Sony HDW-F900R CineAlta 24P HDCAM Camcorder without Viewfinder, 2/3" CCD, 1080p Resolution, 20 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response

The highly respected Sony HDW-F900 camcorder offering a variety of further enhanced functionalities. The HDW-F900R camcorder records images in accordance with the CIF (Common Image Format) standard, which specifies a sampling structure of 1920 x 1080 active pixels (horizontal x vertical). Plus, as well as recording at 24P, the HDW-F900R camcorder is switchable to record at 25P, 29.97P progressive scan and also at 50 or 59.94 Hz interlaced scan. The HDWF900R also provides a comprehensive range of features for creative shooting such as enhanced gamma features and colorimetry controls. Plus, the design of the HDW-F900R is highly compact and lightweight, giving users higher levels of mobility and comfort when shooting. In combination with its renowned 24P capability and attractive cost efficiency, all of these great functionalities make the HDW-F900R the perfect solution for shooting television series , documentaries, commercials, as well as motion pictures. The Art of Image Making
The progressive scan CCD sensor at the heart of the HDW-F900R marks a significant advance in Sony HAD CCD technology. It is a development that now makes possible image capture over a range of frame rates and ensures that their quality is at the highest possible level. This progressive scan CCD sensor provides a sensitivity of f10 at 2,000 lux (at 59.94i) providing subjectively noise and grain-free pictures. At 24 fps, with a 1/48-second shutter speed (equivalent to a 180degree film camera shutter setting), the exposure index of the HDW-F900R is approximately equivalent to 300 ISO. It allows the acquisition of gain-free imagery in deeply shadowed areas of a scene. Superb CCD highlight-handling greatly extends the Exposure Latitude of the camera allowing directors the dramatic freedom to shoot and capture extreme highlights in otherwise low-key scenes.

Internal Light System
A two-pin socket provides up to 50 watts of power from the attached lithium-ion battery. This can be used to power a variety of ancillary devices, including a front-light that can be mounted on the upper part of the handle. The power can be switched on and off manually or, when in Auto mode, it can be set to be synchronized with the operation of the Record button. system. This compact and lightweight camera opens new possibilities for creative camera work, while delivering uncompromising picture quality.

Cassette loading
The cassette loading is fast, simple and reliable. It takes less than 5 seconds for cassette change.

Optical Filter Wheels
For the optical picture treatment, two independent filter wheels (each with four filter positions) are provided, one with for Neutral Density (ND) and one with Color Correction (CC) filters are installed.

Extended Clear Scan
The Extended Clear Scan function is particularly useful when shooting scenes that contain computer or TV screens as it minimize the horizontal bars that can appear. The ECS shutter speed is continuously variable. When the camera is operated at 24P with a 1/48-second shutter speed, it exactly emulates the motion blur of a film camera operating at 24 fps with a 180degree shutter.

Safety Zone Marker
To allow for individual production requirements, the HDW-F900R provides a Safety Zone Marker user adjustable for any aspect ratio

Balanced Audio Inputs
The HDW-F900R is equipped with a range of balanced audio interfaces; an analog 5-pin XLR connector for stereo audio output, two 3-pin XLR connectors with selectable MIC/Line level input and the front microphone input. The two 3-pin XLR connectors can also be switched to accept four channels of AES/EBU digital audio input, establishing a highly functional digital EFP audio system using the Sony DMX-P01 Digital Portable Mixer.

Dual HD-SDI Outputs
In response to the strong requirements for convenient and high-quality on-set monitoring, two HD-SDI outputs have been incorporated into the HDW-F900R camera body as standard. This is a great enhancement to the previous model, which offered HD-SDI output only through the use of an external camera adaptor.

Recording on HDCAM SR
The HDW-F950R can feed camera output signals via its HD-SDI connector for recording on external VTRs such as Sony SRW-1 HDCAM-SR portable recorders.

LCD Status Panel and Diagnostic System
All the main operational controls and switches are located on the left-hand side of the camcorder. The LCD panel is on the same side and shows a wide range of status and diagnostic displays such as Tape Remaining, Battery Level, Audio Levels, etc.

Assignable Function Buttons
You can assign Viewfinder Return, Record and other functions to this switch.

Electronic Shutter
The electronic shutter helps in capturing clear images of fast-moving objects by selectively minimizing motion blur.

Adjustable Shoulder Pad
The position of the shoulder pad on the HDW-F900R can be easily adjusted - both forwards and backwards - without using a screwdriver. This ensures the operator can always attain a comfortable and well-balanced camera position, even when docked with a range of lenses.

Mic Volume Protection
A protection cover located under the volume knob of the front microphone is provided to prevent operators from accidentally changing the volume.

Contrast Range
The HDW-F900R can handle a very impressive contrast range. For the most challenging of light settings and associated scene conditions, several useful operational features are available that allow image optimization in real-time to help capture the desired mood of a shot. The first of these important functions is RGB Gamma Balance. By changing gamma balance it is possible to change the color balance of the mid-tones without affecting black and white balance. The second feature, Black Gamma allows fine adjustment of tonal reproduction in the shadows (black) to be made. This can help to bring out details from the dark parts of the picture without affecting mid-tones and with the absolute black level remaining unchanged. It is particularly helpful for dark scenes when the black has to stay black, but there is a requirement to pull out more details. The range of creative possibilities offered by modifying RGB Gamma Balance and changing Black Gamma is quite inspiring and, when mastered by a cinematographer, offers a great advantage in achieving a desired 'look'.

Extended Gamma Features
Hyper Gamma//User Gamma Flexibility

Colorimetry
The HDW-F900R produces pictures with astonishing color reproduction accuracy. Its Multi Matrix function also offers unique possibilities for creative intervention by allowing selective color enhancement or alteration. Multi Matrix allows a particular color to be selected and its hue changed over a range of approximately 20 degrees. The level of saturation can also be modified. This permits some very interesting "in camera" effects - similar to the secondary color correction normally reserved for post production special effects work - and is performed at the full bit depth.

Picture Sharpness
The HDW-F900R produces extremely delicate pictures with fine detail. The CCDs, each with 2.2 million pixels, faithfully capture images with natural sharpness. The HDW-F900R also incorporates some new and innovative image enhancement functions, allowing very precise control of the way the picture texture and edges are represented. The first of these new features is Soft Focus. The Soft Focus adjustment is particularly convenient for those who find conventional digital images to be too sharp and allows cinematic pictures to be created. In concert with optical filtration, this additional digital filtration can add a new creative extension to the treatment of image softness - and it can be optimized in real-time on the shoot. The second feature, Adaptive Detail Control (also known as Knee Aperture), allows the image detail enhancement in the highlight areas to look more natural. The third feature is Skin Tone Detail. This controls the detail level of objects with specific color tonality. It is particularly useful when shooting talents with the intent to creatively alter and soften the texture of their facial appearance while the remainder of the scene retains its full crispness. Within selected areas, details can be enhanced as well as softened. This can be a powerful imaging tool not available in film shooting. Three sets of such correction parameters can be applied simultaneously.

Picture Stability
By its very nature any digital or video camera delivers rock steady pictures. The HDW-F900R is no exception. The picture stability is particularly relevant for productions incorporating multi-layered compositing special effects. Image weave, compounded by noise, is the enemy of all compression algorithms. The emergence of highly compressed MPEG-based delivery systems, including DVD and digital transmission using multiple GOPs (Group of Pictures) calls for a high level of picture stability to maintain picture quality - and digital acquisition is a major boon.

Stop Motion and Time Lapse
With the HKDW-703 Picture Cache Board equipped, the HDW-F900R offers a frame-by-frame recording capability that provides stop-motion and time-lapse modes of operation in-camera. This offers new and innovative creative opportunities in both animation and model shooting. The tape requires to be pre-striped on its LTC (at the desired frame/field rate) by the HDW-F900R that will be used in the actual shooting.