XDCAM
XDCAM is a series of products for digital recording using random access solid-state memory media, introduced by Sony in 2003. Four different product lines – the XDCAM SD, XDCAM HD, XDCAM EX and XDCAM HD422 – differ in types of encoder used, frame size, container type and in recording media.
None of the later products have made earlier product lines obsolete. Sony maintains that different formats within XDCAM family have been designed to meet different applications and budget constraints.[1]
The XDCAM range includes cameras and decks which act as drop-in replacements for traditional
.In September 2008, JVC announced its alliance with Sony to support the XDCAM EX format.
In August 2009, Convergent Design began shipping the nanoFlash Portable Recorder, which uses the Sony XDCAM HD422 codec.
In November 2012, VITEC began shipping the FS-T2001 Portable Recorder, which uses Sony XDCAM HD422 and XDCAM HD codec.
Compression methods
The XDCAM format uses multiple
Video is recorded with
Audio is recorded in uncompressed PCM form for all formats except proxy video, which uses A-law compression.
Equipment that uses
Recording formats
DVCAM uses standard DV encoding, which runs at 25 Mbit/s, and is compatible with most editing systems. Some camcorders that allow DVCAM recording can record progressive-scan video.
MPEG HD is used in all product lines except for XDCAM SD. This format supports multiple frame sizes, frame rates, scanning types and quality modes. Depending on product line or a particular model, not all modes of this format may be available.
MPEG HD422 doubles the chroma horizontal resolution compared to the previous generations of high-definition video XDCAM formats. To accommodate the improved chroma detail, video bitrate has been increased to 50 Mbit/s. This format is used only in XDCAM HD422 products.
MPEG SHD422 XDCAM-SHD422 stands for "Super HD" and has been introduced later on to preserve more details. It maintains the 4:2:2 planar chroma sampling as well as the same resolution of MPEG HD422, but it increases the bitrate to 85 Mbit/s. This format has never become widely used and a very limited set of devices support it.
Proxy AV is used to record low resolution proxy videos. This format employs
XDCAM formats
Format name | Container | Video coding | Bit depth | Color sampling | Frame size | Frame rate and scanning type | Video bit rate, Mbit/s | Audio coding |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DVCAM | MXF, DV-AVI |
DV | 8 | 4:2:0 | 720x576 | 50i, 25p | 25 (CBR) | PCM 4 ch/16 bit/48 kHz |
4:1:1 | 720x480 | 59.94i, 29.97p | ||||||
MPEG IMX | MXF | MPEG-2 422P@ML | 8 | 4:2:2 | 720x576 | 50i Top First, 25p | 30 (CBR), 40 (CBR), 50(CBR) | PCM 8 ch/16 bit/48 kHz, or 4 ch/24-bit/48 kHz |
720x480 | 59.94i Top First, 29.97p, 23.98p | |||||||
MPEG HD | MXF, MP4 |
MPEG-2 MP@H14/HL | 8 | 4:2:0 | 1920x1080 | 59.94i Top First, 50i Top First, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p | 35 (VBR) | PCM 4 ch/16 bit/48 kHz |
1440x1080 | 59.94i Top First, 29.97p, 23.98p, 25p | 18 (VBR), 25 (CBR), 35 (VBR) | ||||||
1280x720 | 59.94p, 29.97p, 23.98p, 50p, 25p | 25 (CBR), 35 (VBR), 19 (CBR)[1] | ||||||
MPEG HD422 | MXF | MPEG-2 422P@HL | 8 | 4:2:2 | 1920x1080 | 59.94i Top First, 50i Top First, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p | 50 (CBR) | PCM 8 ch/24 bit/48 kHz, or 4 ch/24 bit/48 kHz[3] |
1280x720 | 59.94p, 50p, 23.98p | |||||||
MPEG SHD422 | MXF | MPEG-2 422P@HL | 8 | 4:2:2 | 1920x1080 | 59.94i Top First, 50i Top First, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p | 85 (CBR) | PCM 8 ch/24 bit/48 kHz, or 4 ch/24 bit/48 kHz |
Proxy AV | MXF | MPEG-4 Part-2 (ASP) | 8 | 4:2:0 | CIF (50i - 352x288) | ? | 1.5 | A-Law 4 ch/8 bit/8 kHz |
^ 1 720p @ 19 Mbit/s is offered by JVC and is equivalent to HDV 720p
XDCAM-SHD422 has a very limited support.
Recording media
Professional Disc (XDCAM and XDCAM HD)
The Professional Disc was chosen by Sony as its medium for professional non-linear video acquisition for a number of reasons, outlined in their white-paper Why Sony Adopted Professional Disc. This disc is similar to
Essentially, the Professional Disc format was deemed to be a suitable, cost effective and easy step forward. The discs are reliable and robust, suitable for field work (something which has previously been a problem with many disc-based systems). Additionally, the cost of media is comparable to existing professional formats.
SxS
In 2008, Sony introduced a new recording medium to their XDCAM range – SxS Pro (pronounced "S-by-S"). It is a
In December 2009, Sony introduced the more affordable SxS-1. This unit is designed to have the same performance as the SxS Pro card however its life expectancy is shorter at an estimated 5 years of life when used every day to the card's full capacity.
In early 2013, Sony has introduced SxS Pro+ cards. These have a 1.2 Gbit/s read and write speed to support the PMW-F55 in storing 4K 60p acquisition.
Memory Stick
Memory Stick cards can be used in Sony XDCAM EX camcorders via the MEAD-MS01 adapter.[4]
Secure Digital
Secure Digital memory cards can be used in Sony XDCAM EX camcorders via the MEAD-SD01 adapter.[5] JVC camcorders that record in XDCAM EX format use Secure Digital memory cards natively.
XQD
XQD memory cards can be used in Sony XDCAM EX camcorders via the QDA-EX1 ExpressCard adapter.[6]
See also
- HDCAM
- XAVC
- Professional video camera
- Tapeless camcorder
References
- ^ "XDCAM HD Systems: for a new era of file-based HD production". Sony. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
- ^ Sony MPEG IMX Overview
- ^ "Sony Professional - Products and Solutions to Redefine Your Business" (PDF).
- ^ MEAD-MS01 Memory Stick card adapter (Sony)
- ^ MEAD-SD01 SDHC card adapter (Sony)
- ^ "QDA-EX1 ExpressCard adapter (Sony)". Archived from the original on 2013-08-09. Retrieved 2013-03-29.
- Sony's official XDCAM web page
- [[[Category:All articles with dead external links]][dead link] Brochure for the Sony PMW-EX1]
- * [[[Category:All articles with dead external links]][dead link] Brochure for XDCAM HD422 Family]
- JVC Solid State Press Release
- JVC KA-MR100G Press Release