The DXL: A New 8K Camera from Panavision and RED

Panavision, Light Iron, and RED Digital Cinema team up to create the ultimate 8K camera for professional filmmakers.

All Images via Panavision

The Millenium Digital XL (or DXL) camera is a new high-end 8K camera built by Panavision, their subsidiary Light Iron, and RED Digital Cinema.

The DXL uses a large format 8K RED sensor, optimized for Panavision’s large format lenses. The camera delivers 21-megapixels of true 4K anamorphic images, a first in the motion picture industry. It can simultaneously capture 8K RAW files and a 4K file in either ProRes or DNx.

The best of three companies has come together for the first time in history. What it does is marry the lenses to the camera to the workflow. It is the most complete system we’ve ever seen. – Haluki Sadahiro, Product Manager for Camera Systems

The camera is smaller than most studio cameras, making it ideal for an array of uses. The body features an interchangeable power module, six independent video outputs, built in WIFI, and dual side menus – one for camera operators and one for camera assistants.

The DXL has a patented Steadicam dovetail on the bottom of the body, allowing users to instantly move from traditional studio use to a Steadicam.

There is a high-end top cheese plate that allows operators to mount a modular handle system, as well as integrated electronics for the viewfinder. The camera system even stays cool using much larger fans than Panavision has traditionally used. The DXL was designed for modular and toolless quick changeover accessories.

The new Panavision T series lenses and the 8K RED sensor will give the only 4K anamorphic in the motion picture industry. More impressive, the motors of the Panavision Primo 70 lenses can be driven internally by the camera. The lenses and sensor all sit on a new Light Iron color science. The DXL supports 6 independent 1D LUTs or up to 4 independent 3D LUTs.

Here is a look at the newer model, the DXL 2 and its development from Panavision.

DXL Specs:

Sensor – 16-bit, 35.5 Megapixel CMOS (RED)
Resolution – 8192 x 4320
Sensor Size – Large Format: 40.96mm x 21.60mm (Diagonal: 46.31mm)
Dynamic Range – 15 stops
Max Frame Rate – 60 fps at 8K Full Frame (8192 x 4320), 75 fps at 8K 2.4:1 (8192 x 3456)
Recording Codec – 8K RAW with simultaneous 4K proxy (ProRes or DNx)
Recording Media – SSD (up to 1 hour on a single magazine)
File Type – .r3d (supported in RED SDK)
Color Profile – Light Iron Color (compatible with all popular gamuts and transfer curves)
Weight – 10 lbs

The camera will be available for rental only beginning in 2017. It will make a public appearance at Cine Gear Expo.