Digital Video Camera & Camcorder Review

This newest addition to Sony’s camcorders brings selectable frame rate recording to the CineAlta family line up. Commonly known as “overcranking” and “undercranking”, Sony calls this function Slow & Quick Motion. In addition, not only does the PDW-F350 record in true 24P, but also 25P and 30P at 50i or 60i. And because the XDCAM system is file based recording, users can realize all the associated benefits. To name a few; instant random access and replay of clips, IT network capability and “Proxy data”. Proxy data, a lower resolution of the material, can be conveniently used for immediate logging on location, off-line editing, daily rushes and sending the material via FTP for client approvals and more. The PDW-F350 offers HD recording in 1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 25P and native 23.98P and the operator can also select the desired bit rate to record in, either 35, 25 or 18 Mb/s depending on the desired picture quality and recording length. Being a dual format camcorder, it can also record in SD mode at 25 Mb/s (DVCAMâ„¢)

“The introduction of a high-definition version of our XDCAM system marks the continuing evolution of optical technology as users shift from standard definition production,” said Alec Shapiro, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Broadcast and Production Systems Division. The decision to keep these new releases within the CineAlta XDCAM family shows a commitment by Sony to this brand line: a reassuring sign for consumers who purchased prior SD video cameras and decks

Three 1/2-inch-type CCDs

Overcranking and undercranking: selectable frame rates from 4 to 60 fps in 1 fps increments

Equipped with a lens connector (a 2/3-inch-type lens can be used via the optional lens adaptor)

Switchable recording between MPEG HD or DVCAM formats

Longest recording time of any HD camcorder currently available: more than 120 min. (18 Mb/s)

Four-channel uncompressed audio recording: 16-bit/48 kHz

16:9, 3.5-inch (viewable area measured diagonally) type color LCD display

Built-in optical ND filter (four positions)

Slow shutter (up to 64-frame accumulations)

Interval recording function for time lapse recording

Auto focus function (compatible optional lens is required)

Thumbnail display with instant access and replay of clips

Scene Selection function for in-camera cuts-only editing

Input: Front stereo microphone, analog audio (2-ch), timecode, gen-lock

Output: HD-SDI, SD analog composite, timecode

i.LINK interface that supports File Access Mode and DV OUT

HD down-conversion capability: DV output via i.LINK (DV OUT) port or base-band SD output via analog component

Freeze Mix function

A Simple Remote Commanderâ„¢ unit is supplied

More Info here

Sony, HD camcorder, HD, camcorder, review, PDW, F350, XDCAM