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Chapter 2 Total System 17HDC-900/950/930 Series Product Information Manual
2-2. Camera Head
The HDC-900 Series is an outstanding new-generation
HD camera with a true multi-purpose system in which
many new technologies have been incorporated such
as Sony’s ADSP (Advanced Digital Signal Processing),
a newly developed 2.2-million pixel CCD and 12-bit A/
D conversion. 12-bit A/D conversion improves
gradation analysis by a factor of four compared to 10-
bit conversion, significantly improving control over
picture tonal reproduction, and accuracy of color
reproduction. A 600% dynamic range in conjunction
with the 12-bit A/D and the superior DSP processing
ensure superb processing of overexposed picture
information and the handling of specular highlights.
Just some of the state-of-the-art features are:
• Optical filter wheels
• Multiple output capability
• Optical fibre digital transmission
• Memory Stick
(media card operation)
• Triple skin tone detail
• Adaptive detail control
• Electronic soft focus
• Adaptive highlight control
• Knee saturation
• Multi matrix control
These improvements contribute to an unsurpassed
image quality, making the HDC-900 Series a true ‘top-
of-the-line’ studio/OB camera.
The HDC-950/930 is the portable version of the
HDC-900 and has identical video processing circuitry.
Both models have the same signal performance and
can be controlled either at the camera head or by
remote control through studio system peripherals such
as the HDCU-900/HDCU-950 Camera Control Unit,
MSU-700A/750 Master Set-up Unit and CNU-700/500
Camera Command Network Units. Because of this
design concept, users of the HDC-950/930 have the
same features, the same operational performance and
the same operational ‘feel’ as the HDC-900 - an
optimized solution to meet the needs of high-end users
for a companion studio portable camera.
The flexible interfacing of the HDC-900 and HDC-
950/930 means that they are not only high-end HD
broadcasting cameras, but they can also be easily
integrated into conventional studio/OB vehicle
systems that use earlier BVP-900/700/500 Series
cameras.
The HDC-900/950 family has the following features:
High picture quality and high performance
The new 2/3-type 1080 FIT CCD with 2,200,000 pixels,
a unique CCD output signal processing circuit, and a
12-bit A/D converter provide high picture quality and
excellent performance for the HDC-900 and HDC-950.
A high-cost-performance IT type - HDC-930 - is also
available.
Newly designed integrated unit (HDC-950/930 only)
Low power consumption and high efficiency of heat
radiation were -addressed by integrating the camera
and camera adapter into a single unit, improving the
reliability. In addition, five filter discs each for CC and
ND are provided as standard to match the operability
of the studio-use HDC-900.
Multiple formats
The HDC-900 and HDC-950 operate with various
formats, covering 24PsF, 50i, 25PsF, 30PsF, as well as
60i systems, while the HDC-930 operates with 50i and
60i systems.
Memory Stick
*1
operation
The camera is equipped with a Memory Stick drive,
which enables setup data storage and software
upgrading using Memory Stick media cards.
*1 “Memory Stick” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Selection of gamma table
Multiple gamma tables are provided, enabling you to
use multiple formats and perform flexible image
creation.
Wide variety of detail control functions
Skin tone detail function
Allows control (emphasis or suppression) of the detail
level for just a certain hue or chroma area in the image,
by creating a detail gate signal from hue color
components centered on skin tones. Detail boost
frequency control
The boost frequency can be adjusted from 20 MHz to
30 MHz. This allows the detail thickness to be set
appropriately for the subject, thus enabling more
subtle image expression.
H/V ratio control
The ratio between horizontal and vertical detail can be
adjusted.
White/black limiter
The white side and black side detail can be limited
independently.
Easy menu-based setting
Selections and settings for shutter speed, ECS, Super
EVS mode, viewfinder display items, video gain, safety
zone marker
*2
or center marker
*3
, screen size marker,
etc. may be made quickly and easily using setup
menus displayed on the viewfinder screen or an
external monitor.
*2 Safety zone marker: A box-shaped marker displayed on
the viewfinder screen which indicates 80%, 90%, 92.5%, or
95% of the total screen area.
*3 Center marker: A cross-shaped marker that indicates the
center of the viewfinder screen.
Wide variety of viewfinder display options
Along with items such as operation messages, a zebra
pattern
*4
, a safety zone marker, and a center marker,
camera settings may also be displayed on the
viewfinder screen using text and symbols. Further,
there are other indicators arranged above and below
the viewfinder, such as a tally lamp, battery warning
indicator, and an indicator to tell that one or more
settings are other than standard. This makes it simple
to check the status of the camera.
*4 Zebra pattern: A stripe pattern displayed on the viewfinder
screen which indicates the portions where the video level
is above about 70% or 100%. Used to check the video level
of the subject.
Optical digital transmission
The camera uses electro-optical composite cable for
1.5-gigabit digital optical transmission between the
camera and a camera control unit.
High-resolution 2-type multi-format viewfinder (HDC-
950/930 only)
Along with developing the HDC-950, a 2-type multi-
format viewfinder HDVF-20A is provided.
Prevention of electrical shock
When the power connection is unsafe, the power
supply from the HDCU (Camera Control Unit) will be
shut off.