Sony has made some big announcements today including:

1) Camcorder for life: New SRW-9000 ships today at affordable price point and with future upgrade path to 35mm sensor and memory recording.
2) Open and Efficient File-based Workflow with MXF and SR Lite
3) Workflow Benefits with EDL data and color correction using CDL files
4) Delivery of new SR memory as media of future
5) Strong tape archive strategy and realignment of media pricing

Read our blog posts about the announcements here: http://blog.abelcine.com/2009/11/25/sony-details-srw-9000-future-proof-roadmap/

And also check out my hands on review with Jesse Rosen here: http://blog.abelcine.com/2009/11/25/hands-on-with-the-srw-9000/

Finally read the Sony Announcement Here: Sony : Sony reveals HDCAM SR strategy to revolutionise high-end production and widen market appeal : United Kingdom (http://www.sony.co.uk/biz/view/ShowContent.action?site=biz_en_GB&contentId=1237476985405&sectiontype=Home&preserveContext=true)

Thanks Andy, good info.
Any camera that you have to put a tape in seems so archaic though!
And this "affordable" price point - what is that exactly - even a ballpark figure for an SRW9000 with option board to do 1080/60P?
Steve

Steve,

I know what you mean about tape, but for many it is very important to have such a high quality master out of the camera. With the SR memory option in the future you can record to memory and transfer the data back to SR tape for archive. The 5800 deck can be upgraded to do this, which means that investing in the tape deck now doesn't mean you are out of luck in the future.

The price point with all the boards in the camera and VF is under $100k. The body with new VF is just under $70k. This is about the price of the F900 when first released, and more affordable then a F23/F35.

Thanks Andy, and it's available now?
Steve

Yes it is. Started shipping just the other day.