8K

8K resolution is the highest with regard to horizontal resolution in both digital television and digital cinematography. This means that it is equivalent to two times the horizontal and vertical resolutions of 4K UHD and sixteen times the number of pixels in Full HD.

This makes it possible for movie makers to capture footages from a far distance with high quality results and in high resolution. There have been few cameras capable of 8K resolution video capturing and seen to change the art of filmmaking.

Features of cameras with 8K video formats are somewhat similar with differences in brands used as well as processors. Some are capable of shooting RAW 6K videos that can be at up to 100 frames per second. Others also have the feature of shooting 2K ProRes video..

8K Video Cameras

Weapon

The first 8K video camera that is said to hold the title as the first commercially available 8K camera is the Weapon from RED, also the manufacturer of the 6K video camera model, Dragon. This 8K camera boasts of a lighter body and said to be the smaller version of the manufacturer’s other cameras known as Epic and Scarlet. There are two models of Weapon. One is made from carbon fiber while the other one with a magnesium body. This video cam will have a sensor at 40.96 x 21.6mm which can shoot 1.896:1 8K or 8192 x 4320 pixels.

What is the best 8k camera

1. Canon EOS R5 8k Camera

Finally it is here, the first 8k camera within range for consumers. The Canon R5 changes the game. Filming in 8k and 4k with an in-built steady/gimbal mechanism is a real treat as it removes the need for any additional type of Steadycam/Gimbal/ device.

We have our test unit and we are putting together a full review now. The R5 is avialable now.

Red Weapon VV

If you’re looking for a large format camera, you should invest in a machine that has been approved and tested by the pros themselves.

The red weapon MONSTRO 8K VV was used by PHFX’s Phil Holland to capture aerial high-resolution motion pictures over New York. He managed to capture 100 megapixels motion pictures good camera rig to Shotover’s new K1 Hammerhead.

Previously he used 8K VistaVision to capture aerial shots. When sided to turn up a notch or two the large format concept, he turned to the red weapon MONSTRO 8K VV.

What makes this equipment different from other large format cameras and its predecessor?

It has the lightweight carbon fiber body of the Red Weapon camera but with the sensor heavyweight MONSTRO. The sensor replaced the 8K VV Dragon Sensor, a move that has greatly improved image quality with increased shadow detail and greater dynamic range.

Canon 8K EOS Camera

Another big player in the industry of camera manufacturing is Canon which is said to be coming up with an 8K camera. According to reports, this camera will have CMOS sensor that is similar to the Canon Super 35-mm and will also have 8192 x 4320 pixels at 60 fps. As for display, it will be at least 300 pixels per inch.

At full HD resolution, the sensor captures motion and stills at 35.4 megapixels with low noise. With a size of 40.96mm x 21.60mm, the camera can capture and deliver cinematic image quality.

Use it with full frame lenses, you can capture images at:

• Up to 60 fps in 8192 x 4320 8K
• 75 fps in the 2.4:1 aspect ratio
• 120 fps in 4K
• Up to 240 fps in 2K

Some of the prime lenses that can be used with the 8K VV MONSTRO sensor are the Tokina Cinema Vista Primes and 35mm primes.

Now let’s talk camera body.

The Red Weapon VV has a carbon fiber DSMC2 form factor that is lightweight and sturdy. It features a carbon fiber DSMC2 Sidekick control panel and a magnesium RED DSMC S35 PL Mount 2.0 that is interchangeable with other mounting solutions.

The camera is compatible with separate DSMC2 accessories and components.

• Cable-free OLEDs
• Wireless remote control
• Media stations
• Power options

Is the output quality worth the investment on a 8K Camera?

The red weapon MONSTRO 8K VV is priced at $79,500 which is a lot!

But with a sturdy camera body and several key features that include a 17-stop dynamic range, 35.4MP, 40.96 x 21.60mm full-frame CMOS sensor for up to 8K-resolution images, and multiple capture rates, it is one investment you are sure to benefit from with high-quality images. Motion pictures offer a mesmerizing level of depth and an outstanding level of captured detail.

So, if you want a large format camera that delivers stunning image quality, go for Red Weapon VV.

Red Weapon 8K S35

The Red Weapon 8K S35 is one of the RED shooters that has taken the 8K sensor path. The company started shipping this model with the Epic-W 8K S35, what with both equipment sharing similar features.

There are various differences, of course.

The Weapon 8K S35 captures 8K (full frame 8192 x 4320) up to 60 fps at data speeds of up to 300 MB/s. And if you want to take the camera’s features up a notch, it can be upgraded to RED DRAGON 8K VV, which had impressive features until the MONSTRO 8K VV came into the picture.

When it comes to the frame rates, the Weapon 8K S35 is better with its 8K 2.40×1 recording at up to 75fps than the 8K 2.40×1 at up to 30fps of EPIC-W. With the latter, you need to do a sensor crop if you want to exceed 30fps.

Most RED cameras are designed compatible with a variety of interchangeable accessories and components. What is even better is that you have the option to upgrade an older unit to get the latest features.

For instance, if you already own an EPIC/SCARLET-X DRAGON, you can upgrade it to a WEAPON 8K S35 instead of buying a new Weapon 8K S35.

And if you have a Weapon Carbon Fiber 6K, you can upgrade it to a WEAPON 8K S35, provided that you’ve taken delivery of the older camera before 11 October 2016. There are other arrangements for an upgrade, and each option comes with a corresponding price.

Now why upgrade to an 8K camera?

Compared to a 6K camera, 8K resolution lets you crop an image without losing a lot of detail. That level of resolution offers stunning clarity. With RED’s Helium sensor, 8K gets even better. In low light conditions, noise is minimal and color science is better as opposed to 5K and 6K sensors.

Red Epic-W 8K S35 pro camera

The Red Epic-W 8K S35 is another large format camera from the brand that features the Helium 8K Super 35 sensor. With an image sensor size of just 29.9 x 15.77 mm, this model has a smaller sensor compared with other RED cameras. But there’s something unique about this baby.

It uses a classic cinema lens that is designed for the 35mm format but is capable of high resolution 8K recording. For VFX artists, the extra recorded resolution is epic.

EPIC-W uses the REDCODE RAW format, a raw codec that uses wavelet compression that helps reduce data rates and maintain visually lossless image rendering.

The robust file format has wavelet compression ratios that range from 2:1-22:1 that allow storage of raw files without the overwhelming storage space that most uncompressed image data consumes. Because of its compatibility with common NLE software programs, editing raw footage can be done without transcoding.

For dramatic slow-motion footage, you just need to lower the recording solution.

What’s all the fuss with the Helium 8K sensor?

A 35.4 megapixels, it can resolve the finest details and render smooth lines and shapes in a captured image without the problem of aliasing or stair-stepping artifacts that are common in lower-resolution footage.

It is measured to have 16.5 stops of dynamic range that allows the sensor to represent within the same frame both hot highlights and deep shadows.

What makes the Helium a major stand out is it flattering effect on human skin. According to professional Mark Toia, the camera delivered a “smooth, creamy, silky skin textures, with very natural tones and low noise even in deep shadows, even at 2,000 ISO.”

The Red Epic-W 8K S35 is available in aluminum alloy and black magnesium body. RED created limited edition of white cameras for large government agency in Asia.

Additional units of white cameras that were posted for a flash sale sold out in less than 5 minutes.

Similar to other RED DSMC cameras, the DSMC2 form factor of the Red Epic-W 8K S35 is designed modular so it can accommodate a wide range of production workflows. Compatible with many interchangeable parts, your camera is versatile and flexible. The addition of a rear DSMC2 module, for example, boosts battery power and professional I/O connections.

When the time comes when 8K is standardized, investing in the Red Epic-W 8K S35 now we’ll be the best move you’ll make.

The MONSTRO 8K VV: Living Up to Its Beastly Name

RED, the high-end cinema camera manufacturer has always wowed when it comes to its products. But perhaps none of its previous releases will come close to its latest sensor—the MONSTRO 88K VV—aptly name for its beastly features. Here’s what you need to know about it:

It replaces RED’s 8K VV Dragon sensor.

RED says that the new MONSTRO 88K VV is “an evolutionary step beyond the Dragon 8K VV sensor,” and we can tell. The device has a 35.4MP 40.96mm x 21.60 sensor and 8192 x 4320 resolution that can record in 8K full formats at up to 60 frames per second, all incased inside a new Weapon camera system. Videographers who have old Weapon systems can also upgrade to the new sensor instead of buying a new one. 

It is RED’s best sensor yet.

According to Jarred land, RED Digital Cinema’s President: “MONSTRO is the materialization of our relentless pursuit to make the absolute best image sensors on the planet.” And true to his statement, the MONSTRO 8K VV does not disappoint. With its new sensor and photosite design, the MONSTRO is capable of producing 35.4 megapixel motion and stills.

It also supports RED’s IPP2 pipeline and offers 17+ stops of dynamic range and a breathtaking color accuracy that produces amazing results. You can even shoot in Redcone RAE and Avid DNxHD/HR or Apple ProRes simultaneously. The MONSTRO 8K VV also has data transfer capabilities of up to 300MB with RED MINI-MAG.

It has significant noise improvements.

One of the things that RED promised for the new Monstro 8K VV is a significant improvement in its noise levels, and the company proves it with a video comparing the Monstro and Dragon sensors in terms of noise levels. At the beginning, you will not notice any difference, but the magic happens at 400% scale in low-light settings.

So, how much does all these incredible features cost? The new Monstro 8K VV sensor is priced at $79, 500, but filmmakers who want to get their hand on full frame cameras won’t mind paying the hefty price for it. In fact, Hollywood is seeing a shift towards these full frame weapon systems today with all the high quality material they can get for post-production. Those who want to upgrade their existing weapon systems can do it at $29, 500.

With all its amazing features, the MONSTRO 8K VV is definitely a must-have for any professional photographer or filmmaker.   

Ikegami’s First Handheld 8K Ultra High Definition Television Camera

As the competition for the best 8K cameras still continues in the market today, manufacturers are coming up with cameras that are built to impress and outlast the competition.

For Japanese camera manufacturer Ikegami Tsushinki Company Limited, developing an 8K camera that will set the bar for broadcast filming means working with people who know broadcasting like the back of their hand. Thus, the collaboration between Ikegami and Japan Broadcasting Corporation produced the first handheld 8K UHDTV camera system in the world: the Ikegami S35m SHK-810 8K broadcast camera. Here’s everything you need to know about it:

• It is compact but still full on features.

The Ikegami SHK-810 camera is specifically designed for live studio and field production, which means that it has to be compact and easy to use. At barely 20lbs, the Ikegami SHK-810 camera is only 1/10 the size of its first generation model so it can be carried easily. It can also be operated like the existing broadcast camera systems, although it has additional features for ease of use.

• It is packed with amazing features.

The Ikegami SHK-810 camera may be smaller than its predecessors, but it’s definitely bigger on features. For starters, it has a single 33 million-pixel super 35 CMOS sensor with more than 4,000 TVL vertical and horizontal resolutions. Its also boasts of a high level of modulation depth, thanks to its color filter with a dual-green SHV color arrangement.

The Ikegami SHK-810 camera also has a viewfinder detail function to allow the camera operator to increase detail edges for focusing purposes, several lens aberration correction function and communication features, a system expander that allows the use of large viewfinders and full studio lenses and a PL-Lens mount that makes it possible for the camera to be sued with cine lenses, 8K lenses, 4K lenses or custom-designed zoom lenses depending on the camera operator’s preferences.

For long-distance transmission during live broadcasts, the camera has a standard SMPTE fiber cable connected between the camera head and camera control unit.

As one of the top manufacturers of specialized cameras, image processing and transmission equipment in Japan, Ikegami Tsushinki Company Limited is definitely on a mission to creating the best broadcast cameras the world will ever see.

With its collaboration with Japan Broadcasting Corporation, we can only look forward for better things to come when it comes to the broadcast cameras we see on the market.

Digital XL

Apart from the above-mentioned, a collaboration from three video recording pros resulted to another 8K camera known as the Digital XL or DXL. This is from RED, Panavision and a subsidiary of Panavision, which is the Light Iron.

The sensor used is a RED sensor that has been improved to match the range of large format lenses of Panavision. This has allowed the camera to be capable of 8K RAW video footages as well as 4K footage in ProRes. Moreover, located underneath its body is a patented Steadicam dovetail.

Digital XL Features

It also has a top cheese plate for users to be able to attach a handle system. With a 16-bit 35.5 Megapixel CMOS sensor and an 8K resolution, the DXL also boasts of a sensor size of 40.96mm x 21.60mm in large format and a dynamic range of 15 stops.

It also has a max frame rate of 60fps at 8K Full Frame and at 75 fps at 8K at 2.4:1. Additionally, it boasts of a color profile which is compatible with transfer curves and gamuts made possible by Light Iron Color. More importantly, it is lighter than its competitors at 10 lbs.

What’s in store for 8K camcorders

8K digital cameras might not be completely accepted in the main stream and can be expensive but it definitely delivers quality and crisp footages. With some Hollywood movies being filmed with high-res video cameras, this just goes to show that this is the direction technology is going.