Sony DXC-D55 Series User manual

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DXC-D55 Series
Digital Video Cameras

14-BIT FULL-DIGITAL PRODUCTION CAMERA
Offers Top-quality SDTV Video Production Opportunities
THE SONY DXC SERIES Standard Definition
(SD) digital production camera has been
widely accepted by thousands of video
professionals, around the world, thanks to its
excellent picture performance, system versatility
and value. Sony are now proud to introduce
the new DXC-D55 Series. To further enhance
the DXC portfolio, this uses the latest 14-bit A/D
conversion circuitry as well as the field-proven
2/3-inch type Power HAD™EX CCDs.
The DXC Series consists of two cameras:
the DXC-D55P 4:3 model and the DXC-D55WSP
16:9/4:3 switchable model. Both models
incorporate three 2/3-inch type Power HAD™
EX CCDs and the latest 14-bit A/D conversion
circuitry. These key devices deliver excellent
sensitivity together with reduced smear and noise.
In addition to superb picture quality, these
cameras offer extremely precise and flexible
image controls such as highlight, contrast and
detail control, thanks to the sophisticated DSP
LSI with more than 30 bits accuracy.
Another important characteristic of the Sony
DXC-D55 Series is the system flexibility.
Two types of camera control unit are available –
the CCU-D50P for multi-core operation and
the CCU-TX50P for triax operation. Furthermore,
the RCP-D50/D51 Remote Control Unit is also
available for the series.
With class-leading SD picture quality, operational
convenience and system flexibility, the Sony
DXC-D55 Series brings new opportunities for higher-
quality, more creative productions to a wider range
of video professionals at an affordable price.

FEATURES
Excellent Picture Quality
Advanced Digital Signal Processing
(ADSP)
A key indicator of quality in a digital
camera is how many bits are used in its
nonlinear processes, such as gamma
correction. The DXC-D55 Series has more
than 30 bits, thus minimising rounding
errors and maintaining the high-quality
images captured by the Power HAD EX
CCDs. This advanced digital signal pro-
cessing (ADSP) also enables highly
sophisticated image controls, such as
knee saturation, adaptive highlight control
and skin-tone detail controls.
Power HAD EX
CCD Imager
DSP
Pre Knee A/D
14-bit A to D
Converter Advanced Digital
Signal Processor
To a Camera
Adaptor
Three-chip 2/3-inch Type Power HAD
EX CCDs
The DXC-D55 Series is equipped with the
field-proven three-chip 2/3-inch type
Power HAD EX CCDs, offering high hori-
zontal resolutions of 920* TV lines. These
high-performance CCDs also provide
excellent sensitivity of F11 (at 2000 lux,
3200K), a remarkable signal-to-noise ratio
of 63 dB and extremely low smear level
of -145 dB (typical).
* On DXC-D55P model
14-bit A/D Conversion
The Sony DXC-D55/D55WS incorporates
a high-quality14-bit A/D conversion circuit
that allows images captured by the Power
HAD EX CCDs to be processed with four
times the precision than 12-bit A/D con-
verters. In particular, this higher resolution
reproduces the contrast more faithfully
in mid-to-dark-tone areas of the picture.
In addition, the 14-bit accuracy helps
to eliminate pre-knee signal compression
at highlight areas, and allows the camera
to clearly reproduce a high-luminance
subject.
Power HAD EX CCDs
12-bit 14-bit
High-performance Digital Signal Processing
High-integrity 14-bit A/D Conversion

Knee Saturation Control On
Knee Saturation Control Off
Knee Saturation Control
Shooting objects with very bright areas,
such as key-light reflections from a per-
son's forehead, can reduce colour satura-
tion and change the hue in the highlight
areas. The knee saturation control function
incorporated in the DXC-D55 Series effec-
tively reduces this ‘washed-out’ effect
and reproduces far more natural colour in
highlight areas.
Creative Versatility

Low Key Saturation
With conventional cameras, low-light
areas can be subject to reduced satura-
tion, resulting in the colour in these areas
being lost. The low-key saturation function
incorporated in the DXC-D55 Series helps
eliminate this problem by optimising the
amplification of colour saturation at low
light levels, providing more natural colour
reproduction.
Skin-Tone Detail Control
The skin-tone detail control function in the
DXC-D55 Series allows softening of the
skin-tone detail in the facial area, while
maintaining the sharpness of other parts
of the picture. The skin-tone detail area
can be selected simply and quickly, using
an area-detect cursor in the viewfinder
screen. The colour range for skin-tone
detail, and the skin-detail level, can also
be selected manually, using the viewfinder
menu system. Skin-Tone Detail Control On
Low Key Saturation OnLow Key Saturation Off
Skin-Tone Detail Control Off
Adaptive Highlight Control On
Adaptive Highlight Control Off
Knee point n
Auto Slope
White Clip
Input Signal Level
Output Signal Level
Knee point 3
Knee point 2
Knee point 1
Knee point 0
Knee Curve Image
Adaptive Highlight Control
The DXC-D55 Series offers outstanding
over-exposure control by applying
multiple knee-points/slopes to handle
highlight areas in a progressive manner.
By analysing the highlight areas of a
scene, the camera automatically sets and
optimises multiple knee points/slopes
accordingly. This enables the reproduction
of extremely difficult scenes (for example,
an interior scene with a bright illuminant
such as sunlight in the background) with
much more over-exposure latitude. The
adaptive highlight control applies only to
input video level in excess of the knee
point; the middle and low-luminance parts
of the video signal are unaffected by this
control.

Operating Versatility
•
Built-in Optical ND Filter and
Electronic CC Function
The DXC-D55 Series provides optimum
light and colour temperature control by
using a built-in optical ND (Neutral
Density) filter-wheel and electronic CC
(Colour Correction) function. The use
of electronic colour correction allows
all filters in the filter wheel to be of the
ND type, providing the operator with
greater flexibility in depth-of-field and
exposure control. Electronic colour
correction can also be controlled using
a remote controller, for even easier
operation.
Easy-to-see Viewfinder
The DXC-D55P/D55WSP* is equipped
with the DXF-801 1.5-inch** 4:3 mono-
chrome viewfinder as standard. The
DXF-20W 2.0-inch** 16:9 monochrome
viewfinder is available as an option.
Furthermore, for studio operations, the
wider DXF-51 5.0-inch** monochrome
viewfinder can be mounted on the cam-
era adaptor.
* The DXF-801 is not included in the
DXC-D55PH or DXC-D55WSPH
** Viewable area measured diagonally
VF Light
Enhanced Ease
of Operation
Recognising the importance of making
camera operation as quick and straight-
forward as possible, DXC-D55 Series
cameras provide several convenient
functions enabling operators to start
shooting with minimum setup proce-
dures and in less time.
EZ Focus
The EZ Focus function allows accurate
focus adjustments without manually
opening the lens iris. Simply by push-
ing the EZ Focus button, the iris auto-
matically opens to reduce the depth of
field and make focusing significantly
easier. At the same time, the electronic
shutter is automatically set to obtain
the correct exposure.
EZ Mode
Settings for key camera parameters
are instantly set to the default position
simply by pressing the EZ Mode button
– making the camera instantly ready for
shooting. This feature is very con-
venient when operators require the
fastest camera setup.
Auto-Tracing White Balance (ATW)
The DXC-D55 Series cameras feature a
convenient Auto Tracing White Balance
(ATW) function, which automatically
adjusts white balance as the lighting
conditions change. This function is very
useful when shooting in rapidly changing
lighting conditions, such as when moving
from indoor to outdoor locations.

Other Convenient Features
> Programmable gain
(-3/0/3/6/9/12/18/24/30/36 dB)
> Variable-speed electronic shutter
> Clear Scan™(CLS) function: 60.1
(NTSC)/50.2 (PAL) Hz to 6000 Hz
> Monitor output
> Built-in 1 kHz audio reference
> Date-and-time superimposition
on the video signal and viewfinder
> Enhanced Vertical-Definition System (EVS)
> Auto iris mode (spot, backlight)
> Mic low cut
> Dual zebra
Factory-preset Matrix
The DXC-D55 Series is equipped with
several types of factory-preset matrix files
which allow operators to instantly set up
camera parameters that match common
lighting situations, such as STANDARD,
HIGH SATURATION, FLUORESCENT, etc.
•
Backlit Switch Panel
The switch panel is backlit, allowing
operators to see switch positions in the
dark.
Adjustable Shoulder Pad
The position of the shoulder pad can
be adjusted – either forwards or back-
wards – to provide the operator with a
comfortable, well-balanced camera
when docked with a camera adaptor.
Memory Stick™Storage of Camera
Setup Parameters
Users of the DXC-D55 Series can save
and recall setup parameters such
as scene files, reference files and lens
files, very easily by means of a Memory
Stick. This allows effective manage-
ment of camera parameters for individ-
ual scenes, plus individual operators’
camera-setup preferences, such as
viewfinder indicator settings. Setup
parameter files stored on a Memory
Stick can be transferred to another
DXC-D55 Series camera or an RCP-D50/
D51 Remote Control Unit, allowing
quick, easy setup matching in multiple
camera systems. What's more, setup
files can be loaded to a PC equipped
with a Memory Stick slot, enabling
them to be e-mailed as attachments
and shared with other cameras.
* The MSH-128 is the only “Memory Stick”
media that has been operationally tested with
this product. (The MSH-64/32 is no longer
available.)

System Versatility
The high picture quality and operability of DXC-D55 Series cameras is supported by a range
of peripherals that make camera system installation very smooth, both in the studio and out in the field.
The DXC-D55 Series can be configured in two main operating styles: Multi-core CCU and Triax CCU
operation. Easy-to-use remote control panels are also available for added operational convenience.
CCU-TX50P and CA-TX50P
With the CA-TX50P Triax Camera Adaptor
attached, the DXC-D55 Series can be
remotely controlled from the CCU-TX50P
Camera Control Unit using a triax cable, the
use of which enables sophisticated remote
control over extended operating distances.
A wide-bandwidth transmission system is
employed, enabling the higher resolution
images of DXC-D55 Series cameras to
be transmitted with virtually no drop in reso-
lution.
Triax CCU Operation – for Wide-bandwidth Transmission
The CCU-TX50P supports the following features:
> Wide-bandwidth transmission
(10 MHz for Y and 4.5 MHz for R-Y/B-Y)
> High-quality analogue component video
transmission
> Long-distance transmission
(eg. 1500 m via a 14.5 mm Ø cable)
> Compact design – half rack width and
3U height
> Wide range of advanced control
functions
> Compatibility with the RCP-D50 and
RCP-D51 Remote Control Panels
> Three SDI outputs or three composite
outputs
> One component output
(Y/R-Y/B-Y or R/G/B selectable)
> Three inputs for return video
(BNC type)
> Teleprompter support
> Red/Green tally indication
> Support for major intercom systems
(four-wire/RTS/Clearcom)
> Programme audio input
> Two-channel microphone system
(two XLR connectors)
* Upgrading is required for the existing CCU-TX50P to interface with the DXC-D55P.
CCU-TX50P Rear Panel
CCU-TX50P Front Panel
CA-TX50P Rear Panel

RCP-D51 (Dial)
Remote Controllers
Two types of remote controllers are avail-
able for remote operation of the DXC-D55
Series cameras, each offering direct camera
control.
RCP-D50 (Joystick Type)
RCP-D51 (Dial Type)
The RCP-D50 and RCP-D51 have been
designed for use with Sony DXC-D55
Series cameras. The RCP-D50 is a joystick-
type controller, while the RCP-D51 is a
dial-type controller. Both are equipped
with a 3.5-inch* colour touch panel LCD
screen and offer extensive control of
camera functions through easy-to-use
menu-based operations. The LCD also
allows the incoming camera image to be
monitored – a feature that comes in handy
when identifying which RCP is controlling
which camera in multi-camera systems.
Another convenient feature is the Memory
Stick system, which allows various scene
files to be stored on and recalled from
a Memory Stick and loaded to either
a different RCP-D50/D51 controller, or to
a DXC-D55 Series camera.
*Viewable area measured diagonally
RCP-D50 (Joystick)
CCU-D50P Front Panel
CCU-D50P Rear Panel
Multi-core CCU Operation –
for End-to-End Digital Systems
CCU-D50P and CA-D50
With the CA-D50 Camera Adaptor
attached, the DXC-D55 Series can
be remotely controlled from the CCU-D50P
Multi-core Camera Control Unit using a
CCZ-A cable (26-pin). The video and audio
output of the CA-D50 Camera Adaptor are
transferred to the CCU-D50P Camera
Control Unit as a component digital-SDI
signal*1through a CCZ-A cable up to 75 m
(246 feet) long. This combination allows the
establishment of a fully digital acquisition
system.
The CCU-D50P supports the following
features:
> Digital or analogue signal switchable
transmission
> Up to 75 m (246 feet) digital-SDI
transmission via a CCZ-A cable (26-pin)
> Up to 200 m (656 feet) digital-SDI
transmission using a separate low-loss
coaxial video cable in addition to a CCZ
cable
> Analogue transmission for longer control
distances of up to 300 m (984 feet) via a
CCZ-A cable
> Analogue composite output and one of
the following outputs: SDI, Y/R-Y/B-Y,
RGB, Y/C
> Wide variety of control functions
> Compatibility with RCP-D50 and
RCP-D51 Remote Control Panels
> Support for major intercom systems
(two-wire/four-wire/RTS/Clearcom)
> Teleprompter support
> Red/Green tally indication*2
> Fan alarm LED*2
*1 Embedded audio is not supported
*2 The tally and fan alarm share the same LED

ECM-674/678
(Electret Condenser
Microphone)
DXF-51
(Large
Viewfinder)
VCL-920BY
Zoom Lens
VCT-U14
(Tripod Adaptor)
CCA-7
CA-D50
(Camera
Adaptor)
RCP-D50/D51
(Remote
Control Panel)
CCU-D50P
(Camera Control Unit)
RCP-D50/D51
(Remote
Control Panel)
LC-HB330
(Carrying Case)
LCR-1
(Rain Cover)
(Camera Head)
DXC-D55P or
DXC-D55WSP
CAC-12
(Mic. Holder)
Mic. Cable
System Configuration
CCA-7
CCZ-A
(max. 300 m)
Triax Cable
(max. 1500 m)
CCA-7
(max. 50 m)
RCP-D50/D51
(Remote Control Panel)
CA-TX50P
(Camera
Adaptor)
CCU-TX50P
(Camera Control Unit)
DFS-800
(Production switcher)
Product Configurations
4:3 model 16:9/4:3 model
DXC-D55PH DXC-D55PL DXC-D55PK DXC-D55WSPH DXC-D55WSPL
VCT-U14 Tripod
Adaptor Option Supplied Supplied Option Supplied
DXF-801/801CE
Viewfinder Option Supplied Supplied Option Supplied
Microphone Option Supplied Supplied Option Supplied
Lens (VCL-920BY) Option Option Supplied Option Option

Optional Accessories
CA-D50
Camera Adaptor
(Multi-core)
CA-TX50P
Camera Adaptor (Triax)
CCU-D50P
Camera Control Unit
(Multi-core)
CCU-TX50P
Camera Control Unit
(Triax)
RCP-D50/D51
Remote Control Panel
(RCP-D50: joystick type;
RCP-D51: dial type)
DXF-801
1.5-inch*14:3
Monochrome Viewfinder
DXF-20W
2-inch*116:9
Monochrome Viewfinder
DXF-51
5-inch*14:3 Monochrome
Viewfinder
VCT-U14
Tripod Adaptor
VCL-920BY
x20 Zoom Lens
AC-DN10
AC Adaptor
ECM-674/678
Electret Condenser
Microphone
CAC-12
Microphone Holder
WRT-8B
UHF Synthesised
Transmitter
WRR-862B
UHF Synthesised Tuner
CCA-7-5/25/50/100
Connecting Cable
(10-pin ~10-pin)
CCZ-A5/A10/A25
Connecting Cable
(26-pin ~26-pin)
MSH-128
Memory Stick
LCR-1
Rain Cover
LC-HB330
Hard Carrying Case
YJ20x8.5B
IRS/VRS/KRS
(Canon)
YJ13x6B IRS/KRS
(Canon)
A13x6.3 BERM/BRM
(Fujinon)
A20x8.6 BERM/BRM
(Fujinon)
Lenses from Other Manufacturers
For details, please contact each manufacturer
*1 Viewable area measured diagonally

GENERAL
Power requirements DC 12 V (10.5 to 17 V)
Power consumption 14 W
Operating temperature -10 °C to +45 °C (+14 °F to +113 °F)
Storage temperature -20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F)
Operating humidity Less than 85%
Mass (camera head only) 2.2 kg (4 lb 13 oz)
SIGNAL INPUTS/OUTPUTS
Video output Analogue composite, BNC, 1.0 Vp-p, sync negative
Monitor output Analogue composite, BNC, 1.0 Vp-p, sync negative
Microphone input XLR-3-pin
OTHER INPUTS/OUTPUTS
Camera/VTR interface Pro 76-pin Digital, Pro 50-pin
Lens 12-pin
VF 20-pin
Remote 10-pin
CAMERA PERFORMANCE
Pickup device 3-chip 2/3-inch type Power HAD EX CCD
Aspect ratio 4:3 16:9/4:3 switchable
Total picture elements (H x V) 1038 x 1188
Effective picture elements (H x V) 980 x 582
Optical system F1.4 prism system
Built-in filters 1: Clear, 2: 1/4ND, 3: 1/16ND, 4: 1/64ND
Lens mount Sony 2/3-inch bayonet mount
Signal system PAL colour system PAL colour system
Scan format 2:1 interlaced, 625 2:1 interlaced, 625 lines,
lines, 50 fields/s 50 fields/s
Horizontal scan frequency 15.625 Hz
Vertical scan frequency 50 Hz
Sync system Internal and External with the VBS or BS signal
A/D conversion 14 bits
Sensitivity F11 at 2000 lx (3200 K, 89.9% reflectance) (typical)
Minimum illumination 0.5 lx with F1.4, Hyper gain (36 dB)/0.8 lx with F1.8, Hyper gain (36 dB)
Smear level -145 dB (typical)
Video S/N ratio (typical) 63 dB
Horizontal resolution 920 TV lines 850 TV lines (4:3 mode)
800 TV lines (16:9 mode)
Vertical resolution 480 TV lines (without EVS)
530 TV lines (with EVS)
Shutter speed OFF, 1/60, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000 s
Clear scan 50.2 to 6000 Hz
Gain selection -3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 dB
Registration 0.05% (all zones, without lens)
Geometric distortion Below measurable level
VIEWFINDER: DXF-801
(supplied with DXC-D55PL/D55PK/
D55WSPL package)
Indicators REC TALLY (2), TAKE TALLY, BATT, SHUTTER, GAIN UP
Horizontal resolution 600 TV lines
Power requirements DC 12 V
Power consumption 2.4 W
Mass 620 g (1 lb 9 oz)
Dimensions (W x H x D) 241 x 91 x 203 mm (9 1/2 x 3 5/8 x 8 inches)
LENS: VCL-920BY
(supplied with DXC-D55PK package only)
Focal length 8.5 to 170 mm
Zoom Manual or power selectable
Zoom ratio 20x
Maximum aperture 1:1.8
Aperture Manual or automatic selectable
Focusing range Infinity to 0.9 m
Filter attachment threads 82 mm dia. 0.75 mm pitch
Mounting Sony 2/3-inch type bayonet mount
Mass Approx. 1.3 kg (2 lb 14 oz) including lens hood
Dimensions (W x H x D) 122 x102 x 210 mm (4 7/8 x 4 1/8 x 8 3/8 inches)
including lens hood, excluding lens grip
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
DXC-D55PH/D55WSPH:
Operating instructions (x1), Lens mount cap (x1), Flange focal length adjustment test chart (x1)
DXC-D55PL/D55WSPL:
Operating instructions (x1), Lens mount cap (x1), Flange focal length adjustment test chart (x1),
DXF-801 Viewfinder (x1), Microphone (x1), Wind screen (x1), VCT-U14 Tripod adaptor (x1)
DXC-D55PK:
Operating instructions (x1), Lens mount cap (x1), Flange focal length adjustment test chart (x1),
DXF-801 Viewfinder (x1), Microphone (x1), Wind screen (x1), VCT-U14 Tripod adaptor (x1),
VCL-920BY Zoom lens (x1)
DXC-D55P DXC-D55WSP
242 (9 5⁄8)
Specifications
Dimensions Unit: mm (inches)
152 (6)
480 (19)
265 (10 5⁄8)
205 (8 1⁄8)
258 (10 1⁄4)
126 (5)
> Halogenated flame retardants
are not used in the cabinets
and the printed wiring boards.
> Lead-free solder is used for
soldering.

Services from Sony
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Not all services are available in all countries.
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Silver Support
> 2-year Support
The Silver Support Pack extends the support peri-
od from the standard 1-year warranty to 2 years
with the option to extend to a 3-year period.
Not only that, extra features and services are also
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> Operational Helpdesk
Operational phone support is provided to give
advice and help so that you can get the most out
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from Monday to Friday.
> Collection Anywhere
In the event of equipment failure, Sony
will arrange for the collection, repair and return of
the unit directly to your location, anywhere in
mainland EU, Norway or Switzerland. That makes
it simpler, quicker and even more convenient for
you.
> Repair within 7 days
Sony will collect, repair and return the
unit to your preferred location within 7 working
days. So, minimum downtime, increased
confidence and the ability to plan your business
are guaranteed.
> Loan
If the repair is likely to exceed 7 working days,
Sony will contact you and offer to send a loan unit
for the remainder of the repair.

© 2006 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without
written permission is prohibited. Features and specifications are subject to change without
notice. All non-metric weights and measures are approximate. Sony, Clear Scan, Memory
Stick, Silver Support and Power HAD are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CA DXC-D50 Series/GB-02/08/2006
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