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With an image area of 1280 x 720 pixels, the display in the new ARRI Electronic View-finder (EVF) provides a resolution exceed-ing that of most existing viewfinders. The optical design and coated glass optics en-sure high contrast and low distortion while providing an evenly illuminated viewing area. The pixel field is flashed sequentially with the three primary colors. Instead of

The ARRI Electronic ViewfinderTo complement our entry level digital cameras we have developed

the ARRI Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), a viewing system that combines

a state-of-the-art F-LCOS micro display with an innovative auto-

calibrating LED light engine, high-quality coated glass optics and

robust mechanics. The system offers much more than conventional

electronic viewfinders; it has been specifically designed to meet

the needs of professional camera operators with high resolution,

accurate color reproduction, carefully considered ergonomics,

overscan and extremely low latency.

having to divide the pixels into different colors by filters, 96% of the display area actually forms an image, and therefore drastically reduces visible pixel structure. At the same time, the high refresh rate of the display effectively suppresses the flicker and color-breakup often associated with other sequential systems. The unique auto-calibrating, temperature controlled LED light engine ensures true and reliable color representation over a wide variety of operating conditions. A proprietary con-nection to the camera, and a design that maximizes the processing power of both cameras and viewfinder, lead to an ex-tremely low latency, so the action seen in the viewfinder is always the same as the action in front of the camera.

Given the large format of the new image sensor, the electronic viewfinder can also display an over-scanned viewing area that surrounds the recorded format. Zoom and overlay options aid in the judgment of focus and exposure while clearly laid out graphi-

cal information provides a quick overview of camera status.

The viewfinder was not only developed to provide the best possible image, it was also specifically designed to fit the ergonomic needs of the operator. Even when using a matte box on a short prime lens, the compact dimensions of the finder guarantee that the eyepiece can be adjusted to a comfortable position for shoulder operation. The small, self-contained unit can also be easily mounted in different positions relative to the camera, depending on the application.

Combining the advantages of an electronic display with the viewing quality operators have come to expect from ARRI cameras, the new electronic viewfinder is a flexible and economical complement to high-end optical viewing systems.

Michael Koppetz

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> > > The ARRI Digital Camera System > > > > The ARRI Digital Camera System > > > >

0.42

15.58

1.25 0.72

2.94 2.18

4.47 4.39

6.28 5.96

7.98 7.22

10.48 9.45

11.28 11.06

13.05 12.31

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3.16 1.95

5.7 4.16

6.51 5.74

8.2 6.99

10.71 9.23

11.5 10.84

13.27 12.08

Dynamic Range ∼ 12.1 [f-stops]

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first field with Modulation is just before clipping Gamma 0.6

darkest field above noise level Gamma 3

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0.9

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new ARRI ALEV III sensor prototype

Competitor

signalpath: log with offset corr.

signalpath log / T2

New ARRI ALEV III sensor prototypeDynamic Range: 12.1 f-stops with ARRI Dynamic Range Test ChartSNR 5%, 50% 90%: 26.88; 49.58 dB with ARRI Dynamic Range Test Chartsensitivity: 800+ ASA based on Exposure Indexsensitivity: 1000+ ASA relative to 500 ASA Vision III

CompetitorDynamic Range: 11.3 f-stops with ARRI Dynamic Range Test ChartSNR 5%, 50%, 90%: 20.67; 49.60 dB with ARRI Dynamic Range Test Chartsensitivity: 400 ASA based on Exposure Index

13.0 12.1 11.3 10.00.000.010.020.030.040.05

photometry comparisonARRI ALEV III sensor prototype / competitor

f-stops

dynamic range

16.0 15.0 14.0 13.0 12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0

400 ASA

800 ASA

Δ ≈ 1 f-stop

In our extensive discussions with cinematogra-phers it has become clear that the camera’s sensitivity and contrast range are far more im-portant than having even more pixels. Unfor-tunately, there is neither a standard method for measuring sensitivity and contrast range, nor is there a standard across different indus-tries for how to express those photometric per-formance characteristics in product literature. For instance, while in cinematography and still photography sensitivity is normally measured in EI or ASA, broadcast cameras are measured according to the aperture number f, which is necessary to avoid clipping at an 89% reflection of 2000 Lux. This broadcast method, however, is difficult to reproduce and values from differ-ent manufacturers are hardly comparable.

This poses an even greater problem, as pro-fessional moving image productions now use camera systems of all types, including cell phones, still cameras with HD output, pro-sumer video cameras, professional video cameras and top of the line single chip large format digital cameras.

To tackle the first issue, the missing standard for measuring sensitivity and contrast range of a camera system, the ARRI Central Quality Management department has developed a Dynamic Range Test Chart (DRTC). The DRTC is a new testing method, which can show up to 15 stops in one frame. A detailed description of the issues concerning the exact measurement of sensitivity and contrast range will be made available later and will appear in the SMPTE Journal. At IBC there will be a setup dem-onstrating how the new method works.

Until a broad consensus has been found re-garding how to express sensitivity and con-trast range, it seems best to use the very pragmatic approach to provide the data in

Measuring and Communicating

Sensitivity and Contrast Rangeall currently used forms common in still photog-raphy, broadcast and cinematography, at least as long as they are reproducible and without too many variables.

Contrast range in f-stops, measured with • the DRTCSensitivity in ASA (relative to a known • standard i.e. 500 ASA Vision 3)Sensitivity based on Exposure Index• Signal to noise ration (SNR) for a 5%, • 50% and 90% y-signal level

Below are the measurements of the new ARRI ALEV III sensor prototype compared with a leading competitor.

Dr. Hans Kiening

The new ARRI Dynamic Range Test Chart provides more than 15 f-stops dynamic in one test chart. An overlay with spatial content clearly shows the clipping points of a camera system.

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