XDCAM EX Camera Extension System

XDCA-55 / XDCA-53
HD Camera Adaptor

XDCU-50

HD Camera Extension Unit

Much-anticipated Camera Extension System XDCAM EX Camcorder Flexibility to Fit Your Preferences
in Stand-alone or Multi-camera Operation
Sony is pleased to announce the introduction of a camera extension system
enabling XDCAM EX camcorders, with their well-established reputation for highquality full HD pictures, to be configured for studio operation.
This new system consists of a pair of camera adaptors, which connect to the
camcorders, and a camera extension unit, which controls camera parameters
via one of Sonys remote controllers. Using a pair of BNC cables, the camera
signal and return signal can be transferred up to 100 meters (328 feet) without
degradation.
The system offers an affordable solution for people who prioritize the versatility of
each camcorder in either stand-alone or multi-camera operation.

Preliminary

XDCA-55 / XDCA-53
HD Camera Adaptor

XDCU-50

HD Camera Extension Unit

Connection
The XDCA-55 docks to PMW-350 and PMW-320 camcorders* via an optional CBK-CE01 50-pin
connector. Thanks to this mechanism, no other connection cables are required.
The XDCA-53 is used with PMW-EX3 camcorders, and attaches with its supplied bracket to
VCT-SP2BP, an optional shoulder support. The adaptor comes with a power supply cable, and a
remote control cable. Two BNC cables are required for connection between PMW-EX3 and XDCA-53.

PMW-350K with XDCA-55

Both the XDCA-55 and XDCA-53 connect to the XDCU-50 camera extension unit via two supplied
BNC cables (one for the camera signal, the other for the return signal). They also come with a
CCZ-A Cable for power supply.
*Connection with the XDCA-55 requires a specific firmware version of the PMW-350 and PMW-320. Please contact your local Sony
service representative for further detail.

Features
High-quality camera pictures are transmitted without degradation via digital signals.
The maximum cable length is 100 m (328 feet) between the camera adaptor and the XDCU-50.

PMW-EX3 with XDCA-53

Cabling is simplified as the signals for camera control, intercom, tally, and timecode are
embedded in the digital signal; only a pair of BNC cables and a single CCZ-A Cable for the
power supply are required between the camera adaptor and the XDCU-50.
The XDCU-50 is designed to fit into a standardized 19-inch rack system, with a compact 1U height.
For camera parameter control, various remote controllers are available from Sony.
The XDCU-50 can supply power (up to 70 W) to the XDCA-55 adapter; this is sufficient to drive
accessories such as a small display, or servo zoom system.
The system is suitable for both HD and SD operation. The XDCU-50 has a down-converter
function, and outputs SD signals in Squeeze / Letter Box / Edge Crop conversion mode when
the camcorder is in HD mode. The system can be set to either of the following TV systems:
HD*: 1080(59.94i/50i), 720(59.94p/50p)
SD**: NTSC(525/59.94i) / PAL(625/50i)

XDCA-55

* 29.97p/25p signals also go through as PsF signals.

** The XDCU-50 performs the down-conversion of the camera output, and the up-conversion of the return signal.

Since the camera output is down-converted by the XDCU-50, the camcorder is configurable in
an SD environment even when the camcorder is set for an HD environment. The XDCU-50 can
accept composite or HD/SD-SDI signals as the return signal. In addition, the Frame Synchronize
function of the XDCU-50 allows the asynchronous return signal to be locked to a Genlock signal.
The XDCU-50 accepts black-burst signals and tri-level sync signals as a Genlock signal.
Two channels of tally for red and green are available. With the XDCA-55, the tally can be
indicated on the camcorders viewfinder screen.
When the camcorder is in recording mode, the same timecode supplied from the camera
extension unit can be recorded.
A pair of RS-232C communication lines (TX and RX) are reserved so that users can utilize them
for any purpose.
XDCU-50

XDCA-53

Front Panel

Rear Panel

(Layout is not a final.)

Connectors of XDCA-55/53
(Layout is not a final)

Variation of Camera Extension System

Camera Extension System for PMW-350/320
REMOTE
Microphone
Microphone

DXF-C50W/51/20W/801
MicrophoneDXF-C50W/51/20W/801
Viewfinder
Viewfinder
DXF-C50W/51/20W/801
Viewfinder
SD VF IF
SD VF IF

CEU OUT
CEU IN

SD VF IF

CEU IN
DC IN
DC IN

Direct DockingDirect Docking

Docking
50 pin
IF
50 pin IF Direct
50 pin IF
50 pin IF

INTERCOM
INTERCOM

PMW-350/320
with CBK-CE01
PMW-350/320
with CBK-CE01
PMW-350/320 with CBK-CE01

INTERCOM
Intercom Headset
Headset
XLR 5pin
XLR 5pin Intercom

XLR 5pin Intercom Headset

AUX
D-Sub 15pin D-Sub 15pin
HD Camera Adaptor
Return
Control/Tally OUT/RS232C/
Return Control/Tally
OUT/RS232C/
D-Sub 15pin
Timecode OUT Timecode OUT
Return Control/Tally OUT/RS232C/
Monitor Out
Monitor Out Timecode
OUT
(SDI)
(SDI)
Monitor Out
(SDI)12V DC Out 12V
DC Out
DC Out 12V

Monitor/VF

RM
RM
RM-B750/B150RM-B750/B150
RM
RCP-750/751/920/921
RCP-750/751/920/921
RM-B750/B150
RCP-1000/1001/1500/
RCP-1000/1001/1500/
RCP-750/751/920/921
1501/1530 1501/1530
RCP-1000/1001/1500/
1501/1530
Intercom Headset
Intercom
Headset

XLR 5pin Intercom Headset

XLR 5pin

AUX
D-Sub 25pin D-Sub 25pin
Intercom System
Intercom System
D-Sub 25pin (4w/Clearcom/RTS)
(4w/Clearcom/RTS)
/
/
Intercom System
Tally IN/RS232C/Timecode
IN
Tally IN/RS232C/Timecode
IN
(4w/Clearcom/RTS) /
Tally IN/RS232C/Timecode IN
HD/SD SDI OUTHD/SD SDI OUT
AUX
AUX

DC OUT

XDCA-55XDCA-55
HD CameraAUX
Adaptor
HD Camera Adaptor
XDCA-55
AUX

VCT-U14
VCT-U14
Tripod AdaptorTripod Adaptor
VCT-U14
Tripod Adaptor
Tripod for
Tripod for
Portable Camera
Portable Camera
Tripod for
Portable Camera

INTERCOM
XLR 5pin

CA OUT

50 pin IF
INTERCOM

8pin

8pin

CA IN

50 pin IF
INTERCOM

ZOOM Lens ZOOM Lens

(for ENG/EFP) (for ENG/EFP)
ZOOM Lens
(for ENG/EFP)

REMOTE

Audio and
Audio and
Video Signal Video Signal
Audio and
CA IN
CEU OUT
Video
Signal
BNC
BNC
CA IN
BNCand Return and
Return
Control Signal Control Signal
CA OUT
CEU INReturn and
BNC
BNCSignal
Control
CA OUT
BNC
Power Supply Power Supply
DC OUT
DC IN
Power Cable
Supply CCZ-A Cable
CCZ-A
DC OUT
CCZ-A Cable

CEU OUT

REMOTE
8pin

HD/SD SDI OUT

HD/SD SDI IN HD/SD SDI IN
Return
HD/SD SDI IN
VIDEO
IN
VIDEO IN
Return
(Composite)
(Composite)
Return
VIDEO IN
XDCU-50 XDCU-50
(Composite)
Return
IN
Genlock IN Genlock

Return

Swicher

Swicher

Swicher

Return

XDCU-50

Genlock IN
Genlock OUT Genlock OUT
Genlock OUT
AC IN

Loop Through Loop Through

Loop Through

AC IN

AC IN
VIDEO OUT VIDEO OUT
(Composite) (Composite)
VIDEO OUT
(Composite)
HD/SD
SDI OUTHD/SD SDI OUT

Monitor/VF

Monitor/VF

Monitor

Monitor

Monitor

HD/SD SDI OUT

Camera Extension System for PMW-EX3

Optional Microphone
Optional Microphone

REMOTE

Optional Microphone

Audio and
Audio and
Video Signal Video Signal
Audio and
CEU OUT
CA IN
Video
Signal
BNC
BNC
CA IN
Return
BNCand Return and
Control Signal Control Signal
Return and
CEU IN
CA OUT
BNC
BNCSignal
Control
CA OUT
BNC
Power
Supply Power Supply
DC IN
DC OUT
CCZ-A
Cable CCZ-A Cable
Power Supply
DC OUT
CCZ-A Cable

CEU OUT
CEU OUT
Cables are supplied
Cables are supplied
CEU IN
with XDCA-53with XDCA-53
Cables are supplied
CEU IN
with XDCA-53
BNC
BNC
DC IN
SDI OUT
SDI IN
SDI OUT
SDI IN
BNC
DC IN
SDI OUT
SDI
IN
BNC
BNC
GENLOCK IN GENLOCK IN GENLOCK OUT GENLOCK OUT
BNC
GENLOCK IN
GENLOCK OUT
INTERCOM
8pin
8pin
REMOTE
REMOTE
REMOTE
REMOTE
INTERCOM
8pin
AUX
REMOTE
REMOTE
DC
DC
DC IN
D C OUT
DC IN
D C OUT
AUX
(DCDC
Jack) ( R o und 4p in)( R o und 4p in)
(DC Jack)
PMW-EX3PMW-EX3 DC IN
XDCA-53XDCA-53
D C OUT
(DC Jack)
( R o und 4p in) HD Camera Adaptor
HD Camera
Adaptor
Monitor
Out
PMW-EX3
XDCA-53
(SDI)
HD Camera Adaptor Monitor
Out
(SDI)OUT
Monitor
(Composite)
Monitor OUT
VCT-SP2BP
VCT-SP2BP
(Composite)
Camcorder Support
Camcorder Support
DC Out 12V
VCT-SP2BP
Camcorder Support
DC Out 12V

Lens
Lens

Lens

REMOTE
INTERCOM
INTERCOM

CA OUT

INTERCOM
XLR 5pin

DC OUT

XLR 5pin

HD/SD SDI OUT

HD/SD SDI IN HD/SD SDI IN
Return
HD/SD
IN
VIDEOSDI
ININ VIDEO
Return
(Composite) (Composite)
Return
VIDEO IN
(Composite)
XDCU-50 XDCU-50
Return
IN
Genlock IN Genlock

XDCU-50

Genlock IN
Genlock OUT Genlock OUT
Genlock OUT
AC IN

Monitor/VF

CA IN

CA IN

HD/SD SDI OUT

CA OUT

CA OUT
DC OUT
DC OUT

AUX

AUX

AUX
HD SDI OUT

HD SDI OUT

HD SDI OUT

HD SDI IN
XDCU-50 XDCU-50
HD SDI IN
XDCU-50

DC OUT

Genlock IN

Remote
Remote Control
PanelControl Panel
Remote Control Panel

INTERCOM

INTERCOM

CA IN
CA OUT

INTERCOM

Intercom
Headset
Intercom
Headset

Intercom
Headset

Intercom System
Intercom System
Intercom System

Return

HD SDI IN

Return

Return

Genlock IN

Genlock IN

HD SDI IN1

Same as each
Same as each
camera system
camera
Same assystem
each

HD SDI IN1

REMOTE
CA IN

CA IN
CA OUT

CA OUT

DC OUT
DC OUT

INTERCOM

AUX

AUX

AUX
HD SDI OUT

HD SDI OUT

HD SDI IN
Genlock IN
Genlock IN

Remote
Remote Control
PanelControl Panel
Remote Control Panel

INTERCOM

DCXDCU-50
OUT
XDCU-50
HD
HDSDI
SDIOUT
IN

XDCU-50

REMOTE

REMOTE
INTERCOM

CA OUT

TALLY

HD SDI OUT1
HD SDI OUT2 HD SDI OUT2

camera system

CA IN

TALLY

TALLY
HD SDI OUT1 HD SDI OUT1

HD SDI IN1

HD SDI IN
Genlock IN

Intercom
Headset
Intercom
Headset

HD SDI IN2
Intercom
HD SDI IN2
Headset

Return
Return

Swicher
HD SDISwicher
IN2

Return

Return

Swicher

Swicher

Swicher

Loop Through Loop Through

Loop Through

Example of Multi-camera operation

REMOTE

Return

AC IN

AC IN
VIDEO OUT VIDEO OUT
(Composite) (Composite)
VIDEO OUT
(Composite)
HD/SD SDI OUTHD/SD SDI OUT

DC Out 12V

REMOTE

Intercom Headset
Intercom Headset
XLR 5pin Intercom Headset

AUX
D-Sub 25pin D-Sub 25pin
AUX
Intercom System
Intercom System
D-Sub 25pin (4w/Clearcom/RTS)
(4w/Clearcom/RTS)
/
/
Intercom System
Tally IN/RS232C/Timecode
IN
Tally IN/RS232C/Timecode
IN
(4w/Clearcom/RTS) /
Tally IN/RS232C/Timecode IN
HD/SD SDI OUTHD/SD SDI OUT

Monitor/VF

REMOTE

RM
RM
RM-B750/B150RM-B750/B150
RM
RM-B750/B150

AUX

Monitor OUT
(Composite)

VCT-U14
VCT-U14
Tripod AdaptorTripod Adaptor
VCT-U14
Tripod Adaptor
Tripod for
Tripod for
Portable Camera
Portable Camera
Tripod for
Portable Camera

8pin

8pin

CA IN

INTERCOM
Intercom Headset
Headset
XLR 5pin
XLR 5pin Intercom
XLR AUX
5pin Intercom Headset
D-Sub 15pin D-Sub 15pin
Return
Control/Tally OUT/
Return Control/Tally
OUT/
D-Sub 15pin RS232C/Timecode
OUT
RS232C/Timecode
OUT
Return Control/Tally OUT/
Monitor
Out
RS232C/Timecode OUT
(SDI)

Monitor/VF

REMOTE
8pin

HD SDI OUT2
REF OUT
Swicher
REF OUT

REF OUT

Monitor
Monitor

Monitor

Controllable Parameters
The following are examples of items that can be controlled by the optional remote controller or remote control panel:
Gain adjustment, Color bar signal output ON/OFF, Shutter ON/OFF and its speed selection, ECS ON/OFF and its
frequency selection, execution of AWB/ABB, White R/B adjustment, Black R/B adjustment, White balance memory
selection, Auto tracing white ON/OFF, Recording start/stop, Rec review, Rec review stop, Paint function, and more*.
* Controllable parameters depend on the combination of camcorder and remote controller/remote control panel. For details, please refer to the operating instructions for each
camcorder unit.

Optional Accessories

CBK-CE01
50-pin Interface and Digital Extender

VCT-SP2BP
Camcorder Support

VCT-14/U14
Tripod Adaptor

CCZ-A5/A10/A25/A50/A100
CCZ-A cable

RM-B150
Remote Control Unit

RM-B750
Remote Control Unit

RCP-750/751/920/921
Remote Control Panel

RCP-1000/1001/1500/1501/1530
Remote Control Panel

DXF-C50W
5-type LCD Color Viewfinder

Photo shows RCP-920

DXF-51
5-type Monochrome Viewfinder

DXF-20W
2.0-type Monochrome Viewfinder

Photo shows RCP-1000

DXF-801
1.5-type Monochrome Viewfinder

Specifications
General

Power requirements:
Power consumption:
Operating temperature:
Storage temperature:
Dimensions (W x H x D):

XDCA-55

XDCA-53

Mass:

DC 13V/5.4A
approx. 5W
-5C to +40C (23F to 104F)
-20C to +60C (-4F to +140F)
108 x 186 x 116 mm
(4 3/8 x 7 3/8 x 4 5/8 inches)
1.0 kg (2 lb 3 oz)

DC 13V/3.6A
approx. 7W
0C to +40C (32F to 104F)
-20C to +60C (-4F to +140F)
108 x 186 x 118 mm
(4 3/8 x 7 3/8 x 4 3/4 inches)
1.0 kg (2 lb 3 oz)

Camcorder connection:

50-pin (1)

CEU input
CEU output
DC input
DC output for accessories
SDI output for monitor:
Composite output for monitor
Intercom:
AUX
Battery terminal :

BNC (x1)
BNC (x1)
CCZ 26-pin (x1)
XLR 4-pin (x1)
BNC (x1)
XLR 5-pin (x1)
D-sub 15-pin (x1)
5-pin (x1)

BNC (x2), 8-pin remote (x1),

DC 4-pin (x1)
BNC (x1)
BNC (x1)
CCZ 26-pin (x1)
XLR 4-pin (x1)
BNC (x1)
BNC (x1)
XLR 5-pin (x1)
D-sub 15-pin (x1)
-

Input/Output connectors

Distributed by

MK10667V2OHB10MAY

General

Power requirements:
Maximum current :
Maximum load for CA
Operating temperature:
Storage temperature:
Dimensions (W x H x D):

XDCU-50

Mass

AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz
1.6-0.6A
DC 13V/5.4A
+5C to +40C (41F to 104F)
-20C to +60C (-4F to +140F)
424 x 44 x 290 mm without projection
(16 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 11 1/2 inches)
3.5kg (7 lb 11 oz)

Composite output :
SDI output
CA input :
CA output :
DC output
Retuen input (SDI) :
Retuen input (video) :
Genlock input :
Genlock output (Loop through) :
Intercom :
AUX :
Remote :

BNC (x1)
BNC (x2)
BNC (x1)
BNC (x1)
CCZ 26-pin (x1)
BNC (x1)
BNC (x1)
BNC (x1)
BNC (x1)
XLR 5-pin (x1)
D-sub 25-pin
8-pin (x1)

Input/Output connectors

2010 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
All non-metric weights and measures are approximate.
"SONY",make.believe, and XDCAM EX are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.