Panavision DXL revealed, an 8K 60fps RAW cinema camera using RED's codec

[jax_rox]

2 hours ago, Andrew Reid said:

Sony / Nikon full frame sensors still can't match the Alexa after 6 years of trying, although the full res stills files (raw at least) are getting closer.

Why should they have to? Why should a consumer camera have to match a $50k+ high-end cinema camera? I would argue that the F55 matches, and the F65 beats the Alexa in many areas - of course both have differing looks to the Alexa.

I just don't really understand the comment. Of course a $3,000 camera doesn't 'match' the Alexa.

[Andrew Reid]

It isn't just a question of it being better because it's more expensive, rather the point is that the Alexa uses a clever patented method of reading out the sensor applying a dual low gain and high gain A/D conversion to improve dynamic range.

What you're implying doesn't make sense, as you're only looking at the cost factor. It's like saying you can't expect a $3000 12-core Intel PC in 2016 to be as fast as a $250,000 super computer from the 1970's. Nonsense.

In 6 years the tech moves a long way.

I don't think the costs would be unreasonable if other sensor manufacturers like Sony implemented dual-gain architecture on their consumer camera CMOS sensors. It's only a bunch of low gain and high gain analogue-to-digital converters working together, it isn't some gold plated unobtainable material backed onto alien technology that gives the Alexa its dynamic range advantage and film-like rendering - it is the know-how and patents of Arri.

[jax_rox]

23 hours ago, Andrew Reid said:

What you're implying doesn't make sense, as you're only looking at the cost factor. It's like saying you can't expect a $3000 12-core Intel PC in 2016 to be as fast as a $250,000 super computer from the 1970's. Nonsense.

No, it's not like that. It's like saying you can't expect a $3,000 2016 model Ford to perform like a top of the line 2010 model Ferrari. 

My point is Sony already rivals, and in some cases beats Arri, depending who you're talking to. The F65 is a very different camera to the Alexa, of course. But $3,000 cameras, despite being expensive to some, are still built to a price point. 

Let's not forget the F3, lauded by many as the 'mini Alexa' - a camera that also happened to hit the market in 2010, and also cost ~$16k - cheap! 

If Sony could and/or wanted to, they could put that sort of sensor into a $3,000 camera. But they won't. They'd rather you spend $10k+ on an FS7, F5, F55, F65 etc.

The fact that the Alexa still sells at the price point that it does is the reason you can't get an Alexa image in a $3,000 body. If Arri brought something new out, and decided to offload Alexas for $5k, you can bet your bottom dollar that other companies would be selling their Alexa-matching sensors for $3k.

Take a look at the VaricamLT. It has dual-ISO, and an amazing picture, all for ~$20-30k. It can even come with an EF mount. Cheap!

I'm just saying - the reason you can't get an image that rivals an Alexa for $3k is not because no-one can figure it out, or are not allowed to...

[webrunner5]

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/panavision-apos-latest-cinema-camera-093000370.html