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Sony introduces HDC-4300

Sony’s next generation of HDC Series camera technology provides the ability to use the high magnification wide zoom range lenses currently employed by HD 2/3-inch systems while maintaining an adequate depth of field to properly show all the action in live event broadcasting.

The new HDC-4300 is the world’s first camera to use three 2/3-inch 4K image sensors(*1). It supports the same B4-mount lenses as well as the same control surfaces as Sony’s industry-leading HDC-2000 Series cameras. The existing HDLA-1500 Series large lens adapters, control and shading systems, viewfinders and master set-up units are all interchangeable between the HD and 4K systems. Directors and operators can maintain a consistent approach to live events – including camera angles, zoom ranges and iris settings – while using familiar camera technology.


“This camera provides 4K capabilities and a workflow that content producers are instantly familiar and comfortable with,” said Anthony Kable, Senior Product Manager, Sony Australia. “We’ve developed an approach that allows the large existing HDC Series user base to employ 4K advantages, up to 8x high frame rate and 4K cut-out and zoom, while using a familiar infrastructure and signal path.”

The new HDC-4300 is capable of 4K/HD operation, with 2x, 3x Super Slow Motion as standard, and higher speeds up to 8x available, to produce high-quality replays and specialty program effects.

The camera uses ultra-high-precision alignment technology to realise three 4K sensors on a new prism. This allows the support of the next-generation ITU-R BT.2020 broadcast standard’s widened colour space for future-proof masters or post production options for today’s productions shown on tomorrow’s 4K services.

Direct Attachment of B4 HD lenses
Standard large-format B4-mount lenses mount directly onto the HDC-4300. This gives broadcasters the flexibility needed for live sports broadcasts: 4K capabilities while maintaining their customary HD-lens operating styles.

SZC-4001 Software
Sony’s SZC-4001 software package (sold separately) allows broadcasters to take advantage of 4K capabilities.

Super Slow Motion (up to 8x) at HD Resolution
The SZC-4002 software package (sold separately) enables the system to shoot full HD (1920 x 1080) at frame rates up to 400/479.52 fps, as well as 50/59.94, 100/119.88, and 150/179.82 fps. Users can save these high-frame-rate shots to Sony’s PWS-4400 multiport 4K/HD Live Server.

HD/4K Live Production for Sports
The HDC-4300 accepts the same configurations as existing 4K live systems. A BPU-4000 baseband processor unit receives the camera signals via SMPTE fibre and connects to an HDCU-2000 or 2500 camera control unit. This provides power and full intercom, tally, and return capabilities.

Users can seamlessly blend an HDC-4300-based system with existing HDC Series camera systems. The HD signals from the HDC Series cameras and from the new camera system can be adjusted to match colourimetry.

The addition of other 4K products, such as the PWS-4400 multi-port 4K/HD Live Server, a multi-format switcher capable of real-time 4K signal processing such as the MVS-8000X or MVS-7000X, and Sony’s new BVM-X300 4K OLED or PVM-X300 4K LCD monitors, creates an end-to-end 4K live production solution.

HDC-4300 – additional features:
• HD cut-outs – two full HD images to be cut-out from the 4K picture in real-time including a selectable zoom and perspective mode.
• Many of the picture adjustment functions of HDC Series cameras are supported by the HDC-4300 system
• Dynamic focus (4K focus-assist function) – a focus point can be displayed on the viewfinder with a marker in 4K mode for easy focusing.
• Auto lens aberration compensation 2 (ALAC2) function
• Colour reproduction adjustment functions
o Gamma table selection
o User gamma function
o Natural skin-tone detail function
o Knee saturation function
o Low-key saturation function

The HDC-4300 4K/HD live camera system is planned to be available mid- 2015.

(*1) As of April, 2015, according to Sony investigation.