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Sony Professional DSR-PD170 3 CCD MiniDV Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom | 
| Brand: Sony
Category: Photography
Buy New: $4,999.00
as of 9/2/2010 16:28 PDT details
New (1) from $4,999.00
Seller: Wall Street Photo
Rating:  5 reviews
Sales Rank: 6402
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Batteries Included: Yes
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Optical Zoom: 12
Display Size: 2.5
Maximum Focal Length: 72
Minimum Focal Length: 6
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3.5
Dimensions (in): 15.9 x 4.9 x 7.1
MPN: DSRPD170
Model: DSRPD170
UPC: 027242639850
EAN: 0027242639850
ASIN: B0001851PA
Release Date: October 16, 2003
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | 3 CCD video camera | | • | 16:9 widescreen recording | | • | 12x optical zoom lens | | • | Records to MiniDV tape stock | | • | Powered by NP-F570 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Product Description
The DSR-PD170 is a high quality video camera well suited to a broad range of applications -- from event videography to training videos to filmmaking. It's small size and long battery life make it ideal for use in the field, and its broad array of manual override features make it a very adaptable camera for all sorts of shooting environments.  | | Two XLR audio inputs allow you to connect pro mics or external audio. |
3CCD camera system
Originally, camcorders used one CCD--the imaging device that turns light into electronic information--and let the image processing unit decider the color information from the data. Like today's broadcast video cameras, however, the DSR-PD170 uses a prism to divide incoming light into three beams and uses specially tuned 1/3-inch CCDs to create red, blue, and green composite images, which are assembled into a final image. The result is a more film-like vibrancy and more accurate color representation. Advanced HAD technology reduces fixed pattern noise and the vertical smear sometimes associated with CCD images. Audio
The DSR-PD170 records two channels of PCM digital sound with the 48 kHz/16-bit or 32 kHz/12-bit mode. It features a ECM-NV1 electret condenser microphone, as well as two XLR audio input connectors for use with professional-grade microphones or external audio sources.  | | A zoom lever and a rec start/stop button are built into the handle. |
12x optical zoom lens
The DSR-PD170 is equipped with a 12x zoom lens. Zoom comes in handy when you can't get close enough to your subject for proper framing, such as a sporting event or nature photography. The camera also has digital zoom feature selectable for 24x or 48x. Users should note, however, that digital zoom comes at the expense of picture quality, since it is achieved by discarding part of the information from the frame. In order to facilitate zoom control and recording operation during low-angle shooting, an additional zoom lever and a rec start/stop button have been added to the carrying handle. Furthermore, the supplied wireless Remote Commander unit can be used for external control. To protect your investment, the DSR-PD170 comes with a lens hood with a built-in lens cap, which will keep your glass from getting dirty or scratched. The hood can be opened or closed by using a lever on the side of the hood, so it will never get lost. Also, it comes with a wide conversion lens, which is ideal for shooting indoors or in small spaces.  | The kit includes a wide
converter lens and hood. |
Optical Super SteadyShot system
Sony's optical Super SteadyShot System helps remove the slight hand jitter and vibration that is often the bane of video production. Sensors inside the camera detect horizontal and vertical movements and the camera can counteract those movements by adjusting the lens mechanism on the fly. This is superior to digital anti-shake systems that counteract image shake by trimming off edges of the frame. Large precision black & white viewfinder and LCD monitor
View your subject through the built-in viewfinder, the swing-out LCD display, or both. The camera features a 0.44-inch type black & white LCD viewfinder and a 2.5-inch color LCD monitor. You'll save battery time by using just one, but you may want to use one for adjusting focus and the other for monitoring audio levels. Index marking and title function
When using a Cassette Memory-equipped DVCAM/DV tape, an index can be marked while recording with the DSR-PD170 or recording from an external video source, which makes for quick access later on. Also, you can store titles in the cassette memory for overlay during playback. More DSR-PD170 features | ·16:9 Widescreen Acquisition mode -- Captures video at true widescreen aspect ratio without letterboxing | | ·Digital pictures -- save still images to Memory Stick media and combine with video images through the Media Mix function | | ·Low Light Shooting -- record in just 11x minimum illumination | | ·Large-sized Handle -- enhanced design for a better grip | | ·Date Stamping -- Superimpose the date onto an image | | ·AV to DV Out -- convert analog input signals to DV signals | | ·Selectable DVCAM/DV recording -- record and playback in native DVCAM or in DV SP mode | | ·Custom presets -- choose common color level, sharpness, white balance shift, and agc limit | | ·Digital effects -- still, flash motion, luminance key, trail, and old movie | | ·Guide frame -- provides vertical and horizontal subject lines | | ·Time Code Preset -- fill in any timecode starting value | | ·Fader -- black fade, monotone fade, overlap, wipe and dot | | ·Zebra -- displays a striped pattern in the LCD monitor and viewfinder across highlight areas, helping manual exposure settings | | ·Manual Functions -- zoom, focus, iris , shutter speed, gain, AE shift, white balance, ND filters (1/4 and 1/32), spotlight button, backlight button | What's in the box
DSR-PD170 camera, AC-L15 AC adaptor, ECM-NV1 electret condenser microphone, NP-F570 InfoLithium rechargeable battery pack, VCL-HG0758 wide conversion lens, LSF-S58 lens hood for wide conversion lens and hood cap, lens hood with built-in lens cap, RMT-811 Remote Commander and two R6 batteries, carrying belt, i.LINK cable strap, and stereo AV cable.
Product Description
With the DSR-PD170 and a couple of competent actors, you are essentially in the movie business! This Professional Digital Camcorder captures high quality digital Component Video and Hi-Fi Audio via the universally standard DVCAM format. 1 lux minimum illumination Auto or manual exposure Start / Stop button and zoom control on the handle Built-in speaker Directional mono shotgun microphone i.LINK ( IEEE-1394 ) in / out interface Analog S-Video input Two independent 3-pin XLR Audio inputs Manual shutter speed, recording level, white balance, AE shift, iris, zoom & focus Time / Date stamp with video readout Chroma-key capability for title, image or logo insertion from Memory Stick(R) Dimensions - 7-1/8H x 5-1/4W x 18D (w/ microphone) Includes wireless remote, battery, AC adapter / on-camera charger and shoulder strap
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| Customer Reviews:
 Outstanding camera, period. December 15, 2004
LA Filmmaker (Los Angeles)
57 out of 57 found this review helpful
I've used this camera on several professional video shoots now, including talking heads, outdoors and an indoor music video. The low light capability of this camera is nothing short of stunning, with clear, crisp images available even when using only available tungsten room lights. We shot a girl playing the piano with candles in the background and only the piano lamp and it looked great. The PD170 is very easy to use for the beginner and a breeze to tweak on the fly. It has solid, nicely positioned controls (for full auto and full manual configurations), pro XLR audio/mic inputs and easily accessible miniDV cassette mechanism that lets you change tapes while the camera is on the tripod. Its DVCam recording mode runs the DV tape at a faster rate, giving you about 43 minutes of recording on an hour miniDV tape. The higher recording speed is not mandatory, but does improve quality when you choose to use it. Autofocus is crystal clear, but easily manipulated manually with a great focus ring. This camera has lots of bells and whistles, including the ability to monitor both channels' recording levels onscreen, while taping. I've heard the networks' embedded reporters in Iraq are using PD170's and I believe it. The quality of the images captured by this camera is nothing short of professional. The heft and feel of the PD170 is just right. it's got a nice, built-in lens cover that's actuated by a solid feeling lever on the side of the lens housing. It also features two built in neutral density filters that can be flipped into position with another lever. The list of features and thoughtful design elements goes on and on. Obviously, I'm crazy about this DVCam and literally don't have a single complaint to share. If you're looking for a rock solid, professional grade camcorder in the $3000 range, look no further. Read up on it and the competition. Then buy this gem and prepare to be bowled over by its performance, pictures and exceptional design.
Excellent camera May 25, 2008
V. ROBERTSBATES (Oklahoma)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I have owned my PD170 for about a year now. I bought it to replace my VX2000 (another great camera).
Pros:
1. Excellent quality images for a non HD camera.
2. XLR connectors.
3. Compact size with excellent weight for steady one handed shots.
4. The low light ability of this camera is second to none.
5. Professional look.
Cons:
1. Not a shoulder mounted camera.
I shoot mostly weddings, events and indoor theatre productions.
You can't go wrong with this video camera.
Great camcorder January 22, 2010
Ryck (NYC NY USA)
I've been using this camcorder as a amateur video consultant for a non profit who bought top rated video equipment for their broadcast TV productions. After about six months of my use of it I was so impressed with its ease of use and features I ended-up getting one for myself.
Its video performance is magnificent. Low light is especially impressive as I recorded in ambient low light conditions which would have required supplemental lighting.
It can record to either tape or Memory Stick. I haven't tested Memory Stick recording yet but a knowledgeable friend told me to expect about 1GB to 4GB per hour depending on video quality setting.
It serves as a great video tape deck too. Connecting it via Firewire to your Windows PC you can control all the usual tape deck functions of rewind, fast forward, pause, stop, record, play (with video capture) all from your video software.
And as far as video software goes you can't go wrong with Adobe Premiere. Yes, it is costly but, like this camcorder, it is loaded with features that you will grow into with time and experience.
I know there is a lot for me to learn regarding video production but I think I have a top quality camcorder that I will grow into. I make this a solid recomendation to anyone who can afford taking this to that extra level.
I consider it an investment in myself because as I gain more video experience I already have bought my next level (or two) camcorder with this Sony DSR PD170.
 One of the greats in prosumer DV history... July 15, 2005
Shawn Mielke (Santa Rosa, CA USA)
19 out of 21 found this review helpful
Clean, beautiful images. Rugged construction. A fine run'n'gun videographic instrument, although after a year now I wish that I had gone with the shoulder cam version, the DSR-250, but that's another story...
Likes:
Wide range of shutterspeeds (1/4-1/10000).
Clean gain up to 9 or 12 db
and very light sensitive to boot.
Simultaneous B/W Viewfinder and color LCD.
Fairly sharp B/W Viewfinder, a must-have feature, imo.
Dislikes:
A few misplaced and unnecessary controls along the bottom ridge.
A few misplaced and very necessary controls, such as the iris control wheel that gets blocked by LCD screen when open and isn't very accessible for handheld besides.
Weak audio preamps.
For event videography, this camera just plain reigns supreme, for the price.
Excellent Camera, Great Features March 4, 2009
Push Button Gadget (Milwaukee, WI USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I bought this as a companion to my Sony DSR 200A almost two years ago. Its been a great addtion for two-camera shoots when color temperatures need to match. Both cameras shoot 16:9 (but not HD), which clients have asked for. Its great for interviews, spontaneous action, b-roll and so much more. Its low-light capabilities have produced some amazing shots to many a client's delight ("how'd you do that??").
The one drawback is that it is not a grab-and-shoot camera. Its automatic features don't respond well and you'll end up with unusable images, especially in bright sunlight. Also its wide angle lens seems to have some focus issues. I tend to not use it as much as I'd like, especially for "live" situations, I don't want to risk losing a shot because I couldn't focus. If you have time to set up the camera properly, you'll get great footage.
Otherwise, its a very handy and smaller version of the DSR 200A, down to the XLR inputs, attenuators and variety of controls. It records on the small DVCAM tapes or on Mini-DV which for some projects, I'll use the less expensive Mini-DVs because of price. I haven't been able to tell the difference.
This has been my go-to camera since I bought it.
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