Product Information
Sony HDW-730S ( HDW730S / HDW 730S ) HDCAM camcorder Capture High Definition pictures on a Standard Definition budget
The case for shooting programme content in High Definition has never been so compelling. The cost, speed and quality advantages of HD over film for prestige productions are well documented. Now the economics of HD production for mainstream television production have been transformed making HD acquisition accessible to those working on SD budgets.

A key component of this transformation is the HDW-730S HDCAM camcorder. The HDW-730S features 3 x 2.2 million-pixel IT CCDs and Advanced Digital Signal Processing (ADSP). The camcorder is switchable between 1080/50i and 1080/59.94i operation, opening up significant possibilities for international co-production or distribution of content.

It is an extremely compact and lightweight design, with a robust and reliable construction. A signal-to-noise ratio of 54 dB and a minimum illumination of 0.31 lux are significant benefits for producers capturing footage in often less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The HDW730S outputs HD-SDI as standard, while an optional down converter allows simultaneous direct output of SD-SDI or analogue composite video. Camera setup data can be stored in a "Memory Stick". An optional picture cache board can capture pictures and sound in advance of pressing the record button.

Whether you're post producing in Standard Definition and want to maximise image quality up-front, or remaining in HD for post production, the HDW-730S redefines HD acquisition as the choice that's practical and affordable for mainstream programme making today.

Superb High Definition pictures
HDCAM camcorders are in use around the world for the most prestigious programme productions. The HDW-730S is the latest addition to the HDCAM line up and produces stunning quality HD images.

A revolution in affordability
The HDW-730S puts all the advantages of shooting High Definition pictures into the hands of programme producers operating on Standard Definition budgets. Priced below equivalent Digital Betacam camcorders, the HDW-730S now makes HD a viable option whatever programme you shoot.

Peace of mind for High Definition post production
Over 27,000 HDCAM VTRs and camcorders have been sold worldwide, and the number of post houses equipped with HDCAM grows every day. You can relax in the knowledge that there is an HDCAM facility close by to add the finishing touches to your programme.

All the benefits of Standard Definition post production
Today more and more programme makers are shooting HD, with many then using existing SD suites for post production. This approach provides many advantages. These include the lower cost associated with SD post production, and the benefit of retaining an exceptionally high quality HDCAM original recording for future distribution opportunities. And even when downconverted to SD, pictures from HDCAM camcorders will look noticably better than those originated in SD.

Unlimited opportunities for international distribution
With 50i/59.94i switchability, the HDW-730S brings new opportunities for international distribution and co-production. You can shoot for a travel programme for a European audience one day, and a music programme for transmission in the USA the next.

Ease-of-use for minimum re-training
The latest in a long line of digital camcorders from Sony, the HDW-730S retains the ergonomic design and familiar operation for which Sony camcorders have become renowned. With the HDW-730S, you avoid expensive operational retraining and can generate great pictures from day one.

Features:

• HAD sensor technology
  The HDW-730S inherits Sony HAD sensor technology and the on-chip lens structure of the Power HAD sensor, an imaging device based on the 1920 x 1080 CIF (Common Interchange Format). Three 2/3-inch IT CCDs each with 2.2 million-pixels provide excellent imaging quality.
• Ultimate sensitivity
  The HDW-730S has a sensitivity of f10 at 2000 Lux. When fitted with an optional HKDW-705 Slow Shutter board, the camcorder can expose an image over a 64 frame duration. This dramatically increases sensitivity and allows pictures to be shot at a minimum illumination of 0.003 Lux. This allows camera operators to shoot images in extremely dark environments.
  The Slow Shutter board also allows motion blur to be used as a creative tool during acquisition.
• Long record duration onto HDCAM cassettes
  The HDW-730S records up to 48 minutes onto a small HDCAM tape when recording 1080/50i (record duration is 40 minutes at 1080/60i). This exceeds the record duration of many standard definition camcorders.
• Rugged and ergonomic design
  The design of the HDW-730S is based on years of Sony experience in camera design and provides a high level of mobility and balance to minimise fatigue in all shooting conditions. Combined with the viewfinder, battery, cassette and microphone, the total weight is only 5.3 Kg.
• Extended battery life
  You can record for up to 135 minutes when using the latest BP-GL95 Info Li-Ion battery. This meets the critical need for a long operating time. The battery also communicates with the camcorder to provide exact remaining capacity.
• Always ready to capture an image
  The HDW-730S can be fitted with an optional HKDW-703 Picture Cache Board. With picture caching, up to 8 seconds of audio and video are buffered into memory before the Rec button is pressed. When recording is activated, the buffer contents are recorded onto tape. The risk of missing important scenes is significantly reduced.
• Auto Trace White
  Auto Trace White (ATW) is a feature that automatically adjusts the white balance as lighting conditions change. This is ideal when shooting in rapidly changing lighting conditions (for example, when moving from an indoor to an outdoor location). Conventional Auto White Balance is also available.
• TruEye processing
  TrueEye virtually eliminates hue distortion, especially in extreme lighting conditions. TrueEye processes video data in a similar way to the human eye - processing brightness, hue and saturation. This significantly improves the reproduction of natural skin tones.
• Neutral Density optical filter wheel
  The HDW-730S is equipped with a single optical filter wheel. You can choose from the following Neutral Density (ND) settings: CLEAR, 1/4ND, 1/16ND and 1/64ND.
• Mono microphone
  The HDW-730S is supplied with an ultra-directional mono microphone as standard. Connection to the camcorder is via a 3-pin XLR connector.
• Slot-in wireless receiver
  You can slot a Sony wireless receiver directly into the chassis of the HDW-730S. This adds wireless receiver functionality without compromising the compact ergonomic design of the camcorder. A Sony WRR-855A/B can be used.
• Programmable menu system
  You can customise the menu system of the camcorder, by copying and pasting menu items to your personal menu page. These settings can be stored on a Memory Stick.

• General
  
  Mass
  Approx. 5.3 kg (11lb. 11oz) with cassette, BP-GL95 battery, viewfinder and microphone
  
  Power requirement
  DC 12V (+5.0 V/-1.0 V)
  
  Power consumption
  33 W (With 12 V power supply, REC mode, without viewfinder)
  
  Operating temperature
  0 ºC to +40ºC (+32ºF to +104 ºF)
  
  Storage temperature
  -20 ºC to +60 ºC (-4ºF to +140 ºF)
  
  Operating humidity
  25% to 80% (Relative humidity)
  
  Continuous operating time
  Approx. 135 min (With BP-GL95)
  
  
• Inputs/outputs
  
  Genlock video input
  BNC (x1), 1.0 V p-p 75 ohm
  
  Time code input
  BNC (x1), 0.5 V to 18 V p-p 10 Kohm
  
  Audio CH1/CH2 input
  XLR 3-pin type (Female) (x2),
  -60 dBu/+4dBu selectable, high impedance, balanced
  
  Mic input (Mono)
  XLR 3-pin type (Female) (x1), -60 dBu
  
  HD-SDI output
  BNC (x1), 0.8 V p-p, 75 ohm, unbalanced
  
  VBS/SDI output(with HKDW-702 fitted)
  BNC (x1), 0.8 V p-p, 75 ohm, unbalanced
  
  Audio output
  XLR 5-pin Type (Male) (x1), 0 dBm
  
  Time code output
  BNC (x1), 1.0 V p-p 75 ohm
  
  TEST output
  BNC (x1), 1.0 V p-p 75 ohm
  
  DC input
  XLR 4-pin type (Male) (x1), 11 to 17 V DC
  
  DC output
  4-pin (for wireless microphone receiver) (x1), 11 to 17 V DC, Max. 100mA
  
  Lens
  12-pin (x1)
  
  Remote
  8-pin (x1)
  
  Earphone
  Mini-jack (x2), 8 ohm, -infinity to -18 dBs variable
  
  
• Supplied Accessories
  
  Shoulder belt
  Mono ultra-directional microphone
  Operation manual (booklet)
  Viewfinder (HDVF-20A)