If you’ve used XDCAM disc media before, you probably know that it writes both high quality video to the disc as well as low res proxy material. This proxy material is great for offline editing. The Sony PDW-F800 and PDW-700 cameras both have this function, as well as the ability to write proxy video to a USB memory stick (firmware 1.51 or higher required). This allows shooters to quickly hand over low res versions of their video without a disc reader.

Here is a quick “How To” guide for both Mac & PC:

…continue reading XDCAM Proxy on a USB Stick

Sony has created several scene files (32 to be exact) for the PDW-700 and PDW-F800 camcorders. These looks include everything from a Daylight look to a “Zombie” look for horror films. Download the whole set zipped up here – PDW-700/F800 Scene Files - and make sure to read this pdf document – Scene File Descriptions – which explains each look in detail. Thanks Sony!

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The PDW-F800 camera adds some exciting new features to the Sony XDCAM lineup. If you’ve followed my PDW-700 video series, then you’re already pretty familiar with the PDW-F800, but in this video I show some of the new features that set this camera apart from the rest.

Sony was nice enough to bring over the PDW-F800 the other day and let us get our hands on it. The XDCAM line has really been improving and the F800 is a great example of that. The camera comes packed full of new features which I’ll outline, but first I’d like to talk about the improvements that it will share with the PDW-700. The 700 will be getting another firmware update around the same time that the F800 will first hit the market.

…continue reading XDCAM Camera Updates

Sony has just announced the new PDW-F800 XDCAM Camcorder, and you’ll be able to get your hands on it at the Abel booth at NAB. This camera is basically a PDW-700 camera with some upgrades that many of our customers have been asking for. The list of new features that come standard with the camera include: 24p recording, variable frame rate recording (over-crank & under-crank), user gamma modes, dual-optical filters (ND and Color Correction), and SD recording modes. They have also added the ability to record proxy video data directly to a USB memory stick, so your editor can start working immediately with these files.

…continue reading Sony Announces New XDCAM Camcorder & Deck