorder is equipped with a 2/3-inch type Power HAD EX CCD with a wide-screen aspect ratio of 16:9. In addition to the same main features, functions, and operation method of previous models, these new camcorders provide superior camera functionality.

*“DVCAM” and “Power HAD” are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.

Camera features

2/3-inch Power HAD EX CCDs

The three high-sensitivity, low-smear 2/3-inch Power HAD EX CCDs provide high image quality putting this camera at the top of its class for a standard NTSC/PAL definition camcorder.

•Smear: –140 dB

•Sensitivity: F11 (3200K, 2000lx)

•S/N ratio: 65 dB (DSR-400/450WS), 63 dB (DSR-400P/ 450WSP)

The DSR-450WS/450WSP allows you to switch between

a16:9 aspect-ratio wide image and a 4:3 aspect-ratio standard image.

2.5-inch color LCD monitor

A 2.5-inch color LCD monitor is mounted on the side of the camcorder. You can check the video image during both recording and playback. Also, the LCD monitor angle can be adjusted freely to make high-angle and low-angle recording easier. The time code and an audio level meter can also be displayed on the LCD monitor.

Stylish design

The basic design of the camcorder has been improved. Stylish angles and an attractive finish for the VTR section are combined with a wide, easy-to-use connector section on the back of the camcorder.

Adjustable shoulder pad

The camcorder is equipped with an adjustable shoulder pad that makes it possible to adjust the position of the camcorder to shoot from a stable position regardless of the body size and shooting style of the camera operator.

Recording in progressive scan mode (DSR-450WS/450WSP only)

You can record in a progressive scan mode of 30 PsF (DSR-450WS) or 25 PsF (DSR-450WSP). (The video image is recorded as an interlaced scan signal (60i (DSR- 450WS) or 50i (DSR-450WSP)).) Also for the DSR- 450WS, a 24P mode makes it possible to record film-like

images. (The video image is recorded as an interlaced scan signal (60i) by 2-3 pull-down conversion.)

For details on recording in progressive scan mode, see “Setting the CCD scan mode (DSR-450WS/450WSP only)” on page 108.

ASSIGN (Assignable) switches

Assignable switches provided on the side panel and on the top of the grip, respectively, can be assigned to functions such as ATW, VTR start/stop, etc., to suit your needs.

When shooting, these functions can then be called up instantly.

Scene file

You can save various settings for shooting a particular scene as a scene file in the internal memory of the camcorder. Loading the scene file, you can quickly recreate the same setup conditions suitable for shooting a particular scene.

“Memory Stick” slot

The camcorder is equipped with a “Memory Stick” slot. When using the scene file function, you can save menu settings on a “Memory Stick” and quickly recall them when necessary. Also, when two or more camcorders are used for shooting, the settings of the first camcorder can be copied to the others via the “Memory Stick”, making color matching easier.

Programmable gain

The value of gain that is assigned to the setting (H/M/L) of the GAIN switch can be selected from –3dB, 0dB, 3dB, 6dB, 9dB, 12dB, 18dB, 24dB, 30dB, and 36dB.

Electric CC filter

The CC filter that was previously paired with the ND filter has been eliminated, so the ND filter is now the camcorder’s only optical filter and this makes operation of the camcorder easier. With the wide-band white balance amplifier of this camcorder, the white balance can be adjusted in a wide range of color temperatures without an optical CC filter.

Auto-tracing white balance (ATW)

This function automatically traces the white balance, which constantly changes as lighting conditions change. Auto-tracing white balance is especially useful when there is no time to manually adjust the white balance, or when shooting moves between indoor and outdoor locations.

A variety of shutter functions

• Electronic shutter

The high-performance electronic shutter allows you to record a video image at a high resolution even when shooting fast-moving objects.

• ECS

The ECS (Extended Clear Scan) mode allows you to adjust the shutter speed more precisely. You can set shutter speed

8 Features