HD For Indies

Sony Global - Press Release - [Inter BEE 2006] Sony reveals a new lineup for accelerating HD World

I'm slow reporting this one - Sony has announced the successor to the F950, this is currently codenamed the F23. Think of it as 4:4:4 capable F900 with HDCAM SR instead of HDCAM. Or as an F950 with a SRW-1 docked to it. Or, more simply, as a baby Genesis camera, since Sony did the electronics for the Genesis.

Highlights:
-3 2/3" CCD sensors - classic Sony CineAlta style
-HDCAM SR format
-on sale May 2007 in Japan

Reading the hilariously translated Japanese annoucement, it would appear

-SRW-1 docks to it
-1080p60 capable, but I'll betcha that's only in 4:2:2 mode
-bonus round: "The design design which pursues the operativity use of film camera style" from the translation
-reduced back focus drift
-can use some ARRI accessories
-adjustable frame rates, 1-60 4:2:2, 1-30 4:4:4
-3 2/3" CCD design
-dual link HD-SDI
-Sony bayonet lens mount
-no official price as yet, but for some reason I think I heard something like $150K for the camera, something like $200K for the camera with recorder...but based on known price of SRW-1 with SRPC, it probably was $115K (current 950 price, thank you commenter) + $85K for SRW-1 still landing around that $200K mark.

A-ha! But I found this PDF from NAB, written by Michael Bravin (super nice, super knowledgeable guy from Band Pro) with more details and even a picture. Yes Michael works at a Sony house selling Sony gear, but is the nicest possible, most straightforward guy when I met him this summer. Struck me as very even keeled.

-mike

UPDATE:

Had some stuff wrong:
-is NOT the F950 successor
-not really a mini-Genesis, since is three 2/3" not single 35mm and doesn't use Panavision mount lenses
-Michael Bravin of Band Pro has seen footage and is impressed