IndieGS2K global shutter camera

The new Indiecam indieGS2K is the first miniature CMOS camera with a global shutter, which will mean no rolling shutter issues (like skew and wobble) when you pan the camera quickly or shoot fast-moving subjects.

It is a 2K camera (2048 x 1080 pixels), with a 3G HD-SDI output, and its small size makes it ideal for use in 3D rigs. It can also be used with a 12-bit RAW workflow (using Adobe's Cinema DNG format). In its RAW 10-bit mode it can output 1080p at up to 120 frames per second (in 12-bit RAW and 10-bit 4:2:2 YUV it can do up to 50/60p).

“At last we have a single piece 2/3-inch minicam that can meet the requirements of not just the OB/live production people but also the film production people,” said Steffan Hewitt, Managing Director, Polecam (one of Indiecam’s distributors).

The global shutter means that “CMOS cameras can be fully integrated into high speed sports productions, where rolling shutter has always been a bottleneck in the past,” he added.

“We had it on our stand at NAB and we were very impressed with the picture quality out of the box.”

Its power consumption is just 4W (7-24v DC), it measures 39.8 x 39.8 x 100mm (about 1.5 inches x 1.5 inches by 4 inches) without a lens, and weighs about 170g (six ounces). It has a 2/3-inch sensor and takes C-mount lenses as standard, but can also be fitted with a PL-mount option.

The Polecam Remote Control Panel will soon work with the GS2K and there will also be a small handheld controller for individual camera control and set up.

Four GS2Ks have been used on the set of Rush, directed by Ron Howard and shot by DoP Anthony Dod Mantle. German post-house Cinepost is working on the movie and is using Colorfront's On-Set Dailies system, which supports Indiecam’s InstantRaw workflow, alongside other RAW formats. The new Convergent Design Gemini RAW recorder also supports the InstantRaw format. The cameras were also used to shot a high proportion of Danny Boyle‘s latest movie Trance.

Hewitt has found the small team at Indiecam very ready to respond to feedback. The Austrians had initially been focused just on the camera’s use for movies, and hadn’t given it interlaced output, but when Polecam pointed out how important it would be for broadcast work Indiecam added it very quickly.

For 3D work, the indieGS2K offers an interocular of as little as 40mm, making it one of the most compact 3D-set ups available as a side-by-side rig. The Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute is using the indieGS2K for its hybrid stereoscopic technology in cooperation with imcube labs, while the new P+S Technik PS-Micro Rig for 3D is also designed to operate with the GS2K.

Indiecam has also introduced a new indieFocus Control, which is 100% compatible with the C-motion system.

Related post: Indie shows 3D in the RAW

By David Fox

Indie shows 3D in the RAW

Vienna-based IndieCam has a new, modular 3D system ideal for Indie filmmakers, with small cameras and the ability to record RAW video.

The tiny 1080p 50/60 cameras output a 10-bit RAW file, using Adobe's Cinema DNG format. The prototype system uses single 2/3-inch CCD sensors that produce a 12-bit signal, going through an in-camera look-up table, which means it is not just a linear translation, so it can retain more of the 12-bit goodness. It can also output YUV 4:2:2.

The small cameras mean the rig could have an interaxial distance of just 40mm (although that depends on the size of the C-mount lenses used).

It is also developing its own Shuttle recorder that can record the RAW files and acta as a camera controller. The Shuttle has two HD-SDI inputs, and multiple power outputs, for monitors, etc., but IndieCam is also designing a remote control system for it, which would give users the option of recording on another HD-SDI recorder, such Convergent Design's nanoFlash or the AJA Ki Pro Mini. "It is not necessary to use the camera heads with our Indie Shuttle system," said Peter Niklas, software and hardware development (pictured).

Camera aids include histograms or zebra stripes, and it can create anaglyph previews on its 7-inch monitor. The LCD is sunlight readable and will come in DVI or SDI versions.

The full system is expected to cost less than €40,000. Although the camera heads are available now, in limited quantities, the recorder and controller will probably not be ready until NAB. The remote control should be available this month.

The system has been used on a few projects so far, including one multicam shoot with 12 3D rigs.

Related post: IndieGS2K global shutter camera

By David Fox

Best in show: Acquisition

The combined editorial teams of TVB Europe magazine and the IBC Daily highlight the best new products on show at IBC every year, in every hall and every category.

These are all written up (by me) for the October issue (downloadable in full as PDFs or readable online by clicking on the top right of the TVB home page).

You can also view the full list of winners for acquisition products, with more information on each product, but here is that list in brief.

Best new cameras - 2D:

Canon – XF300/XF305 - the most affordable cameras on the BBC's list of approved cameras for HD production.

Hego – OB1 - A camera system that captures six viewpoints simultaneously from one position.

Imec – iVC - The imec Virtual Camera takes live feeds from at least two cameras at once to create a new viewing angle or even create 3D video.

Panasonic – AF100/AF101 - the first professional camcorder using a DSLR-sized sensor (pictured top).

Panasonic – HPX3100 wireless camera control system

Best new cameras - 3D:

3D One - integrated 3D camera with binocular viewfinders.

Arri – Alexa Plus and its new 3D upgrade

Canon – XF105 - although this is a 2D camera, the way it uses its Optical Image Stabilisation system in 3D mode makes it innovative.

Frontniche – VC-3100 HD - An Ortho-Stereoscopic camera that removes the need for a convergence operator.

IndieCam – 3D camera system - uses tiny 1080p 50/60 cameras that can output 10-bit RAW (Adobe Cinema DNG) video (pictured above).

Best new lenses:

Fujinon – 3D lenses - Five zoom lenses that should make 3D lens set up and synchronisation easier because they are matched pair with a new control system.

Polecam – HRO 69 - ultra-compact 3.5mm lens is designed for miniature 3CCD HD cameras (pictured right).

By David Fox