PDF Sony XDCAM Family
PDF Sony XDCAM Family
PDF Sony XDCAM Family
XDCAM HD Camcorders
PDW-F75
XDCAM HD Recording Deck
PDW-F30
XDCAM HD Viewing Deck
PDW-U1
Drive Unit
XDCAM™: The Sony Family of Tapeless Products for File-Based Production
Combining the best of the AV and IT worlds and ideal for XDCAM EX*
quick turnaround projects where deadlines are tight.
XDCAM EX represents an exciting new low-cost entry point
XDCAM is the family name of the Sony line-up of tapeless into the world of HD. The first professional HD camcorder to
camcorders and decks. The HD line-up is now stronger than record onto Sony-manufactured “SxS PRO™” memory cards
ever, and with a choice of XDCAM EX, XDCAM HD and which comply with the ExpressCard™ standard, XDCAM EX can
XDCAM HD 422, offers the most flexible path to file-based record up to 100 minutes of content onto two removable 16GB
production. All use MPEG-2 HD data compression to record cards when recording at 35 Mb/s. Switchable between 1080
breathtaking pictures. Simply choose the format best suited and 720 line operation and supporting the major international
to the programme being created. recording standards up to CineAlta 1080/23.98PsF, XDCAM EX
makes it fast and easy to shoot, edit and distribute great quality
high definition pictures.
XDCAM HD
HD
affordable media costs. Featuring camcorders with 1/2-inch
interchangeable lenses, and based on the same XDCAM
Professional Disc™ technology that has already transformed
operational efficiency in the Standard Definition world,
XDCAM HD offers an elegant path to HD for cost-conscious
users looking to switch analogue production or DVCAM™.
XDCAM HD 422 sits at the top of the range in the XDCAM family.
The stunning HD picture quality delivered at recording and
playback rates of up to 50 Mb/s, with 2/3-inch 1920 x 1080
resolution CCDs, 14 bit A/D conversion and 4:2:2 recording will
increase the appeal of Professional Disc for applications such as
European TV drama, documentary and for mainstream
entertainment programmes that require a high quality look.
File-based acquisition with thumbnail and proxy operation is
also ideal for fast turnaround news and live applications where
speed of production is a critical requirement.
Tapeless
file-based production
* This brochure contains details of XDCAM HD products. Please refer to separate
brochures for XDCAM EX and XDCAM HD 422 for further information on these models.
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PMW-EX1
XDCAM EX Camcorder
XDCAM HD
Disc-based Production with Powerful New Features
Sony has evolved its XDCAM HD family by introducing two new camcorders, the PDW-F355
and PDW-F335, and a new deck, the PDW-F75, to provide much greater operational flexibility.
One of the most significant benefits of the new line-up is a longer recording time of approxi-
mately 4.5 hours of 1080i HD video. This is achieved by the use of a newly developed Dual Layer
Professional Disc, the PFD50DLA, which has a large storage capacity of 50GB*.
The full line-up now comprises two 1/2-inch three-CCD camcorders, the new PDW-F355
and PDW-F335, plus two decks, the new PDW-F75 and the PDW-F30. The addition of the new
PDW-U1 drive unit, which offers compact, mobile, and low cost operation puts the power of
XDCAM onto the desktop. It serves as an external PC drive, connected via the Hi-Speed USB
(USB 2.0) interface, and allows users to instantly view material recorded to Professional Disc
media on their PC. It can also be used as a source feeder to non-linear editing systems.
With greater system flexibility and powerful new features, the enhanced line-up of Sony
XDCAM HD products further expands the world of HD for all types of production.
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XDCAM HD
Versatile, Disc-based HD Recording System
XDCAM HD is a highly versatile production system High Quality Uncompressed Audio Recording
from Sony that offers flexible recording features
including a choice of video frame rates, interlace In addition to HD video recording, high quality audio
and progressive scanning, selectable recording is an equally significant feature of the XDCAM HD system.
data rates and both SD* and HD operation. XDCAM HD products can record four-channel, 16-bit, 48-kHz
* Selectable between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios.
uncompressed audio.
*When recording in HQ (35 Mb/s) or LP (18 Mb/s) mode, recording time may be more
than the above specified figures depending on the actual bit rate that is adopted
during VBR encoding.
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File-based Disc Recording
Cover Layer
One Reflection
Recording Layer 1
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File-based Disc Recording
Sony XDCAM HD products record material as data files The Scene Selection function allows simple cuts-only editing*
using the industry-standard MXF (Material eXchange Format) to be performed within the camcorder or deck. The result
file format. This allows material to be handled with great of the edit can be saved as an XDCAM EDL (known as a
flexibility in an IT-based environment - easily available for “Clip List”), which can be written back to the original disc to
copying, transferring, sharing and archiving. These operations stay with the material. The disc can then be replayed
are accomplished without the need for “digitising”. File-based according to the Clip List so that only selected portions are
data copying allows for degradation-free dubbing of AV played out in the required order. The Scene Selection function
content, which can be performed easily on a PC. The file-based presents dramatic improvements over conventional workflows,
recording system also allows material to be viewed directly especially when transferring material to a non-linear editor or
on a PC, simply by linking it to the XDCAM unit via an i.LINK or server, or when searching for material or edit points in linear
Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) connection*. This works in the same way editing systems. When GUI-based operation is preferred, the
as a PC reading files on an external drive. Scene Selection operation can also be performed on a PC
running the PDZ-1 Proxy Browsing Software. This is supplied
XDCAM HD camcorders and decks are equipped with with all XDCAM products, providing a visually familiar working
IT-friendly, PC-based interfaces. These include an i.LINK environment.
interface supporting DV OUT and File Access Mode as
standard, and a Gigabit Ethernet interface available on the *The video and audio of a clip cannot be edited independently.
PDW-F75 and PDW-F30 decks as an option. Connecting the
XDCAM HD system to an Ethernet network offers users a
new style of network-based operation that can dramatically Selectable Modes of File Recording
improve the efficiency of their workflow. The PDW-U1** drive
uses the common USB interface for easy connectivity and XDCAM HD camcorders and the PDW-F75 deck provide two
wide compatibility with most PCs. modes for file recording. In standard operation, one clip file is
created each time recording is started and stopped*. The
other mode, called Clip Continuous REC mode, which is a
*Supported interfaces vary by products. feature of the PDW-F335, PDW-F355, and PDW-F75**, allows one
**The initial version of the PDW-U1
is read-only, and cannot write files
clip file to be created containing a number of takes*. Although
onto Professional Disc media. it is a single clip, Thumbnail searching and the Expand function
This capability will be available are available as if individual clips had been created. Users can
with a software upgrade choose the most suitable mode depending on the type of
targeted for release in Spring 2008. application.
makes each new recording on an empty area of the disc. REC START REC START REC START
This prevents accidental recording over good takes and Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3
Clip 1
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Other Features
At the same time as recording high-resolution video and All XDCAM HD camcorders and decks can record metadata,
audio data, XDCAM HD also records a low-resolution version as well as the video and audio essence. Information such as
of this AV data on the disc. Called “Proxy Data”, this is much production dates, creator names and camera setup param-
smaller in size than the high-resolution data (1.5 Mb/s for video eters can be stored together with the AV material on the disc
and 0.5 Mb/s for audio), and its format is identical to that used using the supplied PDZ-1 software. This makes it possible to
in the standard definition XDCAM line-up. organize and search through all recordings effectively. One
Because of its lower resolution, Proxy Data can be transferred particular metadata, called EssenceMark™ (Shot Mark), is a
to a standard computer at a much higher speed, and can be convenient reference that can be added to selected frames
browsed and edited using the PDZ-1 Proxy Browsing Software for instant access during editing.
(or other compatible editing software offered by many industry-
leading manufacturers). The PDZ-1 software can also convert
the Proxy Data to ASF format for replay via Windows Media
Player for widespread viewing on the desktop. Proxy Data can
also be viewed directly on a PC without data transfer using an
i.LINK (File Access Mode) connection, and can be transferred
via a standard Ethernet network. The flexibility of Proxy Data
means that it can be used for a variety of applications, such as
immediate logging on location, off-line editing, client approvals
and more.
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XDCAM HD Camcorders
PDW-F355/PDW-F335 Camcorder
The PDW-F355 and PDW-F335 are highly versatile and cost-effective high definition camcorders. They are
equipped with three 1/2-inch HD CCDs and record 1080/50i, 59.94i, 23.98P, 25P and 29.97P pictures.
Both models can also record in DVCAM mode. The PDW-F355 and PDW-F335 are packed with features for
creative shooting such as interval recording, slow-shutter operation and a selection of gamma curves
for precise image control. In addition, the PDW-F355 provides a “Slow & Quick Motion” function, for film-like
“over-cranking” and “under-cranking”.
Disc recording provides a number of benefits that are especially useful during shooting. For example,
because new footage is always recorded onto an empty area of the disc, there is no need to cue-up to
the next recording position before shooting. This means that operators can start recording without the worry
of accidentally recording over existing footage.
In short, XDCAM HD camcorders are ideal for a broad range of applications, including news gathering,
field production, event shooting, TV entertainment and documentaries.
PDW-F335
PDW-F355
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Product Features
Three 1/2-inch Power HAD HD CCDs Slow & Quick Motion (PDW-F355)
The PDW-335 and PDW-355 are equipped with three 1/2-inch The PDW-F355 offers a powerful Slow & Quick Motion function.
HD Power HAD™ CCDs, each with a high density of approxi- This enables users to create elegant fast- and slow-motion
mately 1.56 megapixels (1440 x 1080). These extremely high- footage - commonly refered to as over- and under-cranking
performance CCDs provide a sensitivity of F9 (at 2000 lx, 3200K), in the film world. The PDW-F355 can capture images at frame
a signal-to-noise ratio of 54 dB, and a low vertical smear level rates selectable from four fps (frame per second) to 60 fps
of -120 dB. in increments of 1 fps. For example,when viewed at 23.98P,
images captured at four fps will appear six times faster than
normal. Conversely, images captured at 60 fps will appear
2.5 times slower than normal. The quality of the slow- and
fast-motion images created using the Sony PDW-F355
camcorder is extremely high. Users can see the results directly
in the camcorder’s LCD screen. This ensures maximum creativity
during the shooting process.
Format Capturing
12-bit A/D Conversion *When capturing at 31-60 fps (in 23.98P/29.97P mode)/26-50 fps (in 25P mode),
the camcorders provide lower vertical resolution than in normal capturing mode.
XDCAM HD camcorders incorporate high-integrity 12-bit A/D *This function is available when the recording mode is set to “MPEG HD”.
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XDCAM HD Camcorders
A variety of 1/2-inch HD lenses are available from major Picture Cache Recording provides up to 12 seconds of loop
manufacturers for use with XDCAM HD camcorders. recording using solid state memory. When the camcorder is
A 2/3-inch lens* can also be used with an optional LO-32BMT in Standby mode and the REC button is pressed, everything
lens adaptor. This allows users to choose from a broad range that happened up to 12 seconds before that moment can be
of lenses, including cinema-style lenses, according to their recorded to disc. Valuable shots, which would otherwise have
shooting requirements. been missed, can be captured.
*In this configuration, the resulting focal length will be 1.37 times
the actual focal length of the lens. Precise Image Control
XDCAM HD camcorders offer Slow Shutter and Turbo Gain for Rugged, Reliable Operation
shooting in low-light conditions. These can be used separately
or together depending on the shooting conditions or the A number of unique design features are used to minimise errors
operator’s preference. caused by shock or by dust entering the disc drive. The disc drive
The Slow Shutter function allows shutter speeds longer than the entrance is concealed by two lids, helping to prevent dirt or
frame rate to be used to intentionally blur images of moving moisture from entering the drive. In addition, four rubber damp-
objects. The Turbo Gain function allows the camera gain to be ers are used to hold the disc drive block in place and to absorb
increased by up to +48 dB. mechanical shocks.
XDCAM HD camcorders incorporate noise reduction A large, easy-to-view, colour LCD screen on the camcorder’s
to reproduce low-light scenes more clearly. side panel enables operators to instantly review recorded
footage, as well as access the camera’s set-up menus and view
status information such as the audio meters and the remaining
disc and battery time. It also enables advanced operations such
as Thumbnail Search and Scene Selection.
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Product Features
XDCAM HD camcorders are equipped with a wide range > Built-in ND filter wheel: Clear, 1/4ND, 1/16ND, 1/64ND
of interfaces as standard. These are listed in the table below: > Down-converted output: MPEG HD playback can be
converted to SD and output via the SD composite,
PDW-F355 PDW-F335 component*, or i.LINK (DV OUT) connector
Input Front stereo microphone, Front stereo microphone, > Freeze Mix: superimposes a pre-recorded image in the view
audio (2-ch), timecode, audio (2-ch), timecode*, finder. This allows the operator to quickly and easily frame
genlock genlock
or reposition a subject when a shot must be taken from
Output HD-SDI/SD-SDI, SD analogue HD analogue component**/SD the same position as a previous take
composite, timecode, analogue component (select-
audio (XLR 5-pin) able), SD analogue composite, > Thumbnail Search operation
timecode*, audio (Pin jack) > Expand function
Others i.LINK i.LINK > Scene Selection function for in-camera cuts-only editing**
> Ability to write an EDL (the result of Scene Selection)
*The timecode input and output of the PDW-F335 share the same connector.
**1080/23.98P recordings are output as 1080/59.94i signals via 2-3 pull-down. back onto disc
> Proxy Data recording
> Four assignable buttons: two on the camera handle and two
2-inch Monochrome Viewfinder on the inside panel,which enable operators to assign
frequently used functions
The PDW-F355 and the PDW-F335 are equipped with a > Auto Tracing White Balance for automatic adjustments of
DXF-20W 2.0-inch* monochrome viewfinder as standard. camera colour temperature according to lighting changes
This enables precise manual focusing when shooting in HD > Memory Stick™ and Memory Stick Pro™ media (up to 2 GB):
in 16:9. for storage of camcorder setup files
> Metadata recording: UMID, Extended UMID, EssenceMark
*Viewable area measured diagonally (Shot Mark)
> A Sony WRR-855 Series Wireless Microphone Receiver can be
attached to the camcorder via the CA-WR855 adaptor
“Live & Play” Function > Remote control operation via the Sony RM-B150 and RM-B750
remote control units
The PDW-F355 camcorder has a“Live & Play”function that can > Intelligent light system synchronises strobe on/off to the
simultaneously output both playback signals (images already REC button
recorded) and incoming camera signals (images seen through > Four types of software supplied***: PDZ-1 Proxy Browsing
the viewfinder). Both signals are fed to their respective output Software, PDZ-VX10 XDCAM Viewer Software, Proxy Viewer
and viewfinder connectors independently and can be viewed Software and PDZK-P1 XDCAM Transfer Software (for use with
at the same time. This allows users to frame the next shot, adjust Apple Final Cut Pro™)
the exposure and focus the lens while the camcorder is
*SD component output is only available on the PDW-F335.
playing back recordings from the disc. **The video and audio cannot be edited independently.
***The latest versions of software can be downloaded from the Sony Website.
Please contact your nearest Sony office for details.
Example of Use for News Gathering
Switchable
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XDCAM HD Camcorders
Side
Rear
Side
Side
Rear
Rear
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Camcorder System Diagrams
ECM-674/678/680S
Electric Condenser Microphone
ECM-674/678 require K-1502 3-pin
to 5-pin Conversion Cable
Intelligent CA-WR855
MSX-256S/512S/1GS/2GS Light System Camera Adaptor WRR-855B Wireless
Memory Stick Pro Microphone Receiver*
MSH-64/128 *WRR-861 or WRR-862 Series of
Memory Stick wireless microphone receiver
can also be used. (requires
A-8278- 057-B bracket)
HD-SDI/SD-SDI
(PDW-F355)
HD/SD Analogue
Component (PDW-F335)
1/2-inch Type Lens SD Analogue Composite
(PDW-F355/F335)
2/3-inch Type Lens
i.LINK
(PDW-F355/F335)
LO-32BMT PDW-F355/F335
2/3-inch Type
Recording Media Lens Mount Adaptor
PFD23A or PFD50DLA
Professional Disc
or
AC-DN10 AC Adaptor
BC-M150
BC-L500 RM-B750
RM-B150 or Remote Control Unit
8-pin
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XDCAM HD Decks / Drive
PDW-F75 Recording Deck / PDW-F30 Viewing Deck / PDW-U1 Drive Unit
XDCAM HD decks are highly versatile and are ideal for many different applications including HD video
recording, editing, playout, archiving and presentations at large exhibition or conference venues.
The PDW-F75 is a fully-featured recording deck that can record in both high definition (MPEG HD) and
standard definition (DVCAM) modes*. It can record onto both PFD50DLA Dual Layer and PFD23A Single
Layer Professional Disc and provides up to 4.5 hours of HD recording onto one PFD50DLA. The PDW-F75
is equipped with a comprehensive range of interfaces for integration into both AV and IT-based systems.
HD-SDI input and output, HD analogue component and composite outputs and more are provided.
The PDW-F30 is a viewer and NLE feeder, which can also record MXF files (in both MPEG HD and DVCAM)
via its i.LINK (File Access Mode) or Ethernet** interfaces. It works with PFD23A Single Layer Professional Discs.
Both models can also input and output a 25 Mb/s HDV stream (MPEG-2 TS) for interfacing with HDV™
products or HDV-based non-linear editors via their i.LINK port***.
The PDW-F75 and PDW-F30 have been designed to offer maximum speed of operation. They are equipped
with a VTR-like jog dial, providing familiar and fast control of playback. In addition to the random-access
capability, “Thumbnail Search”, “Expand” and “Scene Selection” functions significantly increase operational
efficiency.
*Possible from inputs via the SD-SDI or SD analogue composite interfaces, which require the optional PDBK-104 board.
**Requires the optional PDBK-101 board.
***Requires the optional PDBK-102 board.
PDW-F75
PDW-F30
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Product Features
PDW-F75 PDW-F30
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XDCAM HD Product Features
PDW-U1
* The initial version of the PDW-U1 is read-only, and cannot write files onto Professional
Disc media. This capability is scheduled to be available with a software upgrade
targeted for release in Spring 2008.
** The latest versions of software can be downloaded from the Sony Website.
Please contact your nearest Sony office for details.
PDW-U1
Power requirements DC 12 V
Power consumption 10 W
Operating temperature 5 to 40 °C (+41 to +104 °F)
Strage temperature -20 to +60 °C (-4 to +140 °F)
Humidity 20 to 90% (relative humidity)
Mass 1.4 kg (3 lb 1 oz)
59 x 164 x 226 mm
Dimensions
(2 3/8 x 6 1/2 x 9 inches)
MPEG HD (35/25/18 Mb/s)
Video MPEG IMX (50/40/30 Mb/s)
DVCAM (25 Mb/s)
Recording Proxy Video MPEG-4
playback format MPEG HD: 4/2 ch/16 bits/48 kHz
(availaible Spring 2008) MPEG IMX: 8 ch/16 bit/48 kHz,
Audio
or 4 ch/24 bit/48 kHz
DVCAM: 4 ch/16 bit/48 kHz
Proxy Audio A-law (8/4/2 ch/8 bit/8 kHz)
Interfaces Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) x1
Operation manual (x1)
PDZ-1 Proxy Browsing Software (x1)
PDZ-VX10 XDCAM Viewer Software (x1)
Supplied accessories
Proxy Viewer Software (x1)
PDZK-P1 XDCAM Transfer Software (x1)
Setup utility software (x1)
16
Optional Accessories
For PDW-F355/F335 Camcorders
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Optional Accessories
1/2-inch Type HD Lenses* and accessories for PDW-F75/F30 Decks
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Services from Sony
Services from Sony: working with you, working for you. Sony Training Services
Recognising that every company and every challenge is unique, A range of off-the-shelf or customised training services from basic
we offer a complete and comprehensive range of services all operation through to high-level technical maintenance.
the way through consulting, planning, financing, implementation,
training, servicing, maintenance and support. Choose exactly
what’s right for you, when and where you need it. Sony Support Services
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XDCAM HD Application Software
PDZ-1
PDZ-1 Features
20
XDCAM HD Application Software
The PDZ-VX10 software allows users to view The Proxy Viewer is a simple application to playback Proxy Data
high-resolution and Proxy MXF files recorded by on a PC.
XDCAM systems on their PC. With this software
installed, thumbnails for all clips can be displayed
in Windows Explorer, enabling the contents of the
disc to be scanned through easily and quickly.
System requirements
OS: Windows XP (SP2 or later) (for PDW-F355/F335/F75/F30/U1)
Windows Vista Business 32 bit/Ultimate 32 bit (for PDW-U1)
CPU: Pentium M Processor or higher
System requirements RAM: 512 MB or more
OS: Windows XP (SP2 or later) (for PDW-F355/F335/F75/F30/U1) Others: Internet Explorer 6.0 (SP1 or later), DirectX 8.1b or later
Windows Vista Business 32 bit/Ultimate 32 bit (for PDW-U1)
CPU: Intel® Core™ Duo processor 1.83GHz or higher
or Intel Pentium 4 3GHz or higher
RAM: 1 GB or more
Others: Internet Explorer 6.0 (SP1 or later), DirectX 9.0c or later
The video playback performance will vary depending on the video format,
file size, and the performance of the computer used. For more details on system
requirements, please contact your nearest Sony office.
System requirements
OS: Mac OS X version 10.4.10 or later
CPU: PowerPC G5 2GHz, Intel Core2Duo
2GHz, Intel Xeon 2GHz or higher
Others: QuickTime version 7.2 or later
Final Cut Pro version 6.0.1 or later
The latest versions of PDZK-P1 software can be downloaded from the Sony Website.
Please contact your nearest Sony office for details.
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XDCAM HD Camcorders Specifications
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XDCAM HD Decks Specifications
* Only one of the PDBK-102, PDBK-103 or PBDK-104 boards can be installed at any one time.
** The PFD50DLA disc cannot be used in the PDW-F30 deck.
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Sony Specialist Dealers receive extensive
training on all our products and services.
They combine this with an in-depth knowledge
of the market, ensuring you get advice that
meets your needs before and after purchase.
To find your nearest Sony Specialist Dealer
visit our “dealer locator” at:
www.sonybiz.net/dealer