Cameras
Sony HDW-750P
The HDW-750P from Sony is a camcorder that destroys any outdated notions about high definition as a bulky, inflexible, prohibitively expensive choice for quality programme making. The compact new HDW-750P puts all the advantages of shooting High Definition at 25P/50i into the hands of the cinematographer, maximising creative opportunities and control without sacrificing portability or battery life.
It is an extremely compact and lightweight design, with a robust and reliable construction. Adopting a 2.2 million-pixel FIT CCD, and Advanced Digital Signal Processing (ADSP), the HDW-750P ensures superb picture quality and low-power consumption. The HDW-750P directly provides HD-SDI as standard, while an optional down converter allows simultaneous direct output of SD, SDI or analogue composite. Camera setup data can be stored in a "Memory Stick". An optional picture cache board can capture pictures and sound in advance of pressing the record button.
Panasonic HDX900
Panasonic Multi-format 1920x1080and 1280/720 line HD Camcorder shooting native 720 or 1080 lines in all frame rates. Very filmic images with the popular Panasonic camera interface and processing. This is Panasonics direct alternative to the Sony HDW-750P HDCAM Camcorder and has enhanced firewire capability,built in cache board and downconverter.
According to Alan Roberts, previously a senior engineer of BBC Research and Development, "The HDX-900 is simply the best HD camcorder available today and outperforms even the Sony HDW-F900/R camcorder for low light performance and lattitude"
Sony DVW-790WSP
The workhorse of the broadcast television industry. Digital Betacam is the preferred delivery format of many major broadcasters.
Incorporating 2/3 inch Power HAD FIT CCDs and a switchable 16:9 or 4:3 ratio it gives superior picture quality at a reasonable hire rate. Some of the features include assignable set up cards, clear scan, white balance, variable shutter and 4 channel audio recording.
It is quite simply one of the most robust and versatile camcorders available. Supplied with Canon J15 zoom lens and PAG L95 Batteries.
Sony DSR-450WSP
The top end DVCAM camcorder, increasingly used as an alternative to Beta SP or when the budget is too tight to shoot on Digital Betacam.
The DVCAM format allows up to 184 minutes recording time and is ideal for events and conferencing. The 2/3 inch CCDs and B4 mount enables the camcorder to be fitted with broadcast lenses that are faster and sharper than professional lenses.
The DSR-450 is switchable and has many features including EZ mode, ClipLink and i.LINK capabilities. Its lightweight construction, ease of operation and low power consumption help to achieve a wide range of field acquisition applications. Supplied with Canon J15 zoom lens and PAG L95 batteries.
Sony PDW-F350L XDCAM
The PDW-F350 is a true-shoulder mount camcorder, perfectly balanced to fit on your shoulder and featuring the latest evolution of familiar Sony ergonomics.
While most entry-level High Definition cameras only have 1/3" CCDs, the PDW-F350 features 3x 1/2" HD CCD delivering class-leading dynamic range and high sensitivity. The advantage of using the world's only ½" CCDs doesn't just mean superior performance, it also provides compatibility with all existing ½ inch lenses. Rolling Stock also have a 2/3 converter to allow proper lenses to be used on this camera.
Sony DSR-PD170P
A lightweight and versatile DVCAM camcorder. With many professional features such as time code, XLR audio and multi-mode record capabilities it is used as a suitable tool for pilots, multimedia and low budget productions.
It uses a 1/3 inch CCD, has full manual controls, B/W viewfinder and an LCD colour monitor. It is capable of amazing results but not suitable in poor or unusual conditions and rarely used for broadcast.
Sony BVW 400 AP
Still a good workhorse, the 400 was the camera in the broadcast market until the advent of digital technology.
It uses a 2/3 inch CCDs and B4 mount. It comes supplied with Canon J15 lens and PAG's all new L95 lightweight batteries.
A good 4:3 camera at a reasonable price.
Sony HVR-Z1E
Providing HDV with the 1080i Standard and joining the existing DVCAM range, the HVR-Z1E offers users an affordable migration path from Standard Definition whilst retaining the popular DVCAM benefits such as ease of use and i.LINK (IEEE1394) connectivity. In addition to its compact size, the HVR-Z1E boasts a number of features over consumer-oriented products making it ideal for the professional user.
Supplied with 3 batterys, Charger and Portabrace bag.
