Sony HDW-730S
Superb High Definition pictures HDCAM camcorders are in use around the world for the most prestigious programme productions. The HDW-730S is the latest addition to the HDCAM line up and produces stunning quality HD images.
A revolution in affordability The HDW-730S puts all the advantages of shooting High Definition pictures into the hands of programme producers operating on Standard Definition budgets. Priced below equivalent Digital Betacam camcorders, the HDW-730S now makes HD a viable option whatever programme you shoot.
Peace of mind for High Definition post production Over 13,000 HDCAM VTRs and camcorders have been sold worldwide, and the number of post houses equipped with HDCAM grows every day. You can relax in the knowledge that there is an HDCAM facility close by to add the finishing touches to your programme.
All the benefits of Standard Definition post production Today more and more programme makers are shooting HD, with many then using existing SD suites for post production. This approach provides many advantages. These include the lower cost associated with SD post production, and the benefit of retaining an exceptionally high quality HDCAM original recording for future distribution opportunities. And even when downconverted to SD, pictures from HDCAM camcorders will look noticably better than those originated in SD.
Unlimited opportunities for international distribution With 50i/59.94i switchability, the HDW-730S brings new opportunities for international distribution and co-production. You can shoot for a travel programme for a European audience one day, and a music programme for transmission in the USA the next.
Ease-of-use for minimum re-training The latest in a long line of digital camcorders from Sony, the HDW-730S retains the ergonomic design and familiar operation for which Sony camcorders have become renowned. With the HDW-730S, you avoid expensive operational retraining and can generate great pictures from day one.
HAD sensor technology
The HDW-730S inherits Sony HAD sensor technology and the on-chip lens structure of the Power HAD sensor, an imaging device based on the 1920 x 1080 CIF (Common Interchange Format). Three 2/3-inch IT CCDs each with 2.2 million-pixels provide excellent imaging quality.
Ultimate sensitivity
The HDW-730S has a sensitivity of f10 at 2000 Lux. When fitted with an optional HKDW-705 Slow Shutter board, the camcorder can slow its shutter speed to a 64 frame period. This dramatically increases sensitivity and allows pictures to be shot at a minimum illumination of 0.003 Lux. This allows camera operators to shoot images in extremely dark environments.
The Slow Shutter board also allows motion blur to be used as a creative tool during acquisition.
Long record duration onto HDCAM cassettes
The HDW-730S records up to 48 minutes onto a small HDCAM tape when recording 1080/50i (record duration is 40 minutes at 1080/60i). This exceeds the record duration of many standard definition camcorders.
Rugged and ergonomic design
The design of the HDW-730S is based on years of Sony experience in camera design and provides a high level of mobility and balance to minimise fatigue in all shooting conditions. Combined with the viewfinder, battery, cassette and microphone, the total weight is only 5.3 Kg.
Extended battery life
You can record for up to 135 minutes when using the latest BP-GL95 Info Li-Ion battery. This meets the critical need for a long operating time. The battery also communicates with the camcorder to provide exact remaining capacity.
Always ready to capture an image
The HDW-730S can be fitted with an optional HKDW-703 Picture Cache Board. With picture caching, up to 8 seconds of audio and video are buffered into memory before the Rec button is pressed. When recording is activated, the buffer contents are recorded onto tape. The risk of missing important scenes is significantly reduced.
Auto Trace White
Auto Trace White (ATW) is a feature that automatically adjusts the white balance as lighting conditions change. This is ideal when shooting in rapidly changing lighting conditions (for example, when moving from an indoor to an outdoor location). Conventional Auto White Balance is also available.
TruEye processing
TrueEye virtually eliminates hue distortion, especially in extreme lighting conditions. TrueEye processes video data in a similar way to the human eye - processing brightness, hue and saturation. This significantly improves the reproduction of natural skin tones.
Neutral Density optical filter wheel
The HDW-730S is equipped with a single optical filter wheel. You can choose from the following Neutral Density (ND) settings: CLEAR, 1/4ND, 1/16ND and 1/64ND.
Mono microphone
The HDW-730S is supplied with an ultra-directional mono microphone as standard. Connection to the camcorder is via a 3-pin XLR connector.
Slot-in wireless receiver
You can slot a Sony wireless receiver directly into the chassis of the HDW-730S. This adds wireless receiver functionality without compromising the compact ergonomic design of the camcorder. A Sony WRR-855A/B can be used.
Programmable menu system
You can customise the menu system of the camcorder, by copying and pasting menu items to your personal menu page. These settings can be stored on a Memory Stick.
| Mass |
Approx. 5.3 kg (11lb. 11oz) with cassette, BP-GL95 battery, viewfinder and microphone |
| Power requirement |
DC 12V (+5.0 V/-1.0 V) |
| Power consumption |
33 W (With 12 V power supply, REC mode, without viewfinder) |
| Operating temperature |
0 ºC to +40ºC (+32ºF to +104 ºF) |
| Storage temperature |
-20 ºC to +60 ºC (-4ºF to +140 ºF) |
| Operating humidity |
25% to 80% (Relative humidity) |
Continuous operating time
|
Approx. 135 min (With BP-GL95)
|
| Inputs/outputs |
| Genlock video input |
BNC (x1), 1.0 V p-p 75 ohm |
| Time code input |
BNC (x1), 0.5 V to 18 V p-p 10 Kohm |
| Audio CH1/CH2 input |
XLR 3-pin type (Female) (x2),
-60 dBu/+4dBu selectable, high impedance, balanced |
| Mic input (Mono) |
XLR 3-pin type (Female) (x1), -60 dBu |
| HD-SDI output |
BNC (x1), 0.8 V p-p, 75 ohm, unbalanced |
VBS/SDI output
(with HKDW-702 fitted) |
BNC (x1), 0.8 V p-p, 75 ohm, unbalanced |
| Audio output |
XLR 5-pin Type (Male) (x1), 0 dBm |
| Time code output |
BNC (x1), 1.0 V p-p 75 ohm |
| TEST output |
BNC (x1), 1.0 V p-p 75 ohm |
| DC input |
XLR 4-pin type (Male) (x1), 11 to 17 V DC |
| DC output |
4-pin (for wireless microphone receiver) (x1), 11 to 17 V DC, Max. 100mA |
| Lens |
12-pin (x1) |
| Remote |
8-pin (x1) |
| Earphone |
Mini-jack (x2), 8 ohm, -infinity to -18 dBs variable |
| Viewfinder (HDVF-20A) |
| Operation manual (booklet) |
| Mono ultra-directional microphone |
| Shoulder belt |
