AJA introduces Cion 4K camera $8,995!

Hmm, perhaps this has the same sensor as the BMD 4K cameras? S35, global shutter, 12 stops. What's the base ISO?
 
It is the same sensor/family... in a smaller body (heat).

Paper specs still rule the day... but, these cams do look good on paper.
 
I'm puzzled by the fact that, out of the gate, AJA can get 120 fps at 4K, but even with a large body (to permit better cooling) BMD can't get the sensor to do more than 30 fps at 4K. The sensor itself tops out at 180 fps at 12 bits.

CORRECTION: The BMD site says that Ursa will do 3,840 x 2,160p60. Still, supposedly Cion will do a full 4K (4,096 x 2,160) at up to 120 fps.
 
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It'd be interesting to see how they're getting that out of the camera while retaining global shutter mode. It isn't internal, though. You need to feed the signal to something that can record 4K@120FPS.
 
Kholi said:
It'd be interesting to see how they're getting that out of the camera while retaining global shutter mode. It isn't internal, though. You need to feed the signal to something that can record 4K@120FPS.
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The CMV12000 has only a global-shutter mode. But I take your point -- it seems to operate at the top frame rate only in raw mode and requires four 3G-SDI connections to do so.
 
if it's the sensor, then both in this camera and in the blackmagics, the limit is in the processor: the CMV12000 can deliver 210fps in 12-bit 4096x2160.
 
filmguy123 said:
still think Panny could get away with their S35 Varicam @ $25K?
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Since I'm one of the people who predicted around $25k for the Varicam (body only) as a fair price, I'll bite.

The big question is how much do you put on things like build quality, reliability, things like that - even client perception? If you've being paid to do a high budget job, you've got to trust your equipment, and if anything does go wrong explain your camera choice to client, and hope for good backup. With a company like Panasonic or Sony, I'd say you've done about as much as you can - with a newcomer brand, I'd be worried. (Even if it wasn't really down to the camera being any worse, less reliable.) There's also the matter of workflow compatability and reliability.

So if you're an indie filmmaker, it's worth saving the money. If you're working for a big client, I'd still pay the extra and stick to somebody like Sony or Panasonic. (At least if the Varicam did come in at $25k or less - I'd still say that's currently a reasonable price.)

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Bassman2003 said:
Barry just posted about an "under" $60,000 price tage on the new Varicam...
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!!!!! Well, if that's the case, I really don't see them selling many! Unless that's just a book price and serious customers get given a huge discount.

It's over double the price of the Sony F55 - and overall I'd say the spec is somewhat less, so why pay double the money for less?

That sort of money is F65 money, isn't it? Which is in a different league.
 
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If I had to guess, I'd say it will be around $9k :p

Joking aside, PL only is not great for the guy looking to spend $9000 on a super35mm camera like this, now you will need $15k in lenses to add to it ;)
 
In the video they refer to the "removable lens mount" so I hope they can make a path for those of us using modified still lenses - perhaps a third party.
 
If nothing else, just the fact it does multiple flavors of ProRes & not ProRes HQ only makes me interested.

BMD, not everything needs to be ProRes HQ. I've done a lot of quality work with XDCam EX, which means that ProRes, or hell even ProRes LT is plenty enough codec for a lot of jobs.
 
Robert Ruffo said:
My most important box to me is image quality overall. so I have no idea if this camera checks any of my boxes - all I have are resolution quotes.
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The form factor/erganomics and all the specs on paper look great to me.
The couple of images they show at the end of their announcement video look lovely as well.
The built in IR filter is a nice touch, should help with color rendition. I would like to see how the camera renders skin tones.

https://vimeo.com/90658762
 
If it is indeed the same sensor as the BM 4K camera it will be interesting to see who has the better programmers. Will they be able to overcome FPN and black orbs?
 
The sensor is APS-C. Thats different. The rep says the mount is swappable but PL for now. I put the CION on my shoulder and it’s comfy but still front heavy with a cine lens and matte box.
AJA CION l side.jpgAJA CION r side.jpgCION.jpg
 
Thanks for the pics, Erik. It does look like it would be a little front heavy. Interesting about the sensor. Some here assert that it's the same sensor as the Black Magic 4k based on specs and talk with reps. I think it's in a good price range with those specifications. Did they show any other footage than the watches and the red leaves video?
 
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