Product Description
- 12X Optical zoom - 48X Digital zoom
- 530 lines horizontal resolution
- Three Advanced HAD(TM) 380K pixels 1/3 CCDs allow 480 progressive mode for stills and interlaced mode for video
- Built-in slot for reading optional MemoryStick media
- Super SteadyShot(R) Stabilization and Autofocus modes
The new DSR-PD170 DVCAM compact camcorder provides high quality acquisition in the DVCAM component digital format, as well as in DV, allowing up to 40 minutes recording on one tape Mini DVCAM tape, or 60 minutes on the same tape in the DV mode. This compact camcorder features three Advanced HAD 1/3 inch CCDs that allow two scanning modes: 480 progressive (for still) and interlaced (for video). These Advanced HAD CCDs also provide high quality acquisition with increased resolution and sensitivity at reduced noise and vertical smear. The new enhancements to the CCDs have enabled the minimum illumination to be improved to an incredible 1 lux. The DSR-PD170 also features a built-in slot for MemoryStick. Up to 988 JPEG pictures can be stored on one 64 MB MemoryStick. In addition, the stored images can be mixed or keyed to the live image allowing logo insertion and/or mix effects. The built-in high MTF quality 12X electronic zoom lens features Auto focus and SuperSteadyShot with manual Zoom, Focus and Iris control capability. Other enhancements from the DSR-PD150 include a larger high-resolution B&W viewfinder and a newly developed color swing out Hybrid LCD with greater brightness to increase monitoring capability in bright light conditions. The DSR-PD170 now has a larger handle with start/stop functions as well as zoom control on the handle for easy access and enhanced shooting capabilities.
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Outstanding camera, period.
I've used this camera on several professional video shoots now, including talking heads, outdoors and an indoor music video. The low light capability of this camera is nothing short of stunning, with clear, crisp images available even when using only available tungsten room lights. We shot a girl playing the piano with candles in the background and only the piano lamp and it looked great. The PD170 is very easy to use for the beginner and a breeze to tweak on the fly. It has solid, nicely positioned controls (for full auto and full manual configurations), pro XLR audio/mic inputs and easily accessible miniDV cassette mechanism that lets you change tapes while the camera is on the tripod. Its DVCam recording mode runs the DV tape at a faster rate, giving you about 43 minutes of recording on an hour miniDV tape. The higher recording speed is not mandatory, but does improve quality when you choose to use it. Autofocus is crystal clear, but easily manipulated manually with a great focus ring. This camera has lots of bells and whistles, including the ability to monitor both channels' recording levels onscreen, while taping. I've heard the networks' embedded reporters in Iraq are using PD170's and I believe it. The quality of the images captured by this camera is nothing short of professional. The heft and feel of the PD170 is just right. it's got a nice, built-in lens cover that's actuated by a solid feeling lever on the side of the lens housing. It also features two built in neutral density filters that can be flipped into position with another lever. The list of features and thoughtful design elements goes on and on. Obviously, I'm crazy about this DVCam and literally don't have a single complaint to share. If you're looking for a rock solid, professional grade camcorder in the $3000 range, look no further. Read up on it and the competition. Then buy this gem and prepare to be bowled over by its performance, pictures and exceptional design.