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| Panavision High Definition Primo Digital™ Imaging |
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1997, Panavision and Sony announced their collaboration on the development of a 24P digital high definition camera suitable for use by filmmakers to create big screen motion picture image quality. Shortly afterward, George Lucas asked Sony and Panavision to accelerate the development of the 24P system in order for him to shoot Star Wars: Episode 2. We knew, from 45 years of experience, that a complete imaging system approach was the only way for traditional film crews to make a seamless transition into digital production. With this in mind, we made a number of modifications to the Sony HDW-F900 24P camera. For starters, the Panavised camera received a heavy duty front plate and lens mount, along with a prism block modified to work with our specially designed Primo Digital™ lenses. The system now accommodates most of our standard film camera accessories as well as new accessories designed exclusively for digital cinematography.
In addition to the mechanical modifications to the camera, a unique optical pre-filter gives you better color matching with film emulsions and enhanced resolution for blue screen effects cinematography. Last, but not least, we designed the new Ultraview® viewfinder for studio and handheld cine-style use. It presents a 2 times larger image along with a greater diopter range.
When Panavision accepted the challenge to create optics for digital cinematography to be used for Star Wars: Episode 2, “create” was the operative word since even the finest existing cine lenses would not be up to the task. Because of the small size of the 2/3" CCD sensor—less than half the size of a 35mm film frame—almost every optical parameter would have to exceed the performance of the best cine lenses by 21/2 times. The results of our effort is the Primo Digital™ Lens System.
Primo Digital™ prime and zoom lenses fully incorporate the optical, mechanical and ergonomic characteristics of their Academy Award® winning cine predecessors. All Primo Digital™ lenses permit selective control of colorimetry and resolution/contrast via insertable lens filters (worldwide patents pending). Additionally, these filters provide a constant effect through focus and zoom unlike conventional filters placed in front of or behind the lens.
To maximize versatility and ensure optimal image quality, Primo Digital™ lenses employ state of the art optomechanical components, such as ultra precision linear bearings, exotic glasses, finely ground aspherical surfaces and high efficiency anti-reflection coatings (up to 12 layers), in very compact, lightweight packages. Rather than treat each zoom lens design separately, Panavision has developed its Primo Digital™ zoom lenses together so that they properly address customer needs. We began with two slightly overlapping medium ratio 4.5x zooms which cover wide angle to telephoto focal lengths of 6-27mm and 25-112mm with a 20x total focal length range. Then we added a 9x larger ratio 8-72mm zoom to accommodate virtually all shooting scenarios. All Primo Digital™ lenses are optimized for maximum image quality at fast maximum apertures of T1.6-1.9 (F1.45-1.75), thus enabling depths of field similar to 35mm cine formats. For visual effects and CGI work the lenses are available with integral encoders for real-time sub-pixel accuracy of focus, zoom, and aperture data. Furthermore, the Panavision system philosophy of compatibility and standardization between cameras, lenses, and accessories continues and is expanded in the Primo Digital™ lens series.
Star Wars: Episode 2 was photographed with our 11:1 and 4:1 Primo Digital™ zooms. Since then, we have developed and produced three additional zooms and six primes to build the growing series of Primo Digital™lenses. Panavision is committed to continuously developing our Digital Imaging System in close collaboration with our clients, just as we have done with our film systems over the last 45 years. Now your HD project will benefit from the same dedication to customer service and superior image quality that is the hallmark of Panavision. |
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