Tag Archives: global shutter

Canon New Cinema Camera Will do 240fps in 4k!

Canon it seems is thinking 3 steps ahead of everyone else when it comes to pro 8k video.  After being left behind in the adoption of 4k and playing catch up to the format, they seem intent on making their cameras the new 8k default option with specs that seem out of a dreamer’s wish list.  Be warned that these cameras will probably start at $10k USD and go up from there. The low end should be about 10k to $15k for the C300s at the low end, and the high end a $30k price tag for a C700DR.  

The most impressive of the new rumored cameras is the Canon EOS C700DR (DR Stands for Dynamic Range) which will be capable of recording 4k not just at 120fps but a class-leading 240fps with excellent quality. It also hints at a 180fps mode that will have expanded dynamic range if needed.   It is interesting that 1080p as a slow motion mode is not even considered here but these cameras are geared to a specific market and that is digital cinema which needs much more resolution nowadays than what even 2k can deliver, much less 1080p.  → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Samsung ISOCELL GN2 does 480fps!

The hegemony of phone sensors has been the purview of Sony with their Exmor sensors for many years but now Samsung has started making inroads in the space with their ISOCELL chips. The latest is currently mass-produced and shipping in handsets already which is not a paper launch, but a real thing. The chip is capable of massive low light improvement compared to other sensors because it is essentially a near 1″ sensor with 1/1.12-inch measurements. This is close to what Sony RX cameras use as a main sensor, and a first for a phone.

As to how they are able to fit this sensor on phones, it is a dance between a protruding camera bump that is a little larger than usual and also a lens system that creates a full imaging circle from a minute distance. The GN2 is capable of recording 480fps in HD 720p, 4k 120fps, 30fps in 12.5MP windowed size and 10fps in 100MP mode which uses a clever algorithm and three RGB exposures to derive a 100MP image from the 50MP source. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

thCam Slow Motion Camera Kickstarter Campaign Canceled!

thCam Slow Motion Camera

(Note: As of November 23rd this campaign has been canceled due to lack of funding in time. )There is a new dedicated Slow Motion Camera being built by engineer enthusiasts and a Kickstarter campaign has just launched with the goal of gathering enough funds for production.  The camera is called thCam Slow Motion Camera and is capable of shooting above 3,000fps at reduced resolution with a 1920px horizontal. The 1080p frame rate maxes out at 266fps  and 576fps at 720p.

What is most impressive about this camera is the Machine Vision applications that can run with the platform like being able to train it to recognize QR codes, objects, and possibly even people. It could theoretically be used as a quality control camera that operates at very fast speeds. The other big deal is the price which is about $1,000 USD or €899 Euros which is a first for a camera of this kind.

thCam Slow Motion Camera Specs:

  •  Image sensor: 1920×1200, 10 bit Raw CMOS 2/3″ on 2MP Version
  •  Framerate: 240 fps (@ full resolution: 1920 x 1200), 576 fps (@ 1280 x 720), 1524 fps (@ 640 x 480), 3134 fps (@ 320 x 200)
  •  Pixel pitch: 4.8 µm
  •  Shutter: Global shutter
  •  Lens: included, compatible with every other C- / CS- Mount lens
  •  Image Sensor Size: 2/3” Optical Format
  •  Spectrum: Just visible light, no NIR (but the built-in NIR-cut filter can be removed or exchanged with another filter if you are willing to disassemble the thCam)
  •  Min. Exposure Time: 1 / 25,000 seconds
  •  Screen: multitouch capacitive lcd touchscreen
  •  Memory: 8 GiB (record time 12s)
  •  Battery: replaceable and rechargable li ion battery (continous recording time: > 2 hrs, stand-by mode: > 6 hrs)
  •  USB: USB 3.0 SuperSpeed connectivity
  •  Synchronization: External Monitorsignal and Trigger/Sync Port
  •  Software: Open Source, running on Windows (7 and above) / macOS (10.15 and above) / Linux
  •  Supported File Formats: Image Sequence (Raw, Jpg, Png), Video File (Mp4 / H.264)
  •  API: Open Source, use the camera in your own code (C++, Python, Java)
  •  Case: Aluminium case
  •  Dimensions: W x H x D = 14 cm x 8 cm x 5 cm (estimated values)

As you can see, the camera is no slouch, it can record up to 12 seconds of RAW video and can be used and controlled remotely with programming commands if needed. It uses a C mount much like other cameras in its class and has a 2 hr battery life while recording and up to 6hrs standby.  The batteries are a couple of 18650s which are common and widely available.

There are also options to only get the PCB boards with a sensor instead of a fully built camera at a lower price of €649 for the 2MP sensor version.  Some engineers are more inclined to adapt the PCB to their own pipeline instead of using a self-contained camera unit.

The Kickstarter Campaign:

The campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thdevices/thcam-3000-fps-slowmotion-camera

The creators of the camera a Swiss and German engineer team are asking for a pledge goal of $94,779 USD or about €80k Euros.  For under $1000USD depending on the exchange rate, this is a cheap slow motion camera that has a lot of potential with RAW image quality that seems above good just looking at the provided samples.

Footage is recorded as 10 Bit RAW Image Sequences, full control of white balance, color tone, contrast, and brightness no compression. After editing you may compress your video to standard formats (H.264).

The camera features a Global Shutter so no rolling shutter artifacts to spoil your experiments.

The thCam comes with an equipped 8 GB memory module, enough to record about 12 seconds in full resolution with maximum framerate. Standard SODimm 204 DDR3 Computer memory modules are used, so you are free to upgrade your camera later on.

The camera also comes with a Super Speed USB 3.0 port. This high transfer rate allows you to stream images from the camera in realtime and low latency.

The camera also has an Open Source SDK that allows for programmability and full remote control of the camera via USB 3.

Supported Languages will be Java, Python and C/C++.

thCam Slow Motion Camera Video Samples:

Camera Timeline:

Team

Follow them on:

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thdevices/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ThDevices-GmbH-101338128342338

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/thdevicesgmbh

(Development-) Blog: https://blog.thdevices.com/

Our Take on the thCAM:

This is a pretty neat little camera with a lot of potential for labs, engineers, education, sports, and imaging enthusiasts/hobbyists.

It has a great interface with easy controls that is working and ready to go. It has extensibility via software and can be controlled remotely by USB 3.0 with instant feedback.

The video samples do show some noise, chromatic aberration, and softness but looking at some of the other demos, it is clear these are mainly due to either low light or a pretty bad quality lens used. If you coupled this image sensor with better high-quality glass like we have seen in other C mount cameras, it is easily going to produce beautiful imagery.

For $1,000 USD for a fully assembled and working camera, we do not believe there is a deal out there that can compare. Sure you only get a maximum of 266fps in 1080p but we do get 576fps at 720p which is better than what many prosumer cameras can shoot at and the fact that we have RAW here makes it that much sweeter.

For production houses and serious videographers, it is clear this camera will not fit the bill as the smallish 2/3rds sensor could pose problems with image quality for broadcast and film unless the conditions were ideal with ample light control. This camera is not intended for that market in our view. This camera is intended for serious scientific experimentation and motion analysis with the possibility to extend its capabilities with software.

As a sports training device, it could be the best-priced camera of it’s kind with enough quality to analyze body motion on the fly and on location with its portability and 2hr recording and 6hr standby battery. We can see golfers and gymnasts gravitating to a solution like this especially with the flexibility and price.

The team of the Ackermanns is entering the space with the thCam but hopefully, we will see a more image quality-oriented camera as a future product with a higher price but not extremely above this first iteration. If they could produce a similar 1080p camera at 1000fps or 2000fps we are sure it would make a gigantic splash.

We wish the team luck on their campaign which looks to be ready for production, hopefully, we will continue to see impressive engineering from this team for years to come. -HSC

Pledge your support and possibly get a camera at The Kickstarter Campaign here:

The campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thdevices/thcam-3000-fps-slowmotion-camera

Fran 8k Camera Line is Announced!

Fran 8k Camera

The Spanish company Cinemartin known for their camera monitors is now officially launching the Fran 8k line of cameras in three flavors. The Fran 8k LT at an introductory price of €7,920 Euros or $9,000 USD which shoots 8k at 24p and up to 96fps in 2k resolution in either DNG RAW, PNG or ProRes while sporting a 37 mm x 27 mm (Diagonal 46.2 mm) sensor size slightly larger than a Full Frame 35mm. The LT version will not sport features like Programmability and image stabilization which the other higher cost models will support.

The cameras are built to order and require a 10% deposit when reserved. They are geared at the commercial and cinema markets which require the utmost image quality and 8k resolution on a very large sensor. The frame rates at 4k max out at 60p and at 2k max out at 120fps on the two higher-end models.  The introductory prices will only be available until 31st of December 2018. looking at the video samples released it is clear the quality of the image will be cinematic and contain extreme detail. The file sizes will also be enormous but that is to be expected with a frame size of 7920px * 3024px or 24Megapixels on the LT and 47MP on the Plus!

Fran 8k Camera Makes its Debut!

We have been following the evolution of the Fran 8k for a few months and it seems to be a very solid product technically.  It gives you RAW DNG or ProRes files at 8k resolution to a super fast M2 SSD modules for extreme resolution capture. It is clear the camera is a filmmaking beast and will not be geared for the consumer crowd. Cinemartin aims the camera at professionals that can manage the workflow and have a need for this type of quality.

Fran 8K, Introduction to world highest resolution camcorder by Alejandro Martin:

The Intro video above shows a bit of what the camera is capable of.  The Youtube audience has already commented on how comical the video is at first glance but the product is a real camera at a very affordable price much like what the Kinefinity Chinese cameras have been able to offer. It is always good to get more competitors in the cinema camera field to force prices down and to the benefit of consumers, innovate to the fullest potential.

Alex Martin at Cinemartin has realized a long awaited vision in the Fran 8k camera, it may be just the camera you were waiting for and surely be competing with the likes of RED, ARRI, Kinefinity, Panasonic, Canon, and Sony for your cinema camera Euros or Dollars. We hope to have a 96fps and 120fps video sample of the Fran 8k camera in the near future to share. -HSC

Video Samples Here: (Note: Extremely Large Files Several GB)

8K 50 MP 4:3 – Birds (download in prores)
8K 24 MP 2.6:1 Ferrari Girlfriends 1(download in prores)
8K 24 MP 2.6:1 Ferrari Girlfriends 2(download in prores)
8K 24 MP 2.6:1 Night shoot 1(download in prores)
8K 24 MP 2.6:1 Introduction(download in prores)

You can Pre-order and or get more information at the official website for the Fran 8k camera here: http://www.fran8k.com/order/

Frank 8k Camera Full Press Release:

Barcelona, November 2018 – Press Release.=&0=&Cinemartin, the team who developed the first Prores & H.265 Encoder for Windows back in 2012, the first 7inch true full HD monitor at 2 digit price (99€), a NVIDIA Realtime HEVC Plugin encoder as well as Plugins for Major NLE editor and Post Effect applications, now, again, is push enough to flip the market, wth the inmediate release of the most acclaimed 8K Global Shutter camera, Fran 8K, now available in 3 models, starting at a price of 7.920 €. 

  A Large Format, Global Shutter, 8K, RAW camera, recording onto removable m.2 NVME SSD drives

No matter if you drive a Ferrari, travel in a taxi Mercedes Benz, enjoy a motorbike, or go walking, now you can afford a true 8K workflow, in all steps, from the camera, to TV. Check on the specs of Fran 8K cameras, to see which model fits in your needs. 

FRAN LT FRAN (STD) FRAN PLUS
Maximum resolution 8K 24 MP 8K 32 MP 8K 47.7 MP
7920 * 3024 7920 * 4096 7920 * 6024
Framerates 8K 24p
6K 30p
4K 48p
2K 96p
8K 30p
6K 48p
4K 96p
2K 120p
8K 30p
6K 48p
4K 96p
2K 120p
Global Shutter YES YES YES
Large Format YES YES YES
Removable Lens Mount NO YES YES
EF Mount YES YES YES
PL Mount NO 2019 2019
Uncompressed RAW NO YES YES
Compressed RAW YES YES YES
Output frame formats
DNG, PNG DIB, DNG, PNG DIB, DNG, PNG
Post Soft Output Prores
Prores, Cineform
Prores, Cineform
HDMI out YES YES YES
Thunderbolt 3 port NO YES YES
Stabilization NO YES YES
Programmable NO NO YES
Modulable NO YES YES
Chasis Aluminum Alu & Fiber Fiber Carbon
RETAIL PRICE 11.995€ 17.790€ 25.670€
INTRO PRICE 7.920€ 14.995€ 19.995€
RESERVE 10% 10% 10%
AVAILABILITY 3 – 4 M. 1 – 2 M. 2 – 3 M.

All models share same chassis, and power consumption. Fran does not heavily use compression. Any computer from this decade, with a decent GPU, works in order to process and display the 8K generated frames. All models comes with a debayer software, that gives sequence frames ready to import on major NLE.

Introductory video (watch on youtube here) (download in prores here):

Download sample footage from:

8K 50 MP 4:3 – Birds (download in prores)
8K 24 MP 2.6:1 Ferrari Girlfriends 1(download in prores)
8K 24 MP 2.6:1 Ferrari Girlfriends 2(download in prores)
8K 24 MP 2.6:1 Night shoot 1(download in prores)
8K 24 MP 2.6:1 Introduction(download in prores)

Photo credits to Guillemo Castelloví

Cinemartin will start shipping as well the new line of Ultra High Brightness 2500 NIT 7″ HDMI + SDI monitors by the end of November 

More information www.fran8k.com
Katherine Hyper Ultra Bright Monitors

→ Continue Reading Full Post ←

FRAN​ Camera by CINEMARTIN Promises 8k and High Frame Rates!

FRAN Camera 8k

The newly announced CINEMARTIN FRAN 8K Camera claims some huge numbers in terms of resolution and performance.  Up to 8K (8000×6000) RAW / Uncompressed 12 Bit video capture at 24fps and up to 96fps in 2k & 1080p for high frame rates but more on that later in this post.  There is only one image of the camera we were provided with and that is the RED Brain like rendering above which sports a mounting port which in the lab is fitted with a Canon EF Mount which is preferred among cinema oriented users especially if it is an active one.

FRAN also offers in the spec sheet 15.5 stops of dynamic range at 12 bit which competes directly with the best cinema cameras out there. CINEMARTIN claims the camera will come in below the competition in price while offering a true global shutter sensor with no rolling shutter distortion.   Using a 4/3 sized sensor at 50MP with 48MP being used for 8k Capture it may seem overkill when it comes to low light performance. It may be able to deliver resolution levels never before seen on cinema cameras but low-light will surely be a hurdle for the camera to overcome.

FRAN Camera 8k main specs:

  • 8K sensor 4:3 with a resolution of 7920 x 6024
  • 24 fps at 47.7 MP
  • Supports VistaVision 1:47 aspect ratio 7920 x 5388
  • Global Shutter
  • 15.5 Stops of Dynamic Range
  • 12-bit color capture in RAW
  • Fran records in uncompressed stills (dng or dib)
  • 1080p/2k 96fps & 60fps
  • 4k @ 24 & 60fps
  • 8k 30MP 25/30fps
  • Modular body
  • Tentatinve Native ISO 800, may be higher or lower.
  • HDMI output up to 4K
  • Fran by default can record in color up to 6K, 8K is done at monochrome until 2019 when a
    planned firmware / hardware update will bring color to the 50 MP 8K
  • SSD 1TB & 2TB Media Mags
  • False color, Histogram (color and mono) as well as LUT monitoring support + Focus Assist.
  • Limited Availability : Fall 2018
 List of Camera Shooting modes: (*) refers to upcoming functionality to shoot in color at a later date.

color

gray

8K 4:3 (48 MP)

24*

24

8K 1.47:1 (42.9 MP)

24*

24

8K (32.7 MP)

25*

25

8K WS (30 MP)

30*

25, 30*

6K

20, 24*

30

4K

24, 60*

30, 60*

4K WS

25, 60*

30, 60*

2K & 1080p

60, 96*

60, 96*

Notes on the 50MP Sensor & Camera:

Many people think that the camera uses a CMOSIS 48MP – 7920 (H) x 6004 (V) capture sensor but that CMV50000 part is a full 35mm full-frame sensor and not a 4/3ds sensor area like the FRAN camera specs show.  Maybe it is a new sensor in their line that will be released at a later date.

8k will initially be recording in monochrome B&W at launch with patches and software updates in 2019 to shoot in color at that resolution.   We would be shouted at for not mentioning that this camera as it stands right now is a prototype of sorts and not a finished product.  Specs may change or be altered before launch completely.

Big claims are made on this camera and as some already have pointed at we have no real image samples or real images from a finished camera. As it stands now it is not a ready product but at least CINEMARTIN is not asking for deposits on the camera now but only when it is ready to be built and shipped which is comforting.

CINEMARTIN is not a vaporware company as it manufactures and sells several monitoring devices for filmmakers which compete with other high-end monitor companies. See here: http://www.cinemartin.com/monitors/7inch/eclipse/

What about the high frame rates?

We asked Alejandro Barrada Martin, product manager for the FRAN camera about the possibility of higher frame rates  in windowed mode and he had this to say:

Yes, it will be possible. 
Press Release lists some res and framerates available
The user will be able, via setting ROI (region of Interest) to use custom res.  As lower the res, higher the framerate.
Line skipping and binning Will be also possible to increment fps.”

As with many cameras line skipping and windowed mode can yield frame rates well in excess of initial specs. We wished more cameras took advantage of this to record higher fps.   We will have to wait and see if this camera will be able to be at least a 720p 200fps RAW option. As of now, the 96fps 1080p limit seems to be a cut off at that resolution.

We wish CINEMARTIN good luck with the FRAN Camera which is an homage to  (Francisco Martin Ibañez)  which is the Uncle of Alejandro and the dedication comes after Francisco passed away from Cancer at the age of 58.  It is not often that a camera company stems from Spain which may seem odd, but Spain has been expanding its technological and manufacturing base for a couple of decades and is now manufacturing several products like high-speed rail, renewable energy systems with intelligent solar panels, aerospace industrial parts and assembly of aircraft.

Spain is credited after all with the invention of the stapler, mop, the first Helicopter (Autogiro), the first Space Suit in 1935 which the Russians first used and modified for their  first human flights, and the first electric submarine; also for some not so productive inventions like the cigarette, the pocket retractable knife & the first use of Molotov cocktails during the Spanish civil war. If you visit Spain today, cities like Madrid and Barcelona look like first world capitals with booming economies in financial and manufacturing industries. We are not fully sold on the FRAN camera but we are willing to be surprised and excited to see if it makes it to market. We’ll keep you informed about its progress. -HSC

More info on the camera here with the official PDF of the pre-production specs: PDF Guide File Here for FRAN 8k

And the official Product Page here: https://www.cinemartin.com/cameras/fran/

4k Global Shutter Sensors From On Semiconductor!

4k Global Shutter Sensors From On Semiconductor

On Semiconductor has launched two new 4k ready CMOS global shutter sensors with new technology for reduced noise and improved image quality. The parts are geared to surveillance, automotive, consumer devices and industrial applications.  Both sensors are able to do high frame rates at 4k at full resolution.

The XGS 8000 is an 8.8 Mp (4096 x 2160) 4k / UHD resolution Global Shutter CMOS image sensor in 1/1.1 inch optical format capable of 120fps at full 8.8MP resolution. This first one geared for smaller devices. The XGS 12000 is a 12.6 Mp (4096 x 3072) CMOS image sensor in 1″ inch format, supporting up to 90 fps readout at full 12.6MP resolution. This sensor is better for higher resolution solutions.

XGS 8000: CMOS Image Sensor, Global Shutter, 8.8 Mp (4k / UHD resolution):

The XGS 8000 is a 8.8 Mp (4096 x 2160) 4k / UHD resolution Global Shutter CMOS image sensor in 1/1.1 inch optical format, supporting up to 120 frame per second readout at full resolution.

The device provides high resolution, global shutter imaging with high readout speed for industrial imaging customers. A compact package design and low power footprint make the device compatible with a 29 x 29 mm2 camera footprint. Two-speed grades are available to match device output to key computer interfaces and application requirements.

The XGS 8000 is a member of the X-Class image sensor platform, which allows one camera design to support not only multiple resolutions but also different pixel designs with only minor modifications, simplifying and speeding time to market for new camera designs.

The XGS 8000 is available in a 163-pin LGA package in both monochrome and Bayer color configurations.

Features Benefits
  • Member of X-Class platform
  • Allows one camera design to support multiple resolutions and multiple pixel designs
  • Advanced 3.2 µm global shutter pixel
  • High resolution with high image quality and uniformity
  • Energy efficient design
  • Reduced power and thermal footprints
  • Compact package
  • Compatible with 29 x 29 mm2 camera design
  • Available speed grades
  • Match to key computer interface and application requirements
Applications End Products
  • Image capture
  • Broadcast cameras
  • Industrial cameras and systems
  • Security cameras and systems
  • Inspection system (food, bottles, recycling labels, etc.)

XGS 12000: CMOS Image Sensor, Global Shutter, 12.6 Mp:

The XGS 12000 is a 12.6 Mp (4096 x 3072) CMOS image sensor in 1 inch optical format, supporting up to 90 frame per second readout at full resolution.

The device provides high resolution, global shutter imaging with high readout speed for industrial imaging customers. A compact package design and low power footprint make the device compatible with a 29 x 29 mm2 camera footprint. Two speed grades are available to match device output to key computer interfaces and application requirements.

The XGS 12000 is a member of the X-Class image sensor platform, which allows one camera design to support not only multiple resolutions but also different pixel designs with only minor modifications, simplifying and speeding time to market for new camera designs.

The XGS 12000 is available in a 163-pin LGA package in both monochrome and Bayer color configurations.

Features Benefits
  • Member of X-Class platform
  • Allows one camera design to support multiple resolutions and multiple pixel designs
  • Advanced 3.2 µm global shutter pixel
  • High resolution with high image quality and uniformity
  • Energy efficient design
  • Reduced power and thermal footprints
  • Compact package
  • Compatible with 29 x 29 mm2 camera design
  • Available speed grades
  • Match to key computer interface and application requirements
Applications End Products
  • Image capture
  • Industrial cameras and systems
  • Inspection system (food, bottles, recycling labels, etc.)
  • Security cameras and systems

HSC Take on these new sensors:

-1,061,683,200 pixels/second for the XGS 8000

  • 512fps @ 1080p bandwidth
  • 1,152fps @ 720p bandwidth

-1,132,462,080 pixels/second for the XGS 12000

  • 546fps @ 1080p bandwidth
  • 1,228fps @ 720p bandwidth

These sensors are geared to industrial applications and surveillance cameras. That doesn’t mean that slow-motion cameras are out of the running for using these parts.  There are however better options out there for higher frame rates as these sensors while fast offer pretty mediocre frame rates in windowed mode for 1080p and 720p recording. The 120fps 4k is nice on the XGS 8000 but as more cameras adopt the format it will be just within spec.  It seems these new sensors are better used in sorter machines and production lines.

The  3.2 µm pixel size on both of these is adequate but still small compared the sensor 10 µm in say an edgertronic SC2X camera which is excellent in low light levels and offers better frame rates.

We expect to see new sensors used in a variety of cameras at NAB 2018 in early April. Stay tuned. – HSC

More info on both sensors at the On Semiconductor website: http://www.onsemi.com/PowerSolutions/newsItem.do?article=4043