Sony HDW-F900/3 HDCAM High Definition Camera

- with HDVF-20A Viewfinder, Chrosziel HD-401-56 15mm rail mount plate, HDCA-901 HD-SDI adapter, custom case

The HDW-F900 is capable of record/playback of 1080 line 24/25/30 frame progressive or 50/60 interlace images. Memory Stick setup system memorizes various parameter settings and provides install recall at any time.
It is capable of shooting in various frame rates (23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, and 59.94), in NTSC or PAL, and in both progressive and interlaced modes. Its native aspect ratio is 16:9 or 1.77:1, but masks can be set within the camera menus in order to frame for 4:3 or 2.35:1. Its resolution is 1920x1080.
The 12-bit A/D converter and Advanced Digital Signal Processing (ADSP) provide adjustable gamma points in order to provide realistic tonal reproduction.

Features:

• Camera image capture complies with the ITU-R, BT 709-3 Recommendation for High Definition Production and International Programe Exchange
• Equipped with the newly developed 2/3" type 2,200,00 sensor FIT imager, providing high resolution 16:9 images
• Compact, lightweight and robust body design with cinematography accessories attached
• Continuous recording time of up to 50 minutes (24P mode)
• Newly developed LSI for ADSP (advanced digital signal processor) improves picture quality, ensuring picture satbility and operational reliability while reducing total power consumption
• A new Memory Stick setup sustem memorizes various parameter settings and provides install recall at any time
• Electronic shutter functions such as ECS and Super EVS provide blur free images
• Various indications for operational reliability
• Dual filter wheels for neutral density and color temperature control
• The HDW-F900 produces picture with astonishing color reproduction accuracy. The Multi Matrix function also offers unique possibilities for creative intervention by allowing selective color enhancement of alteration. Multi Matrix allows a particular color to be selected and its hue changed over a range of approximately 20 degrees.
• Color Balance is widely accepted as one of the key settings for any shot. There are a number of ways of setting this when working with the HDW-F900.
• Paint functions permit color levels to be adjusted on set according to the cinematographers creative needs. The picture can be changed electronically to make it warmer or colder. This feature can be used very creatively, particularly with scenes with mixed color lighting.
• The HDW-F900 can handle a very impressive contrast range. For the most challenging of light settings and associated scene conditions, a number of useful operational features are available that allow image optimization in real-time to help capture the desired mood of a shot.
• The Soft Focus adjustment is particularly convenient for those who find conventional digital images to be too sharp and allow cinematic or film-like images to be created.
• Allows the image detail enhancement in the highlight area to look more natural
• This control the detail level of objects with specific color tonality allowing for a separate image enhancement (or de-enhancement) to occur in those color areas while not affecting the rest of the scene content.
• Mass: Approx 8 kg with typical ENG lens, cassette and BPL-60A battery
• Power Requirements: DC 12 V (+5 V/-1.0 V)
• Power Consumption: 42W (with 12V power, record mode, HDVF-20A
• Operating Temperature: 0 degree C to 40 degree C
• Operating Humidity: 25% to 80% (relative humidity)
• Continuous Operating Time: Approx. 80 minutes with BPL-60A
• Pickup Device: 3 chip 2/3" FIT 2,200,000 CCD
• Clear Scan: (ECS) 24-7000 Hz (minimum setting depends on frame rate selected)
• Sensitivity: f10.0 at 2000 lux, 89.9% reflective, at 24fps with a 1/48 second shutter speed. The exposure index is approximately equivalent to 300 ISO
  
  The Sony HDWf900 cine alta camera, HDW750 and HDW730 camcorders record on the HDCAM format. This format records a 1440Hx1080V frame. How do Sony convert 1920H to 1440H? They are very coy about this "sampling" it is described as a kind of coil compression.
  As the human eye is more attuned to vertical than horizontal resolution this loss of quality is less than you would imagine. On replay the frame is converted to 1920x1080.
  How much horizontal resolution is lost on a HD recording? Try monitoring a live HD camera on a 24 inch monitor, recording a scene and switching between live and playback.
  Most of the time the viewer cannot see a difference between the live output and the playback. The live output from the camera head is full quality 1920 x1080. However there are artifacts with both the sampling and the HDCAM compression that can be seen by a computer trying to key a blue screen. Usually in the form of a single pixel between blue screen and subject that represents.... neither.
  Fast motion against blue screen should be shot at a higher shutter speed to reduce motion blur, then motion blur added after the key is made in post.
  The f900 has a analogue HD output that needs 3 cables to carry the picture and separate cables for sound and timecode. The upside is that this Y PB PR signal requires no additional expensive decoding card in the monitors. But one BNC cable is defiantly easier to work with than three.
• Panavised f900 The Panavised f900 is a modified f900, including a new front and bottom plate which is more secure than the standard Sony plate. The camera is designed to take the weight of the Panavision lenses.
  The PV mount is fitted which necessitates the removal of white balance, shutter, roll buttons and menue wheel to a separate box.
  A custom viewfinder and a new handle, designed with steadycam in mind are employed, along with a new high resolution colour viewfinder made by Accuscene.
  A 35mm crew will feel at home with the Panavison camera lenses and accessories although some of the versatility of using video is traded for this design approach. The Panavison advertising is glossy and at times it is easy for the novice to get the wrong impression for instance claims that Panavision cameras achieve a wider colour gamut are hard to prove and many non video types think that SWAOTC was shot with anamorphic lenses. Panavision are fitting B4 lens mounts to some of their lenses so they can be used on HDW750ps in Europe for TV drama. It is uncertain if they will make these B4 mount lenses available to other users.
  The new Accuscene colour viewfinder will initially be available exclusively to Panavison.