Next generation of Sony XDCAM Professional Disc completes HD line-up

The next generation of Sony's XDCAM Professional Disc system offers European cinematographers, broadcasters and video professionals a complete toolkit of flexible, digital production options.
The Sony XDCAM HD family of optical products now includes two camcorders and two decks. The same Professional Disc media used in the standard definition version of the XDCAM system is also compatible with the new HD version. Professional users can now record up to two hours of high definition content on the versatile optical media, maintaining their workflow continuity by combining HD resolution with the same IT-based benefits made possible by XDCAM technology since its initial launch in 2004.
"The introduction of a high-definition version of our XDCAM system marks the continuing evolution of optical technology as users shift from tape-based, standard definition production," said Phil Myers, Technical Account Manger at Sony UK. "This new XDCAM line-up completes Sony's range of HD production tools, filling an important gap between Sony's entry-level and high-end formats."
The two XDCAM HD camcorder models PDW-F330 and PDW-F350 both offer the production features that professional users need, such as true 24P recording in SD or HD, interval recording, and slow shutter. In addition, the PDW-F350 offers true variable frame rate recording capabilities; also commonly known as "over-cranking" and "under-cranking" or "slow-motion/fast motion" functionality.
"This is a much-desired and often critical feature for cinematographers and directors of photography who need the flexibility of changing frame rates to create unique "looks" for their productions or to create special effects," said Myers. "For digital cinematographers, the ability to shoot at slower or faster frame rates than playback gives them the great motion effects often seen in film cinema."
The XDCAM HD products offer the flexibility of recording 1080i video in three data recording rates: 25 Mbps, plus 35 Mbps and 18 Mbps. The system records high-definition content to Sony's existing Professional Disc single-layer media using a HD MPEG-2 Long GOP video compression codec.
The camcorders use three half-inch CCD 1.5 megapixel imagers with a variety of lenses from major manufacturers available. In addition, a 2/3-inch to 1/2-inch lens adapter is available.
The XDCAM HD products will be available in Europe from April 2006.
(SP)