Features

The PDW-F355 is an XDCAM 1) HD 2) camcorder integrating an HD video camera using three HD CCDs of the 1/2-inch type with a total effective pixel count of 1.56 million, and a Professional Disc 1) drive.

This unit provides a range of useful shooting functions for video production, and allows shooting and recording in both progressive scan and interlace scan modes with an HD image having 1080 effective scan lines. Since it also supports SD 3) DVCAM recording, it can be used through a transition from SD to HD production.

The use of Professional Disc adds high reliability to recording and playback, and the unit also includes many playback and editing functions exploiting the possibilities of random access.

1)XDCAM and “Professional Disc” are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

2)HD: High Definition

3)SD: Standard Definition

Camera Features1/2-inch HD CCD

The use of three interline transfer CCD with an effective pixel count of approximately 1.56 million (1440 ×1080) enables high sensitivity, high picture quality, and high fineness video shooting.

Camera signal processing for high quality video

Aspecially-developed ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) for signal processing provides the following functions.

• A 12-bit A/D converter ensures recording of pictures stable at high quality.

• Both progressive and interlace scan modes are supported.

• You can select from five HD shooting/recording modes: 23.98P 1), 25P, 29.97P 2), 50i, and 59.94i 3), for ideal support of various applications including digital cinema production, program production, and event video production.

• For recording and playback in the DVCAM format (SD), the aspect ratio (16:9/4:3) and standard broadcasting system (NTSC/PAL) can be freely selected. Further, when NTSC is selected, video shot at 23.98P can also be subjected to 2-3 pulldown and recorded. (The recording format is then 59.94i.)

1)In this system, shown as 23.9P or 23.98P.

2)In this system, shown as 30P.

3)In this system, shown as 60I.

Shooting functions provide various effects

This unit is equipped with many of the functions provided in a film camera, allowing the operator creative control through a variety of techniques.

Slow shutter function

A maximum of 64 frames can be accumulated using the slow shutter function. In low light levels this allows clear and noiseless video to be shot, and provides a fantasy video effect with ghost images.

Time lapse function (interval recording)

Using this function slow-moving subjects can be shot with the movement compressed in time. This is convenient for many applications, such as monitoring plant growth, or the progress of a construction site.

Slow & quick motion function 1)

This unit has a slow & quick motion function. This allows the shooting frame rate to be different from the playback frame rate, for the same effect as overcranking or undercranking a film camera. Unlike low-speed or high- speed playback of normally shot video, this provides a smooth slow-motion effect, or action speeded up beyond actual speed.

1) This function is available when the recording mode is MPEG HD.

Shooting functions to cope with different shooting conditions

•The ATW 1) and auto iris functions allow shooting with automated adjustment of the white balance and intenstity levels to cope with varying ambient lighting conditions.

•By switching among the four levels (including CLEAR) of neutral density (ND) filter, it is possible to compensate for lighting conditions, and control the depth of field.

•When shooting in daylight or other high color temperature illumination, pressing the 5600K button instantly switches the color temperature setting to 5600K 2).

•With the GAIN switch, you can adjust the gain of the video amplifier according to the lighting conditions when shooting. You can vary the setting in the GAIN switch positions (H/M/L) to any values in the range –3 dB to +48 dB.

1)Auto Tracing White balance

2)Only when the WHITE BAL switch is in the PRST position

Saving and recalling settings on a “Memory Stick”

Using a “Memory Stick” 1) (supplied separately), you can save menu settings adjusted to particular shooting conditions, and then recall those settings as required.

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

Overview 1 Chapter

Features 9