Sony F900H User manual

HD CAMCORDER
HDW-F900
HDW-F900H
OPERATION MANUAL [English]
1st Edition (Revised 3)
HDW-F900/F900H

WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open
the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.
For the customers in U.S.A.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation
of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference in which case the user will be required
to correct the interference at his own expense.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
The shielded interface cable recommended in this manual
must be used with this equipment in order to comply with
the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part
15 of FCC Rules.

For the customers in Europe
This product with the CE marking complies with the EMC
Directive (89/336/EEC) issued by the Commission of the
European Community.
Compliance with this directive implies conformity to the
following European standards:
• EN55103-1: Electromagnetic Interference (Emission)
• EN55103-2: Electromagnetic Susceptibility (Immunity)
This product is intended for use in the following
Electromagnetic Environment(s):
E1 (residential), E2 (commercial and light industrial), E3
(urban outdoors) and E4 (controlled EMC environment, ex.
TV studio).
Pour les clients européens
Ce produit portant la marque CE est conforme à la
Directive sur la compatibilité électromagnétique (EMC) (89/
336/CEE) émise par la Commission de la Communauté
européenne.
La conformité à cett directive implique la conformité aux
normes européennes suivantes:
• EN55103-1: Interférences électromagnétiques
(émission)
• EN55103-2: Sensibilité électromagnétique (immunité)
Ce produit est prévu pour être utilisé dans les
environnements électromagnétiques suivants:
E1 (résidentiel), E2 (commercial et industrie légère), E3
(urbain extérieur) et E4 (environnement EMC contrôlé ex.
studio de télévision).

Für Kunden in Europa
Dieses Produkt besitzt die CE-Kennzeichnung und erfüllt
die EMV-Direktive (89/336/EEC) der EG-Kommission.
Die Erfüllung dieser Direktive bedeutet Konformität für die
folgenden Europäischen Normen:
• EN55103-1: Elektromagnetische Interferenz (Emission)
• EN55103-2: Elektromagnetische Empfindlichkeit
(Immunität)
Dieses Produkt ist für den Einsatz unter folgenden
elektromagnetischen Bedingungen ausgelegt:
E1 (Wohnbereich), E2 (kommerzieller und in
beschränktem Maße industrieller Bereich), E3
(Stadtbereich im Freien) und E4 (kontrollierter EMV-
Bereich, z.B. Fernsehstudio)

Table of Contents 1
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Overview
1-1 Features .....................................................................................1-1
1-1-1 Camera Features ...............................................................1-1
1-1-2 VTR Features ....................................................................1-4
1-2 Example of System Configuration ..........................................1-6
1-3 Precautions ................................................................................1-8
Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and
Controls
2-1 Power Supply ............................................................................2-1
2-2 Accessory Attachments ............................................................2-3
2-3 Audio Functions........................................................................2-5
2-4 Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions ......................2-13
2-5 Setup Menu Operating Section .............................................2-27
2-6 Time Code System ..................................................................2-29
2-7 Warnings and Indications......................................................2-35
2-8 Warnings and Indications on the Display Panel..................2-38
2-9 Indicators on the Viewfinder
(HDVF-20A (not supplied)) ...................................................2-42
Chapter 3 Recording and Playback
3-1 About Cassettes.........................................................................3-1
3-1-1 Loading and Unloading a Cassette..................................3-1
3-1-2 Preventing Accidental Erasure ........................................3-4
3-2 Recording ..................................................................................3-5
3-2-1 Basic Procedure...............................................................3-5
3-2-2 Continuous Recording.....................................................3-9
3-3 Checking the Recording — Playback ...................................3-13
3-3-1 Checking the Last Three Seconds of the Recording —
Recording Review .........................................................3-14
(Continued)

Table of Contents2
3-3-2 Checking the Recording on the Color Video Monitor —
Playback in Color ..........................................................3-14
3-3-3 Checking the Camera Picture on the Viewfinder and/or
Color Video Monitor .....................................................3-15
3-4 Tele-File ...................................................................................3-16
Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for
Recording
4-1 Adjusting the Black Balance and the White Balance............4-1
4-1-1 Adjusting the Black Balance ...........................................4-2
4-1-2 Adjusting the White Balance ..........................................4-5
4-2 Setting the Electronic Shutter .................................................4-9
4-2-1 Shutter Modes .................................................................4-9
4-2-2 Selecting the Shutter Mode and Speed..........................4-10
4-3 Adjusting the Audio Level .....................................................4-13
4-4 Setting the Time Data.............................................................4-17
4-4-1 Setting the User Bits......................................................4-17
4-4-2 Setting the Time Code...................................................4-19
4-4-3 Entering the Real Time in the VITC .............................4-21
4-4-4 Synchronizing the Time Code.......................................4-23
4-5 Setup Menu Display on the Viewfinder Screen ...................4-28
4-5-1 Basic Use of the Setup Menu ........................................4-31
4-6 Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen .............................4-34
4-6-1 Layout of the Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen4-34
4-7 Using the USER Menu ...........................................................4-38
4-7-1 Setting Desired Menu Pages on the USER Menu .........4-38
4-7-2 Setting Desired Items on a USER PAGE......................4-42
4-7-3 Displaying the USER Menu ..........................................4-45
4-8 Setup Using the OPERATION Menu ...................................4-47
4-8-1 Selecting the Display Items...........................................4-48
4-8-2 Selecting the Items for Which the '!' IND is to Light....4-50
4-8-3 Setting the Marker Display ...........................................4-55

Table of Contents 3
4-8-4 Setting the GAIN Selector Values ................................4-58
4-8-5 Setting the Viewfinder ..................................................4-60
4-8-6 Setting the Automatic Iris .............................................4-62
4-8-7 Setting the Battery .........................................................4-64
4-8-8 Setting the D5600K Mode, Assignable Switches and
PB VIDEO ....................................................................4-66
4-8-9 Saving or Reading Setup Data to or from the
Memory Stick ................................................................4-69
4-8-10Selecting the Lens File ..................................................4-70
4-9 Paint Menu ..............................................................................4-72
4-10 Maintenance Menu .................................................................4-85
4-11 Using the Memory Stick.........................................................4-91
4-11-1Handling the Memory Stick ..........................................4-91
4-11-2Using Data on the Memory Stick — in Case of an
OPERATOR File .......................................................... 4-93
Chapter 5 Setting Up the Camcorder
5-1 Power Supply ............................................................................5-1
5-1-1 Using a BP-L60A Battery Pack ......................................5-1
5-1-2 Avoiding Breaks in Operation Due to Dead Batteries ....5-4
5-1-3 Using an AC Adaptor ......................................................5-5
5-1-4 Using the Anton Bauer Ultralight System ......................5-6
5-2 Adjusting the Viewfinder.........................................................5-7
5-2-1 Adjusting the Viewfinder Position ..................................5-7
5-2-2 Detaching the Viewfinder ...............................................5-9
5-3 Mounting the Lens..................................................................5-11
5-4 Adjusting the Flange Focal Length.......................................5-12
5-5 Audio Input System ................................................................5-14
5-5-1 Using the Supplied Microphone....................................5-14
5-5-2 Using an External Microphone .....................................5-17
5-5-3 Attaching a UHF Portable Tuner (for a UHF Wireless
Microphone System) .....................................................5-22
5-5-4 Connecting Line Input Audio Equipment .....................5-24
(Continued)

Table of Contents4
5-6 Tripod Mounting ....................................................................5-25
5-7 Attaching the Shoulder Strap................................................5-27
5-8 Adjusting the Shoulder Pad Position ....................................5-29
5-9 Putting On the Rain Cover ....................................................5-30
5-10 Connecting the Remote Control Unit ...................................5-33
Chapter 6 Maintenance
6-1 Testing the Camcorder Before Shooting ................................6-1
6-1-1 Preparations for Testing ..................................................6-1
6-1-2 Testing the Camera .........................................................6-2
6-1-3 Testing the VTR ..............................................................6-6
6-2 Maintenance ............................................................................6-10
6-2-1 Cleaning the Video Heads.............................................6-10
6-2-2 Cleaning the Viewfinder ...............................................6-10
6-3 Operation Warnings...............................................................6-14
Appendix
Specifications .....................................................................................A-1
Video Camera Section ...............................................................A-2
VTR Section ..............................................................................A-3
Supplied Accessories ................................................................. A-6
Recommended Additional Equipment ......................................A-6
Glossary ..............................................................................................A-9
Index .................................................................................................... I-1

1
Chapter 1 Overview 1-1
Overview
1-1 Features
The HDW-F900 HD Camcorder combines a HD color video camera, of
which the effective picture elements are 1920(H) x 1080(V) and which
uses 2/3-inch FIT1) CCD2) imagers with 2,200,000 picture elements, with
an HDCAM portable videocassette recorder. The camcorder allows you
to perform recording and playback with various formats, covering 50I,
30P, 29.97P, 25P, 24P and 23.98P as well as 60I and 59.94I formats. The
introduction of a new integrated circuit technology (LSI) for processing
HD digital signals improves the image quality even further and
simplifies setup (initialization) operations.
1-1-1 Camera Features
The features of the HDW-F900 camera are described below.
•2/3-inch FIT CCDs with 2,200,000 picture elements provide a compact
and lightweight unit with excellent image quality.
•Existing 2/3-inch lenses can be used.
•A new integrarted circuit techonolgy of the digital signal processing
has improved picture quality and functionability.
•The camcorder can operate with any one of 8 different formats, 59.94I,
60I, 30P, 29.97P, 50I, 25P, 24P and 23.98P.
•The 12-bit AD converter has greatly improved picture quality.
•An new AD board and optimized signal processing improves the
reproduction of brightest part in P format.
•You can load a user gamma data table created on a personal computer
to the camcorder via a Memory Stick3). This allows the user to change
the gamma settings.
•A setup menu enables you to control features such as status displays,
messages, and markers; to select various types of settings; to toggle
switches; and to operate a Memory Stick.
....................................................................................................................................
1) FIT: Frame Interline Transfer
2) CCD: Charge-Coupled Device
3) “Memory Stick”is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

1
Chapter 1 Overview1-2
•The USER MENU CUSTOMIZE menu allows you to create your own
custom menu.
•Five scene files are set in one group. A maximum of 20 groups, that is,
a maximum 100 scene files, can be saved in a Memory Stick.
•You can select a mode that allows the camcorder to output images seen
through a camera to the viewfinder and the MONITOR OUT connector
during playback.
•Blur-free shooting is ensured by a built-in, high-performance electronic
shutter that provides a variety of modes, such as ECS1) mode which
reduces flickering on the monitor screen and S-EVS2) mode which
improves vertical resolution.
•Selectable video gain ensures a noise-free image.
•A simple switch operation enables automatic adjustment of the black
set, black balance, and white balance. Memory functions make it easy
to replicate the white balance setting appropriate for the lighting
conditions.
•Character display functions on the viewfinder indicate switch settings,
automatic black and white balance adjustment, status indications, and
warnings.
•The warning system uses various types of warning indicators and
sounds to inform you of VTR faults, end of tape, low battery, etc.
•The camcorder is equipped with a dual-wheel filter disk for adjusting
the filter setting to the shooting and lighting conditions.
•Override function which makes fine adjustment of the reference value
for brightness of automatic iris control is provided.
•A built-in circuit produces a color bar signal for easy adjustment of the
color monitor.
•The remote control unit controls camera functions and VTR functions.
•Setup data specified by the camera operator, including the various
marker settings, can be stored in the camcorder itself and on a memory
stick as an operator file, and then can be recalled.
....................................................................................................................................
1) ECS: Extended Clear Scan
2) S-EVS: Super Enhanced Vertical definition System

1
Chapter 1 Overview 1-3
•Setup data specified by video engineers, including the various detail
settings, can be stored in the camcorder itself and on a Memory Stick
as a reference file, and then can be recalled. It is possible to shorten
time for setting with duplicating the stored reference file to the other
cameras through the Memory Stick.
•Correction value to use a lens extender and for each lens can be stored
as a lens file, and then can be recalled. It is possible to shorten time for
adjustment when replacing the lens.
•A high-performance viewfinder is adjustable forward, backward, and
sideways, and has a full range of auxiliary equipment.

1
Chapter 1 Overview1-4
1-1-2 VTR Features
The VTR features of this camcorder are described below.
•Use of the HDCAM format allows high performance HD digital
recording and playback while preserving the same ease of use as
conventional camcorder equipment. Also, recording and playback are
allowed in any one of 8 different formats that the camera section
supports.
•The same cassette size (S size) as Digital BETACAM can be used to
achieve the following long recording times:
Approximately 40 minutes at 30 frames
Approximately 48 minutes at 25 frames
Approximately 50 minutes at 24 frames.
•The recording review function, which automatically rewinds and plays
back the last approximately 3 seconds of recording on the tape, enables
you to quickly confirm recorded contents.
•No playback adaptor is needed to see the color playback image on the
monitor screen.
•The 3 times normal speed search function provides quick positioning
of the tape.
•LTC1) and VITC2) recording and LTC playback can be performed.
•Compatible with the Tele-File3) Memory Label system.
By pressing the RET button on the lens while recording, the timecode
valid when you pressed the button is recorded on the MLB-1M-100
memory label (not supplied) attached to the cassette. This is very
helpful for management of the cassette tapes and to improve the
efficiency of the tape editing.
....................................................................................................................................
1) LTC: Longitudinal Time Code
2) VITC: Vertical Interval Time Code
3) Tele-File
The Tele-File system is a non-contact data reading/writing system. It allows a
variety of data to be stored on a 1/2-inch tape label with an non-contact IC
memory.

1
Chapter 1 Overview 1-5
•The built-in time code generator can be synchronized with an external
generator.
•A lithium battery is the back-up power supply for the built-in time code
generator enabling the time code to be held for approximately 5 years
without charging the camcorder power supply.
•Optional long-life battery packs are available.
•Pressing the VTR START button on the camcorder or the VTR button
on the lens ensures recording continuity from the very next frame.
•Two analog audio input channels and the microphone can be recorded
at the same time.
•Connecting the HDCA-901 camera adaptor (not supplied) allows you
to input four audio input channels. Also, the HD-SDI signal can be
output.

1
Chapter 1 Overview1-6
1-2 Example of System
Configuration
The diagram below shows a typical configuration of the camcorder for
ENG and EFP. In this manual, the HDVF-20A HD Electronic
Viewfinder (not supplied) is use to instruct how to operate the unit.
Viewfinder-related equipment
Fog-proof filter
(Part No. 1-547-341-11)
BKW-401 Viewfinder
Rotation Bracket
Viewfinder
HDVF-20A
HD Electronic
Viewfinder
HDVF-C30W
HD Electronic
Viewfinder
Video monitor for
color image check
while shooting
Remote control equipment
RCP-700 Series or
RM-B150 Remote
Control Unit
MSU-700A/750
Master Setup Unit

1
Chapter 1 Overview 1-7
For more information about the fittings, connections, or use of additional
equipment and accessories, see Chapter 5 as well as the operation manuals for the
connected equipment.
HDCA-901 for the input of
the audio channels 3 and
4 and the HD-SDI output
Camera adaptor Audio signal source
External microphone
C-74, etc.
CAC-12
Microphone Holder
Audio equipment
WRR-810A / 860A
UHF Portable Tuner
Power source
AC power
supply
100V AC
Battery
BC-L100
Battery
Charger
AC-550
AC Adaptor BP-L60A
Battery Pack

1
Chapter 1 Overview1-8
1-3 Precautions
Use and Storage
Do not subject the camcorder to severe shocks
The internal mechanism may be damaged or the body warped.
After use
Always turn off the power.
Before storing the camcorder for a long period
Remove the battery pack.
Use and storage locations
Store in a level, ventilated place. Avoid using or storing the camcorder
in the following places.
•Places subject to temperature extremes
•Very damp places
•Places subject to severe vibration
•Near strong magnetic fields
•In direct sunlight or close to heaters for extended periods
To prevent electromagnetic interference from portable
communications devices
The use of portable telephones and other communications devices near
this unit can result in misoperations and interference with audio and
video signals.
It is recommended that the portable communications devices near this
unit be powered off.
Note on laser beams
Laser beams may damage the CCDs. If you shoot a scene that includes a
laser beam, be careful not to let a laser beam become directed into the
lens of the camera.

2
Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-1
4
1
2
3
Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls
2-1 Power Supply
Power supply
1Battery attachment
Attach a BP-L60A battery pack.
2DC IN (external power input) connector (XLR type, 4-pin, male)
To operate the HDW-F900 using an AC power supply, connect an AC-
550 AC Adaptor with the DC output cable supplied with the adaptor.
To use an external battery, connect its DC output cable to the DC IN
connector.
(Continued)

2
Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-2
3BREAKER button
If excessive current flows within the unit, the breaker is tripped
automatically to shut off the power supply and protect the equipment.
After performing internal checks or adjustments, use a pointed object
such as a pen to press down lightly on this button. If there is no problem,
the power will again be supplied.
4POWER switch
This switch turns the main power supply on and off.

2
Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-3
5
1 2
3
4
8
6
7
2-2 Accessory Attachments
Accessory attachments
1Shoulder strap posts
Attach the supplied shoulder strap to these posts.
2Light shoe
Attach an optional accessory such as a video light to this shoe.
3Lens mount (special bayonet mount)
Use this for mounting the lens.
Lens cable clamp
(Continued)

2
Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-4
4Lens locking lever
After inserting the lens in the lens mount, rotate the lens mount ring with
this lever to lock the lens in position.
5Lens mount cap
Remove this cap by pushing up on the lens locking lever. For protection
from dust, always insert this cap when no lens is mounted.
6Tripod mount
When using the unit on a tripod, attach the supplied tripod adaptor.
7LENS connector (12-pin)
Fit the lens cable to this connector. Contact your Sony representative for
more information about the lens you are using.
8Shoulder pad
You can move the shoulder pad forwards or backwards by loosening the
two screws. Do this to ensure the best balance when shooting with the
camcorder on your shoulder.