• Camera Technology

Ready for the Big Screen

From the initial sensor readout to advanced image processing and video compression, we have mastered all steps of digital imaging. Our camera experience includes the hardware design for the digital cores for the ARRI ALEXA and the 6.5K camera ALEXA 65. We have also developed our original proCAM camera platform that serves as the basis for our sinaCAM 2D/3D remote head camera and the medCAM, a camera model for medical applications.

Whether it is 3D, 4K, 3G-SDI, DNxHD®, ProRes and MXF, the streaming of uncompressed video data over distances up to 180 meters or something previously unheard of – we’re always ready for the latest challenge in the imaging field! Our own solutions for processing steps like de-mosaicing, defective pixel correction and scaling produce results that delight even the most demanding of today’s filmmakers. And of course our imaging know-how can be used in other fields as well!

3.5k Camera Platform for ARRI’s ALEXA Series

The first camera on the scene started ARRI’s ALEXA family; it is the keystone of a modular and upgradeable system with exceptional image performance that is simple to operate, reliable in even the most extreme environments and versatile enough to cover a wide range of workflow and budget requirements.

Solectrix contributions to the ALEXA series:

  • Involved in the development of many model upgrades: ALEXA, ALEXA Plus, ALEXA Plus 4:3, ALEXA Studio, ALEXA XT, ALEXA XT Plus, ALEXA XT Studio
  • Hardware design of digital core and interfaces
  • FPGA design of digital core and interfaces
  • Hardware design of storage unit for SxS cards and SSDs
  • Architecture and implementation of complete image processing chain from sensor linearization to video output
  • Architecture and implementation of image compression and storage (DTE)
  • Development of real-time BSP and application software
  • Prototyping, verification, tooling and life cycle management

6.5K Camera Platform for ARRI’s ALEXA 65

Solectrix developed the digital core for ARRI’s ALEXA 65, the world’s first 65 mm digital camera. This is the culmination of 10 years of collaborating closely with the Munich-based camera manufacturer.

Solectrix contributions to the ALEXA 65:

  • Hardware development of digital core and interfaces
  • FPGA design of digital core and interfaces
  • Hardware development of storage unit
  • Development of real-time BSP and application software
  • Series production of PCBs

Official ARRI ALEXA 65 page

sinaCAM

sinaCAM is a new kind of “real 3D” HD camera system based on the proCAM platform and featuring remote camera heads. It was developed by Solectrix in collaboration with Anadicon Solutions for the professional film market.

The system is light-weight and flexible thanks to its remote camera heads which can be placed up to 180 m (590 ft) away from the base unit. The compact size of the camera heads enable the construction of significantly smaller 3D camera rigs than usual. The dual 14-bit 2/3” CCD sensor of sinaCAM provides excellent images at 1080p resolution with up to 60 fps with a dynamic range of 13.5 f-stops. A broad range of advanced picture settings and the support for various Sony remote control panels please even demanding professional filmmakers. Building on the sinaCAM’s proCAM platform, the sinaCAM LT is a 2D version of the camera while the medCAM was developed as a study for the medical sector. Furthermore, Codex built on the sinaCAM’s remote camera heads to develop the Action CAM, offering direct recording to CODEX Capture Drive™.

Official sinaCAM page

Developing a Camera

A digital camera is a complete system with a multitude of highly customized components including mechanics, electronics, software and image processing algorithms. This is an overview of the development steps and technical know-how that go into its development.

  • Conceptualization
    • Pre-Qualification
    • Algorithm evaluation
    • Reference modelling tool
  • Sensor Frontend Expertise
    • Design & configuration
    • Colorimetry and calibration
    • Interfaces: HiSPi™ & CSI, CML, subLVDS
  • Image Processing
    • High Dynamic Range, ISP
    • Video pipeline including deBayering
    • Flexible ISPs on CPU, GPU and FPGA basis
    • Image enhancement and scaling
    • Stereoscopic processing
  • Image Analysis, Compression & Storage
    • Pattern recognition and analysis
    • CPU, GPU and FPGA-based realization of compression algorithms
    • Recording to different types of storage media
  • Interfaces and Streaming
    • FPD-Link™, GMSL™, CoaXPress®, PoC, PoE, PoDL
    • Ethernet, BroadR-Reach, 10 GbE
    • RTP/UDP, GigE Vision®, AVB, gPTP, SOME / IP
    • HD-SDI (1,5 G… 12 G), autonomous PCIe®-DMA
  • Displays
    • Design and configuration
    • Color spaces, optimization, overlays
    • Interfaces: DSI®, LVDS, SDI, HDMI®, DisplayPort™

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