Sony DSR-PD170
The new Sony DSR-PD170 builds on the legacy of its predecessor model, the DSR-PD150, the overwhelming choice of video professionals in applications ranging from corporate and educational production to ENG/EFP, television and independent cinema production.
“The DSR-PD170 distinguishes itself with the addition of several performance and ergonomic enhancements, many of which are the direct result of customer feedback,” said Robert Ott, vice president of professional audio and video products for Sony Electronics’ Broadcast and Production Systems Division. “When something works, you not only stay with it, but you also continually look for ways to make it better. In designing the DSR-PD170, we listened to our customers and incorporated their input. The result is a reliable camcorder that continues to meet the professional videography needs of an even broader user base.”
New features of the DSR-PD170 include:
* Minimum illumination improvement for low-light recording; increased from 2 lux to an industry-leading 1 lux;
* A new 2.5-inch Hybrid LCD SwivelScreen monitor for improved viewing in bright sunlight;
* Simultaneous turn-on of LCD panel and viewfinder;
* Increased adjustment steps on Iris control, with number of steps doubled from 12 to 24;
* A lens hood featuring built-in lens cover. Wide conversion lens (provided) can be attached or removed without removing the hood;
* A larger handle, viewfinder and eyecup;
* Additional Record/Start/Stop and Zoom controls on top handle to aid in one-handed operation; and
* Audio quality (S/N ratio) in the manual recording mode improved by 6 dB.
The new professional camcorder enables digital component audio and video acquisition in the DVCAM and DV formats. Under a wide range of interior and exterior shooting conditions, users can achieve up to 40 minutes of recording on one Mini DVCAM tape or 60 minutes on the same tape in the DV mode. The camcorder’s three Advanced HAD â„¢, 1/3 inch CCDs enable both interlaced and progressive scanning modes, and also provide high-quality acquisition with increased resolution and sensitivity. Noise levels and vertical smear are also significantly reduced.
“The field of professional digital videography has grown significantly to include a wide range of users who require new levels of camcorder performance,” Ott said. “With its combination of design innovations and foundation of proven technology, the DSR-PD170 is well-equipped to carry on the Sony tradition of reliability, flexibility and quality.”
The new model features a built-in MemoryStick â„¢ slot for still image storage, with capacity for up to 988 JPEG pictures on one 64 MB MemoryStick. Stored images can be mixed or keyed to live images, enabling users to insert logos and/or mix effects.
For users requiring high levels of control and stability, the DSR-PD170 features a 12X optical and a 48X digital zoom lens with Autofocus and SuperSteadyShot ® functions as well as auto or manual exposure capabilities.
The camcorder’s video ability is complemented by several key audio features, including built-in speaker, a directional shotgun (mono) microphone and two independent professional XLR audio inputs with independent audio levels, gain and 48V phantom power. There are also several options available, including Sony’s professional UWP wireless system with adapters fitted for the DSR-PD170.
Sony DSR-PD170 Camcorder Reviews
SimplyDV has a review of the Sony DSR-PD170 and writes, ” The DSR-PD170 doesn’t come with sufficient new features to persuade existing users of the PD150 to trade up. Placed side by side with the latter, it would be hard to tell the difference at twenty paces - and only the enlarged rubber eyepiece is an immediate giveaway as to its identity. The camcorder itself is a joy to use and produces images and sound to a quality that will satisfy many users. The presence of balanced, switchable, audio inputs and other professional features like colour bars, zebra, ND, user-definable timecode and U-Bits means that the PD170 represents excellent value for money for the serious video producer.” Link.
