Next Generation Camera

Getting ahead of the curve

 Background
• Sony cameras evolved from traditional
broadcast designs when the need was to send
an analog signal across a studio
• Since then data transfer has evolved
• Tape based workflows are dying out and being
replaced with radically different methods
• Today, the camera is only a part of the process
and the true power is in the system
• Cameras are getting simpler, not more complex
• Processing is being off-loaded to the cloud
• The Red Epic is more than just a new
imager, Red has redefined what a camera
system is
• Sony has to listen to the voice of the
customers who are using Red cameras,
and rethink its camera systems
architecture
• There is room for Sony to innovate but we
must act swiftly
• The power is in the system
 What is a Camera?
• A networked terminal that converts information from
the physical world into useable digital information
• Integral part of an overall system that defers those
functions which can be done later to downstream
components
• Has no onboard processing in the camera except as
• A minimalist approach supported by processing needed for local monitoring or transmission to storage
power in the rest of the system
• Operates easily in untethered handheld applications
• Provides a comprehensive interface for the Director and
Director of Photography
• Simplifies and automates Metadata embedding
 What is a Camera?
A to D
Storage

Lens
Battery

Network
Interface

Modular
Imager
construction
 What is a Camera?
• Imager • Storage adapter
– Lens mount – Accepts SSD media with capacity up to
– Imager 500GB

– A/D converter • Wireless interface module(s)

– RAW interface – Remote control interface
• Local control module – Opportunistic download

• Monitor output module – Real time monitor feed

– 422 720/1080 • Electronic viewfinder

• Network interface adapter • Power options
– 8Gbps dual link Fiberchannel – One or more battery packs
– Dual link 10Gbps Ethernet – AC adapter

*Customer only installs modules they need

 Requirements
• Imager • Complete metadata

– 8k modified Bayer pattern – Lens data (focal length, aperture, etc.)

– High dynamic range – Camera setup parameters (exposure, etc.)

• Data outputs – Director of Photography input (LUTs etc.)

– GPS derived data

– RAW data
– Geolocation
– No onboard processing in the camera except as needed for local monitoring or transmission to storage
– Time reference (precision reference to automate TC)
– Metadata
– Inertial, angular and motion data
– 1080p/720p RGB
– Slate data received wirelessly
• Interfaces
– Additional production notes as needed
– Real time RAW over 10Gb Ethernet or Fiberchannel
• Weight
– Control and “Opportunistic” download via 802.11n wireless
– 2.5kg body only
– Local monitoring via HD-SDI and HDMI
– < 6kg shooting configuration including recorder but w/o lens

• Local storage module • Power options

– Accepts SSD module – Battery pack

• Modular construction – DC power supply

– Customer only installs modules they need • Configurable for untethered operation
 The Camera System
Recordable
Remote Control Module Media Dock

Network Server
WiFi or
DP Interface Bluetooth

Fiber Channel
or 10GigE
Complete Software Solution

LUT Rendering
Monitor
Live Operation Modules
 Director of Photography interface

• IOS and Android application

• Select Camera Look Up Tables
(LUTs) to manage color • Click to edit Master text styles
• Measure and control exposure – Second level
• Monitor feedback of camera and – Third level
signal status and levels • Fourth level
– Fifth level
• Enter additional notes as needed
 Remote Control Module
• Measure and control exposure
• Manage color through LUTs
including inputting LUTs
• Click to edit Master text styles
• Monitor camera and signal status
and levels – Second level
• Acquire and manage metadata
– Third level
• Fourth level
• Manage camera modules such as
– Fifth level
network interfaces
 Storage
• Recordable Media Dock • Network Server Application
– For unloading SSD
media
– eSata, NAS and USB 3.0
interfaces
– Add-on function to dump
media to LTO-5
– Software running on
Linux/Mac/Windows server
– Manages real time transfer of
RAW images and metadata
– Manages opportunistic wireless
transfer of RAW images and
metadata
– Managed through UI and web
services (Conductor)
 LUT Rendering Monitor
• Receive image files with embedded
metadata (LUTs)
• Apply and render LUTs and display • Click to edit Master text styles
the corrected image in real time
• When used with the remote control,
– Second level
allows monitoring of the impact of real – Third level
time “camera adjustment” • Fourth level
– Fifth level
Data Movers for Live Operation
• Transfer module
– Manages transfer of RAW
• Wireless receiver
images and metadata from module
camera to render module for
real time display and – Processing as
transmission appropriate for
– Functionally same as network bandwidth limitations
server application for real time display
and transmission
 Render Module
• Inserted at or before the vision
mixer/switcher
• Click to edit Master text styles
• Applies accumulated LUTs
• Use Ellcami
– Second level
• Can also be used in a variety of Post
– Third level
Production roles • Fourth level
– Feeds to non-render capable monitors – Fifth level
(e.g. consumer sets in offices or viewing
rooms)
– In preparation of dailies materials for
use in editing systems
 Network Interfaces
10Gbps Ethernet 8Gbps Fiberchanel
• Using Ethernet for isochronous data
– Connect as a point to point data link

– Isolate camera data transmission from

• Using Fiberchannel
camera control & metadata
transmission – Write directly to storage
– Don’t connect to a blocking switch
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 Color and Metadata Management

• In the last century, Kodak was the

authority in color management. In the
21st century, Sony should be that voice.
• Color management can be redefined in a • Done properly, as part of the integrated system,
way that: the camera allows Sony to control the images
flowing through the post production process.
– Captures the creative decisions made during
photography, • Sony can integrate the technology into its
cameras and bring to market the systems that
– Carries and preserves those decisions
leverage the capability it provides
– Allows further refinement post production • Control of the camera is essential.
• The camera is part of this process – but
only a part.
 To Summarize
• This design breaks new ground, using modular
system design to produce the best possible image
quality with advanced workflows
• It reaches far beyond where Red has set the bar in
file based camera technology
• It will allow Sony to continue to compete with new
• It is a uncluttered image capture device that defers cameras like the Red Epic by offering not only better
image processing (applying LUTs etc.) imaging technology but also a superior workflow
downstream modules in the system • For image processing Ellcami has an important role to
play but with many functions Sony’s new products will
be software running on hardware made from
commodity IT components