HD One World Forum - Sony F23 camera

Jeff Cree of Band Pro Digital unveiled the Sony F23 camera at the One World Forum and updated some information from the NAB & IBC launches. Firstly there was a stern rebuttal of the very mention of the new camera in the same breath as the Genesis camera. Sony are obviously very touchy about this association and wanted everybody to understand how different the two are.

Well excuse us for thinking that the Genesis - (Sony designed with Sony sensor inside and with no recording medium embedded) - looked anything like the F23 - (Sony designed with Sony sensor inside and with no recording medium embedded...) Both for the digital film market!!

Anyway we the press were told off and we won't mention it again, the 'G' word that is!!

Surprisingly the F23 (23 points to the 2/3ins sensors used) was hailed as the viable choice for us in films. The point being that many factors have come in to play to make digital cinematography now more than ever an easier choice. Factors including the quality of lenses, the compatibility with film accessories and the use of HDCAM SR with its 10-bit performance.

Also announced were some changes from the NAB spec as asked for by potential customers, these included:

• Viewfinder to lens distance increased
• Mounting has been stabilised to better fit existing accessories
• Menu controls and navigation simplified

The F23 is seen as a major change for Sony, they haven't gone all the way to a RAW output from the CCDs yet but are thinking about it. There is an RGB option but you won't get 60p at 4:4:4 yet.

Other news included the shipping of the new proper 24/25p HVR VIU HDV camera with real progressive performance. Also news that XDCAM HD 2 or Phase 3 as Sony are calling it should be around for NAB next year with a possible 50mps and a definite 2/3in form factor.