Visual Impact UK Ltd

Sony has just launched a new DVCAM camcorder. The DSR-PD175P is simply the best standard definition handheld camcorder ever produced by Sony. It uses the same chassis as the state-of-the-art HVR-Z5E HDV Camcorder introduced in 2008 with many of the same advanced features, including the all-new high performance Sony G-Lens which combines a ClearVid array and advanced Exmor image-processing technology for class leading picture quality and low light performance.

A great product no question but does anyone still want a standard definition camcorder ? Let me know your thoughts.

Leading equipment supplier Visual Impact is running a 2 day event on 28th and 29th July. As part of the Sony experience campaign attendees will have the opportunity to hear from industry experts on the HDV & XDCAM range of camcorders. Specially selected freelance cameramen will be on hand to give advice and there will be plenty of time for hands-on the equipment. If you own one of these camcorders or are thinking of upgrading this is the event for you. Register for FREE now on sonybiz.net/experience to reserve your place.

Date: 28th & 29th July
Venue: Teddington Business Park
Time: 10:00 to 12:00 & 14:00 to 16:30
Equipment: Sony HVR-Z5E, HVR-Z7E, PMW-EX1, PMW-EX3
PDW-700 & PDW-F800

www.visuals.co.uk

3D movies have been around since the 1950’s but have never taken off. With Pixar’s new film ‘Up’ launching the Cannes film festival and many other 3D movies either in production or having been released, will 3D finally make an impression with the movie going public.  If they do what are the implications for the small screen ? With manufacturers such as Quantel along with many others demonstrating 3D products, are we set for a Sea change in the industry as profound as the change from SD to HD?

If you have used or worked on any 3D productions why not share your experiences by leaving a comment.

PAG has introduced V-Mount and PAGlok battery mounts for the Sony PMW-EX3 XDCAM HD EX camcorder.

These lightweight, easy to fit battery mounts enable you to power the camcorder using PAG’s new L95e batteries. The L95e is available in V-Mount and PAGlok formats and provides up to 6.5 hours run-time for the EX-3.

If you have any comments about these new mounts let us know.

Sony have launched a new XDCAM 4:2:2 camcoder the PDW-F800.

 It offers multi-format recording flexibility as standard - including SD recording and a frame rate of 23.98P in 1080 mode. The PDW-F800 camcorder builds on the features of the

PDW-700 camcorder. Enhanced functions, such as Slow & Quick Motion (over-crank and under-crank recording), make the PDW-F800 ideal for cinema and TV drama productions, natural history, documentary, sport as well as ENG applications.

It appears the Red cameras are taking over the broadcast industry withh over 5,000 units sold already. We have just purchased our first 2 units and already they are a big hit with our customers. Have you any experiences with this camera ? we would love to hear from any DoP’s who have used it.

NAB News… direct from the conference halls in Las Vegas

If didn’t go to NAB this year don’t worry, we sent our technical gurus to scour the manufacturers stands to bring you the latest information direct from the conference halls in Las Vegas.

Sony - SRW-9000 HDCAM SR camcorder looks impressive. Shame still B4 mount and 3xCCD and it looks physically quite large. PDW-F800 seems like 700 with over/undercrank and 24P features. Also impressive 3.8K monitor on show…

PDW-F800
•    23.98
•    over/undercrank
•    dual filter wheel
•    all previous upgrades included (SD, PsF, SS, TL..)
•    same block as 700

PDW-1600 to support above

SRW-9000
•    list @60K
•    F23 block
•    4:2:2
•    440mb/s
•    no VFR
•    colour v/f included
•    assistants panel included
•    deemed replacement for 900R
•    upgradeable to 4:4:4, 60FPS – no doubt at a large cost!

HDC cameras to replace BVP and DXC channels. Channels to cost @60K and 40K respectively. In competition with Ikegami and Hitachi’s new offerings

Economy - eP2 cards at half the price of the current aP2 cards with the only difference being the economy cards having half the life span of the original cards (est. 5 - 10 years). Transfer speeds up to 1.2 Gb/s.

S.two - OB1 Uncompressed recorder looks great. Very small form and lightweight (6lbs), but not cheap at $30K + $10K per cartridge

Canon - HJ14×4.3 ENG HD lens very impressive with ergonomic improvements and very impressive performance through the zoom range.

Fujinon - releasing PL mount zoom lenses. Good range of both primes and zooms although most are in glass cases and not available for testing.

Convergent design - NanoFlash recorder. Uses XDCAM codec to convert HDSDI to long GOP, MPEG-2 4:2:2 at data rates up to 50mb/s recording to CF cards. Could be used on SRW-9000 as a proxy recorder.

Zeiss - compact primes set of 7 (18, 21, 25, 28, 35, 50 and 85mm). Based around ZF stills optics

Red Rock - M2 Encore for EX cameras. ½ stop light loss, collimating lens mount, silent operation

Fujinon - PL Series Zoom lenses
14.5 – 45mm/T2.0
18 – 85mm/T2.0
24 – 180mm/T2.6
75 – 400mm/T4

No price as yet and availability due Dec 09 onwards

Fujinon 8×4 EX3 wide angle – not new but great addition to EX3 options.

Fujinon A14×4.5 – competition to Canon 14×4.3. Nice lens if preference is Fuji over Canon