Sony DSR-400L User Manual

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Features
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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