Sony SRW-9000PL

We hear about the lower end cameras but the higher end systems not so much.  The Sony 9000 is definitely higher end.  The new version of this 9000PL camcorder has the same Super 35mm sensor that's in the F-35 and a PL mount, hence the PL.   Sony considers the 9000PL a b-camera to the F-35.

I saw the 9000 at Band Pro's One World stacked up against the F3 and looking at the monitor it would be hard for a layman to tell the difference in picture on the monitor.  But the real difference (besides all the picture processing) is not what image the cameras put out but what they record.

The Sony F3 records a wimpy 35mbps in a 4:2:0 color space while the Sony 9000 is recording 4:2:2 at 440mbps.  Stick in the optional HKSR-9003 circuit board into the 9000 and the camera is capable of recording a whopping 880 mbps 4:4:4 signal.  Now, that's impressive!

There's also a optional HKSR-9002 board that allows S-log gamma recording and variable frame rates.

Earlier in 2010 I heard the MSRP of this camera was supposed to be around $130,000 but I know more than one company is selling the stock 4:2:2 version for $72,000 bucks.  I suppose this is the replacement for my F900 but cameras in this range are not what clients are asking for.

I guess I start looking at the Panasonic 100 again....

http://www.bandpro.com/products/cameras/digital-cinema.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=86&category_id=75
http://www.abelcine.com/store/Sony-SRW-9000PL-HDCAM-SR-Camera/