The new DXC-D55 system camera is an enhanced replacement for the DXC-D50. One of the best selling system cameras ever made. The main improvement is to the Analogue to Digital Converter. This is a key component that converts the Analogue video signal from the CCD, into digital form, for the signal processing that follows.

The DXC-D55 now has a 14 bit ADC, which provides 4 times the conversion resolution of its predecessor. The increased bit depth brings improved resolution, transparency and stability to the camera output and an overall level of performance not seen at this price point before, especially as the prices for equivalent system packages have not been changed.

The DXC-D55 is available as a 4:3 only model - DXC-D55P and a switch-able 16:9 and 4:3 model - DXC-D55WSP. All system components and accessories remain available and compatible.

State of the art widescreen Power HAD EX CCD
The DXC-D55 series cameras include a new 16:9 format Power HAD EX CCD, the same as is used for the BVP-E10/WS series. Thanks to the superb CCD performance, the DXC-D55 series offers improved smear level of -140dB, which is equivalent to FIT type CCD.

14-bit A/D converter
The use of a 14-bit resolution Analogue to Digital converter ensures that pictures are processed with great precision. Compared to previous cameras in this class, which only offer 12 bit resolution, the DXC-D55 is able to provide more faithful handling of low-key and mid-tone areas of the picture.

New Advanced Digital Signal Processing
Another critical factor when assessing camera quality is how many bits are used in non-linear processes, such as gamma correction. The use of Advanced Digital Signal Processing (ADSP) built into an innovative LSI using 0.18-micron processing technology, provides comprehensive and precise control functions, as well as maintaining the superior image quality from the CCD. Thanks to this, and the use of a digital encoder, very low power consumption can be achieved to ensure very comfortable operation and stable signal processing.

Creative Image Control
The DXC-D55 series cameras add several innovative control items, to provide comprehensive image adjustments.

Knee Saturation avoids any 'washed out' appearance in highlight areas

Low Key Saturation maintains the colour of objects in the shadow areas.

Skin Matrix Saturation and Hue of Skin Tones can be adjusted separately.

Adaptive Highlight Control (Auto Knee Mode) In most conventional cameras, only a single Knee-point/slope is available for control over highlights. In contrast, the DXC-D55/WS series provides multiple knee-points/slopes to utilize the dynamic range of the camera more effectively.

Cross-Colour Suppression uses comb-filtering to eliminate unpleasant cross colour and cross luminance on fine details.

Black Gamma Control This is to control the brightness of the shadow areas.

Memory Stick system for storage/recall of parameters
The DXC-D55/D55WS incorporates the Sony Memory Stick system, enabling you to store and recall parameter-parameter files for individual scene or camera set-up preferences. The set-up parameter files stored on a Memory Stick media card can be transferred to another DXC-D55/D55WS camera or a RCP-D50/D51 remote control unit, allowing quick, easy set-up in multiple camera systems. What's more, the set-up files can be loaded to a PC equipped with a Memory Stick slot, enabling them to be e-mailed as attachments and applied to cameras at remote locations.

High picture quality
The use of the new Power HAD EX CCDs, 14 bit A/D conversion, plus new Advanced Digital signal Processing, combine to deliver picture quality which is unmatched at the price.

High sensitivity
A high sensitivity of F11 at 2000 lux, and a minimum illumination of just 0.5 lux (36 dB gain, F1.4) enable the camera to operate in extremely low light levels. At the same time, the noise level of the camera is very low, at 63dB (PAL). When used in production studios, lighting levels can be reduced, with consequent savings in energy costs.

Simple operation
Recognizing the importance of making camera operation as quick and straightforward as possible, the DXC-D55/D55WS camera provides two highly convenient "EZ Functions", enabling operators to start shooting with minimum set-up procedures, and in less time.

• EZ Mode
Settings for key camera parameters are instantly set to the standard or auto position by simply pressing the EZ Mode button - making the camera instantly ready for shooting. This feature is very convenient when operators require fast camera set-up within a limited time frame.

• EZ Focus
The EZ Focus function allows accurate focus adjustments without manually opening the lens iris. Simply by pushing the EZ Focus button, the iris automatically opens to reduce the depth of field and make focusing significantly easier. At the same time, the electronic shutter is automatically set to obtain the correct exposure.

Simple design for easy operability
The DXC-D55 series body design is simplified compared to the DXC-D35 series. The 'EZ mode' setting buttons are now set underneath a sliding door with a see-through window. This helps the camera operator to avoid miss-operation of the switch while shooting. In addition, the type of menu setting switch and its position were changed for improved accessibility.

Switchable 16:9/4:3 operation
The DXC-D55WSPL is equipped with a high resolution 16:9 CCD imager, and can be used for both conventional 4:3 and widescreen (16:9 format) acquisition.