LONDON — At BSC Expo 2018, here, Panavision (www.panavision.com) introduced the new Millennium DXL2 8K camera. The large-format camera is the heart of a complete imaging ecosystem designed from filmmakers’ perspectives, incorporating Panavision’s optics and camera architecture, the Red Monstro 8K VV sensor, and Light Iron color2 science (LiColor2). The DXL2 builds on the success of Panavision’s Millennium DXL and benefits from the company’s partnerships with cinematographers, whose real-world experience and input are manifested in the DXL2’s many 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.”
Panavision is a camera and lens manufacturer that also serves filmmakers as a trusted rental house. Since its introduction, the DXL has been used on over 20 feature films, and numerous television shows, commercials and music videos. Oscar nominee John Schwartzman, ASC, who photographed two features on the DXL, and is among those who have tested the DXL2.
“When you take an 8K image and super-sample it, it only gets better,” says Schwartzman. “It’s absolutely beautiful to look at. For me, the Millennium DXL2 is a no-brainer. It’s something I would use on anything. It does it all. And in fact, I’m currently planning to shoot my next feature with it.”
The Monstro 8K VV sensor offers a 16-plus stops of dynamic range with improvements in image quality and shadow detail, a native ISO setting of 1600, and ProRes 4K up to 60 fps. Images are presented on the camera in log format using Light Iron color science. An integrated PX-Pro color spectrum filter custom-made for the DXL offers a significant increase in color separation and dramatically higher color precision to the image.
New to the DXL2, LiColor2 streamlines the 8K pipeline, smoothly handling the workflow and offering convenient and quick access to high-quality RAW images, accommodating direct to edit without delays.
“We are proud to provide an ecosystem of tools that gives filmmakers more choices to express their vision,” adds Panavision CEO and president Kim Snyder. “We have been listening to feedback from cinematographers and the results of our collaboration are directly manifested in the DXL2. We remain committed to continuous technological development and are excited to bring this new camera to market.”