A new compact 4K camera head will be launched by IO Industries at IBC. The Flare 4KSDI features a Super 35 (22.53mm x 11.88mm) CMOS sensor with a global electronic shutter, and quad-link 3G/HD-SDI outputs. It can shoot up to 60p in both 4K (4096×2160) and UHD (3840×2160) with either 10-bit 4:2:2 or Raw (Bayer) output, or up to 30p with 4:4:4 RGB output.
It also has an interchangeable lens mount system, taking PL-mount, Canon EF-mount and Nikon F-mount options, and all camera settings can be adjusted remotely with the same handheld remote control as IO’s existing 2KSDI camera or it can be used with third-party control panels. It has a dynamic range/sensitivity of 60dB, 10 stops.
Multiple cameras can be synchronised together with a tri-level-sync reference, for live events or multi-camera systems.
However, there’s no recording inside the camera, which requires a separate 4K field recorder such an AJA Ki Pro Quad or Convergent Design Odyssey 7Q, but that means it is smaller (only 92x92x75mm) and weighs 600g without a lens, so that it can be used for tight PoV angles in race cars, inside small gimbals for helicopters (or drones) or in underwater housings. It also simplifies jib work, as it can be used with much lighter units, such as the Polecam. Deliveries are expected in October or November.
IO Industries has also upgraded its existing HD/2K mini camera. The new Flare 2KSDI-ENR offers significant improvement in image quality over the original 2KSDI as well as some additional output formats.
The compact camera, which is typically used for PoV or in-car applications, weighs just 310g, takes a variety of different lens mounts, and can output full 2K Raw for digital cinema or 422 for live broadcast. It also gains new RGB 4:4:4 output modes in 1080p and 2K.
Other improvements include: lower noise from CFPN, RFPN, and PRNU; complete removal of a ‘black sun’ artefact, which caused the centre of a bright light or the sun to appear black; a higher range of analogue gain adjustment; and automatic black clamp on each frame.
The 2KSDI-ENR kit includes a Power/Control Cable (with control Lemo, and power tap) an AC adaptor (with power tap connector), a handheld remote, and a USB Control Cable (for camera control and to update the firmware and look up tables from a PC).
