View Full Version : Silicon Imaging - Digital Cinema Camera


Ian Mora
May 10th, 2006, 08:26 PM
Can anybody explain this to me.

I was planning on purchasing the xl-h1, but after seeing the SI and it's 1080p, I thought about possibly waiting for this camera.

I'm also planning on getting a promax (Avid Xpress Studio Complete powered by BOXX- Xeon - 3.2GHz - DP) NLE http://www.promax.com/System/709

1. With this comp setup and the $12500 SI package,....will I be able to shoot right out of the gate?

2. I know that they are working with adobe, but I'd really prefer to use avid? Would it be worth it to make the switch to adobe?

3. I don't quite understand this camera,....it's basically like a pc with a lens on it, right? I'll need a good system to handle the uncompressed hd, so is the BOXX a good choice?

I realise that some of these questions may be rudimentary, but the SI camera is a bit hard to understand,....but what I do see and understand is kick-a$$. We're going to be shooting a lot and will need an efficient setup, please help?!!

Richard Fox
May 11th, 2006, 12:36 AM
Here is a really good video shot at NAB that will give you a good understanding of the camera:
http://aimediaserver.com/studiodaily/videoplayer/?src=si/si.swf&width=400&height=340

The $12,500 package connects via gigabit ethernet to an appropriately configured notebook or desktop for recording. The 20K package has the PC built in. Either way you go the SI camera and Cineform RAW workflow looks pretty amazing. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

It might make sense to go with a good notebook as your computer solution. I know that Cineform and SI will be certifying a couple of models. I am aware of one in particular that I think will be a very attractive option.

I can tell you from personal experience that Adobe Production Studio Premium is amazing. I'd highly recomend that you check it out.

Keith Wakeham
May 11th, 2006, 04:18 AM
Using Avid Xpress Studio might be a little difficult to because it will convert all you footage to DNxHD. A good DCT codec but you already put the footage through a Wavelet codec on the raw, and you might even have to go so far as convert the Cineform Raw to something else prior to importing in Avid where as Adobe has native support.

Cineform may have a better method that I dont' know of.

Ian Mora
May 11th, 2006, 10:12 AM
So I've pretty much got a choice between the NLE or the camera setup that I want. Darn,....thanks for your help guys,.....I may still go with the Avid station. I will look into the Adobe Production Studio Premium, however.

Thanks again
Ian

Kevin Shaw
May 11th, 2006, 10:42 AM
So I've pretty much got a choice between the NLE or the camera setup that I want.

I suppose that's one way to look at it, and I suspect Final Cut Pro users will have the same reaction. But that sure sounds like one sweet camera with some unique capabilities, so maybe having to learn a new NLE shouldn't be the deciding factor.

Steven Gotz
May 11th, 2006, 01:11 PM
So that's what David Newman looks and sounds like. Wow! Not what I had in my mind's eye. However, after some reflection, it makes sense.

I wonder if people think the same thing when they see my tutorials.

Ian Mora
May 11th, 2006, 06:35 PM
I suppose that's one way to look at it, and I suspect Final Cut Pro users will have the same reaction. But that sure sounds like one sweet camera with some unique capabilities, so maybe having to learn a new NLE shouldn't be the deciding factor.


I know,...that's what I'm thinking. Hey,...I used premeire in highschool way back in '95,....so maybe it will be like riding a bike,....hehehe but I highly doubt it.

I wonder if Promax will carrry the SI,....and a taylored NLE setup.