would be useful if dealing with difficult lighting conditions, such as at concerts. Grass Valley’s new LDX range
also promises higher dynamic range at 1080i than its existing cameras, but its design allows it to handle 1080p, which requires twice the processing power and throughput. The cameras are software upgradable and come in three versions, priced from $60,000 to $100,000. The LDX Première is a dual
format HD camera for general applications; the LDX Elite is a multi-format camera with many artistic features for high-end production in all the different 1.5G video formats — it includes additional controls for gamma and depth of field; while the LDX WorldCam is its most flexible multi-format camera, with advanced features and greater image sensitivity for full 1080p production without additional lighting requirements. Hitachi has rounded out its studio/OB camera range with the SK-HD1500 high-speed model, which boasts the world’s first 6Gbps fully
Jumping through the hoops: Sony’s new HDC-1700 studio camera
digital optical transmission system. Most systems use 10Gbps transmission, but by going to 6Gbps Hitachi has extended the maximum cable length possible between camera head and control
unit by around 4km. It is also claimed to offer superior signal to noise (-58dB) at both normal and 3x speeds and increased dynamic headroom. Each essential part of the 16-bit
camera has its own independent digital signal processor using new, power-efficient LSI chips, to manage the higher bandwidth of progressive readout HD sensors. Panasonic’s new AK-HC3800 studio/EFP camera boasts high- sensitivity 2/3-inch IT CCDs and a newly developed 38-bit digital signal processor with 16-bit A-D converter. It is 1080 50/60i switchable, with a S/N ratio of 60dB without additional DNR. The AK-HC3800, its new AK-HCU200 camera control unit, new AK-HRP200G fibre output and new AK-HVF70G lightweight 7-inch LCD viewfinder will be available as a package in December at for about €60,000. An IP connection with LAN cable option will arrive in the spring. Ikegami has a new range of Unicam HD dockable cameras for studio and EFP use. The HDK-55 is its 1080i model, the HDK-97A is 3G capable for 1080/50p, while the 97AP adds 24p. All three use three AIT CCDs, but there is also the HDK-97C with three CMOS sensors.
There is also a new control panel, the OCP100, with variable colour temperature and gamma curves (depending on the camera you use it with). The cameras can be fitted with analogue or digital triax, wireless, or fibre backs, or put in a system expander for large viewfinder/lens support. There is also a full studio version, the HDK-970A. Sony’s new HDC-1700 is a cost-