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About Sony PDW-F800

The Sony PDW-F800 camcorder is the newest member of the xDCAM family. It offers multi-format recording flexibility as standard - including SD recording and a frame rate of 23.98P in 1080 mode. It is equipped with three 2/3-inch type CCDs and a Power HAD FX" progressive CCD with 1920 x 1080 effective pixels. Stunning-quality HD images can be captured by this high-resolution CCD and advanced digital signal. On top of the exceptional technology, the PDW-F800 offers very high quality HD recording at a data rate of up to 50Mbps using the MPEG-2 4:2:2P at HL compression. It also provides multi-format recording flexibility including 1080i, 720P and SD, which comes with HD/SD conversion and cross conversion between 1080i and 720P. With features such as Slow & Quick Motion (over-crank and under-crank recording) make the PDW-F800 ideal for cinema and TV drama productions, as wel as ENG applications.

Recording Bit Rates
MPEG-2 422p at HL format Bit rate is 50Mbps for both 1080 and 720 Audio Format 24bit x 8ch (PDW-800 can record up to 4ch Audio at the same time).

Slow & Quick motion
Over crankling speed is up to X2.0 and shooting speed can be set at every single frame between 1p to 48P/50P/60P.

Well-balanced Compact Body
The PDW-F800 is designed to be very compact and ergonomically well balanced, providing a high level of mobility and comfort in various shooting situations.

Optical ND Filters and CC Filters
Neutral Density (ND) optical filter and CC filter are controlled via a built-in filter wheels.

Gain Control
Gain Control (-6db to +42dB) and Turbo Gain Shockless gain control" provides a smooth transition in gain control.

Slow shutter
A maximum of 64 frames can be accumulated using the slow shutter function. In low light levels this allows clear video to be shot and provides a fantasy video effect with ghost image. - 1-8, 16, 32 and 64 frame accumulation - Turbo Gain allows the camera gain to be boosted up to +48 dB.

Interval Recording
The PDW-F800 offers an Interval Recording function which intermittently records signals at pre-determined intervals. This is convenient for shooting over long periods of time and also when creating pictures with special effects of extremely quick motion.

Freeze Mix
Superimposes a previously recorded image on the viewfinder. This allows the operator to quickly and easily frame or reposition a subject when a shot must be taken from the same position or in the same framework as a previous take.

Picture Cache Recording
Maximum duration is 30sec. This picture cache mode can be ON even in EJECT operation and consequently sequential recording is possible during disc replacement.

Memory Stick Media
All file", Scene file", Lens file" and User file" are provided to store the setting parameters to the internal memory and Memory Stick media.

Digital Extender
The Digital Extender function of the PDW-F800 enables images to be digitally doubled in size. Unlike lens extenders, the Digital Extender function performs this capability without any loss of image sensitivity, which is often referred to as the F-drop phenomenon.

Focus magnification
x2 magnified camera picture is available in the viewfinder which can help precise focus adjustment.

Assignable switch
PDW-F800 provides a total of 6 assignable switches (ASSIGN 1 to 4, COLOR TEMP, LENS RET).

Pool-feed Operation
For pool-feed operations, the optional CBK-HD01 and CBK-SC02 boards provide HD and SD-SDI inputs and SD composite input respectively.

Trigger REC Function
The PDW-F800 camcorder has the Trigger REC function that enables synchronized recording with PDW-HD1500 and PDW-F75 xDCAM decks or HDCAM portable decks connected via the HD-SDI interface a convenient feature for backup recording.

Clip Continuous REC
This mode allows users to create a single, large clip with multiple rec. start & stop. The Rec. start Essence Mark (EM) is recorded to every rec. start frame. The benefits of using this mode are: Capable of having more than 300 takes" on a disc Faster transfer speed by sending a single clip. (No over-head for file open/close process).

Built-in Multi Format Converter
The following conversion is possible in Playback mode: Down conversion from HD to SD, Up conversion from SD to HD, Cross conversion between 1080 and 720.

Forcus Assist
Forcus assist function is available by an indicator Bar on the edge of view finder.

Image Inverter
In the attachment with 2/3" cinema lens adaptor for ultra prime lens and anamorphic lens, the shot image can be inversed.

User Gamma
The gamma curve can be changed by using CVP Editor Ver.4.0 in addition to the current 4 types of Hyper Gamma settings.

Aspect Ratio Control
The following conversion is possible in recording mode: Up conversion from SD to HD In the down conversion process from HD to SD, Squeeze / Edge Crop / Letter Box are available. In the up conversion process from SD to HD Squeeze / Edge Crop / Letter Box are available.

What's in the box:

  • Sony PDW-F800 Professional XDCAM HD422 Camcorder
  • Lens Mount Cap
  • Shoulder Belt
  • Microphone Cable (for converting 3-pin to 5-pin)
  • Operation Manual
  • XDCAM Application Software CD-ROM
  • Sony 7 Year on Laser Block and 1 Year on Camera Warranty