Sony DSR-400L DVCAM Camcorder

The Sony DSR-400L is a professional camcorder that pushes the envelope for high quality images in a small and efficient shoulder-mount design. It captures high resolution video in low light or bright light with the advanced 3 x 2/3-inch POWER HAD EX chip set. This configuration includes the standard black and white viewfinder and the tripod adapter plate.

Viewfinder and LCD Monitor
Worlds collide now that the DSR-400L has both an LCD screen and a conventional 1.5-inch black and white ENG style viewfinder. The black and white viewfinder makes critical focus easier and faster. In addition, the viewfinder has a small light just to illuminate the focus and iris ring on the lens. This feature can be switched off. The tally light viewable in the viewfinder is also switchable from high to low and to off. The 2.5-inch LCD panel allows the operator to view the scene in color without a sweaty eye on the viewfinder.

Memory Scene Files
The DSR-400L has a slot for accepting Memory Stick data storage medium. The settings of the camcorder including the menu system can be stored and shared with other camcorders thus matching picture looks and functions. The data can also be transmitted via network or even E-mail. Service and software updates can be facilitated in this manner as well.

Full DSP Functions
The DSR-400 has an advanced DSP for the most stable and precise images possible. The digital signal processor allows the user to customize picture looks for specific shooting requirements. The TruEye feature keeps contrast levels looking natural even in extreme lighting conditions. Skin Tone Detail can check color and contrast in three parameters for special shooting requirements. The Black Stretch/Compress feature lets the user dial in special high or low contrast looks.

Video Light Connector
The camera can output DC power via 2-pin PowerTap connector to a like equipped video light. It can power a small on-camera light with a bulb up to 50 watts. A switchable function can turn the light on when the camera goes into record mode or the light can be used in a completely manual fashion.

Signal System: NTSC

Image Device: 3-CCD, 2/3-Inch, Power HAD EX Interline Transfer Type

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 65 dB

Horizontal Resolution: 920 Lines

Sensitivity: f/11 @ 2000 Lux

Minimum Illumination: 0.5 Lux with f/1.4 plus Gain Up

Vertical Smear: -140 dB

Built-in Filters
Clear
1/4 N.D. (1.5 Stops)
1/16 N.D. (4 Stops)
1/64 N.D. (6 Stops)
Tungsten/Daylight Filter Switch

LCD Monitor: 2.5-Inch TFT Color

Speaker: Yes

Viewfinder: DXF-801 1.5-Inch Black and White

Microphone: Yes

Scan Matching: Yes

Memory Card Slot: Yes

Shutter Speed Range: 1/100 to 1/2000 seconds

Gain Selection: -3 to 36dB

Tape Format
DVCAM
Consumer DV in SP Mode
Accepts Large and Small Cassettes

Tape Speed
28.193 mm/second in DVCAM Mode
18.8 mm/second in DV Mode

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Greater than 63 dB

Maximum Recording Time
3 Hours in DVCAM Mode
4.5 Hours in DV Mode

Audio Dynamic Range: Not Specified by Manufacturer

Audio Signal Format
16 bit / 48kHz (2 channel)
12 bit / 32kHz (4 channel)

Audio Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz (48kHz mode)
20Hz to 14.5kHz (32 kHz mode)

Signal to Noise Ratio: Not Specified by Manufacturer

Input and Output Connectors
Firewire- 6-Pin (x 1 input and output both)
Composite Video- BNC (x 1 output as monitor out)
Timecode- BNC (x 1 input, 1 output)
Genlock- BNC (x 1 input)
Sync- BNC (x 1 output)
Mic Audio- XLR (x 2 input)
Line Audio- RCA (x 2 output)
Headphone- Mini Stereo (x 1)
DC Power-2-Pin PowerTap (x 1 output)
DC Power- 7-Pin (x 1 output for wireless audio receiver)
DC Power- 4-Pin XLR (x 1 input)

Power Requirements: 12 Volts DC

Power Consumption
17 Watts Minimum
(measured with LCD and Viewfinder off)

Operating Temperature
32 to 104 degrees F
0 to 40 degrees C

Dimensions (WxHxD)
9.75 x 10.5 x 21.0 Inches
245 x 268 x 532 mm
(Width includes Viewfinder)