Codex Digital has launched Codex Action CAM, an ultra-compact digital cinema camera and recording package for 2D and S3D production. The new camera will debut at NAB 2014 in Las Vegas. It is scheduled to ship during summer 2014.
The camera is designed for use as an action, witness or POV camera system on commercials, TV and movie productions when larger cameras are impractical due to situation or location. Availability and pricing will be announced at NAB 2014.
The Codex Action CAM employs a 2⁄3” CCD sensor, which provides low signal-to-noise ratio, temperature stability and no visible fixed-pattern-noise. A global shutter helps eliminaate distortion of fast-moving objects, lending support for VFX applications. The camera features 14-bit image-processing, a 12-bit RAW output and Codex’s debayering technology.
The camera is capable of shooting RAW at up to 60fps. For lenses, Action CAM offers C-mount plus EF, PL and B4-mount adaptors. The company claims that the camera resolves the common issues of syncing associated with small format cameras. Multiple camera heads can be in sync with other main unit cameras like the ARRI Alexa.
Action CAM features a Codex Camera Control recorder that delivers full remote control of the camera. The Camera Control Recorder can be used to operate the camera head and adjust white balance, exposure index and frame rates. Delivery formats, via Codex media stations or Codex Vault workflows, include Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD, uncompressed and H.264.
The camera can also be used in S3D applications. Two camera heads can be connected to the Codex Camera Control Recorder, and the signals undergo identical processing, delivering synchronous stereo output and identical image properties, such as white balance and contrast. Shutter sync, Genlock and LTC capabilities allow Codex Action CAMs to be synchronised with other digital cinematography cameras.
“As the name suggests, Codex Action CAM is a simple, no-nonsense, out-of-the-box camera and recoding system,” said Marc Dando, managing director of Codex. “In one compact package the tiny camera shoots exceptional images and, unlike other small cameras, has a rock-solid workflow behind it – allowing cinematographers to shoot with confidence in new and ever more creative ways.”
