Sony HDW-650P HDCAM Camcorder

by Sony
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Sony HDW-650P HDCAM Camcorder
Three 2/3-inch Power HAD CCD sensors HDCAM camcorder

HDCAM has become the format of choice around the world for high quality HD programming across a wide range of production genres. Since launch over 43,000 HDCAM camcorders and VTRs have been purchased, and year-by-year Sony has continued to strengthen the line-up to offer new creative opportunities to the user.

For 2008, Sony has added a new camcorder to the HDCAM family, the HDW-650P.

The HDW-650P incorporates the latest developments in acquisition technology to capture breathtaking HD images. It can record pictures in 1080/50i and 59.94i interlace mode, as well as in 1080/25P where a natural 'film look' is required.

The camcorder features three newly developed 2/3-inch type Power HAD FX CCDs, a 14-bit A/D converter, and a state-of-the-art DSP LSI signal processing. This provides extremely wide tonal reproduction, as well as a high sensitivity of F12 at 50 Hz. A signal-to-noise ratio of up to 59dB is realised using a newly developed noise-suppression function.

The HDW-650P is equipped with many useful features as standard - including a 3.5-inch colour LCD screen located on the inside panel - all packaged into a well-balanced, reliable chassis.

Other benefits include two HD-SDI outputs, a down-converted SD output, selectable gamma characteristics (HyperGamma), interval recording, picture cache recording, and a slow shutter function - all provided as standard. Addition of an optional colour or monochrome viewfinder and an optional ECM series microphone completes the feature set.

This product comes with PrimeSupport - fast, hassle-free repairs and a helpline offering expert technical advice. Which gives you the peace of mind that Sony is looking after your equipment, and your business.

Features

Choice of HD Recording Formats, including both interlaced and progressive

The HDW-650P offers a choice of video formats for both frame rates and scanning mode. Acquisition of pictures at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 in 50i, 59.94i and 25P is provided.

Three 2/3-inch HD Power HAD FX CCDs

The HDW-650P is equipped with three 2/3-inch type 2.2-megapixel HD CCDs, which are also used in Sony's class leading HDC-1500 HD Camera.

Based on Sony's Power HAD FX sensor technology and the latest on-chip lens structure, the HDW-650P offers a high sensitivity of F11 at 59.94 Hz or F12 at 50 Hz.

Superb Signal-to-noise Ratio

A signal-to-noise ratio of 59dB can be achieved by activating the Noise Suppression (NS) mode of the HDW-650P, which helps to reduce the high-frequency noise elements of video signals using Sony's advanced digital processing technology.

14-bit A/D Conversion

The HDW-650P incorporates high-performance 14-bit A/D conversion so that images captured by the high-performance CCDs can be processed with maximum precision.

This high-resolution A/D conversion allows mid- to dark-tone areas of the picture to be faithfully reproduced. Thanks to the 14-bit A/D converter, pre-knee signal compression in highlighted areas can be eliminated, and the camera can clearly reproduce a high-luminance subject at a 600% dynamic range*.

*In 1080/50i and 59.94i mode.

3.5-inch* LCD

A large, easy-to-view, colour LCD screen on the HDW-650P camcorder's side panel enables operators to instantly review recorded footage - as well as access the camera's set-up menus, and view status indications such as the four channels of audio and the remaining time available from the tape and battery.

*Viewable area measured diagonally.

New Audio Capability: Digital Wireless Microphone Receiver

The HDW-650P is compatible with a range of microphones.

It is equipped with a slot to accommodate the DWR-S01D* digital wireless microphone receiver, which provides two-channel audio with stable and secure transmission tolerant to interference.

The status of the digital wireless microphone system can be monitored through both the camcorder's viewfinder and the LCD display.

Shotgun-type microphones, such as the ECM-680S/678/674, are also available as options.

Well-balanced Compact Body

The ergonomic design of the HDW-650P provides optimum weight balance, allowing users to enjoy comfortable hand-held operation. Because its centre of gravity is located roughly at the centre point of the shoulder pad, operating the camera for long periods on the shoulder causes less strain on the supporting arm. The HDW-650P's light body weighs just 4.2 kg (9 lb 4 oz).

Down-conversion Capability

The HDW-650P is equipped with a built-in down-conversion system as standard. Down-converted pictures can be output via SD-SDI for SD post production or monitoring.

Picture Cache Recording

The HDW-650P offers a picture cache recording function that is especially useful.

Up to eight seconds of audio and video are buffered in the camcorder's memory before the Rec. start button is pressed (when in Standby mode).

This ensures that action up to eight seconds before the Rec. start button was pressed will still be captured. Cache recording works even before the tape is inserted into the drive - helping to prevent the loss of any unexpected, yet important events.

Slow Shutter*

The shutter speed of the HDW-650P is selectable down to a 16-frame period (in 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, and 16-frame periods).

During this frame period, electrical charges accumulate on the CCDs, which dramatically increases sensitivity. This helps camera operators to shoot in extremely dark environments.

The Slow Shutter function also allows operators to use shutter speeds longer than the frame rate, for enhanced shooting creativity. For example, when shooting a moving object, to create intentional blurring of the image.

Specifications

Mass: Approx. 4.2 kg (without options)
Approx. 5.9 kg (with VF, Mic, BCT-40HD, BP-GL95)
Power Requirements : DC 12 V +5.0 V/-1.0 V
Power Consumption : Approx. 35 W (with 12 V DC supply, when recording, LCD monitor off)
Operating Temperature: 0oC to 40oC
Storage Temperature: -20oC to +60oC
Continuous Operating Time: Approx. 120 min with BP-GL95 battery*1
Dimensions (W x H x D)*1: 124 x 269 x 332 mm
Recording Format (Video): HDCAM 59.94i/50i/25PsF
Recording/Playback Time (MPEG HD): 40 min (59.94i) with BC-40HD
48 min (50i/25PsF) with BC-40HD

In the Box

Sony HDW-650P manual

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