The Sony SRW-9000PL HDCAM-SR Camcorder joins the SRW-9000 as next-generation younger siblings to Sony's renowned CineAlta F35 digital cinema camera. This latest incarnation, however, adds a Super 35mm-sized sensor and PL mount, giving it increased lowlight sensitivity, greater depth-of-field control, and access to an extended lineup of professional cinema lenses.
As a one-piece, modular 24P camcorder platform, the SRW-9000PL carries forward the F35's reputation for producing outstanding digital imagery. Using the F35's sensor and the lossless capture afforded by HDCAM-SR's MPEG4-SStP recording format, the camera creates professional-grade 1080p images with customizable gammas and up to 12 stops of dynamic range for true film-like images. This makes the SRW-9000PL the perfect tool for features, commercials, documentaries or music videos--either as a low-budget 'A' camera or as a 'B' or Steadicam camera on larger productions.
But the SRW-9000PL is more than just a camera, it's a system. Its open-platform design means it can be tailored to the specific needs of each production. As with the F35, its PL lens mount allows for a wide range of professional 35mm lenses. But the camera's capabilities don't stop there. Need 4:4:4 color? Or incremental, variable frame rates? Optional processing boards give them to you.
Along with its larger imaging sensor, the SRW-9000PL adds a couple of other tools to its arsenal: ISO 800 Mode Gamma, which increases dynamic range by up to 800%, and S-Gamut Color Space, a color management system taken from the F35 which widens the color gamut beyond that of film to provide increased headroom during color correction.
The single sensor CCD uses a RGB striped filter providing a true RGB 4:4:4 sample off the imager, and color values are never interpolated from neighboring pixels. The result is exceptional image quality, a wide dynamic range, and extremely flexible depth-of-field control.