GRASS VALLEY LDK 8300 - User manual

3922 496 31001 June 2011 v4.0
LDK 8300
User’s Guide
High-speed HD camera

Declaration of Conformity
We, Grass Valley Nederland B.V., Kapittelweg 10, 4827 HG Breda, The
Netherlands, declare under our sole responsibility that this product is in
compliance with the following standards:
- EN60065 : Safety
- EN55103-1: EMC (Emission)
- EN55103-2: EMC (Immunity)
following the provisions of:
a. the Low Voltage directive 2006/95/EC
b. the EMC directive 2004/108/EC
FCC Class A Statement
This product generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if
not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
interference to radio communications.
It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A digital
device pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a
commercial environment.
Operation of this product in a residential area is likely to cause interference in
which case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever
measures may be required to correct the interference.
Copyright
Copyright Grass Valley Nederland B.V. 2011. Copying of this document and
giving it to others, and the use or communication of the contents thereof, are
forbidden without express authority. Offenders are liable to the payment of
damages. All rights are reserved in the event of the grant of a patent or the
registration of a utility model or design. Liable to technical alterations in the
course of further development.
Trademarks
Grass Valley and Infinity are trademarks of Grass Valley, Inc. All other
tradenames referenced are service marks, trademarks, or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
Website
Visit the Grass Valley public website to download the latest user’s guide
updates and additional information about your broadcast product:
www.grassvalley.com

LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0) 3
Table of contents
Chapter 1 – Introduction
1.1 Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
1.1.1 About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.1.2 Related documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.2 Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
1.2.1 HD imagers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1.2.2 Digital processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1.2.3 Focus assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1.2.4 Acquisition formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.2.5 Anylight™ anti-flicker system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.2.6 HD Fiber transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.2.7 LDK 4583 HD Fiber Base Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.2.8 LDK 4488 SuperXpander and LDK 4489 Xpander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.3 Main features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
1.4 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Chapter 2 – Installation
2.1 Mounting a lens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.2 LDK 5302/60 2-inch viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.2.1 Mounting viewfinder and microphone holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.2.2 Positioning the viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.3 2-inch viewfinder accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.3.1 LDK 5390/00 Wide angle eyepiece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.3.2 LDK 5390/10 Left eye adapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.4 AJ-MC700 Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.5 LDK 5301/10 Tripod adapter plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.6 Adjusting the shoulder pad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
2.7 Exchanging the camera adaptor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
2.8 LDK 5020/05 Universal transport case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.9 Packing for return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Chapter 3 – Configurations
3.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
3.2 High-speed configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Chapter 4 – Operating instructions
4.1 Using the camera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.1.1 Switching on the power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.1.2 Controlling the camera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.2 Location of controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.2.1 Camera head controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

4LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0)
4.3 System Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.3.1 Entering the System menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.3.2 Finding your way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
4.3.3 Leaving the System Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
4.3.4 Making changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
4.3.5 Undoing changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
4.4 Assigning user buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.4.1 Side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
4.4.2 Front. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.4.3 Lens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
4.4.4 Handgrip button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
4.5 Viewfinder preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
4.5.1 Tally on/off switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
4.5.2 Zebra (exposure indication) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.5.3 VF Option switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.5.4 Viewfinder picture quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
4.5.5 Dioptre adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
4.5.6 Viewfinder markers and LED indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
4.5.7 Focussing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
4.6 Lens operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
4.6.1 Auto iris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
4.6.2 Extended auto iris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
4.6.3 Precision focus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
4.6.4 Lens indicators in the viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
4.7 Controls on the HD Fiber adapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
4.7.1 Powering the camera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
4.7.2 Selecting monitoring signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
4.7.3 Using audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
4.7.4 Intercom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
4.7.5 Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
4.8 Managing files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
4.8.1 Scene files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
4.8.2 Operator files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
4.8.3 Standard files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
4.8.4 Customer standard files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
4.9 Access and security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
4.9.1 User level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
4.9.2 Selecting the user level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
4.9.3 Disable camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
4.9.4 Camera cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
4.9.5 Access control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
4.9.6 Camera card slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Chapter 5 – Video setup
5.1 Video acquisition modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
5.2 Video settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
5.2.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
5.2.2 Standard settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
5.2.3 Non-standard indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
5.3 Test signals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
5.4 Gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
5.4.1 Gain selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
5.4.2 Variable gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0) 5
5.5 Optical filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
5.6 Color temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
5.6.1 Selecting the color temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
5.6.2 Variable color temperature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
5.6.3 Auto-white balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
5.7 Color correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
5.7.1 Setup using the VF menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
5.7.2 Setup using the Operational Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
5.8 Exposure time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
5.8.1 Selecting the exposure time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
5.8.2 Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
5.8.3 Vertical shift (V-shift) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
5.8.4 Clean scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
5.9 AnylightTM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
5.10 Black stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
5.11 Auto skin detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Chapter 6 – Menu structure and contents
6.1 Menu structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
6.1.1 Top menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
6.1.2 Viewfinder menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
6.1.3 Lens menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
6.1.4 Video menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
6.1.5 Video menu structure (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
6.1.6 Install menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
6.1.7 Files menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
6.1.8 Security menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
6.1.9 Diagnostics menu structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
6.1.10 Service menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
6.2 Menu contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
6.2.1 Viewfinder menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
6.2.2 Lens menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
6.2.3 Video menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
6.2.4 Install menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
6.2.5 Files menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
6.2.6 Security menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
6.2.7 Diagnostics menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
6.2.8 Service menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Chapter 7 – Connectors
7.1 Camera head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
7.1.1 Connectors on the LDK 8300 camera head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
7.2 Connectors on the LDK 5880 HD Fiber adapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Chapter 8 – Specifications
8.1 Specifications for LDK 8300 camerahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
8.1.1 Technical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
8.1.2 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
8.2 Specifications for LDK 5880 HD Fiber adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
8.2.1 Technical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
8.2.2 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

6LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0)

LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0) 7
End-of-life product recycling
Grass Valley’s innovation and excellence in product design also extends to the programs we’ve
established to manage the recycling of our products. Grass Valley has developed a
comprehensive end-of-life product take back program for recycle or disposal of end-of-life
products. Our program meets the requirements of the European Union’s WEEE Directive and
in the United States from the Environmental Protection Agency, individual state or local
agencies.
Grass Valley’s end-of-life product take back program assures proper disposal by use of Best
Available Technology. This program accepts any Grass Valley branded equipment. Upon
request, a Certificate of Recycling or a Certificate of Destruction, depending on the ultimate
disposition of the product, can be sent to the requester.
Grass Valley will be responsible for all costs associated with recycling and disposal, including
freight, however you are responsible for the removal of the equipment from your facility and
packing the equipment ready for pickup.
For further information on the Grass Valley product take back system please contact Grass
Valley at + 800 80 80 20 20 or [phone] from most other countries. In the US and
Canada please call 800-547-8949 or 530-478-4148. Ask to be connected to the EH&S
Department. In addition, information concerning Grass Valley’s environmental policy can be
found at:
www.grassvalley.com/about/environmental-policy

8LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0)
Important information
Read these instructions carefully and retain them for future reference. Regularly check the
Grass Valley website (www.grassvalley.com) for new updates of this and other user’s guides.
During installation and operation of this equipment, local building safety and fire protection
standards must be observed.
Whenever it is likely that safe operation is impaired, the apparatus must be made inoperative
and secured against any unintended operation. The appropriate servicing authority must then
be informed. For example, safety is likely to be impaired if the apparatus fails to perform the
intended function or shows visible damage.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority
to operate this equipment.
Cautions and Warnings
Read and comply with the warning and caution notices that appear in the manual.
Warnings indicate danger that requires correct procedures or practices to prevent death or
injury to personnel.
Cautions indicate procedures or practices that should be followed to prevent damage or
destruction to equipment or property.

LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0) 9
Warnings
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. If the unit is in a wet
or damp environment, a rain cover must be used to protect it for personal safety reasons.
To avoid electrical shock, do not remove covers or panels. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.
In case of an emergency ensure that the power is disconnected.
Connect the product only to a power source with the specified voltage rating.
To prevent risk of overheating, ventilate the camera correctly. Do not block the hot airflow
coming from the outlets on the right side of the camera head and camera adaptor.

10 LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0)
Precautions
To ensure continual high performance from the camera take the following precautions into
consideration:
• Avoid damp places. If the environment is wet or damp a rain cover must be used to
protect the unit.
• Do not subject the unit to severe shocks or vibration.
• Do not expose the camera to extremes of temperature.
• Do not leave the unit in direct sunlight or close to heating appliances for extended periods.
• Do not allow sunlight to shine into the viewfinder.
• Do not allow laser beams to shine into the lens as this could damage the imagers.
• Avoid extreme highlights as these can cause various kinds of optical reflections.
• Be careful when connecting and disconnecting Fiber cables.
– Do not mix units from different types of camera systems.
– Do connect Grass Valley camera systems with other manufacturer’s camera system
parts.
• Make connections swiftly and firmly to avoid false error messages.

LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0) 11
Fiber-optic transmission units
Laser safety statement (Europe)
Fiber-optic transmission units are classified as a "CLASS 1 Laser Product" according to EN
60825-1, Safety of Laser products. Class 1 laser products are considered safe and do not result
in biological hazard if used according to the instructions.
Laser safety statement (US)
Fiber-optic transmission units are classified as a "CLASS 1 Laser Product" according to 21CFR
1040.10 of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological
Health.
WARNING
Use of controls, adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein
may result in hazardous radiation exposure. 

To ensure proper use of this product, please read this instruction manual carefully and retain
for future reference. Should the unit ever require maintenance, contact an authorized service
location.
Fiber-optic cable precautions
Fiber-optic cables and connectors are easily damaged; take the following precautions into
account:
– Do not bend the cable beyond the minimum permissible bend range specified for the
cable.
– Avoid kinks in the cable.
– Avoid subjecting the cable to a high tension force (even momentarily).
– Do not twist the cable when connecting it to equipment.
– Insert connectors straight and fully into their corresponding sockets.
– In fiber-optic cable systems always put the dust caps on cable and panel connectors
immediately after disconnecting a cable. Keep the dust caps clean.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
LASER KLASSE 1
PRODUKT

12 LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0)
Cleaning fiber-optic connectors
WARNING
Always switch off power before cleaning the connectors.
WARNING
Never clean an optical connector attached to a fiber that is carrying light.
Particles of foreign matter on the tip of a ferrule can have a disabling effect on fiber-optic
transmission. Fiber-optic connectors need to be cleaned every time they are mated and
unmated; it is essential that fiber-optic users develop the necessary discipline to always clean
the connectors before they are mated.
Use a commerially available cleaning kit specifically designed for fiber-optic connectors and
follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
• The connector sections to be cleaned include the tips and sides of ferrules, the interior
walls of alignment sleeves, and the interior and exterior of connector shells.
• For plugs, the interior surfaces of alignment sleeves and the tips of ferrules are to be
cleaned with a cleaning stick treated with the appropriate fluid. (Cleaning sticks with a
slender design are available that allow alignment sleeves to be cleaned without having to
detach them.)
• For jacks, it is important to clean both the tips and sides of the completely protruding
ferrules.
• Both the male and female connector shells tend to attract dust and metal particles, so it is
important to clean both the insides and outsides.
• The fiber end face and ferrule must be absolutely clean before it is inserted into a
transmitter or receiver.
• Mate the connector immediately! Don't let the connector lie around and collect dust
before mating.
• Air can be used to remove lint or loose dust from the port of a transmitter or receiver to be
mated with the connector. Never insert any liquid into the ports.

LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0) 13
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Welcome
The LDK 8300 is a high-speed, HD multi-format digital camera head using three 2/3-inch HD-
DPM+™ sensors. Combined with the Grass Valley LDK 5880 HD Fiber adapter and the
LDK 4583 High-speed Base station, the camera head forms a flexible camera system that is
equally at home in the studio or out on location. The camera system can capture and deliver
HD images at single, double or triple speed frame rates.
1.1.1 About this manual
The purpose of this manual is to present a detailed description of how to operate the LDK
8300 camera equipped with a dockable transmission adaptor. It provides the information
necessary to use the camera in different configurations and with various attachments. With
this manual it is possible to discover all the operating features of the camera and so use it to its
full potential.
This guide is so designed that it can be used as an introduction to those who are new to the
camera, as a simple procedural guide to those who wish to set-up and start shooting
immediately, and as a reference work to be consulted as required during the long life of the
camera.
1.1.2 Related documents
Before proceeding, check the Grass valley website at www.grassvalley.com for the latest
version of this user’s guide and additional information:
• Online versions of documentation; updated versions of user’s guides, data sheets,
brochures, application notes in pdf-format are available for download.
• Software downloads; camera software updates, release notes and installation instructions
are available for download.

14 LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0)
Chapter 1 - Introduction
1.2 Technology
1.2.1 HD imagers
The camera head uses HD-DPM+™ CCD imagers which offer superior performance and
ultimate flexibility. Wide screen pictures in the high-definition formats 1080i and 720p are
produced at the touch of a button. Progressive frame sampling is the native imaging mode,
providing complete frame samples. The entire imager surface is used for image sampling—
there are no interline transfer channels which introduce aliasing artifacts.
The camera’s native multi-format capability is realized with innovative 9.2 million pixel Frame
Transfer 2/3-inch CCD imagers. These allow vertically grouping of different numbers of pixels
on the imagers themselves. There is no need for HDTV format conversion during digital signal
processing which would lead to quality degradation.
These imagers have a high dynamic range and high linear sensitivity across all camera lens
apertures. Unique imager shuttering eliminates vertical smear, there is no measurable vertical
smear.
1.2.2 Digital processing
The advanced digital processing of the camera is based on highest performance A/D
conversion with 14 bit I/O DSP and 34-bit accurate internal processing. All major camera
functions are processed in the digital domain, including knee, gamma, detail, matrix and color
correction.
The intelligent continuous automatics function provides automatic control of black levels and
black shading. Each imager provides black reference signals that are used to monitor
temperature changes. This means that continuous automatic correction is applied without
operator intervention.
The digital detail processing uses full amplitude video RGB signals via an extended dynamic
range detail circuit. Colorimetry is selected by means of a variable 6-point digital matrix or via
preset matrices. Digital gamma circuits provide a wide range of standardised gamma curves
and enable soft contrast in black scenes to be enhanced, together with hard contrast and
saturated color in bright scenes. The matrix and gamma sequence is software programmable
for precise color matching.
1.2.3 Focus assist
With HDTV, focusing is even more critical than before. The LDK 8300 has special patented
focusing aids. A unique viewfinder zoom function enlarges the viewfinder image instantly with
a simple press-button action, thus providing improved means for focusing.
Additionally, a patented crawler circuitry adds motion in the viewfinder to objects in sharp
focus.

LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0) 15
Chapter 1 - Introduction
1.2. 4 Acquisition formats
The LDK 8300 acquires signals in 1080i and 720p HD formats at single, double and triple speed
which are output from the high speed base station as normal or three-phase signals . At the
same time, the camera provides high-quality SDTV outputs in either 50 Hz or 59.94 Hz. The
following acquisition formats are available:
– 1080i at 59.94 Hz and 50 Hz, 119.88 Hz and 100 Hz, 179.82 Hz and 150 Hz
– 720p at 59.94 Hz and 50 Hz, 119.88 Hz and 100 Hz, 179.82 Hz and 150 Hz
1.2. 5 Anylight™ anti-flicker system
The LDK 8300 incorporates Grass Valley’s Anylight™ high-quality anti-flicker system which
eliminates any perceived changes in light levels due to the uneven ratio between the camera
scanning frequency and the alternating amplitude of artificial lights powered by mains
frequency. The system ensures constant video output levels at triple speed frame rates even
under difficult artificial lighting conditions.
1.2. 6 HD Fiber transmission
The LDK 5880 HD Fiber adapter allows video transmission and remote control of cameras up
to a distance of 4,000 m (13,000 ft) and beyond, using industry standard fiber-optic cable.
The communication facilities provide for two-wire or four-wire high quality intercom signals.
Full camera control is provided via the Grass Valley C2IP Ethernet-based control network.
1.2. 7 LDK 4583 HD Fiber Base Station
The HD Fiber Base Station, as well as providing high definition outputs, optionally offers
simultaneous high-end SDTV outputs. This facilitates a gradual and managed transition from
SDTV to HDTV.
Together with LDK 4583 High-speed Base Station, the LDK 8300 provides a digital high speed
output to the studio environment. This 3x HD-SDI connection can be supplied to an external
disk recorder or recording system to obtain exceptional slow motion playback performance.
1.2. 8 LDK 4488 SuperXpander and LDK 4489 Xpander
The optional available SuperXpander together with the LDK 4021 7-inch CRT B/W viewfinder or
the LDK 4025 8-inch LCD color viewfinder turns the portable camera into a full-featured studio
camera for studio and EFP situations.

16 LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0)
Chapter 1 - Introduction
1.3 Main features
• Ultimate flexibility with HD-DPM+ ™ CCD imagers, offering native switchability between
the interlaced 1080i and true progressive 720p high definition digital formats.
• The CCDs have 9.2 million pixels each, with 1920 (H) x 4320 (V) effective picture
elements.
• Frame Transfer technology ensures no smear.
• Highest performance A/D conversion with 14 bit I/O DSP and more than 34-bit internal
digital processing with unique software programmable video path.
• Anylight™ high-quality anti-flicker system ensures constant video output levels at triple-
speed frame rates.
• Superior all digital highlight handling with a wide dynamic range.
• Unique circuitry for pivoting knee and True Color Knee.
• Variable gain control and variable color temperature.
• Secondary color corrector with six sets for color hue, saturation and luminance
adjustment.
• Wide range of presets and variable 6-point digital matrix assure accurate color matching.
• Fluorescent light matrix.
• Digital gamma with unique standard preset values and highest accuracy.
• Digital detail with an extensive range of parameters.
• Advanced detail correction includes two automatic skin settings.
• Intelligent Continuous Automatics black levels, black shading and video levels - no set-up
time required.
• Digital contrast with standard black stretch and black press.
• International standard 2/3-inch broadcast lens interface.
• Optical servo-controlled four-position neutral density filter wheel.
• Optical servo-controlled effect filter wheel with soft focus, four-point star and six-point star
filters.
• Electronic color filter can be used for creating a special look (warm/cold) of a scene, or for
a smooth color temperature control around the white balance setting.
• Smart card for personal settings and security.
• Owner card for setting user levels, and for copying and storing control settings.
• Protected, easy-to-operate controls and switches with read-out of all settings.
• Viewfinder status read-out of primary camera functions.
• Clean scan and V-shift features allow capture of monitor and projection screen pictures.

LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0) 17
Chapter 1 - Introduction
1.4 Accessories
LDK 4489 Xpander
LDK 4488 SuperXpander
LDK 6517 7-inch viewfinder support
LDK 5302/60 2-inch viewfinder HDTV
LDK 5305 5-inch viewfinder HDTV
LDK 5308 8.4-inch EFP viewfinder
LDK 4021 7-inch viewfinder HDTV for use with SuperXpander
LDK 4025 8-inch LCD viewfinder for use with SuperXpander
LDK 5390/00 Wide angle adapter for LDK 5302/60 2-inch viewfinder
LDK 5390/10 Left eye adapter for LDK 5302/60 2-inch viewfinder
LDK 6992/02 Sunhood for LDK 5305 5-inch viewfinder
LDK 5021/05 Raincover for camera with LDK 5305 5-inch viewfinder
LDK 5031/10 Tripod plate
LDK 8111/37 Headset dynamic XLR-5 (double muff)
LDK 8111/51 Headset dynamic XLR-5 (single muff)
LDK 6985/21 Scriptboard with light
LDK 5020/05 Universal transport case
LDK 5020/01 Carrying bag
LDK 5901/00 AC power supply 100 W

18 LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0)
Chapter 1 - Introduction

LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0) 19
Chapter 2 - Installation
Chapter 2
Installation
2.1 Mounting a lens
To attach a lens to the camera head proceed as follows:
1. Ensure that the lens locking ring (1) is in the unlocked position - turned counterclockwise.
2. Remove the dust protection cap (2).
3. Slot the lens into the lens mount (3).
4. Turn the lens locking ring (1) clockwise to lock the lens in place.
5. Connect the lens cable to the lens connector (4) at the right side of the camera.
6. Place the lens cable into the bottom clip at the front of the camera and clip (5) located at
the side.
Figure 2-1. Lens mounting
453
2
1

20 LDK 8300 High-speed HD camera User’s Guide (v4.0)
Chapter 2 - Installation
Caution
Do not attach a lens weighing more than 5 kg (11 lbs) to the camera without a proper lens
support.
When a new lens is fitted to the camera it may be necessary to carry out some adjustments to
optimize its use, for example, back focus or shading. For more information about these
adjustments refer to the lens manufacturer’s documentation.
☞Note ☞Note
Always mount the dust protection cap when the lens is not connected to the camera.
2.2 LDK 5302/60 2-inch viewfinder
2.2.1 Mounting viewfinder and microphone holder
To mount the viewfinder proceed as follows:
1. Loosen locking ring (1) of viewfinder support bracket (2) at the front of the camera handle.
(As seen from the rear of the camera, turning the locking ring counterclockwise moves it
towards the handle.)
2. Slide the viewfinder onto the viewfinder support bracket.
3. Tighten the locking ring (1) by turning it clockwise (as seen from rear) so that the
viewfinder is mounted securely to the support.
4. Connect the viewfinder cable to the viewfinder connector socket (6) at the top right of the
camera.
5. Slide the microphone holder (4) onto the viewfinder and secure with the knurled screw
(5).
☞Note ☞Note
Always fit the microphone holder as it functions as a safety stop for the viewfinder.
6. To improve the comfort of the skin contact when using the viewfinder, fit the eye piece
cover (3) to the rubber eyepiece. Spare eye piece covers (ordering number
3922 405 00461) are available via your Grass Valley representative.