SONY DSR - PD170P

When video capture quality, format continuity, and equipment reliability is critical to your production, Sony's DSR-PD170 is probably on your list of considerations. The PD170 offers high quality video capture in excess of 500 lines of resolution, balanced audio inputs that are line/mic level switchable, a professional format that integrates SMPTE compatible time code, and excellent low-light shooting capability. The camera weighs about 5 pounds with tape and battery. A plethora of accessories and options makes this Sony 3-chip camera easy to work with in virtually any shooting scenario. This model records in the European standard PAL format.
 

KEY FEATURES:

• DVCAM Format for Professional Shooting Environments
DVCAM is Sony's professional version of the ubiquitous DV format recording component digital for high quality and a universe of editing solutions. The camera has iLink, the Sony version of Firewire (also known as IEEE1394). The DVCAM format runs the tape at a higher speed than the consumer DV format, which means more information to tape every second of recording.

• Advanced CCDs and Upgraded DSP
The DSR-PD170P offers both outstanding video and still image capture. The 3-CCDs have 380,000 pixels each that deliver over 500 lines of resolution. In video mode, the digital signal processor (DSP) outputs a 480 line interlaced signal resulting in over 500 lines of high quality video. In still-capture mode, the DSP outputs 480 lines progressively. With recent technical improvements, the DSP now works more efficiently, the camera is more sensitive, and less light is required for great images.

• Optical Image Stabilization
A digital circuit could effectively stop the subtle hand shaking while holding the camera. But that would degrade the picture in the long run. The DSR-PD170P has a system of motors that correct the angle of the lens hundreds of times per second eliminating minute variances caused by your hand. This system works prior to image capture thus does not affect the quality of your video.

• Analog to Digital Converter Pass-Through
The PD-170P can pass through an analog video signal and output a digital one and visa versa. Simply put, this eliminates the need for an outboard A-D/D-A converter box if the digital signal you need is Firewire (iLink) and the analog signal is composite or S-video.

• Settable Time Code
Like its broadcast brothers, the DSR-PD170P can be set to start timecode at any time from hours to seconds. This allows you to effectively name your cassettes based upon the sequence you shoot them. Your first tape can start at hour 1, -second tape hour 2 and so on.

• XLR Audio with Phantom Power
You will find 2 XLR inputs for industry standard professional microphones. Phantom power, a 48-volt power supply, can be supplied to special microphones that require such power. The XLRs can also input line level audio from, as examples, an audio cassette deck or VCR.

• Time and Date Window Burn
Useful in legal and security environments, the PD-170P will, with a menu selection, burn time- down to seconds- and date onto the tape in a window over the image.

• Features New to the DSR-PD170

* Larger magnifier for viewfinder monitor
* Zoom rocker and record button on top handle
* Iris control increased from 12 to 24 increments
* Viewfinder and LCD monitor work simultaneously
* Lens hood integrates lens cap
* iLink cable strap makes it harder to accidentally pull loose digital cable
* Wide angle adapter and its own lens hood included with camera
* LCD monitor brighter for ease of use in bright light conditions


SPECIFICATIONS:

Image Device
3-CCD, 1/3-Inch
Interline Transfer-type
450,000 Pixels Each

Lens
6mm to 72mm
12x Optical Zoom, 48x Digital Zoom Available
f/1.6-2.4
58mm Filter Diameter

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Not specified by manufacturer

Horizontal Resolution
530 Lines

Sensitivity
Not specified by manufacturer

Minimum Illumination
1 Lux

Vertical Smear
Not Specified by Manufacturer

Signal System
PAL System, 25 Frames, 50 Interlaced Fields per Second

Built-in Filters
1/4 ND (1.5 stops)
1/32 ND (5 stops)

LCD Monitor
2.5 inch

Viewfinder
Black and White

Scan Matching
No

Memory Card Slot
Yes

Shutter Speed
1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/90, 1/100, 1/125,
1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/725, 1/1000,
1/2000, 1/3000, 1/4000, 1/6000, 1/10,000 seconds

Gain Selection
0dB, (+)3dB, 6dB, 9dB, 12dB, 15dB, 18dB

VTR Section
-

Tape Format
DVCAM / DV

Tape Speed
DVCAM- 28.2 mm / sec.
DV- 18.8mm/sec.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Not Specified by Manufacturer

Maximum Recording Time
40 minutes in DVCAM mode
60 minutes in DV mode

Audio Dynamic Range
Not Specified by Manufacturer

Audio Signal Format
Recording
16-bit/48kHz
12-bit/32kHz
Playback
16-bit/48kHz
12-bit/32 kHz
16-bit/32kHz
16-bit/44.1kHz

Audio Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz

Signal to Noise Ratio
Not Specified by Manufacturer

Input and Output Connectors
Composite Video- RCA (x 1 input and output)
S-Video- 4-Pin (x 1 input and output)
Firewire/iLINK 4-Pin (x 1 input and output)
Mic Audio- XLR (x 2 input)
Line Audio- RCA (x 2 input and output)
Headphone- Stereo Mini (x 1 output)
Control L- Stereo Mini (x 1 input)
Power- Coaxial (x 1 input)

Power Requirements
7.2 volts (battery)
8.4 volts (AC adapter)

Power Consumption
4.7 watts with Viewfinder only

Operating Temperature
32 to 104 degrees F
0 to 40 degrees C

Dimensions (WxHxD)
4.9 x 7.1 x 15.9 in.
125 x 180 x 405 mm

Weight
3.3 lbs.
1.5 kg

ITEMS INCLUDED:

* VCL-HG0758 Wide Angle Adapter
* ECM-NV1 Directional Microphone
* NP-F330 Lithium Ion Battery
* RMT-811 IR Remote Control
* Composite Video/Stereo Audio Cable
* Lens Hood with Integral Lens Cap
* Shoulder Strap
* Lens Hood for Wide Angle Lens
* AC-L15 AC Adapter/On-Camera Battery Charger
* Viewfinder Eye Cup