The Sony PDW-F800 XDCAM HD422 Camcorder provides the durability and reliability professionals have become accustomed to with their full line of ENG camcorders, while adding many new features. What sets the XDCAM HD422 line apart from other cameras is the ability to shoot high definition video at manageable bitrates, without sacrificing quality.

Equipped with three 2/3″ HD CCDs, the PDW-F800 is capable of recording a 1080p stream at different frame rates and bit rates, giving the user increased versatility to choose between quality and run time. The camera can also under and over crank, between 4 and 60 frames, which can be used for fast and slow motion effects.

The XDCAM series takes recording to the next level, utilizing non-linear single and dual-layer optical Blue Laser technology. Less time logging, capturing and digitizing footage allows videographers to move seamlessly between acquisition and post-production. Increasing efficiency results in shorter production times leading to higher profitability.

MPEG HD422
Improving upon the XDCAM HD format, the PMW-F800 records MPEG HD422. The format is a higher bitrate version of widely used MPEG HD, allowing for more accurate chroma processing. By utilizing its increased 4:2:2 color space (as opposed to 4:2:0) there’s more versatility in digital post production, especially during color correction and DI mastering.

Blue Laser Optical Drive Technology
The XDCAM HD series is anchored by Blue Laser disc, which allows for storage capabilities large enough to record professional quality video. Optical discs give operators more control of the footage they acquire. This can be useful in instances such as news gathering, where footage often goes direct-to-broadcast. The hassle of rolling through tape is eliminated. Optical recording provides users with the advantages of non-linear recording and playback combined with long record times that can often be vital in the field. Sony’s dual-layered 50GB discs not only increase these run times but also provide an ideal archiving method not possible when using flash-based camcorders.

Benefit of Dual Layering
The PFD50DLA dual-layered disc for the XDCAM series of cameras provides a bevy of enhancements over previous models. Most notably is a newly developed servo mechanism that helps decrease access errors, even when the camera is in an unstable environment.

Advanced Video Chip Technology
The camera uses advanced CCD technology. The Power HAD HD (1440×1080) CCDs have specifications that approach the very highest quality FIT chips found in top-tier equipment such as those used in HDTV production. The camera has an amazing 54 dB signal to noise ratio and smear level of -120 dB. The dynamic range of the camera makes it possible to control critical details in both the very brightest and lowest lighted portions of a scene.

High Definition At Your Fingertips
The PDW-F800 has a wide array of high definition frame rates and bit-rates to choose from, using the MPEG HD codec, based on the commonly used MPEG compression technique. Choose between the highest 35 Mbps bit rate for highest possible quality, or use 25 and 18 Mbps when longer run times are needed. The camera can shoot up to 120 minutes of high definition footage to one 23GB Blue Laser Disc.

DVCAM Downconvertion and iLINK
Footage can be recorded in HD mode and then downconverted to DVCAM, and then output through iLINK to any non-linear editing system for high performance and compatibility.

Progressive Recording
The PDW-F800 has the ability to record in progressive mode, which enhances image quality and can provide a more ‘film-like’ image. The camera can switch between standard (30 fps) and 24P modes. The 24P mode gives video the look and shutter of film, which is conventionally shot at 24 frames per second. The camera also has the ability to shoot between 4 and 60 frames, commonly known as “overcranking” and “undercranking”, which produces beautiful fast and slow motion effects.

Loop Recording
Camera Operators often find themselves missing the first few seconds of action due to camera preroll. With the XDCAM this becomes a thing of the past! Simply set the camera to the “Loop Recording” mode and the camera will buffer 10 seconds of audio and video into the camera’s memory. This capability can help prevent the loss of unexpected but important events occurring before the operator even has the chance to press the REC button.

Thumbnail Scene Selection
Blue Laser disc technology allows for quick and easy scene selection using Sony’s attached LCD. Bringing up clips couldn’t be any easier. Randomly access clips and review them seamlessly. Retrieve and save meta-data which can be very useful for scene matching and archiving purposes.

Selectable File Recording Modes
The PDW-F800 has the ability to select the manner in which clips are recorded onto the disc. Users have the ability to toggle between making one long clip, like on a video tape, or separate clips like those found on a digital still camera.

• HD recording at up to 50 Mb/s using MPEG HD422
(an MPEG-2 4:2:2P@HL compression technology)
• Support for existing XDCAM HD and XDCAM SD formats
• 1080i and 720P recording
• Dual-layer disc (50 GB, PFD50DLA) and single-layer disc (23.3 GB, PFD23A) support
• Long recording time (at 50 Mb/s)
➣ Approximately 95 minutes on dual-layer disc and 43 minutes on single-layer disc
• Thumbnail operation
• Proxy data and metadata recording
• Built-in up-conversion to HD from SDI input when recording
• HD/SD conversion and cross conversion between 1080 and 720 at the output during playback
• Three 2/3-inch type Power HAD FX CCDs,
each with 1920 x 1080 effective pixels
• High-quality four-channel audio recording
• 3.5-inch type* color LCD display
• Compact and lightweight at 9 lb 4 oz (4.2 kg)
(without viewfinder, lens, microphone, and battery)
• Dual HD/SD-SDI outputs and composite/HD-Y output
• Pool-feed input (HD/SD-SDI and composite) option
• Ethernet interface
• i.LINK interface
• Compatible with the new DWR-S01D digital wireless
microphone receiver**,which can be directly
mounted in the camcorder’s slot

Blue Laser Optical Drive Technology
Advanced Video Chip Technology
High Definition At Your Fingertips
DVCAM Downconvertion and iLINK
Progressive Recording
Loop Recording
Thumbnail Scene Selection

XDCAM EX
Exmor 1/2″ CMOS Sensors
SxS Solid State Recording Technology
Under and Over-Cranking Made Easy
High Definition LCD
14x Fujinon Lens
Extended Record Time

Interchangeable Lens Mount
3x 1/2″ Exmor CMOS Sensors
1080p
24p
HD-SDI Interface
8-Pin Remote Connection
Timecode in/out
Genlock