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Ideal for a variety of uses–from videography to broadcast journalism with 1/3” 3CCD 2.5” LCD screen
Image of the following product: DSR-PD170P

Overview

Effective communication requires sharp focus and uncompromising professionalism. The DSR-PD170P digital camcorder was developed for professional needs. From college campus to large-scale enterprises, the rush is on to leverage the power of the “new media" because there’s no time to lose.

The DSR-PD170P combines the latest technology: DVCAM record and playback, state-of-the-art 1/3-inch CCDs, PC-based editing, professional sound and built-in special effects. Add to that surprising ease of operation at an unexpectedly low cost and seamless compatibility with a host of other Sony products, and your multimedia, video-streaming or documentary-style messages are a lot closer to realisation than you would have thought possible.

Picture quality & reliability are two of the key features that helped make the DSR-PD150P such a phenominal success - widely regarded as the de-facto standard for professional 3CCD compact camcorders since its launch in 2000. The new DSR-PD170P builds on this success with improved video-audio performance, as well as a host of ergonomic and operational improvements - specially developed in response to customer requests.


Added and Improved Functions on DSR-PD170P (compared to earlier DSR-PD150P).
- Improved minimum illumination
- Improved audio quality for manual recording
- On-handle zoom lever and Rec start/stop button
- Larger handle size
- Larger viewfinder
- Hybrid LCD panel
- More precise Iris control
- Supplied wide conversion lens and new lens hood
- Supplied hood with built-in lens cap
- Simultaneous turn on of LCD panel and viewfinder
- i.LINK cable strap
- New body colour and new design for zoom / focus rings.

Superb audio-video quality with 1/3-inch 3CCD.

On top of the quality on earlier DSR-PD150P well accepted in the market, the DSR-PD170P offers even better audio-video performance with improved minimum illumination (1 lux) and audio signal-to-noise ratio (approx. 6 dB better) for manual recording mode.

Professional audio sound … without additional equipment.

Two XLR input connectors enable you to use professional microphones and achieve top-quality audio reproduction. In addition, because the DSR-PD170P allows you to set the levels of the two channels separately, you don’t need to purchase an external device to achieve professional audio recording.

Enhanced user-friendly ergonomics.

In addition to many easy-to-use functions the earlier DSR-PD150P already had, the new DSR-PD170P gives operational improvements such as new larger carrying handle including zoom lever and Rec Start/Stop button for low angle shooting, new larger viewfinder for more comfortable viewing and new Hybrid LCD panel which can be viewed even in direct sunlight.

DVCAM & DV recording.

You can ensure the reliability with DVCAM recording, but in addition you can switch the DSR-PD170P from DVCAM to DV recording mode to extend recording time.

Manual adjustments to get the best shot.

Because the perfect shot often requires you to exercise your artistic judgement, the DSR-PD170P allows you to manually adjust various functions such as zoom, focus, iris, shutter speed, white balance, filters, backlight, digital effects and more.

Clearer focus during recording.

You will optimise your image clarity and capture a sharper, more focused picture with the DSR-PD170P’s high-resolution black-and-white viewfinder. Of course, you can always adjust the colour balances in post-production editing, but clear definition cannot be corrected for after the taping has been done.

No more “camera shake”.

Unlike many other camcorders, the DSR-PD170P does not use digital processing to correct for camera shake, because this technique can create digital noise. Instead, by detecting vertical and horizontal movements independently, the DSR-PD170P’s prism system compensates optically for the unsteadiness.

Hybrid LCD monitor lets you check as you go.

You can use the precision Hybrid 2.5-inch LCD colour monitor (Transmissive and Reflective, 211,200 dots) to view the image as it records – or to check the playback picture on location, even in direct sunshine. It also makes setting menus and audio recording levels easier and is convenient for monitoring the action while the camera is mounted on a tripod.

Time-code settings enhance efficiency

Because you can set time codes either in “record run” or “free run” you can use these codes to identify tapes – and specific locations on them – during editing. This enhances editing efficiency and reduces editing costs. An index can also be marked while recording through the camera or from an external video source.

Even greater value-for-money.

The wide conversion lens VCL-HG0758 and new lens hood LSF-S58 are bundled with the DSR-PD170P as standard, keeping the price range of earlier model DSR-PD150P.

Features

1/3-inch 3CCD with high sensitivity and S/N ratio

The DSR-PD170P incorporates three 1/3-inch CCDs with 450,000 pixels (effective 400,000 pixels). The 1/3-inch size contributes to high sensitivity, improves the signal-to-noise ratio and reduces smear levels. The optical system supports a 58 mm lens with 12x zoom.

Professional 2ch audio input

The DSR-PD170P has two XLR audio input connectors which provide balanced connection to a range of professional microphones and other pro-audio signals. It also features independent control of two audio channels.

Hybrid 2.5-inch LCD colour monitor

The DSR-PD170P features a fold-out, tilting colour monitor that allows you to check recording quality, confirm playback on location, and conveniently set levels using the on-screen menu. A new precision Hybrid LCD panel (Transmissive and Reflective, 211,200 dots) has been adopted allowing clear viewing even in bright sunshine.

Precision Black & White viewfinder

The DSR-PD170P is equipped with an 180,000-dot LCD black-and-white viewfinder, which provides 500 lines of horizontal resolution - more than 20 percent higher than equivalent colour viewfinders. A larger size viewfinder and eye-cup are supplied as standard, and the window size of the magnifier has been enlarged allowing more comfortable use of the viewfinder than those of the previous model.

The LCD panel and viewfinder can be turned on simultaneously, allowing the user to control the focus on the viewfinder and set the camera angle on the LCD panel.

Optical Super SteadyShot

The DSR-PD170P employs the Super SteadyShot to detect the horizontal and vertical movements separately. The prism system located in the front of the lens adjusts and optically compensates for any unsteadiness.

Large carrying handle with zoom lever and Rec Start/Stop button

A zoom lever and a Rec Start/Stop button on the handle provides much easier zoom control and recording during low-angle shooting. Zoom speed can be selected by three position slide switch located on the side of the handle, from H (fast), L (slow) or Off.

The handle which is 10 mm higher than that of the previous model helps a better and easier grip.

DVCAM & DV recording

The DSR-PD170P adopts DVCAM format to offer professional video and audio quality as well as high reliability. It is also capable of recording and playing back DV format (SP only).

Manual functions

In addition to the auto functions, the DSR-PD170P has various for manual adjustment for professional use.
- Zoom
- Focus
- Iris
- Shutter speed
- Gain
- AE (Auto Exposure) Shift
- White Balance
- Custom Preset (Colour Level, Sharpness, White Balance Shift, AGC Limit)
- ND Filters (1/4 and 1/32)
- Spotlight
- Backlight
- Digital Effects (Still, Flash Motion, Luminance Key, Trail, Auto Movie)
- Audio Recording Level (CH1/CH2 separate or linked)
- Zebra Patterns (100% or 70%)
- Guide Frame

Time code preset

A unique feature of time-code settings on the DSR-PD170P is that they can be used to uniquely identify tapes. Time-code mode can be set to “record runEor “free runE

Memory Stick and protection features

A 4MB Memory Stick lets you store up to 60 VGA images (with progressive scan mode) and use them to create various special effects. Because these functions are password-protected, Memory Stick works as a key to camcorder operation and therefore protects against theft.

Supplied wide conversion lens and new lens hood

The popular wide conversion lens VCL-HG0758 and new lens hood LSF-S58 are bundled with the DSR-PD170P. The lens hood can be used with the wide conversion lens, or without lens.

Supplied hood with built-in lens cap

Another new hood with a built-in lens cap is also bundled. By using the lever on the side of the hood, the lens cap can be opened or closed.

i.LINK cable strap

This small plastic plate straps and protects the supplied i.LINK cable. It is useful for avoiding mishaps when an external hard drive (for example DSR-DU1) is being used for recording.

Specifications

Generic Specifications
Lens
12:1 Variable Speed (1.2-22 sec) zoom lens (48x Digital zoom) f =6.0 to 72.0mm; F1.6 to 2.4; Filter Diameter 58mm
Focus
Auto/Manual(ring)/Infinity/One push auto
Imaging Device
3x 1/3 inches CCD, Gross 450 000 pixel /Effective 400 000 pixel, Progressive/Interlace Scan
White Balance
Auto/One-push/Outdoor(5800K)/Indoor(3200K)
Shutter Speed
1/3, 1/6, 1/12, 1/25, 1/50, 1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/150, 1/215, 1/300, 1/425, 1/600, 1/1000, 1/1250, 1/1750, 1/2500, 1/3500, 1/6000, 1/10000 second
Iris
Auto/Manual
Gain
0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18dB
Minimum Illumination
1 Lux
Horizontal Resolution
530 lines
Viewfinder
180,000 dot Black&White LCD
Built-in Speaker
Dynamic Speaker 20mm
LCD
Hybrid, 2.5 type 211,200 dots (960H x 220V)
Tape Speed
Approx. 28.2 mm/sec (DVCAM mode)
Approx. 18.8 mm/sec (DV SP mode)
Maximum Recording Time
40 minutes (DVCAM mode)
Video Signal
CCIR Standard, PAL colour system
Connectors
S-Video IN/OUT: Mini-DIN 4 pin x 1
Video IN/OUT: RCA pin x 1
Audio IN/OUT: RCA pin x 2
Audio IN: XLR 3-pin female, x 2
i.LINK(DV IN/OUT): 4-pin x 1
Headphone: Stereo mini-jack (0.35mm) x 1
External DC IN: 8.4 V for AC-L15 AC adaptor
LANC: Stereo mini-mini jack(0.25mm) x 1
Power Consumption
REC with Viewfinder only: 4.0 W
REC with LCD only: 5.4W
Playback on LCD: 3.5 W
Dimensions / Mass
136 x 180 x 456 mm / Approx. 1.5kg
(camcorder only, excl. microphone, battery, tape)
Audio Signal
Rec
48KHz/16-bit, 32KHz/12-bit
Playback
48KHz/16-bit, 32KHz/12-bit, 32KHz/16-bit, 44.1KHz/16-bit
Supplied Accessories
AC Adaptor
AC-L15
InfoLITHIUM Rechargeable Battery Pack
NP-F330
Condenser Microphone
ECM-NV1
Wide Conversion Lens 0.7x
VCL-HG0758
Lens Hood (for wide conversion lens)
LSF-S58
Lens Cap built-in Hood
Lens Cap
Carrying Belt
i.LINK Cable Strap
AV Cable
(RCA PIN x 3)
Wireless Remote Commander (with 2x AA Dry Batteries)
RMT-811