Panavision and RED kicked-off this year’s BSC Expo with a sequel to their original 2016 Millennium DXL 8K camera collaboration, simply called the DXL 2.
The updated large-format camera boasts impressive 16 stops dynamic range, 1600 native ISO, and a 35 megapixel RED MONSTRO 8K VV sensor that sits at the heart of the system. The Panavision Millennium DXL2 features Light Iron’s color2 science (LiColor2) and 16bit colour. The DXL2 builds on the success of the Millennium DXL and benefits from Panavision’s unique and storied partnership with cinematographers, whose real-world experience and input are manifested in the DXL2’s many significant advances.
“The Millennium DXL2 8K camera system was conceived with the goal of maximum creative control from the moment of capture through delivery and display,” says Michael Cioni, senior VP of Innovation at Panavision and Light Iron. “Panavision’s vast inventory of advanced large-format and anamorphic optics combined with RED’s MONSTRO imager expands what’s possible, allowing filmmakers to create radically inventive and powerfully cinematic images, customized for the needs of the project and the vision of creative teams.”
The Panavision Millennium DXL2 utilizes a dual-recording system allowing 2K proxy files a faster and more streamlined workflow for editorial. DXL2 has 3 options for recording codecs (REDCODE RAW, ProRes or DNxHR) this way users can decide exactly which file type fits their editorial pipeline best. When editing is complete, proxy file metadata matches RAW file metadata for a simple and streamlined final conform in 2K, 4K, or 8K.
Panavision DXL2 Specs/Features
- Sensor:
- 16-bit, 35.4 Megapixel CMOS
- 40.96mm x 21.60mm (Diagonal: 46.31mm)
- Size – Large Format
- Resolution
- 8192 x 4320
- Dynamic Range
- 16 Stops – DXL2
- Max Frame Rate
- 60 fps at 8K Full Frame (8192 x 4320),
- 75 fps at 8K 2.4:1 (8192 x 3456)
- Recording Codec
- 8K RAW with simultaneous 4K proxy (ProRes or DNx)
- Recording Media
- SSD (up to 1 hour on a single magazine)
- File Type
- .R3D (supported in RED SDK)
- Color Profile
- Light Iron Color 2 (compatible with all popular gamuts and transfer curves)
- Weight: 10 lbs.
Shot on GH5S
The Panavision DXL2 is a truly magnificent camera technology specimen and below you can see the data rates you can expect from various resolutions.
- 8K RAW
- 16bit REDCode RAW
- 1 TB per hour @ 24fps
- 8K/60fps max
- 4K RGB
- ProRes / DNxHR
- 500GB per hour @ 24fps
- 4K/60p max frame rate
- 2K RGB
- ProRes / DNxHR
- 250GB per hour @ 24fps
- 2K at 120fps maximum frame rate
The DXL2 however is not all about resolution, but also colour fidelity. Hence why the DXL2 system offers a custom colour correction filter made with a high-precision design and manufacturing process called PX Pro, which provides a significant increase in colour separation and greater colour precision.
The filters provide an infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) cut that improves colour clarity and reduces noise and IR contamination. The characteristics are most notably demonstrated in lens flares and highlights, resulting in a cleaner image that enables for more creative control. The optical and electronic elements of the PX Pro work together with the Panavision glass, RED VV sensor, and Light Iron Color 2 to create a look completely unique to DXL2.
The DXL2 offers a wide range of Panavision lenses to suit your style and help you get your creative vision in camera, thanks to lenses such as the “vintage” Super Panavision 70 or the anamorphic flavour of the Ultra Panavision 70 series.
Panavision Millennium DXL2 / Shot on Panasonic GH5s
If you are attending BSC Expo tomorrow February 3rd, I highly recommend checking out the Millennium DXL2 at the Panavision booth (Stand 502, right at the entrance of the show, and yeah, it is always packed so get there early) alongside a showcase of the company’s large-format and anamorphic optics, as well as the latest products and solutions from Panalux, Light Iron and Panavision Grip and Remote Systems.
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