Sony debuted its XDCAM HD at IBC 2005, positioning the format between HDV and HDCAM. XDCAM HD will offer bit rates of 18 Mbps variable, 25Mbps constant to give users a bridge to HDV and 35 Mbps variable in a 1/2-inch 3 CCD camcorder with availability in Q2 2006.
To support XDCAM HD, most NLE manufacturers will need to add MPEG-2 long GOP codecs into their platforms. In addition to the camcorder, two decks are planned: The F30 entry level unit with i-link firewire and the F70 with HD-SDI and slow motion. Price for the camcorder without lens is under $25,000.
