Charles Papert
January 30th, 2004, 05:29 PM
Very informative article in the February 2004 issue of American Cinematographer detailing the prototype of the Arri D-20 HD camera. It appears to be the first practical HD camera to incorporate an optical viewfinder and shutter for improved viewing and 6 megapixel 24x18mm CMOS sensor which allows PL mount lenses to be used with no magnification in field of view. The Dalsa camera had similar specs but a much less friendly profile physically, whereas the D20 follows the form of the Arri 435, replacing the mag with a black box containing the electronics. Variable frame rates of 1-100 fps are supported. Arri is reporting 10 stops of latitude at current time but hoping for 12 stops in the final release. Various output options will be available including raw mode or HD-SDI; a "live processing" mode outputs via DV stream.
Even in prototype (read: chunky) form, the footprint is well within reason and one can only imagine it will improve before release. This looks to be an exciting addition to the HD production world, it should integrate with film accessories much easier than, say, the Panavised Cine-Alta and offers the depth-of-field of a full-sized sensor eliminating the need for an outboard system like the PRO35. Considering that Arri has continually professed their allegiance to film technology, this is an impressive digital acquisition debut. Not that they are changing their position--Franz Kraus, general manager of the Arri Group is quoted as saying "It is clear that the performance of film cameras cannot currently be met by digital cameras...digital acqusition has become a viable alternative, even if it means tolerating an 'electronic look' and the handling limitations of the current equipment".
Even in prototype (read: chunky) form, the footprint is well within reason and one can only imagine it will improve before release. This looks to be an exciting addition to the HD production world, it should integrate with film accessories much easier than, say, the Panavised Cine-Alta and offers the depth-of-field of a full-sized sensor eliminating the need for an outboard system like the PRO35. Considering that Arri has continually professed their allegiance to film technology, this is an impressive digital acquisition debut. Not that they are changing their position--Franz Kraus, general manager of the Arri Group is quoted as saying "It is clear that the performance of film cameras cannot currently be met by digital cameras...digital acqusition has become a viable alternative, even if it means tolerating an 'electronic look' and the handling limitations of the current equipment".