I have this deal worked out with a rental house, where I get to go in and play with their stuff, and in return I do free labor for them (errands, help prep the grip truck, whatever). This place specializes in the higher end formats, including HD, and they have several Sony F-900s. I was wondering if anyone here who's had to go from SD to HD had a more methodical way of "learning" the camera then simply playing with it and screwing with menu items. I've got the manual, I've read the manual, I've played with the camera on a couple of occasions, but I still feel there's got to be a better way.

Classes are probably the primary learning medium for the HD cameras (next to folklore, that is). Shops that rent this gear often hold classes for current or prospective customers. Fletcher (http://www.fletch.com/) here in Chicago is an example of such an operation. Perhaps your rental company does, too?

I can ask them. Thanks.

I have the f-900 maintenance manuals if anyone needs them in pdf parts 1 + 2 = 7mb

Sony also has classes. Expensive in keeping with the camera.

Boy, do the guys on the prosound Usenet goup hate the 900 for it's loud noise and extreme heat.

I've never personally seen a 900 in operation. Do you know what makes them so (reportedly) noisy? I have seen a Varicam and it's just as quiet as any ENG camera.