Panavision, a designer and manufacturer of 35mm cameras and lenses for filmed entertainment, made a major announcement regarding the debut of the Millenium XL2 and Genesis cameras. The two systems will be on display during Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles, June 11-12. "Today is a great day for Panavision. We have two new cameras," said Bob Beitcher, president and CEO of Panavision. "We have refreshed and invigorated our product line."

Panavision Genesis
Genesis is the first film-style fully portable digital imaging camera that utilizes all existing spherical 35mm lenses, including Primo primes, zooms and support gear. The Genesis camera will be available exclusively through Panavision.

"Panavision is the preeminent source of motion picture imaging equipment throughout the world, and intends to maintain this position through the continued development of new cameras and lens systems as well as other technologies that enhance the performance of image capture," explained Beitcher. "Providing the best tools possible to cinematographers is our main goal, whether it is film or digital cameras. Digital moviemaking is a reality, and we felt we should design a digital camera that makes sense to filmmakers. The Genesis camera comes from our belief that cinematographers deserve a best-in-class product."

The Genesis camera, which contains a Super 35mm-sized sensor, also has a 35mm depth of field equivalent. The size, weight and ergonomics are similar to existing Panavision 35mm cameras. Features include speeds up to 50 fps, utilization of many existing cine accessories, and a dockable Sony SRW-1 VTR that virtually eliminates the use of cables.

"Filmmakers asked for a camera not tethered to a recording system and free from excessive cables," said Bob Harvey, Sr. VP, Worldwide Sales. "With Genesis, the docking recorder travels on the top and rear of the camera to simulate the look and feel—as well as the convenience—of the Panaflex."

Other features include:

• Full bandwidth, dual link 4:4:4 HDSDI outputs
• Single 4:2:2 HDSDI monitor output
• Dual viewfinder outputs
• Fiber optic camera adaptor
• Integrated lens control
• Camera control via Panavision RDC or Sony MSU, RMB series controllers
• Digital lateral chromatic aberration compensation for improved visual effects cinematography

With a 12.4 megapixel, true RGB sensor, 10-bit log per color output, the Genesis has a greater dynamic range than available digital cameras.

The Genesis camera is based on Sony's CCD technology, is designed jointly by Sony and Panavision, and will be manufactured at Panavision's Woodland Hills facility.

"Panavision has been working with Sony since 2000 on this camera, and we were able to give our input into every phase of development to make sure that this product was designed for cinematographers," said John Galt, Sr. VP, Advanced Digital Imaging. "Simply put, there is nothing out there right now that can match the performance of this technology."

The Genesis camera will be available for rental by the end of the year.

The Genesis announcement was also acommpanied by the debut of the Panaflex Millennium XL2. When the Panaflex Millennium was introduced in 1999, it became Panavision's flagship camera. The enhanced XL2 camera represents the most significant sustained engineering project in the company's history. Based on customer suggestions, the new features and enhancements include a higher top speed of 50fps, a new high-performance video assist for brighter and sharper video, a choice of viewfinder image sizes in studio mode, and a simplified film-threading path.

"Panavision has always held to a very high standard when it comes to our customers and our equipment," said Beitcher. "With the Panaflex Millennium XL2, we listened to our customers needs and quickly responded. Our object is to continue to move forward in both the film and digital arenas."

Panaflex Millennium XL2
The Panaflex Millennium XL2 can be converted from hand-held to Steadicam to studio mode within seconds, with no tools required. Using the included video viewfinder provides additional options within hand-held mode. The film path utilizes a dual sprocket, which allows for easy threading and loop setting. Separate drive motors for the movement and shutter allow in-shot timing adjustments for special effect streak shots. As expected, the Millennium movement is very quiet, steady and virtually maintenance free. Familiar Panaflex features such as Panaglow, Panaclear and behind-the-lens filter have been retained.

Key features on the Panaflex Millennium XL2 include:

• A speed range of 3-50 fps, crystal speed control, (selectable in 1/1000 of a frame increments)
• In-shot variable 11.2-180 degree shutter
• Millennium movement requiring infrequent lubrication
• Dual full-fitting registration pins, full speed rotating reflex mirror
• Behind-the-lens filter
• Detachable, dual-sided front display panel
• Rear operator panel for speed and shutter setting with full display and connectors for remote operation
• Dual sprocket design for quick threading and looping
• Internal servo motor control electronics for focus, T-stop and zoom
• Focus, T-stop and zoom connectors in faceplate
• Wired or wireless remote control
• Iris rod bracket with 24VDC power connectors
• Separate remote control for timed speed shutter compensated shots
• 200', 400' and 1000' magazines
• Onboard battery
• Easy Super 35 conversion
• Dual drive motors for shutter and movement, easily re-timed for effects and 3 or 4 perf conversion

"Panavision's goal is to provide our customers with the best technology available, be it film or digital. The Millennium XL2 is an evolution of our flagship film camera that incorporates many changes asked for by industry professionals," said Al Mayer Jr., director of research and development.

The improved viewfinder has an easily detachable viewing system for quick conversion to hand-held and can be used in either Steadicam or studio mode. A five-inch video viewfinder can be attached in place of the viewfinder, allowing for multiple positioning and incorporating a front-to-back adjustment for camera balance. The camera utilizes the Millennium studio viewfinder system including the telescoping extension eyepiece and the ground glass can be replaced with a clear format screen for higher performance video on Steadicam or crane shots.

The addition of an advanced integrated video assist to provide brighter, sharper images was another key improvement. The advanced integrated video assist has an internal iris for exposure control, selectable neutral density filters eliminate flicker at all camera speeds, freeze and compare modes, electronic de-anamorphoser, auto color balance or two pre-set color temperatures, multiple gain settings, picture interpolation for
enhanced picture quality, frameline and character generator and film camera speed and footage display output in video display.

"For all of us at Panavision, it's heartwarming and uplifting to see the two cameras today," said Beitcher. "We are committed to film and digital."

The Panaflex Millennium XL2 will be available in quantity by the end of the year.