We are about to trade up from our F350's to the 700's but unfortunately we'll still have only PDW F70 decks. This will lock us into the single sided 23GB discs so I wanted to know what kind of record time we can expect in the HQ mode? Are there HQ/SP/LP modes like the F350? Currently we get about 65 minutes in HQ mode on a 23GB disc...Thanks in advance..

On a single layer disc from 23.3 GB you will get around 43 minutes with the MPEG-HD422 codec. There are no modes because it always is 50 Mbps.

To gently correct Ivan - the PDW700 records in several different modes and formats. Download the Sony brochure at; http://www.sonovideo.com/PDF/sonyPDW700.pdf and check the bottom of page 4. You'll find all the info you need.

Thanks Rick, but that is actually not correct. ;-)

For now it only records in MPEG-HD422 (50 Mbps) in 50i or 60i. Not even in MPEG-HD420 (18, 25 or 35 Mbps) like the PDW-F3xx series.

At the end of october this year their will be a payed uprade available to record in the SD formats like DVCAM and MPEG-IMX. Again, this CBKZ-MD01 package to record and playback in SD will not be free.

Thanks for the help. In our situation the less options the better...we just want to shoot in the best quality possible. We've had many problems with crews not yet familiar with the F350's shooting in SP mode or in 30P which our XDCart does not support. Interesting to note that when we rented 2 F350's the other day, they were in SP mode when powered on.

Thanks Rick, but that is actually not correct. ;-)

For now it only records in MPEG-HD422 (50 Mbps) in 50i or 60i. Not even in MPEG-HD420 (18, 25 or 35 Mbps) like the PDW-F3xx series.

At the end of october this year their will be a payed uprade available to record in the SD formats like DVCAM and MPEG-IMX. Again, this CBKZ-MD01 package to record and playback in SD will not be free.

Actually, the paid firmware upgrade is only for recording in SD modes (DVCam and IMX codecs). MPEG-HD420 (18, 25 and 35Mpgs) will be part of a firmware update that will be free of charge. This update will address a few issues and will also activate functionalities such as timelapse recording.

I am heading to the Congo for a 4-week shoot for Nat Geo TV , and I let you guys know how the camera performs. My initial tests when comparing it with the F350 camera show stunning image quality in poor light conditions.

Thierry.

And by the way, YES, The PDW-700 and MPEG-422 is now officially approved for acquisition by The National Geographic Channel.

Thierry.

I'd love to hear more about your thoughts on the 700's performance when you return. I'm thrilled with my 330 (especially since the latest upgrades) but work and clients may require me to step up to the 700. Looking forward to the report and thanks!