DSR-500WSP


The Sony DSR-500WSP has been developed to meet this growth in widescreen production. Joining the
Sony DVCAM camcorder line-up, the DSR-500WSP Widescreen Digital Camcorder provides superb
picture quality from three Power HAD WS™ CCDs and full Digital Signal Processing. The CCDs have
been specifically designed for the 16:9 aspect ratio, but are switchable to the 4:3 format. Inheriting most
of the functions of the DSR-300P, the DSR-500WSP extends its mobility, operational convenience and
system flexibility with a range of peripheral products. The i.LINK™* interface, providing a digital output
for backup recording and simple field editing is a new feature for the DSR-500WSP. Using the DSR-500
WSP brings widescreen performance to a range of field acquisition applications that include video
journalism, event coverage and broadcast news gathering. * i.LINK stands for IEEE 1394-1995
standards and their revisions. is the logo for products that implement i.LINK.


Widescreen Switchable Camcorder Incorporating 16:9 wide aspect CCDs, the DSR-500WSP offers
superb widescreen picture quality, plus an aspect ratio switching capability for conventional 4:3 aspect
pictures. Small in size, low in weight By adopting high-density circuit boards and reducing the diameter of
the VTR head drum, the DSR-500WSP is remarkably small. It weighs only 6.3 kg (13.9 lb 14.2 oz)
including lens, viewfinder, tape, Lithium-ion battery and microphone. BP-L40 Lithium-ion Battery for
Extended Operation The Sony BP-L40 is a compact Lithium-ion battery for professional use, and is
designed to match the body height of the DSR-500WSP. It has a high charge capability in a small and
light package, providing continuous camcorder operation for approximately 70 minutes. Since Lithium-ion
batteries do not suffer from “memory effect”, they do not have to be fully discharged to retain their full
power capacity. Power HAD WS™ CCD The DSR-500WSP is equipped with three 2/3-inch, Power
HAD WS IT CCDs, each with the high packing density of 620,000 pixels (total)/ 570,000 pixels (effective)
. Because these CCDs are designed from the outset for the 16:9 aspect ratio, but switchable to 4:3, they
provide high quality images in 16:9 mode without any image loss. A high sensitivity of
F11 (at 2000 lx, 3200K), the remarkable signal to noise ratio of 61dB, a resolution of 750/800 TV lines
(16:9/4:3 mode)* and a virtually invisible smear level of -120dB are the results of this design approach.
* The 750 lines horizontal resolution at 16:9 aspect ratio are actually equivalent to 1000 lines, which are
converted by 4:3 aspect ratio camera measurement. 16:9 and 4:3 Switchable The combination of wide
aspect ratio CCDs and digital signal processing enables the DSR-500WSP to operate in both 16:9
widescreen and conventional 4:3 modes without any additional conversion equipment. Furthermore, at the
16:9 mode, both the 16:9 and the 4:3 safety zone shooting are possible on this viewfinder 16:9 ID Pulse
When shooting 16:9 images, the DSR-500WSP automatically generates a wide aspect ID pulse signal to
indicate that the pictures are shot in 16:9 aspect ratio. This ID pulse is added to the video output signal.
The information of 16:9 is also recorded on to the Video Auxiliary (VAUX) area of a DVCAM tape,
together with the video signals. DXF-701WSCE The DXF-701WSCE is a high resolution, 1.5-inch black
and white viewfinder with a 16:9 aspect capability. The size of the scanned area changes automatically
according to the camera aspect ratio (4:3 or 16:9), as shown in (A) and (B). Compact and Lightweight
Camcorder Designed for professional use, the DSR-500WSP is remarkably compact and lightweight.


Low Power Consumption The DSR-500WSP camera head consumes only 24 W. Maximum recording
" time is approximately 70 minutes with one fully charged BP-L40 Lithium-ion battery. Note: A fully
charged BP-L60A gives a recording time of approximately 140 minutes. A fully charged BP-L90A lasts for
around 230 minutes of recording time. New Carrying Case for a Compact Crew Package For acquisition,
you need a compact crew package. The Sony LC-DS300SFT is a soft carrying case exclusively designed
for DVCAM Camcorders. With several outsides and inside pockets, it holds shooting accessories such as
batteries and charger, wireless microphone receiver, and other items - as well as a DSR-500WSP complete
with lens, VF and microphone. With its the robust shoulder belt, this case is easy to carry, a single person
can transport all the required equipment. The LC-DS500 hard-type carrying case will be available in the
future. DynaLatitude™ Function The DSR-500WSP also uses the DynaLatitude process, a unique feature
based on the TruEye system. DynaLatitude minimises video level distortion by using video signal histograms
to adaptively manage the contrast of each pixel and thus maximise the use of the limited dynamic range of the
video signal standard. The DynaLatitude feature brings a new dimension to other technologies such as
Dynamic Contrast Control (DCC). Skin Detail with Auto Detection of Active Area The Skin Detail function
of the DSR-500WSP gives a subject a pleasing facial complexion, while maintaining the sharpness of other
areas. The designated active area of Skin Detail is set by simply adjusting the Area Detect Cursor on the
viewfinder screen and using the SKIN SET button on the camera side panel. The colour range of the Skin
Detail active area and Skin Detail level can also be set from the viewfinder menu, and it is capable of colour
and detail corrections over the complete visible spectrum (360° range). Black Stretch and Compress
Contrast in the black area of the image is adjusted using the Black Stretch/Compress Control function.
Black Stretch emphasises contrast in the dark area, while Black Compress enhances or deepens dark
areas. Integrated Digital Processing Camera The DSR-500WSP captures pictures of superb quality with its
use of full Digital Signal Processing (DSP). 10-bit DSP (Digital Signal Processing) LSI Like other DVCAM
camcorders, the DSR-500WSP includes 10-bit DSP LSI technology that delivers one of the best picture
performances in the industry. The DSR-500WSP also inherits innovative camera features such as TruEye™
and DynaLatitude™. TruEye™ Process The TruEye function is the Sony term for an innovative digital signal
processing technology. In conventional RGB analogue and digital processing, some non-linear signal
processing, such as white clip and knee correction, takes place after gamma correction. This can result in
hue factor distortion - a phenomenon that is particularly obvious in extreme high-light conditions. This
problem is virtually eliminated by the TruEye process, which manages video signal data at three levels -
brightness, hue and saturation - exactly as the human eye works. The result is reproduced images with a
wide dynamic range and without hue distortion. Convenient and Comfortable Camcorder The DSR-500
WSP offers comfort, operational convenience and simplicity. DynaFit™ Shoulder Pad The DSR-500WSP
has a “DynaFit” shoulder pad, made of a shape-memory material. This innovative shoulder pad does not
require forward/backward adjustment. It comfortably moulds to any shoulder without slipping to maintain
very good camera balance. Selectable Built-in Filters The DSR-500WSP has four built-in filters: 3200
K/3000 K (switchable via the Viewfinder menu), 5600 K, 5600 K+ 1/8 and 5600 K+ 1/64. This four filter
construction is the same as that used in Sony 2/3-inch cameras such as the DXC-D30WSP, and makes the
DSR-500WSP suitable for use under virtually any lighting condition. DSR-500WSP (DynaLatitude)
Conventional CameraVideo Light Connector for Anton Bauer Ultralight 2 An optional Anton Bauer
Ultralight 2 can be directly attached to the DSR-500WSP using the Video Light connector. This lighting
system is powered from the camcorder’s battery. The light can be controlled either manually or synchronised
with the REC start function of the DSR-500WSP. Manual or automatic control is selected with the LIGHT
switch located on the front-right side of the camcorder. Pool Feed Operation When a limited number of
camera operators are covering, for example, a press conference the DSR-500WSP can function as a
recorder using the analogue composite signal from the distributor. This is called “Pool Feed Operation”.
The optional DSBK-501P Analogue Composite Input Board is required for this use. Dual Zebra The
DSR-500WSP has two simultaneous types of zebra patterns - ‘ZEBRA 1’ and ‘ZEBRA 2’. ‘ZEBRA 1’
can be set within a range of 70 IRE to 90 IRE, in 1 IRE steps. ‘ZEBRA 2’ provides a zebra pattern in any
area with a more than 100% video level.Setup Data Management nCamera Setup Files — Eight Setup Files
The DSR-500WSP is equipped with a convenient VF (Viewfinder) Menu System; a control menu with
superimposed characters on the VF screen. With the SETUP switch set to the FILE position, a total of eight
setup files can be used with the dedicated VF Menu System. Five Factory Preset Files are set by Sony to
accommodate the five most common lighting situations, such as STANDARD, HIGH SATURATION and
FLUORESCENT. Three User Files allow operators to set camera parameters to match their own particular
shooting requirements. nSetupNavi™ — Camera Setup File Storage The DSR-500WSP Camcorder has a
SetupNavi function to store User Files or Factory Preset Files directly on the VAUX (Video Auxiliary) data
territory of a DVCAM cassette tape. This data can be stored on or recalled from the tape via the VF Menu
System. nSetupLog™ —Automatic Recording of Camera Data Information relating the most relevant
DSR-500WSP parameter settings for every shot is automatically recorded on the VAUX area of DVCAM
cassette tapes. This function is called SetupLog. This is useful for the camera operator, not only when the
same shot has to be re-taken, but also when re-shooting or operating conditions have to be checked during
a particular shoot. Auto Tracing White Balance (ATW) In the DSR-500WSP, operation of the Auto Tracing
White Balance (ATW) is fast enough to meet professional demands. It also improves the accuracy of white
balance adjustment. Auto Iris AGC AE Auto Iris Conventional Camera DSR-500WSPEZ Mode The camera
can be instantly set to a standard or auto position simply by pressing the EZ Mode button.
The DSR-500WSP has a choice of two EZ Modes - STANDARD or CUSTOM. When set to CUSTOM
EZ Mode, camera settings are changed in accordance with the selected menu setting. EZ Focus EZ Focus is
a function to help the user focus precisely without having to manually open up the lens iris. Pushing the EZ
Focus button automatically opens the iris to reduce the depth of field, making it easier to focus accurately.
At the same time, the electronic shutter is automatically set to obtain the correct exposure. This EZ Focus
function is overridden during recording. Menu Control by Jog Dial Operation The DSR-500WSP
incorporates a jog dial controlled from the viewfinder menu. The user simply selects the desired menu item
and then sets the value by easy, one-fingered jog dial operation. This jog dial means that fewer control
button/switches are required on the camcorder, and therefore contributes to the unit’s simple design and
operation. New Switch Guard A new switch guard is provided on the DSR-500WSP to help prevent
miss-operation of the EZ Mode, AUTO IRIS Mode and ATW buttons. Lifting the guard provides quick
access to the buttons when required. The guard has five tiny holes for the operator to see the button LED
indicators while shooting. High Quality DVCAM Recorder Based on the DVCAM format, the
DSR-500WSP has high quality, efficient recording capabilities. DVCAM Recording Format The Sony
DVCAM recording format has high video and audio quality, and the reliability essential for professional use
. The 8-bit component digital recording with a 5:1 compression ratio and 4:2:0 sampling provides superior
picture quality and, excellent multi-generation performance and outstanding production flexibility. It is
capable of playing back the consumer DV format - one of the great advantages of the DVCAM format.
Long Recording Time (maximum 184 minutes) The DSR-500WSP has a remarkably long recording time.

Both mini cassettes (PDVM Series) and standard cassettes (PDV Series) can be used with the
DSR-500WSP. When using the PDV-184ME (Standard cassette) the DSR-500WSP provides a maximum
recording time of 184 minutes. Digital Output of i.LINK™ interface The DSR-500WSP has a 6-pin i.LINK
interface (DV output only) for digital signal output. It enables back-up recording on DV and DVCAM VTRs
with just one i.LINK cable. i.LINK simultaneously carries digital video/audio signals and control signals.
When the DSR-500WSP is connected to the Sony DSR-70P Field Editor, simple field editing can also be
carried out using the DSR-70P operational panel. (The DSR-500WSP is handled as a feeder.) The i.LINK
output is convertible to a SDI signal using the Sony BKNW-25 DV Interface Box. 26-pin VTR Interface
Capability With its 26-pin VTR interface, the DSR-500WSP can feed camera output signals to an external
recorder. This function enables parallel or back-up recordings to be made using an external VTR. Depending
on the type of external VTR in use, either component/VBS or Y/C camera output signals can be selected
with the EXT VTR OUTPUT switch on the operational panel.Edit Search The DSR-500WSP incorporates
an Edit Search function. Its control button is located on the side panel to allow easy access while shooting.
Freeze Mix Function With conventional cameras, when the camera operator has to shoot a subject with
exactly the same framing as an earlier shot, it can be very difficult to replicate the framing. With the
DSR-500WSP, a picture previously recorded on DVCAM tape can be superimposed on the viewfinder
screen, so that the camera operator can easily and accurately position and frame the subject exactly as it was
in the earlier shot. Combined with the SetupLog function, the retake shot becomes very simple to achieve.
ClipLink Operation Two types of useful information, known as ClipLink data, are generated automatically
by the DSR-500WSP while shooting. One is Index Picture, a digitally miniaturised picture of the video image
of the “IN” point of each shot -the MARK IN point. Index Pictures are recorded on DVCAM tape. The
other type of information is the shot data needed for the editing process, such as the reel number, scene
number, take number, time code of the MARK IN/ MARK OUT point and OK/NG status. This reference
data is stored in the cassette memory of a DVCAM cassette tape. ClipLink data can be quickly uploaded
to a Sony EditStation system from DVCAM VTRs, so that usable shots are easily selected using only the
visual ClipLink information displayed on the EditStation GUI. The ClipLink system eliminates the task of
loading all the shots on tape onto the EditStation system.