Sony DSR PD170 Camcorder

rating: 4.71

Sony DSR PD170 Camcorder provides high quality acquisition in the DVCAM component digital format, as well as in DV, allowing up to 40 minutes recording on one tape Mini DVCAM tape, or 60 minutes on the same tape in the DV mode. This compact camcorder features three Advanced HAD 1/3 inch CCDs that allow two scanning modes: 480 progressive (for still) and interlaced (for video).

Features:

High quality digital component video and audio recording using DVCAM format
High quality digital component video and audio recording using DV format
Advanced HAD 380K pixels 1/3" CCDs
SuperSteadyShot and Autofocus
12X optical zoom, 48X digital zoom
530 TV lines of horizontal resolution
1 lux minimum illumination
Auto or manual exposure
Start/Stop button and zoom control on the handle
Built-in speaker
480p VGA quality 640x480 progressive scan still image capturing
Tape photo mode-enables still images to be recorded on the tape
Memory still mode-Up to 988 images can be recorded on the optional 64 MB flash memory
Directional shotgun (mono) microphone
Two independen XLR audio inputs with independent audio levels, gain and phantom power
16:9/4:3 aspect ratio switchable. 4:3 aspect ratio native
16 bit/12 bit PCM audio for two or four channel audio modes
Audio dubbing capable
i.Link (IEEE 1394 based) input and output built in interface
Analog input using the S-Video connector
Professional 500 lines horizontal resolution B&W viewfinder
Hybrid Color 2.5" (viewable area, measured diagonally) swing out reversible 211,200 dot LCD panel display
Internal digital video effects electronic titling capability
Chroma-key capability for title, image or logo insertion from the memory stick
Variable high-speed shutter
Slow shutter mode
Digital program editing using i.Link. Up to 20 programs can be preset for auto edit
Custom AE (auto exposure) mode
Time code with preset and user bits capability
70% and 100% Zebra indicator
Spotlight and backlight exposure functions
Guide frame for image alignment
Time/Date stamp with seconds readout on video
Manual settings and functions: shutter speeds, Independent audio recording levels, white balance, AE shift, iris, zoom, focus
Wireless remote, battery, ac adapter/on camera charger and shoulder strap included

Sony DSR PD170 Camcorder user reviews

""Sony DSR PD170 Camcorder is great for standard definition video. I use 2 of these for weddings and other events and the video is always stunning. I really like how well it performs in dark situations. I was filming a reception 2 weeks ago and it was very dark in there. So dark I got a little nervous about the video. When I got home, pulled up the video, it showed more light than was really there and I didn't lose any quality!
It's a little heavy, but then again, they can only make prosumer cameras so small without compromising quality. I put a Sony NP-F970 battery on it and it really helps to balance the weight, especially with a wireless mic receiver attached to the hot shoe.
Overall: Great camera for the money!"

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--- Fish Hook Productions rated: 5

""I'm sure Sony DSR PD170 Camcorder is a good camara before investing on HD gear. No need to have a big editing sistem or terabites of space just camara and tape. I like the size of tha camara and versatility. For the price you get great quality and can offer profesional work with it. I do field production at the beach, mountains and all sort of outdoors videos and it does resist hard work enviorment. Great for interviews and studio work as well.
Can't go wrong with it. It is a great "machete" for the field."

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--- Whitedog rated: 5

""Sony DSR PD170 Camcorder is a wondering thing, everything is where it should be. It feels like you would have a very hard time braking it, the thing its built like a tank ( compared to a gl2 at least ). over 130 hours shot and one 2, 4 frame DV drop-outs.
Problems Encountered: When the LCD screen is rotated facing upward you have a hard time getting to the iris wheel. Sometimes the manual focus isn't the fastest, while others times it is lighting fast. I wish you could adjust gamma curve, but then again this isn't made for movie...
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: gl 2 pdx10 vx2100 xl1s
Items I Recommend: A tripod, its a little bit to heavy to go hand held if you add other things, such as : large battery, nice shotgun mic, wireless reciever."
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--- Anonymous rated: 5

"I provide training films for my clients and I have been looking for a new Prosumer camera for quite sometime when I decided on the PD170. Sony DSR PD170 Camcorder has excellent balanace when using it handheld, the operation is easy to understand, user friendly. It took some time to get a feel for the audio settings, but I get crisp clear sound on my videos. The manual is a bit difficult to follow. Typical of Sony. Found a great video clip on YouTube that gave an excellent description on how to set your audio adjustments. Sony did a great job with this product."
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--- Steve rated: 4

""I have been working with Sony DSR PD170 Camcorder for the last three years, off and on. It is basic and very solid in it's feature set, and continues to deliver quality in the SD 4:3 world. Primarily, it is the most light sensitive camera in it's class, still making it a worthy consideration.Pros:Best low/available light 4:3 SD documentary camera on the market.Rather clean Gain up to 9db.Black and white viewfinder.Superb AF where needed.Wide array of shutter speeds.Robust DVCAM format.
Problems Encountered: Ill placed Iris control can be blocked by an open LCD screen. A workaround but irritating nonetheless. I mostly shoot wide open anyways, and easily thumb the rest of the main photographic controls on the back. A matter of technique and style, as always.Audio preamps leave much to be desired. In-camera audio not suitable for all applications, imo, unfortunately. Again, a workaround.
Items I Recommend: DVCAM Mini DV tapes, Sennheiser ME64, Sony NP-F970, Lightwave Minimount"
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--- Shawn Mielke rated: 4

$3,795.00@amazon.com

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