Sony’s four new live production system cameras further expand and evolve Sony’s HDC family, which is widely used by broadcasters and media companies across the globe. The next generation of system cameras (HDC-P50, HDC-3500) feature the world’s first 2/3-inch 4K global shutter three CMOS sensor system, and the newly developed global shutter HD HDR optical block (HDC-3100/HDC-3170). The new cameras offer content creators unprecedented flexibility and Sony’s legendary reliability, in addition to the uncompromised, premium picture quality producers expect from Sony solutions.
The new family of system cameras include the HDC-P50 Point of View (POV) system camera, the portable system camera HDC-3500, as well as the affordable Fiber and Triax system cameras, HDC-3100 and HDC-3170. Additionally, Sony has introduced a new Triax Camera Control Unit (CCU), the HDCU-3170, which inherits all the capabilities of the HDCU-3100, launched earlier this year.
“With the launch of our new family of live system cameras, we are providing superb image quality with our new optical system, high mobility through the new POV camera and efficient operation with a rich selection of options to further sustain mainstream HD and 4K live production. Based on customer feedback, we have strengthened our HDC range for HD, 4K and HDR production at multiple production costs, and with choices of infrastructure,” explained Rob Willox, Director of Marketing, Sony Professional Solutions Americas. “We also offer our customers backward compatibility with previous generation fiber systems, while offering new capabilities, such as IP with SMPTE ST2110, 4K and HD HDR to their toolsets.”
The full line up of new system cameras and solutions includes:
- HDC-P50 – A compact, lightweight, POV camera, boasts the world’s first 2/3-inch 4K global shutter three CMOS sensor system. The three 4K sensors in combination with a newly-developed prism achieves ITU-R BT.2020 color space and a wide dynamic range. HDC-P50 delivers stunning, high-quality images. The new camera outputs 4K/HD HDR signals directly from the camera body, allowing is use in POV and wireless applications such as handheld stabilization platforms, aerials from a drone or helicopter and jib/crane.
- HDC-3500– The HDC-3500 portable system cameras expand on the capabilities of the current HDC-2000 series with the addition of a new 2/3-inch 4K global shutter three CMOS sensor system. The new sensor enables the HDC-3500 to offer high modulation depth and wide dynamic range for HD & 4K production. The camera systems support HD, HDR and 4K, as well as IP capabilities. The HDC-3500 has an exchangeable transmission side panel. Users can choose any of Sony’s three optional side panels, depending on operational needs: Triax, Fiber or wireless transmission. All can easily be switched using Sony’s unique and simple side panel interface.
- HDC-3100 and HDC-3170 – Sony’s new affordable Fiber (HDC-3100) and Triax (HDC-3170) system cameras with three CMOS 2/3-inch HD global shutter sensors. These cameras are ideal for cost effective but very high quality HD productions, with the occasional need for 4K. Both systems are capable of HDR and SMPTE ST2110 and utilize the same infrastructures as the HDC-3500. The HDC-3170 supports our 3rd generation digital Triax technology and is capable of a long transmission distance of up to 1800m.
- HDCU-3170 – The new Camera Control Unit HDCU-3170 is compatible with the new 3rd generation digital Triax system cameras and can be fitted with the same option boards as the recently introduced HDCU-3100 Fiber CCU. The CCU provides interfaces such as 3G-SDI HD, HDR and SDR. SMPTE ST2110 is available with an option board. The HDCU-3170 can provide a dual role capability with optional Fiber interfaces (SMPTE or Single Mode with an optional board or license). This capability will greatly benefit production and rental companies who routinely are producing in venues with different cable infrastructures.
All new system cameras also provide “SR Live” HDR workflow to enable simultaneous production of HDR and SDR with one production team. The fiber systems are backwards compatible with the current HDC-2000 infrastructure, which allows users to easily add the new models alongside their current cameras and CCUs.
Additional Features
The new systems announced strengthens and streamlines customers’ operations, keeping Sony’s leading build quality & design philosophy:
- HDC series Operability and Robustness
- Users can integrate the new system cameras with the existing HDC infrastructure, while previous generation camera systems can utilize the new infrastructure
- The same magnesium alloy used for HDC-2500 is used by the new cameras to ensure the camera is light but robust.
- Electronic Paper Display for camera number (HDC-3500 only)
- The assigned number for each camera is displayed by an Electronic Paper Display on the camera body. Graphics images can also be displayed. The display can be dynamically updated when camera assignments are changed.
- Focus position meter
- It can indicate both pre-registered focus points and current focus points graphically, with three colors of RGB on the viewfinder, helping camera operators to precisely focus in any shooting conditions.
- Wider space handle grip
- The new wide Handle grip makes it easier to grip, carry and install the camera. The large handle area also allows carrying the camera while wearing winter gloves.
- HDLA docking (HDC-3500 only)
- The HDC-3500 can be installed in current Sony HDLA’s simply and without complex mechanical adjustments.
All HDC-3000 series cameras and the new HDCU-3170 are planned to be available in October 2018. The HDC-P50 POV system camera is planned to be available in February 2019. To see them live, please visit Sony at IBC in the Elicium Hall, RAI Amsterdam at stand 13.A10.
For more information visit www.pro.sony/ibc.
