Sony DSR-400K Camcorder User Manual


 
7
Features
Chapter 1 Overview
Features
The DSR-400/400P DVCAM
*
digital camcorder is
equipped with a
2/3-inch type Power HAD
*
EX CCD with
an aspect ratio of 4:3. The DSR-450WS/450WSP
DVCAM digital camcorder is equipped with a
2/3-inch
type Power HAD EX CCD with a wide-screen aspect ratio
of 16:9. In addition to the same main features, functions,
and operation method of previous models, these new
camcorders provide superior camera functionality.
* “DVCAM” and “Power HAD” are registered trademarks of Sony
Corporation.
Camera features
2/3-inch Power HAD EX CCDs
The three high-sensitivity, low-smear 2/3-inch Power HAD
EX CCDs provide high image quality putting this camera
at the top of its class for a standard NTSC/PAL definition
camcorder.
Smear: –140 dB
Sensitivity: F11 (3200K, 2000lx)
S/N ratio: 65 dB (DSR-400/450WS), 63 dB (DSR-400P/
450WSP)
The DSR-450WS/450WSP allows you to switch between
a 16:9 aspect-ratio wide image and a 4:3 aspect-ratio
standard image.
2.5-inch color LCD monitor
A 2.5-inch color LCD monitor is mounted on the side of
the camcorder. You can check the video image during both
recording and playback. Also, the LCD monitor angle can
be adjusted freely to make high-angle and low-angle
recording easier. The time code and an audio level meter
can also be displayed on the LCD monitor.
Stylish design
The basic design of the camcorder has been improved.
Stylish angles and an attractive finish for the VTR section
are combined with a wide, easy-to-use connector section
on the back of the camcorder.
Adjustable shoulder pad
The camcorder is equipped with an adjustable shoulder
pad that makes it possible to adjust the position of the
camcorder to shoot from a stable position regardless of the
body size and shooting style of the camera operator.
Recording in progressive scan mode
(DSR-450WS/450WSP only)
You can record in a progressive scan mode of 30 PsF
(DSR-450WS) or 25 PsF (DSR-450WSP). (The video
image is recorded as an interlaced scan signal (60i (DSR-
450WS) or 50i (DSR-450WSP)).) Also for the DSR-
450WS, a 24P mode makes it possible to record film-like
images. (The video image is recorded as an interlaced scan
signal (60i) by 2-3 pull-down conversion.)
For details on recording in progressive scan mode, see
“Setting the CCD scan mode (DSR-450WS/450WSP
only)” on page 108.
ASSIGN (Assignable) switches
Assignable switches provided on the side panel and on the
top of the grip, respectively, can be assigned to functions
such as ATW, VTR start/stop, etc., to suit your needs.
When shooting, these functions can then be called up
instantly.
Scene file
You can save various settings for shooting a particular
scene as a scene file in the internal memory of the
camcorder. Loading the scene file, you can quickly
recreate the same setup conditions suitable for shooting a
particular scene.
“Memory Stick” slot
The camcorder is equipped with a “Memory Stick” slot.
When using the scene file function, you can save menu
settings on a “Memory Stick” and quickly recall them
when necessary. Also, when two or more camcorders are
used for shooting, the settings of the first camcorder can be
copied to the others via the “Memory Stick”, making color
matching easier.
Programmable gain
The value of gain that is assigned to the setting (H/M/L) of
the GAIN switch can be selected from –3dB, 0dB, 3dB,
6dB, 9dB, 12dB, 18dB, 24dB, 30dB, and 36dB.
Electric CC filter
The CC filter that was previously paired with the ND filter
has been eliminated, so the ND filter is now the
camcorder’s only optical filter and this makes operation of
the camcorder easier. With the wide-band white balance
amplifier of this camcorder, the white balance can be
adjusted in a wide range of color temperatures without an
optical CC filter.
Auto-tracing white balance (ATW)
This function automatically traces the white balance,
which constantly changes as lighting conditions change.
Auto-tracing white balance is especially useful when there
is no time to manually adjust the white balance, or when
shooting moves between indoor and outdoor locations.
A variety of shutter functions
Electronic shutter
The high-performance electronic shutter allows you to
record a video image at a high resolution even when
shooting fast-moving objects.
•ECS
The ECS (Extended Clear Scan) mode allows you to adjust
the shutter speed more precisely. You can set shutter speed