HDMAX 35mm Video Camera from Panavision

Panavision has announced the HDMAX camera, an ultra-high resolution digital video camera providing a digital alternative to 35mm motion picture film. HDMAX was developed by Florida Atlantic University in cooperation with Panavision, the worldwide leader in advanced camera systems and lenses for the motion picture and television industries. HDMAX incorporates the QuadHD CMOS sensor designed by Panavision’s affiliate, Panavision SVI, based on its patented Active Column Sensor technology.

The camera provides three SMPTE 292 outputs for connection to commercial HDTV high definition recording and display systems. One of the SMPTE292 channels provides a 1920 x 1080 60i 4:2:2 viewfinder output. The other two channels convey 30p Bayer pattern video formatted so that each channel appears as 1920 x 1080 60i video. The formatting was used specifically so that standard 1920 x 1080 HDTV video equipment can be used for transmission, recording and editing of HDMAX video.

An optional display module provides a frame buffer and colour matrix processing for full resolution viewing at 3840 x 2160 to an IBM 22" “Big Bertha” 3840 x 2160 color LCD display independent of the actual camera frame rate setting. The display module connects to camera via the two SMPTE 292 ports.

The Internation Space Station is considering using HDMAX for operational duties

More info: ISS