Lightweight Unit Docks to the Genesis or Sony F23 Digital Camera Systems

At a special preview event on October 11 in Los Angeles, Panavision introduced a lightweight solid-state recorder capable of docking to the Genesis Digital Camera System or Sony's F23. It's something digital cinematographers who use these cameras have been waiting for. A Genesis camera with the SSR-1 weighs just 21.5 lbs.
With the SSR-1 mounted either on the top or rear of the camera, shooters now have the freedom to move around a set or location with the same capability as a digital camcorder.

Weighing under six pounds, Panavision's SSR-1 provides the same recording functions as the tape-based Sony SRW-1 HDCAM SR (4:4:4) recorder commonly used with the Genesis system, but with a seven pound weight savings. Both devices can record 1080P 4:4:4 or 4:2:2 at fixed-speed formats, including 23.98P, 25P and 29.97P fps, along with variable speed (from 1 to 30 fps) capability.

The SSR-1, however, brings all of the advantages of solid-state recording, including instant access to all recorded takes (no tape cueing or shuttling is required) and no required pre-roll. The SSR-1 also consumes less power than its tape counterpart, providing roughly 40 percent more recording time than the SRW-1 without changing batteries, according to Panavision.

The SSR-1 records signals in uncompressed 4:4:4 or 4:2:2 formats, as single link HD-SDI, allowing easy transfer to an HDCAM SR deck for delivery to a client. It records 20 minutes in 23.98 fps 4:4:4 SP mode or 40 minutes in 23.98 fps 4:2:2 LP mode.

The SSRD can also be used for record/playback using an external docking station, the SSRD, which provides HDSDI and audio outputs for footage recorded on the SSR-1 flash memory.

Bob Beitcher, President and CEO, Panavision, said solid-state technology was chosen rather than a hard drive because it is more reliable, lighter and quieter, and consumes less power.

For more information, visit www.panavision.com.