Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Axiom Beta - Open Source Cinema Camera - Crowdfunding Started

Hi, I've been so inspired by Apertus project that I decided to share. The guys are out to build the ultimate cinematic camera. What does "the ultimate camera" mean?
  • Ultimately configurable
  • Ultimately extensible
  • Ultimately open
  • The Open Source Camera
Axiom Alpha (the first prototype) is now ready

Axiom Beta (the second prototype) is under work. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to fund it.
Axiom Beta

Programmer's view of Axiom Beta:
  • Xilinx 7010/7015/7020 or 7030 on Microzed or Picozed
  • the chip combines 2 ARM cores + FPGA
  • ARM cores run Linux
  • FPGA runs a "blob" compiled from open source VHDL
  • all software is under GPL V3
  • all custom hardware including the body is under CERN OHL
  • all sources and blueprints reside on Github
  • free-as-beer Vivado WebPACK is used to compile VHDL
  • any DC power source 5V-40V
  • interchangeable sensors
  • interchangeable lens mounts
  • high-speed connector for extension modules
  • tiny size: 10.8x6.9x3.7cm

Cinematographer's view:
  • initially supplied with Nikon-F mount for fully manual lenses
  • initially supplied with APS-C sized (aka Super35) CMV12000 sensor (details)
  • CMV12000 is capable of 4K video @ 150fps
  • 3 HDMI outputs - monitoring on one, recording on another
  • 1080@60FPS 4:4:4 video via HDMI
  • 4K@30FPS 4:4:4 video via HDMI
  • 4K@30FPS RAW video via 2 HDMI connectors in experimental format
  • 10 stops of dynamic range without tricks
  • 15 stops of dynamic range with HDR
  • alternatively to the above a 4K FourThirds image sensor with slightly different characteristics

Features to follow after the intitial release of Axiom Beta:
  • SSD raid module for storage
  • higher frame rates and bit-rates
  • other lens mounts
  • in-camera image stabilization via gyroscope

The project does need our support. Since I like it this much I ended up paying them EUR 350. This actually entitles me to buy one camera at materials/parts cost in Apr 2015. Smaller contributions are rewarded with t-shirts, stickers and "Thank you" videos.

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