CAMERAS & LIGHTING
IMAX to Develop New Fleet of Film Cameras IMAX CORPORATION has begun development on a new fleet of next generation IMAX film cameras – building on its more than fifty-year legacy of innovation to meet growing demand for its technology among a broader and more diverse group of filmmakers and artists. In cooperation with Kodak, Panavision, and FotoKem, IMAX will develop and deploy at least four new film cameras over the next two years – growing its existing fleet of film cameras by 50% – with the first new camera being put into use by late 2023. The Company is working with the world’s most accomplished filmmakers and cinematographers, including Jordan Peele and Christopher Nolan, to identify new specs and features for the prototype
development phase already underway. The next release filmed with the current generation of IMAX film cameras and KODAK 65mm film will be Jordan Peele’s Nope, hitting screens on July 22, 2022, while Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is currently shooting with IMAX Film Cameras. “As IMAX grows as a global platform for entertainment and events, we want to offer more filmmakers, storytellers and artists the opportunity to create with our unrivalled end-to-end technology,” said Megan Colligan, President of IMAX Entertainment. “From our connected global network to IMAX Enhanced for the home, the IMAX Experience provides a more expansive creative canvas than ever, and these new film cameras will enable a new generation of creators along with those who
already love working with the cameras a better way to unlock the power of IMAX.” New and improved features being explored for the new IMAX film cameras include a quieter design and a number of usability enhancements. IMAX’s existing fleet of cameras and lenses are also undergoing major upgrades as part of the program. Several industry partners are also joining IMAX in the initiative to strengthen the global and future support of its film cameras. • Kodak will offer enhanced technical support and manufacturing of the 65mm film stock.• Integrated, fixed-cost face recognition. • Panavision will continue to provide a global network of service and maintenance for IMAX
camera productions worldwide along with new tools and technical support for the cameras. • FotoKem will work alongside the IMAX camera and post-production departments to improve production • Kodak will offer enhanced technical support and manufacturing of the 65mm film stock. IMAX film cameras feature a proprietary 15 perf horizontal 65mm frame size. They are ideally suited for productions destined for IMAX theatres capable of presenting film in the 1.43 aspect ratio. The use of IMAX film cameras and 1.43 aspect ratio is a creative choice made wholly by filmmakers, who today are further aided by IMAX’s ‘Filmed for IMAX’ program. The program enables filmmakers
to maximise the full potential of The IMAX Experience throughout testing, production, and post-production – so they may maximise the unique immersive nature of IMAX cinemas. Used in documentary filmmaking since 1971’s North of Superior, IMAX film cameras have been to the deepest depths of the oceans, the top of Mount Everest, and launched into space more than any human being. In 2008, The Dark Knight became the first Hollywood title to use IMAX film cameras – the first of fourteen Hollywood blockbusters to do so, ranging from 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens to last year’s No Time to Die. Visit www.imax.com
4K Ultra HD Camera from Hitachi Kokusai
CAMERAS & LIGHTING
HITACHI KOKUSAI Electric America. used this year’s NAB Show to announce its second-generation 4K Ultra HD broadcast and live production camera system, the SK-UHD7000. It is the successor to the SK-UHD4000 4K studio and field production camera.
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The SK-UHD7000 incorporates three 2/3-inch, global shutter CMOS image sensors with native 4K resolution, enabling pristine capture of 3840×2160 Ultra HD (UHD) video. A new prism design with expanded spectral range fully complies with all international colorimetry specifications and enables superior colour reproduction. The high-performance sensors and new prism combine to enable full-range BT.2020 UHD Wide Colour Gamut (WCG) capture. A dual 4K and HDTV workflow supports separate controls for Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) High Dynamic Range (HDR) and standard dynamic range (SDR). Sensitivity of F11 at 59.94 frames per second enables high-quality acquisition in limited
lighting, while a signalto-noise ratio (SNR) of 62dB provides ultra-quiet images. Advanced digital processing technology and a wide array of image refinement tools enable precise tailoring of the accuracy and look of productions. Operational features such as focus assist and viewfinder zoom make it easier for users to perform critical focus at 4K resolution. The SKUHD7000’s powerful new processor also provides plenty of headroom for additional functionality in the future. The SK-UHD7000’s streamlined, one-piece camera chassis has a low center of gravity and presents a light load on the camera person’s shoulder for easy handheld video acquisition. As a full-featured, broadcastclass system camera, the SK-UHD7000 provides integrated prompter power, video monitoring, and intercom connectivity at the camera body; a motorised, optical ND filter turret; and a lens mount that does not require a mechanical or optical
adapter for standard B4 interchangeable lenses. Full-bandwidth, uncompressed, native 4K signals are transported from the SK-UHD7000 camera head to the new CU-UHD7000 camera control unit (CCU) via SMPTE 311M hybrid fibreoptic cable over distances up to two kilometres. Single-link, 12G-SDI connectivity also provides 4K output directly from the camera head, while integrated HD downconversion offers 1080p, 1080i, or 720p output for multiformat
production applications. Embedded audio is available on all SDI outputs and as listen-channels on the intercom connections. A trunk data interface supports video transport and control of TCP/IPcapable devices connected directly to the SK-UHD7000 camera head, enabling applications ranging from robotic movement and IP-based
prompting to VR/AR 3D space positioning. The new camera also retains compatibility with existing Hitachi control panels and third-party control systems. Visit www.hitachi-kokusai. co.jp