New ArriHD prototype at DVinfo.net

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".

Anhar Miah · January 30th, 2004, 06:58 PM

I'm in shock!, What can i say?

I was just moaning on about wanting Full sized (35mm) sensors for digital video (ie not Dalsa) and now This!!

This is really exciting.

Please keep us updated on this camera.

I know its very early but is their any links/ pics any kinda info out there yet?

Thanks Charles

----------- Anhar Miah

Don Mahr · January 30th, 2004, 07:05 PM

Here's a pretty good article and picture of it.

http://www.arri.com/news/ibc/ibc03_ab/d_20.htm

Charles Papert · January 30th, 2004, 07:08 PM

Just found it, this must have gone up recently. Second item down.

Anhar Miah · January 30th, 2004, 07:23 PM

Thanks, that was really insightfull!

It seems there are still some way to go, but its starting and thats a good thing.

The data storage seems the biggest obstacle,

maybe they could use some sort of Lossless compression.

any way thanks for the link

Rob Lohman · February 3rd, 2004, 01:47 PM

You mean I actually missed that @ IBC 2003? Dang. Sounds very
interesting indeed! Is the Cine-Alta not full 35mm?

Barry Green · February 3rd, 2004, 05:51 PM

The CineAlta? No, that's HDCAM, which is 1920 x 1080 off the camera head, but records to tape at 1440 x 1080. Nowhere near film resolution. And the sensor sizes are 2/3" CCD.

Still, looks pretty good on the big screen.

Rob Lohman · February 3rd, 2004, 06:06 PM

2/3" CCD? Wow. I wouldn't have thought that. Thanks!

January 30th, 2004, 05:29 PM	#1
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	New ArriHD prototype 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". __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

January 30th, 2004, 07:08 PM	#4
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	Just found it, this must have gone up recently. Second item down. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

February 3rd, 2004, 01:47 PM	#6
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	You mean I actually missed that @ IBC 2003? Dang. Sounds very interesting indeed! Is the Cine-Alta not full 35mm? __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 3rd, 2004, 06:06 PM	#8
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	2/3" CCD? Wow. I wouldn't have thought that. Thanks! __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

January 30th, 2004, 06:58 PM	#2
Anhar Miah Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kindom, England Posts: 290	I'm in shock!, What can i say? I was just moaning on about wanting Full sized (35mm) sensors for digital video (ie not Dalsa) and now This!! This is really exciting. Please keep us updated on this camera. I know its very early but is their any links/ pics any kinda info out there yet? Thanks Charles ----------- Anhar Miah

January 30th, 2004, 07:05 PM	#3
Don Mahr New Boot Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 6	Here's a pretty good article and picture of it. http://www.arri.com/news/ibc/ibc03_ab/d_20.htm

January 30th, 2004, 07:23 PM	#5
Anhar Miah Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kindom, England Posts: 290	Thanks, that was really insightfull! It seems there are still some way to go, but its starting and thats a good thing. The data storage seems the biggest obstacle, maybe they could use some sort of Lossless compression. any way thanks for the link

February 3rd, 2004, 05:51 PM	#7
Barry Green Barry Wan Kenobi Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,863	The CineAlta? No, that's HDCAM, which is 1920 x 1080 off the camera head, but records to tape at 1440 x 1080. Nowhere near film resolution. And the sensor sizes are 2/3" CCD. Still, looks pretty good on the big screen.