Panavision Intros Solid State Recorder for the Genesis

"Panavision has introduced the Panavision SSR-1, a next-generation lightweight solid state recorder capable of docking to the Panavision Genesis Digital Camera System or Sony’s F23.

With an SSR-1 recorder either top-or rear-mounted, the Genesis camera can now also be used as easily as the lightest-weight professional camera for hand-held shooting situations, Steadicam production or shots inside a car. A Genesis camera with the SSR-1 weighs just 21.5 lbs.

The announcement was made by Bob Beitcher, President and CEO, Panavision Inc. Weighing just 5.6 lbs, Panavision’s SSR-1 provides the same recording functions as the tape-based, 13.0 lb. Sony SRW-1 recorder commonly used with the Genesis system. Both devices can record 1080P 4:4:4 or 4:2:2 at the customary fixed speeds formats, including 23.98P, 25P and 29.97P fps, along with variable speeds from 1 to 60 fps.

The SSR-1, however, brings all of the advantages of solid-state recording to Genesis and F23 users, including instant access to all recorded takes (no tape cueing or shuttling is required) and no required pre-roll. The SSR-1 consumes less power than its tape counterpart, providing roughly 40 percent more recording time than the SRW-1 without changing batteries.

Of primary importance to today’s movement to seamless production and post-production workflow, the SSR-1 records in industry standard uncompressed single link HDSDI form, allowing seamless transfer to HDCAM SR.

A small lightweight docking station, the SSRD, provides HDSDI and audio outputs for footage recorded on the SSR-1. The SSRD can be used for record/playback on the set or in a post-production setting.

“Our new SSR-1 recorder is one more critical piece of a new generation of production tools that Panavision is developing for the global entertainment community,” said Beitcher. “We selected solid state technology rather than hard drive because it is more reliable, lighter and quieter, and consumes less power. With the options of an SSR-1 or an SRW-1, our customers will have significantly additional flexibility in their use of Genesis and the F23.

The SSR-1 solid state digital recorder features the following specifications:
- Uncompressed 4:4:4 (SMPTE 372M) or 4:2:2 (SMPTE 292M) recording
- 40 minute capacity in 23.98 fps 4:4:4 SP mode
- 80 minute capacity in 23.98 fps 4:2:2 LP mode"

By Neal Romanek, Videography