2004Cameras (Film/Video/HD) forum
Connecting a Varicam camera to a monitor with SDI output and downconversion to standard definition
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The Miranda downconverter designed for Sony Cinealta cameras is not compatible with Varicam cameras.
- Varicam outputs native SDI, requiring an SDI-to-NTSC converter such as models from Evertz or AJA rather than the RGB downconverter used with Sony cameras.
- The Varicam's SDI output format is 720p, which differs from standard Sony-style HDSDI and may not be recognized by all monitors and converters.
- SDI output from Varicam can be sent via BNC cable to an HD monitor, allowing wireless HD image monitoring by using a lightweight jumper cable between camera and operator.
- 75 Ohm cable should be used for SDI connections, with minimal connectors and adapters to avoid signal degradation.
- The AJA HD10MD3 downconverter works effectively with Varicam and requires DC power input.
- Power for a downconverter can be sourced from an Anton Bauer power tap on the camera if a battery is mounted, or via cable from the camera's sled power junction box.
- Drawing power from the Hirose port on the back of the Varicam to run a downconverter risks blowing the camera's fuse due to amperage limitations and is not recommended.
Depends on
- The SDI output compatibility issue applies specifically to the Varicam model discussed in 2004.
- Rental house availability of appropriate cables and power solutions may vary.
- The recommendation against using the Hirose port is based on potential risk rather than confirmed failure.
- Not all HD monitors can read the 720p SDI format output from this camera model.