From Sgt. C.J. Soltesz
(‘Cobra’)

Chris Soltesz
SSE-DS
BPSD
Sony Electronics, Inc.
(817) 417-0126
(214) 669-5861 chris.soltesz@am.sony.com

Cameras 101: Introduction
• “It has been my experience that the dissemination of a little knowledge will achieve one of two possible outcomes. It will either prompt the person learning to go out and gather even more information on the subject, further expanding their knowledge base, or give them a sense of false security and make them a very dangerous source of misinformation.”

Cameras 101: Agenda
• Introduction
• Camera Technology
• Types of Cameras
• Camera Design
• Lenses
• Accessories
• Applications
• Packages

Cameras 101: Introduction
– Capturing a moving image by accurately reproducing the scene.
It’s like a microphone for your eyes

Cameras 101:
Camera Parts
• Camera Lens
– Focuses light onto imager in the Camera
• Camera
–
Light hits prism or filter inside camera
– Split by prism or filter and then directed at imager
– Imager Translates light information into electrical signal
– Signal can then be transmitted or recorded

Cameras 101:
Camera Design Parameters
• Camera Design
– Single or Multi-Imager
• Tube Cameras
• CCD
• CMOS
– Imager Size
– Processing
• Analog
• Digital (DSP)
– Type
• Studio
• EFP
• ENG
• Image Capture
Definition/Aspect Ratio
 Standard Def.
 High Def.
 Multi Def.
Form
 One Piece

Fixed Lens
 Dockable
 Convertible
 Etc.
Standard
 NTSC
 PAL
 Multi-Std.

Cameras 101: Imagers
• Single or Multi-imager cameras
– Cameras can generally come in two flavors.
One uses a single pickup device and a optical filter to divide the light into red, green and blue to capture the different electrical signals from the three color channels. This type is known as a single
CCD (or one chip) camera.
– The second uses three separate imagers and a prism to separate the light and capture the corresponding channel. This type is now known as a 3CCD (or three chip) camera.
Today’s highest resolution cameras are all
3CCD cameras.

Cameras 101: Imagers
• Imager Size
– The more light that can be directed on the imager, the better the performance of the camera. A larger imager performs better in low light situations. Early tube imagers were 1”, 2/3”or 1/3”. Today’s
3CCD cameras come in the following sizes:
• 2/3”
• 1/2”
• 1/3”
• 1/4”
• 1/4.7”

Cameras 101: Imagers
• Tube cameras
– Early cameras used vacuum tube imagers that translated the optical image focused on the phosphor photosensitive surface of the tube into an electrical signal. Image
Orthicons, Saticons, Vidicons,
Plumbicons, Newvicons and
Trinicons are all different types of cathode ray tube imagers that were used.

Cameras 101: Imagers
RCA 5820 Image Orthicon Camera Tube

Cameras 101: Imagers
• CCD cameras
– Starting in the late 1980’s, charge coupled devices (or CCD’s) replaced vacuum tubes. CCD’s have been continually improved over the last fifteen years, with the greatest gains being made in sensitivity, noise reduction and resolution . The latest imager technology being developed is
CMOS, which has the potential to be more cost effective than CCD’s.

1985
HAD Sensor
・Low Dark Current
・E-Shutter
Sensor
■HAD Sensor
1990
On-Chip-
Micro lens
・
On-Chip-Lens
Technology
→High Sensitivity
Low Smear
1998
Power HAD
CCD
・Re-construction
（Gapless）
→High Sensitivity
1999
New Construction
CCD
・Internal Lens
→High Sensitivity
・ Thinner Insulation
Film
→Low Smear
2001
Power HAD EX
CCD
・Further Improvement
→High Sensitivity
Low Smear
Photo-Shielding film
Sensor
Poly Si
V-register
■Hyper HAD
On-Chip-Micro lens
Sensor
Photo-Shielding film
Poly Si
V-register
■Power HAD CCD ■Power HAD EX
On-Chip-Micro lens
Smear
Photo-Shielding film
Sensor
Poly Si
V-register
Improved reflection, resulting in less Smear
On-Chip-Micro lens
Smear
I ’ nal
Lens
Photo-Shielding film
Sensor
Poly Si
V-register
Thinner Insulation Film

On-Chip-Micro lens
Photo-Shielding film
Poly Si
V-register Sensor
Fig.-1 Power HAD CCD Sensor Construction
On-Chip-Micro lens
Internal Lens
Photo-Shielding film
Sensor
Poly Si
V-register
Fig.-2 New CCD Sensor Construction
Thinner
Insulation
Film
Improvement of Smear by thinner insulation membrane
Power HAD CCD camera ：
-125dB
(Typical)
Power HAD EX CCD camera ：
-140dB
(Typical)

-150
-140
-130
-120
-110
-100
-90
-80
BVP-70IS
BVP-370A
BVP-70
BVP-370
BVW-400A
BVW-400
BVP-90
BVP375
BVW-D600
DVW-700
BVP-50
BVP-550FIT
BVP-500FIT
DNW-90/WS
BVP-950FIT
BVP-900FIT
DVW-790WS
HDW-750
HDC-900
HDC700
HDW700
BVP-550IT
BVP-500IT
DNW-7
DNW-9WS
DXC-D30
BVP-900IT
BVP-950IT
DXC-D35
DVW-707
DVW-709WS
BVP-7A
DXC-537
BVW-300A
BVP-5
DXC-3000
BVP-7
DXC-M7
BVW-300
MSW-900
BVP-E10
’ 87 ‘ 88 ’ 89 ‘ 90 ’ 91 ‘ 92 ’ 93 ‘ 94 ’ 95 ‘ 96 ’ 97 ‘ 98 ’ 99 ’ 00 ’ 01 ‘ 02

Cameras 101: Imagers
• CMOS cameras
– CMOS Imaging Technology for motion video has been in development for the last five years. CMOS technology differs from CCD technology in many important areas . CMOS is less expensive to manufacture, uses less power and provides the ability to process pixel by pixel. With the introduction of the Sony
HVR-A1U and HVR-V1U, CMOS cameras have arrived at the entry level of professional cameras.

Camera Features: Imager
• 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor System
– Sony Original Pixel Interpolation Technology
• Higher Sensitivity
• Full HD Resolution

H:960
G/R/B Channels with Sony Original Pixel Layout

Mechanism of the Interpolation
Technology

Mechanism of the Interpolation
Technology

Mechanism of the Interpolation
Technology

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1 2 3 4
Pixel Count
H:960

Pixel Count after Interpolation
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
V: 1080
1 2 3 4
H: 960
Interpolation
V: 1080
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
H: 1920
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
:Interpolated Pixels

Pixel Count after Interpolation
H:1920
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
:Interpolated Pixels

Before Interpolation
H:960

After Interpolation
H:1920

Camera Process Diagram
Camera Process of the HVR-V1 is
1080/60p 4:2:2 Signal Processing

Progressive Scan
Progressive Scan is available
60Hz
Camcorder
50Hz
Camcorder
30p
Shooting
24p
Shooting p/i conv.
2-3 pulldown
25p
Shooting p/i conv.
60i
Recording
60i
Recording
50i
Recording
New!!
B&I
Exclusive

HVR-V1U 2:3 Pulldown
• Same method as Varicam, DVX100, and traditional Telecine
– Frame is captured PROGRESSIVELY every 1/24 second
– Frame is divided into 2 separate fields
– Each field is laid down to tape in a “
2:3
” cadence, resulting in 60 fields per second
• 24 Progressive
Frames
• 60 Fields
(30 Frames)

NLE and 2:3 Pulldown
• The NLE “ sees
” the 2:3 Pulldown
• “
Tags
” and removes the 2:3 pulldown
• Enables editing on a 23.98 timeline
– Perfect for 24 fps DVD authoring
– Essential for Film Out
– Great for maintaining “ cinema look
” throughout post
• 2:3 can be added back in for tape output, if desired

Cameras 101: Processing
• Analog Processing
– The earliest camera designs utilized tube amplifiers. Huge multi-conductor cables connected the imagers to the electronics
(they were huge). With the development of the transistor, cameras were able to offer better signal processing in a much smaller form. New developments in IC amplifiers helped, but adding analog amplifiers added noise. Improving camera design by adding advanced signal processing depended upon determining if the benefit would outweigh the noise induced by the processing circuit.

Cameras 101: Processing
– Today’s Digital cameras maintain higher image quality by processing the signals digitally. First, the component signals are converted from analog to digital through high quality A-D converters. These converted signals are then processed in the digital domain using advanced >30bit processors.
Almost every camera manufactured today uses DSP.

Cameras 101: Processing
– The use of Digital Signal Processing allows complex signal manipulation that would not be possible in an analog design. Innovative picture quality improvements showing the benefits of DSP can be seen in features like:
Fully adjustable Gamma, 6 vector Matrix,
Detail, Knee, Clip, Stretch, Skin Tone Detail,
Advanced Pixel Restoration (APR), Fine dark detail and contrast, Total Level Control
System, Advanced Diagnostics True-Eye and DynaLatitude.

12bit A/D
-12 bit A/D conversion and signal processing
- Better YC and S/N ratio
10 bit
Finer resolution
Better resolution
High light part is cut.
12 bit

1
VCX-377 DSP Bit Length Stream for Y Signal
3
MSB
Most Significant Bit
1
2 2
1 1
A/D C.
10 bit
8
D1
8 bit
8 8 8 8 8 8
D/A C.
10 bit
8
1
3
2
3 3 3 3
A/D C.
~
PP
~
PR in
4
Up Converter
Output
Linear Matrix
~
Ped.Mix
~
Gamma Out
Before Gamma
DTL Mix
~
Gamma In
After Gamma
DTL Mix
~
Knee
~
Knee APT Mix
~
RGB Clip Out
~
YC Mix In
YC MTX
Y Out
Y. Knee
~
Y Clip
Out
~
RC In
LSB
Least Significant Bit
RC Out to
VTR
10 bits from MSB will be converted to analog as camera output

Cameras 101:
Camera Types
Studio and EFP Cameras
– Studio Cameras are meant to be kept in the studio. This traditionally would be a large, high performance broadcast camera with a lens specifically designed for close up work.
– EFP stands for Electronic Field Production.
This camera would have the same performance characteristics as the previous type, but may be of a more portable Camcorder design.

Cameras 101:
Camera Types
ENG Cameras
– ENG stands for Electronic News
Gathering. This type of camera was developed for the rough and tumble
Broadcast News industry. Usually a robust Camcorder design, and is meant to operate under all types of weather and lighting conditions. Some Sony ENG camcorders can be configured for studio use (DSR-390, DSR570WS).

Cameras 101:
Camera Types
Image Capture
– Image Capture cameras do just that and only that. This type of camera has many uses: Security, Image Magnification,
Copy Stand, Industrial, Medical, Remote
Control, and Videoconferencing use to name just a few.

Cameras 101: Design
• Definition and Aspect Ratio
– Standard Definition
• 720 X 486 (640 X 480)
• 4:3 Aspect Ratio
– High Definition
• 1920 X 1080 or 1280 X 720
• 16:9 Aspect Ratio (widescreen)
– Multi-Definition
• Both SD and HD
• Imager that can provide both
– Many of today’s SD Cameras are widescreen
• This preserves 16:9 Aspect Ratio for Up-conversion to HD

Cameras 101: Design
• Form
– One Piece
• Camera is a one piece unit
– Fixed Lens
• Lens is not removable
– Dockable
• Camera head can docked to different backs for different uses
– Convertible
• Can be set up for Studio (Box) or ENG Style
Style Lenses. Studio design called a Sled.
– Etc.
• Up to each manufacturer.

Cameras 101: Design
• Standard
– NTSC
• US (and others) Broadcast Video
Standard
– PAL
• European Broadcast Video Standard
– Multi-Standard
• Both

Cameras 101: Lenses
• Lens choices
– Critical to overall Camera performance
• All Light going to camera must pass through lens
• Frequencies of light determined by MTF of Lens
• Broadcast and HD Grade Lenses
– Must Match Imager size
• 2/3” Imager requires 2/3”Lens
– ½” Lens Mount design Choices
• Hot Shoe
• Double Hot Shoe
– Aspect Ratio also affects Lens Choice
• 20% difference in lens telephoto

Cameras 101: Lenses
• Lenses (Cont.)
– Lens Manufacturers
• Canon and Fujinon most popular
– Lens Length/Type
• Determined by studio size, camera placement and/or shots required for production
• Most ENG lenses today have zoom capabilities that are at least 18X
• Wide angle Lenses are also used where space is critical
– Rear Lens Control Kits
• Accessories for Studio and EFP (OB) Style Shooting
• Rear Lens controls are not interchangeable between manufacturers

Cameras 101: Lenses
• All Sony ½” and 2/3” cameras have removable lenses
– Sony uses standard Bayonet Mount
– Lens Models are named by size:
• 2/3” Canon “YJ”, “J” (Broadcast), “HJ”
(High Def)
• 2/3” Fujinon “A”, “HA” (High Def)
• ½” Canon “YH”, Fujinon “S” or VCL’s
• Smaller lenses (1/3” and C-Mount) are also VCL’s (can be confusing)

Cameras 101: Accessories
• Accessories
– Camera Adaptor (CA)
• Provides for analog or digital signal transmission and control interface to CCU.
• Can be sent over Multicore, Triaxial, Fiber or
Wireless.
• Can also provide audio, prompter, return video and intercom.
– Camera Control Unit (CCU)
• Provides power to camera and accessories as well as providing remote control of image for adjustment during production. Also provides connection point for signal output. Generally a
Studio or OB application.

Cameras 101: Accessories
• More Accessories
– Remote Control Panel
• Provides for remote connection to CCU for shading and control of camera.
• Can also connect directly to camera for CCU type performance without need for CCU. Used in EFP.
– Viewfinder
• The viewfinder is a video monitor that allows the camera operator to see what they are shooting.
Can be ENG (smaller for shoulder mounted shooting ) or Studio (larger for standing behind the camera).

Cameras 101: Accessories
• Even More Accessories
– CCU Interconnection cables
• Not included.
• Multicore designated CCZAD.
• Triax designated CCTA (1/2”) or CCTB (3/8”)
• Sold in specific lengths (CCZAD50 with length in meters .
– VTR Back
• Video tape recorder that mounts to the back of a Dockable Camera Head. Creates camcorder like design.
• Latest designs are Disc based.

Cameras 101: Accessories
• Still Even More Accessories
– Tripod Mounting Plate
• Provides quick release mounting point for
Tripod.
– Tripod or Pedestal
• Stable platform to shoot from.
• Fluid Head provides smooth pan and tilt.
– Intercom Headset
• PH8S Headset for CCU-D50, CA-D50.

Cameras 101: Accessories
• Could there possibly be any more??
– Batteries
• Different batteries for different models
– Battery Chargers
• Need the correct charger to match the battery
– AC Adaptors
• For use when you have AC power available.
– Camera Cases
• Hard or soft cases for shipping cameras and accessories.
– Wireless Mics
• Do I really need to finish this?

Cameras 101: Applications
• Camcorders provide recording capabilities directly onto tape or Disc
– Sony Professional/Broadcast Camcorder formats:
• DV
• DVCAM
• Beta SX
• MPEG IMX
• XDCAM
• Digi-Beta
• HDV
• XDCAM HD
• HDCAM

Cameras 101: Applications
• Camcorders features and capabilities.
– Very different products for different markets.
• Professional Wedding/ Event Videographer
• Independent Film Making
• Broadcast News Gathering
• Wildlife Videography
• Electronic Cimematography
– All of these present different imaging demands and require a different performance level from the camera.

Cameras 101: Applications
• Camcorder Pricing
– Sony Camcorders:
• DSR-PD170
• HVR-V1U
• HVR-Z1U
• DSR-400L
• DSR-450WSL
• PDW-F350
• PDW-530
• MSW-970
• DVW-970
• HDW-750/1
• HDW-F900R
$3,940.00
$4,890.00
$5,946.00
$10,800.00
$15,000.00
$25,800.00
$34,000.00
$37,000.00
$49,700.00
$71,100.00
$79,900.00

Cameras 101:
Applications
• What about Image Capture cameras?
– Known as Box or POV Cameras
• DXC-990 ½” 3CCD
• DXC-390 1/3” 3CCD
– Can be fixed or mounted on PTZ head
• Other manufacturer (AMX, Crestron)
– Needs power supply
• CMA-D2 or CMA-D3
• Requires specialized interconnection cables
(CCDC/CCMC)
– Remote Control for CCU type control
• RMC-950
– Additional Specialized Lenses and Mounts for a variety of different applications (microscopy, etc)

Cameras 101:
Applications
• HD Image Capture POV Camera
– HDC-X300
• ½” High Definition Box Camera
• Provides HDSDI or HD Component Out
– HDC-X300K package with Canon
VCL719BXS Lens
– Remote Controls for CCU type control
• RCP-700
• RCP-750
• RMB-150//A
– No external CCU

Cameras 101:
Applications
• Pan-Tilt-Zoom Cameras
– Include Camera and PTZ Mechanism
• EVI D Series 1CCD PTZ Camera
• BRC Series 3CCD PTZ Camera
– Accessories
• EVI- remote controls and dome housings
• BRC- we will cover later
– Uses for these products can range from
Videoconferencing to Security. These cameras are used in Religious, Education,
Corporate and Government applications.

Cameras 101:
Applications
• Internet Protocol (IP) Cameras
– Network Connected Cameras
• SNCRZ50N IP PTZ Camera
• SNCRZ25N IP PTZ Camera
• SNCRX550N/B 360 IP PTZ Camera
– Accessories
• Dome Housings, mounting options

Cameras 101: Applications
• Application determines Camera Choice
– Example: High Definition Shooting
• Need highest resolution possible for historic preservation of event.
• Electronic Cinema Production (Star Wars)
– Your Solution?

Cameras 101: Applications
• Application determines Camera Choice
– Example: One piece Palmcorders
• Used in high risk situations (i.e. CNN Gulf War coverage, Combat Cam)
• Used in documentary shooting where a smaller camera is less obtrusive on subject.
• Used in areas that would be sensitive to full size
ENG camcorder (Hey, look!! That’s a news crew!)
– Your Solution?

Cameras 101: Applications
• Application determines Camera Choice
– Example: Long distance camera signal transmission with sophisticated camera control, communication, etc.
• Sports remote shooting in a stadium
• Triaxial, fiber or wireless connection?
– Your Solution?

Cameras 101: Applications
• Application determines Camera Choice
– Example: Robotic Control
• Determined by camera placement: I need to have a shot from the grid
• Tower cam
– Your Solution?

Cameras 101: Applications
• Application determines Camera Choice
– Example: Image Capture
• Manufacturing process requires monitoring and inspection, but only provides space for small sized camera.
– Your Solution?

Cameras 101: Packages
• Cameras come in Packages
– Include Camera and different accessories
• Studio Packages
• ENG Packages (camcorders)
• Other types of packages

Cameras 101: Packages
• Studio Triax Camera Package Example
– DXCD50WSHPAC1.
• This triax studio system 1 package includes: the new DXC-D50WSH 3CCD portable camera widescreen, CA-TX50 triax camera adaptor, CCU-
TX50 triax CCU with SDI & camera controls, RCP-
D50 camera remote control (joystick-type), DXF-51 viewfinder, & VCT-U14 tripod attachment.

Cameras 101: Packages
• Studio Multicore Camera Package
Example
– DXCD50WSHPAC5
• Mulitcore system. This package includes: the new DXC-D50WSH 3CCD portable camera widescreen, CA-D50 camera adaptor, CCU-
D50 camera control unit, RCP-D50 camera remote control panel (joystick-type), DXF-51 viewfinder, & VCT-U14 tripod attachment.

Cameras 101: Models
• Camera L model Example
– DXCD50L
• The DXC-D50/D50WS is the next-generation in the DXC-series of cameras, designed for even greater picture quality and operational convenience. These cameras are offered in two different versions: the DXC-D50H and L are 4:3 models and
DXC-D50WS 16:9/4:3-switchable model. Both feature the new high-performance Power HAD EX CCD sensor and precise 12bit A/D conversion built into a highly sophisticated LSI. The result is superior picture quality, high sensitivity, plus low noise and smear characteristics over previous models. A variety of automatic functions have also been included, allowing easy and convenient operation in any shooting scenario. Another important aspect of Sony DXC-D50/D50WS cameras is their excellent system versatility. Two types of camera-control units are available; the CCU-D50, for multi-core CCU operation, and the CCU-TX50, for Triax CCU operation. The new RCP-
D50/D51 Remote Controllers can also be used with either system. With a host of sophisticated features, the DXC-
D50/D50WS provides an ideal solution for small studio operations at an affordable price.

Cameras 101: Models
• Camera H model Example
– DXCD50WSH
• The new DXC-D50WSH is the simplified version of
DXC-D50WSL not including the ENG viewfinder tripod plate and microphone common to the "L" series. The
DXC-D50 cameras are offered in two main different versions: the DXC-D50H/DXC-D50L at 4:3 aspect ratio models and DXC-D50WSH/DXC-D50WSL 16:9/4:3 switchable aspect ratio models. All feature the highperformance Power HAD EX CCD's and precise 12-bit
A/D conversion built into a highly sophisticated LSI.
The result is superior picture quality, high sensitivity, plus extremely low noise and smear characteristics. A variety of automatic functions have also been included, allowing easy and convenient operation in any shooting scenario.

Cameras 101: Packages
• ENG Camera Package Example
– DSR400K
• Introducing our new generation DSR-400 camcorder featuring 3-2/3" Power HAD EX CCD's. The DSR-400K model includes a 17X 2/3" CCD lens. Some of the features of the DSR-400 camcorder are new style and rugged alloy body construction, interchangeable 2/3" zoom-lenses, Power HAD EX CCD's, Full Digital
Signal Processing, high resolution 1.5" B&W viewfinder
(DXF-801) and LCD panel, Memory Stick Scene file storage and software upgrade, compact & lightweight, adjustable shoulder pad, video light connector, electronic color temperature adjustment, jog dial menu control, DV and DVCAM recording, and professional audio features. RCP-D50/RCP-D51 cannot be used
(not compatible) with DSR-400 camcorders.

Cameras 101: Packages
• Palmcorder Camera Package Example
– DSRPD170PAC
• This package includes the new DSR-PD170
3CCD DVCAM compact camcorder and LC-
PD150BP soft carrying case.
• Nowhere does it say that this camera comes with a battery, A/C adaptor/charger, wide angle lens, lens hood, remote control, AA batteries for the remote, etc.
– You just have to know that.

Cameras 101: Packages
• HD Palmcorder Camera Package Example
– HVRZ1U
• New 3CCD 1080i HDV camcorder is here! The new HVR-
Z1U features three newly developed Super HAD 1/3" CCDs.
These new 16:9 native CCDs, combined with a high quality
12X Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens and
Sony's new 14 bit A/D and DXP Digital Extended Processor, result in precise image acquisition with superb detail and clarity. The advanced CCD design allows more light to reach the pixel imager, reducing video noise and improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The new HVR-Z1U records this exceptional imagery using the recently adopted HDV 1080i format onto a DVCAM mini cassette.
– Nowhere does it say that this camera comes with a battery, A/C adaptor/charger, remote control, AA batteries for the remote, etc.
– You just have to know all that too.

Cameras 101: Build your own camera package
• Where would you start?
– What is the application?
• Is there a budget?
• SD or HD
• Is Aspect Ratio an Issue
– What is the Camera type needed?
• Studio, EFP, ENG, Image Capture?
• What is their shooting environment?
• If it’s a camcorder, what recording format?
– What accessories will they need?
• Lens application, CCU’s, CA’s, viewfinders, cables, batteries, chargers, cases, etc.

Cameras 101:
Hands on Cameras
• Let’s get started!

Questions?

Thanks!!