What is an F23 camera?
The F23 camera is the pinnacle of 2/3-inch 24P CineAlta™ cameras. It delivers images with the highest possible picture quality (RGB 4:4:4, improved color reproduction, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio).

What type of lens mount does the F23 have?
The F23's B4 Mount, which is constructed of a robust material to increase its ruggedness. It is designed to withstand the rigors of constant lens changes and temperature fluctuations.

Is the back-focus stable?
The B4 mount is constructed of a metal that is more temperature-stable and should provide greater back focus reliability over previous CineAlta cameras.

Is it possible to change the frame rate while the camera is running? (Speed Ramp Capability)
Sony is now investigating the technical feasibility. In addition, the Interval Frame Recording feature (Time Lapse Recording) of the SRW-1 allows users to select the number of frames to be recorded, providing an effect similar to a speed ramp.

Does the F23 support 1080/60P RGB 4:4:4 recording?
It is currently planned to be supported in 3Q of FY2007.

What is the shutter adjustment range?
The shutter angle can be adjusted from 3.9 to 360 degrees. The shutter angle can be displayed either in degrees or fractions.

What are the factory preset gamma curves?
Yes, one log gamma and four Hyper Gammas are preinstalled in the F23. The log curve, called S-Log (Sony Log) is optimized to capture, transfer, and store the full extended latitude (dynamic range) of the F23's capability. The S-Log has 10-bit precision to make use of existing recording and transmission standards without losing latitude or increasing noise. In addition, there are four hyper gamma curves which are similar to those installed in the HDW-F900R.

Does the F23 allow custom gamma curves?
Yes, the F23 is compatible with the CVP file editor (v3.0), a software which allows creation of custom gamma curves for CineAlta cameras on a PC.

Is it possible to use on the F23 custom gamma curves that were originally created for the HDC-F950 or HDW-F900 cameras using CVP software?
Gamma curves for the HDW-F900 or HDC-F950 must be imported and converted using the CVP File Editor v3.0 for use in the F23. Due to F23's 14-bit quantization, the latitude (dynamic-range) is significantly extended over the HDW-F900 or HDC-F950. Ideally those curves should be readjusted with the CVP software to take advantage of the wide latitude and low noise of the F23.

Is the F23 compatible with Arriflex Accessories (e.g. Base plate, hand-held shoulder kit etc.)?
Yes, it is directly compatible with those Arriflex Accessories.

Is Sony developing an optical viewfinder for this camera?
There is no plan to introduce an optical viewfinder for the F23.

Will the F23 have utility power outputs for accessories?
Yes, it will be equipped with 12V and 24V DC power output from the camera body. (However, since the camera runs on DC 12V only, either special batteries that can supply both 12V and 24V DC power or an external DC to DC converter to convert DC12V to DC24 will be required when 24V DC power output is necessary.)

How is Sony going to supply power to this camera system?
When the F23 is docked to the SRW-1, Sony suggests the use of large capacity batteries introduced by third party vendors.

Is there a fiber camera adapter option? (Fiber Transmission)
Sony is investigating technical and business feasibility of a fiber connection, but there is no plan at this time.

Can the F23 control the SRW1 recorder?
Record Start/Stop and Format Change can be performed from the F23 human interface or through the included accessory “Assistant's Remote Panel” which duplicates the camera's controls and indicators.

Is there a T-cam (T-adapter) for the F23?
The F23 camera body is small enough so that T-cam is not necessary. In addition, the SRW-1/SRPC-1 VTR system can be located at a distance and connected to the F23 by two HD-SDI cables. There is no plan to make the T-camera for this camera. For those who require the size of a T-camera, an HDC1500 plus HKC-T1500, T-cam adaptor is recommended. New software for the HDC-1500 provides 1080P, 4:4:4 acquisition (up to 29.97P) and 4:2:2 up to 60P.

When will the F23 be available?
Sony plans it to be available in June 2007.

Is the F23 CCDs the same as those used on the HDC1500 camera?
The OHB prisms are capable of capturing a wider color gamut, and incorporate circuitry redesigned exclusively for F23. As a result, the F23 CCD's realize greater (extended) dynamic range and improved color performance (colorimery) over the HDC1500. The F23's picture performance is the best among all of the current Sony 2/3” camera offerings.

Why did Sony adopt a three 2/3” CCD optical path for this of camera instead of using a single 35mm imager?
There is a wide range of 2/3” lenses available for purchase or rental. These lenses are designed to work with a prism optical system, and are affordable, rugged, and match the image making capabilities of the F23.