Sony Ex3 output

[NickHampson]

Can anyone confirm the Sony EX3's HD-SDI output is actually 10 bit?
I know the Canon XLH1 HD-SDI is only 8 bit, although the files are the same size :-) and everything should be 10 bit.

[Alan Roberts]

You say that the "files are the same size". How are you capturing them? HDSDI is a continuous, uncompressed, data stream, and can be either 8- or 10-bit, so we need to know what you're comparing. For example, all HDCAM cameras output HDSDI in 10-bit form, but record to tape in what is effectively 8-bit. We need to know more before the answer becomes simple.

[StevenBagley]

The EX1 has been confirmed as being a true 10-bit 4:2:2 output by Sony, so I see no reason (which is essentially a repackaging of the same camera) should be any different.

This is an improvement on the earlier XDCAM HD models -- where the SDI out is upscaled from a 4:2:0 signal.

Steven

[NickHampson]

Thanks Steven, good to hear, its on my Christmas list then :-)

Hi Alan, I was referring to the fact that people always expect 10 bit output from a camera with a HD SDI connection but in the case of the cannon XL H1 thats not what you get, its only a 8 bit.
I think we all tend to think of HD-SDI as 10 bit as that the SMPTE standard (292M) but what people can do is push less data through the 'pipe' but its still a 10 bit signal just with 2 null bits which still have to be described and hence no change in the data rate and its just as easy to assume your recording a 10 bit signal and select a 10 bit recording format.
Roll on the wider use of Dual Link then we can all have 12bit 4:4:4 and RGB.
I am after a small camera that will give me a true 10 bit output so just wanted to check.

[Alan Roberts]

OK. As far as I'm aware, the EX is proper 4:2:2 10-bit.

[paultv]

Apparently it's 4:2:2 derived from 4:2:0 - therefore not "true" 10 bit, ie the output is, but the source ain't:

See here, a long debate.

http://www.dvinfo.net//conf/showthread.php?t=130855 and now the winner is 10 bit !! 4:2:2 Hurray!

Paul

[Alan Roberts]

I'd have to do my own tests before I believed that it's 4:2:0 internally and 4:2:2 on the output. But, bear in mind that 4:2:2/4:2:0 and 10-bit/8-bit are inherently not connected together, you can have any mix.