Only a few cameras are capable of shooting in 6K, and the KineMAX 6K is one of them. Created by Chinese company Kinefinity (best known for scientific cameras), the camera can capture and record 6K RAW without the need for an external recorder. Kinefinity are proud to call their product “one of three cinema camera models in this planet.” The camera records 6K RAW in KineRAW, a compressed lossless RAW format developed by Kinefinity. It records 4K and lower resolutions in uncompressed CinemaDNG. Also, 3K and lower resolutions can be recorded in Cineform RAW which can easily be edited and graded using mainstream DI software.
Design & Features
The KineMAX 6K is loaded with features. One of the most stunning ones is its 16 f-stop capability. Through a state-of-the-art CMOS sensor, the camera is capable of 14 f-stops with 12 bits output at 6K resolution as well as 16 f-stops at binning 3K resolution (S35 framing) and binning 2K resolution (M4/3 framing). The camera also supports different crop modes that has the same latitude as 6K: M4/3 framing 4K and S16 framing 3K.
The KineRAW codec developed by Kinefinity has an average compression level of 2:1~3:1 lossless compression algorithm. This means that the camera can retain the entirety of information of the original image, meaning there wouldn’t be any color sampling and loss.
While the camera does support SSD cards you would normally use for other devices, you can also use the proprietary SSD called KineMAG which comes in at 240GB thereby allowing you to record around 45 minutes of 4K RAW videos. These clips can then be transcoded into Cineform MOV or CinemaDNG.
The KineMAX is also capable of capturing Slow-Mo up to 4K wide at 100 fps – this is supported at HiSpeed S35. The camera also supports 3K wide up to 150 fps at HiSpeed M4/3 as well as 2K wide to 225 fps at HiSpeed S16.
A native 4K 4:3 frame (4320×3240) at 25 fps is supported by KineMAX. This aspect ratio matches anamorphic lens with a factor of 2. As such, a CinemaScope frame of 8:3 can be gained. It can also reach up to 8640×3240 or 8K CinemaScope during post-workflow. DCI 4K (4096×3076) at 25 fps is also supported.
The KineMAX is built with a Super35mm-sized CMOS sensor which offers outstanding low-light performance making it great for UHD use as well as making DCP for use in modern digital movie theaters (this is helpful as signal to noise ratio under unfavorable lighting conditions is important). The camera can also be used as a normal movie camera when making feature motion pictures and commercials with sufficient lighting; this is an occasion where creators can use the wide exposure latitude and ISO range of the camera in order to get various textures as needed.
The KineMAX 6K has built-in Cineform RAW which means that it can record 2K or 3K Cineform RAW in real time. This codec is compatible on both Mac and Windows computers plus it is suppported by a number of commercial editing and grading tools such as Final Cut Pro, Premiere, Sppedgrade, Resolve and Scratch – just to name a few.
An interchangeable mount called KineMOUNT is used by the camera. The Short FFD KineMOUNT (which is a sub PL mount) can be used with adapters to support different lens mounts, including a standard PL mount, a Canon EF mount and a Nikon F mount.
The KineMAX outputs 1080p/720p through two SDI ports and one HD digital port which allows the use of compatible third-party EVF like the Cineroid EVF/Alphatron EVF.
Lightweight and compact, the KineMAX is about 2 cm longer than the KineMINI and it also has an integrated battery plate and compatible KineKIT for KineMINI.
You can also choose between black or titanium grey for the camera body.
Pros
- Capable of capturing and recording not only in 6K but also 4K, 3K, 2K and 1080p
- Has a maximum of 16 f-stops
- Features an interchangeable mounting system
- Slightly cheaper than its competitors
Cons
- Users can’t directly edit footage (it still needs to be transcoded and that in itself takes time)
Final Thoughts
While it’s true that there aren’t many consumer products available for the consumption of 4K material, shooting in 6K allows creators to make something in a higher resolution. As such, they can get a more detailed image. So yes, 4K consumables may still be limited but it’s the possibilities offered when shooting in something higher than 4K that is the main draw here. Then again, you do need an extra special camera to pull anything off. This is what the KineMAX 6K does: it offers a world of opportunities for creators wanting to put out the best photos or videos.
