The 2009 National Association of Broadcasters’ (NAB) gig in Las Vegas seems to be attracting fewer and fewer visitors every year.  Registered attendees this year came to nearly 84 thousand.  It may sound a lot but read on.  In 2008, that figure stood at 105,250 and in 2007, 111,028 people registered to attend that year’s convention.  Getting the picture?

 

So, what was on offer this year?  According to equipment tester, watcher and commentator, Adam Wilt, this year’s themes ran along the lines of: 3D, storage and plenty of accessories.  It’s hardly surprising that there were no major announcements. Broadcasters and production companies are busy consolidating their positions. With some, it’s a case of, never mind the kit, keep bailing.

 

Back at NAB, 3D is gaining ground as a serious acquisition format, particularly for live action film making.  This comes as 3D makes its 21st century debut on the big stage.  Disney/Pixar’s ‘Up,’ has become the first animated feature to open the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.  And it’s in 3D. 

Will we all soon be asked by clients to shoot using 3D cameras because it’s the latest fad?  What about enhanced black and white? Or, 21st century silent films?

 

A source, actually at this year’s NAB, says that there were really only two new cameras being launched and both were from Sony.  The SRW-9000 HDCAM SR camcorder and their PDW-F800.  

 

The SRW-9000 looks like a replacement for the ageing F900/F900R.  It is capable of 4:2:2 Y/Cb/Cr 10-bit recording at 1080/23.98P, 24P, 25P, and 29.97P, and 1080/50i and 59.94i. It also records 4:2:2 720/50P and 59.94P signals, plus option cards can be added giving 1080 RGB 4:4:4 capture.  This camcorder is going to be a great tool for near-perfect green and blue screen filming and in 4:4:4 configuration, it’ll be right up there competing with the likes of Genesis, Viper and RED, if only for colour space. The SRW-900 doesn’t come out until December 2009 and if you have to ask the price, then you probably don’t do your banking offshore.  (Estimated list price is around 60,000 GBP for the basic version.)

 

As for the PDW-F800, well, it only seems like yesterday that Sony brought out the PDW-F700.  Those who emptied their pockets to the tune of 20,000 GBP will have to look-on helplessly as their investment is superseded.  And, what more does the 800 do that the 700 is lacking?  Over and under cranking.  The PDW-800 can run at a frame rate of 23.98P natively in 1080 mode and it also provides multi-format (1080i/720P) recording, as well as HD/SD conversion and cross-conversion during playback between 1080i and 720P.  There, that’s telling you. 

The 800 will also have two filter wheels – one for colour temperature and the other, neutral density. Sounds like a Panasonic. The Sony is looking expensive compared with Panasonic’s AG-HPX301 (reviewed in an earlier blog posting).  At a guess (because prices haven’t yet been released for the Sony), the PDW-800 will come-in at around 20-thousand GBP without lens.  The Panasonic includes a decent 17x Fujinon lens for 8-thousand pounds. 

 

Yes, there are significant difference between the two models. For example, the Sony uses three 2-thirds of an inch Power HAD FX progressive CCDs while the Panasonic makes do with three one-third of an inch MOS sensors.  MOS sensor users have complained about rolling shutter issues. 

So, if anyone’s still in the mood for spending money, the choice is there – 20-grand, no lens, 3-CCDs or 8-grand, with a lens and some issues with very fast-moving objects and flash photography.

 

Enough of cameras, what about lenses?  

Canon announced the HJ14×4.3 ENG HD lens.  Sources label it as “very impressive with ergonomic improvements and very impressive performance through the zoom range.”

 

Fujinon is releasing PL mount zoom lenses, presumably in response to RED’s PL mount glass. 

 

NAB, and other kit-hungry parties already provide radio, video, photographic and traditional text updates from the annual extravaganza.  With footfall at the show in decline, will there be any point in going to IBC in September? Why not just sit back and watch it all unfold before your screen?