New 2K Cameras released! at DVinfo.net

Jason Rodriguez · November 1st, 2006, 08:33 AM

2K Digital Cinema Camera Streamlines Movie and HD production

Silicon Imaging and CineForm team to shoot, edit and encode HD and 2K using Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processors

Hollywood, CA, November 1, 2006 –Silicon Imaging, with help from CineForm® and Intel Corporation, today unleashed a 2K Digital Cinema camera system set to revolutionize movie and HD production. The Silicon Imaging SI-2K will shoot footage directly to disk, at either 1920x1080P HD or 2048x1152 cinema resolutions running on motherboards integrated into the camera or on laptop computers powered by Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processors. Captured footage is instantly editable using CineForm’s Prospect 2K™ real-time visualization and colorization software. Afterwards finished projects can be directly encoded for theatrical distribution to digital cinemas or on-demand Internet download.

"The transition to digital cinematography started when George Lucas first shot 'Star Wars: Episode II' in HD," states Ari Presler, Silicon Imaging CEO. “Today, we have completely eliminated the need for film or tape and now offer the ability to shoot at even higher resolutions than HD, edit while each shot is taken, and have a production ready for distribution within weeks instead of months.”

The Silicon Imaging SI-2K is the first 2/3” digital cinema camera with 10-bit CineForm RAW™ and 12-bit uncompressed 2K direct-to-disk recording. It offers unprecedented image quality, over 10 f-stop dynamic range, a touch-screen interface and IT-friendly connectivity. It is also the first to deliver in-context 3D color-corrected “look” visualization and a complete raw post-production workflow.

Unlike modern HD cameras, which develop and compress colorized imagery inside the camera, the SI-2K streams images as uncompressed raw “digital negatives” over a standard gigabit Ethernet connection. An Intel Core 2 Duo processor-based computer embedded in the camera or tethered to a laptop up to 300 feet away, processes the digital negatives, where they are non-destructively developed and colorized for preview using the cinematographer's desired "look" for the scene.

The digital negatives and "look" metadata are simultaneously recorded to a 2.5” notebook hard drive using the CineForm RAW™ visually perfect codec. Up to 4-hours of continuous footage are captured on a single 160GB notebook drive; this is the equivalent of 14-reels of 35mm film which has an associated cost exceeding $25,000 for materials and processing.

“The Silicon Imaging camera is truly amazing” states Cinematographer Geoff Boyle. ”The SI-2K MINI is small enough to be placed directly in a scene for point-of-view shots, used on robotic arms for model photography or incorporate two side-by-side for stereo 3-D. We used it on ‘Mutant Chronicles’, a Sci-Fi feature with over 1500 visual effect shots. We shot flames and explosions using the 72fps slow motion mode and the recordings display smooth tonal gradations and natural colors. Finally, the director can immediately see full-resolution instant replays, without having to wait for film dailies or color correction."

CineForm’s Prospect 2K software, optionally bundled with the SI-2K, provides real-time, multi-stream editing of CineForm RAW files with look metadata using Adobe Production Studio, and supports both Windows AVI and Apple QuickTime formats. Further details on MacOS workflow including Final Cut Pro will be disclosed in the coming weeks.

“Together we are enabling a major paradigm shift in the entertainment industry for the way films are shot and edited," states David Taylor, CineForm CEO. “Our combined efforts allow CineForm RAW recording and Prospect 2K editing to retain the many benefits of shooting raw, including increased visual fidelity, while reducing costs during both production and post, and encouraging faster project completion.”

“With the power of multi-core ready applications and Intel Core 2 Duo processors, Silicon Imaging and CineForm have streamlined the digital high-resolution movie-making workflow,” said Elliot Garbus, general manager of the Developer Relations Division, Intel Corporation. “This solution promises cost and time saving benefits for cinematographers and directors by utilizing the power of multiple cores.”

The SI-2K DVR with an embedded Intel Core 2 Duo processor and hot-swap drive cartridge system plus the removable MINI camera head is $20,000 or bundled with Prospect-2K for $22,000; with estimated shipment in January. The SI-2K MINI is $12,500 and shipping in December.

About Silicon Imaging
Silicon Imaging, Inc. is a leader in IT-centric high-definition digital camera and RAW workflow solutions. Silicon Imaging’s products incorporate disruptive technologies to deliver a new generation of products outperforming traditional HD cameras while increasing flexibility and lowering cost. Please visit : www.siliconimaging.com.

About CineForm
CineForm, Inc., develops software products for use by media professionals in high-resolution acquisition and post-production applications. Powered by CineForm Intermediate, CineForm's acclaimed products provide unmatched visual quality and real-time performance – without the need for specialized hardware – while enabling an online digital intermediate workflow that runs on affordable desktop PCs. Please visit www.CineForm.com.

Don Donatello · November 1st, 2006, 10:02 AM

what a surpirse ! 2k SI ... i was hoping last spring it would be 2k but then it seemed that was ruled out ....
even though 2k is just slightly more then HD IMO it places it above all those others HD camera's ..
congradualtions to the SI team - from camera thru workflow team

Chris Hurd · November 1st, 2006, 10:51 AM

Photos please! Thanks in advance,

Don Donatello · November 1st, 2006, 11:36 AM

http://www.siliconimaging.com/Digita.../products.html

i haven't seen this page before so i assume this is the camera ?

Jason Rodriguez · November 1st, 2006, 11:58 AM

Yes, those are the camera(s). There are two models now (you'll see at the end of the PR). There's the larger all-in-one DVR configuration, and the smaller "Mini" camera head. We've dropped the "DVR" from the main model and just call it the SI-2K. The smaller camera head is the SI-2K Mini.

Joe Carney · November 1st, 2006, 01:03 PM

I guess with the optional PL mount a Zeiss DigiZoom would be a great fit.

Brian Drysdale · November 1st, 2006, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Rodriguez

Yes, those are the camera(s). There are two models now (you'll see at the end of the PR). There's the larger all-in-one DVR configuration, and the smaller "Mini" camera head. We've dropped the "DVR" from the main model and just call it the SI-2K. The smaller camera head is the SI-2K Mini.

Not seeing one fitted on the SI 2K photo, is there an option on a viewfinder?

Joe Carney · November 1st, 2006, 02:50 PM

I just got off the phone with BandPro, none of the Zeiss Digi lenses, whether primes or zooms will work with the SI. They are designed for 3chip cams.

Jason Rodriguez · November 1st, 2006, 02:58 PM

A viewfinder is in the works but we haven't announced it yet since it's not available.

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post the specs yet . . . will have to check on that.

Brian Drysdale · November 1st, 2006, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Carney

I just got off the phone with BandPro, none of the Zeiss Digi lenses, whether primes or zooms will work with the SI. They are designed for 3chip cams.

You'd need the Abakus converter that allows B4 video lens to be used on 16mm film cameras. Mightn't be worthwhile with all the Zeiss film lenses out there, unless you had your own set of DigiPrimes.

Brian Drysdale · November 1st, 2006, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Rodriguez

A viewfinder is in the works but we haven't announced it yet since it's not available.

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post the specs yet . . . will have to check on that.

That's ok, early days yet. Although, the specs would be good.

Rohan Dadswell · November 1st, 2006, 08:11 PM

Some specs and some photos of the new camera would be very welcome. The ones on the SI web site seem to be of the old prototype version (or hasn't it changed much ?)

cheers
Rohan

John Benton · November 1st, 2006, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Rodriguez

A viewfinder is in the works but we haven't announced it yet since it's not available.

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post the specs yet . . . will have to check on that.

First off, Congratulations.

I cannot wait to see this, redesign and other announcements.
The screens on the SI-Mini in all the pictures, is the touch screen I assume
or might we use our Laptops? Any small HD monitor would have to run through the laptop anyway and there would be a lag I assume in both of these to work as Viewfinder

November 1st, 2006, 08:33 AM	#1
Jason Rodriguez Trustee Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 1,095	New 2K Cameras released! 2K Digital Cinema Camera Streamlines Movie and HD production Silicon Imaging and CineForm team to shoot, edit and encode HD and 2K using Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processors Hollywood, CA, November 1, 2006 –Silicon Imaging, with help from CineForm® and Intel Corporation, today unleashed a 2K Digital Cinema camera system set to revolutionize movie and HD production. The Silicon Imaging SI-2K will shoot footage directly to disk, at either 1920x1080P HD or 2048x1152 cinema resolutions running on motherboards integrated into the camera or on laptop computers powered by Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processors. Captured footage is instantly editable using CineForm’s Prospect 2K™ real-time visualization and colorization software. Afterwards finished projects can be directly encoded for theatrical distribution to digital cinemas or on-demand Internet download. "The transition to digital cinematography started when George Lucas first shot 'Star Wars: Episode II' in HD," states Ari Presler, Silicon Imaging CEO. “Today, we have completely eliminated the need for film or tape and now offer the ability to shoot at even higher resolutions than HD, edit while each shot is taken, and have a production ready for distribution within weeks instead of months.” The Silicon Imaging SI-2K is the first 2/3” digital cinema camera with 10-bit CineForm RAW™ and 12-bit uncompressed 2K direct-to-disk recording. It offers unprecedented image quality, over 10 f-stop dynamic range, a touch-screen interface and IT-friendly connectivity. It is also the first to deliver in-context 3D color-corrected “look” visualization and a complete raw post-production workflow. Unlike modern HD cameras, which develop and compress colorized imagery inside the camera, the SI-2K streams images as uncompressed raw “digital negatives” over a standard gigabit Ethernet connection. An Intel Core 2 Duo processor-based computer embedded in the camera or tethered to a laptop up to 300 feet away, processes the digital negatives, where they are non-destructively developed and colorized for preview using the cinematographer's desired "look" for the scene. The digital negatives and "look" metadata are simultaneously recorded to a 2.5” notebook hard drive using the CineForm RAW™ visually perfect codec. Up to 4-hours of continuous footage are captured on a single 160GB notebook drive; this is the equivalent of 14-reels of 35mm film which has an associated cost exceeding $25,000 for materials and processing. “The Silicon Imaging camera is truly amazing” states Cinematographer Geoff Boyle. ”The SI-2K MINI is small enough to be placed directly in a scene for point-of-view shots, used on robotic arms for model photography or incorporate two side-by-side for stereo 3-D. We used it on ‘Mutant Chronicles’, a Sci-Fi feature with over 1500 visual effect shots. We shot flames and explosions using the 72fps slow motion mode and the recordings display smooth tonal gradations and natural colors. Finally, the director can immediately see full-resolution instant replays, without having to wait for film dailies or color correction." CineForm’s Prospect 2K software, optionally bundled with the SI-2K, provides real-time, multi-stream editing of CineForm RAW files with look metadata using Adobe Production Studio, and supports both Windows AVI and Apple QuickTime formats. Further details on MacOS workflow including Final Cut Pro will be disclosed in the coming weeks. “Together we are enabling a major paradigm shift in the entertainment industry for the way films are shot and edited," states David Taylor, CineForm CEO. “Our combined efforts allow CineForm RAW recording and Prospect 2K editing to retain the many benefits of shooting raw, including increased visual fidelity, while reducing costs during both production and post, and encouraging faster project completion.” “With the power of multi-core ready applications and Intel Core 2 Duo processors, Silicon Imaging and CineForm have streamlined the digital high-resolution movie-making workflow,” said Elliot Garbus, general manager of the Developer Relations Division, Intel Corporation. “This solution promises cost and time saving benefits for cinematographers and directors by utilizing the power of multiple cores.” The SI-2K DVR with an embedded Intel Core 2 Duo processor and hot-swap drive cartridge system plus the removable MINI camera head is $20,000 or bundled with Prospect-2K for $22,000; with estimated shipment in January. The SI-2K MINI is $12,500 and shipping in December. About Silicon Imaging Silicon Imaging, Inc. is a leader in IT-centric high-definition digital camera and RAW workflow solutions. Silicon Imaging’s products incorporate disruptive technologies to deliver a new generation of products outperforming traditional HD cameras while increasing flexibility and lowering cost. Please visit : www.siliconimaging.com. About CineForm CineForm, Inc., develops software products for use by media professionals in high-resolution acquisition and post-production applications. Powered by CineForm Intermediate, CineForm's acclaimed products provide unmatched visual quality and real-time performance – without the need for specialized hardware – while enabling an online digital intermediate workflow that runs on affordable desktop PCs. Please visit www.CineForm.com. Last edited by Jason Rodriguez; November 1st, 2006 at 11:43 AM.

November 1st, 2006, 10:51 AM	#3
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Photos please! Thanks in advance, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

November 1st, 2006, 01:03 PM	#6
Joe Carney Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Centreville Va Posts: 1,828	I guess with the optional PL mount a Zeiss DigiZoom would be a great fit. __________________ Boycott Guinness, bring back the pint!!!

November 1st, 2006, 02:50 PM	#8
Joe Carney Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Centreville Va Posts: 1,828	I just got off the phone with BandPro, none of the Zeiss Digi lenses, whether primes or zooms will work with the SI. They are designed for 3chip cams. __________________ Boycott Guinness, bring back the pint!!!

November 1st, 2006, 10:02 AM	#2
Don Donatello Hawaiian Shirt Mogul Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: northern cailfornia Posts: 1,261	what a surpirse ! 2k SI ... i was hoping last spring it would be 2k but then it seemed that was ruled out .... even though 2k is just slightly more then HD IMO it places it above all those others HD camera's .. congradualtions to the SI team - from camera thru workflow team

November 1st, 2006, 11:36 AM	#4
Don Donatello Hawaiian Shirt Mogul Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: northern cailfornia Posts: 1,261	http://www.siliconimaging.com/Digita.../products.html i haven't seen this page before so i assume this is the camera ?

November 1st, 2006, 11:58 AM	#5
Jason Rodriguez Trustee Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 1,095	Yes, those are the camera(s). There are two models now (you'll see at the end of the PR). There's the larger all-in-one DVR configuration, and the smaller "Mini" camera head. We've dropped the "DVR" from the main model and just call it the SI-2K. The smaller camera head is the SI-2K Mini.

November 1st, 2006, 02:58 PM	#9
Jason Rodriguez Trustee Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 1,095	A viewfinder is in the works but we haven't announced it yet since it's not available. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post the specs yet . . . will have to check on that.

November 1st, 2006, 08:11 PM	#12
Rohan Dadswell Major Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canberra Australia Posts: 228	Some specs and some photos of the new camera would be very welcome. The ones on the SI web site seem to be of the old prototype version (or hasn't it changed much ?) cheers Rohan