Panavision introduced the new Millennium DXL2 8K camera at the recently wrapped BSC Expo 2018 in London. The large-format camera is the heart of a complete imaging ecosystem designed from filmmakers’ perspectives, seamlessly incorporating Panavision’s optics and camera architecture, the RED MONSTRO 8K VV sensor, and Light Iron color2 science (LiColor2). The DXL2 builds on the success of the Millennium DXL and benefits from Panavision’s unique and storied partnership with cinematographers, whose real-world experience and input are manifested in the DXL2’s many significant advances.
“The Millennium DXL2 8K camera system was conceived with the goal of maximum creative control from the moment of capture through delivery and display,” said Michael Cioni, senior VP of Innovation at Panavision and Light Iron. “Panavision’s vast inventory of advanced large-format and anamorphic optics combined with RED’s MONSTRO imager expands what’s possible, allowing filmmakers to create radically inventive and powerfully cinematic images, customized for the needs of the project and the vision of creative teams.”
As a camera and lens manufacturer that also serves filmmakers as a trusted rental house, Panavision is uniquely positioned to respond to the needs of the community. Since its introduction, the DXL has been used on over 20 feature films, and countless television shows, commercials and music videos. Oscar® nominee John Schwartzman, ASC photographed two features on the DXL and is among those who have tested the DXL2, providing input that has guided the design.
Schwartzman said, “When you take an 8K image and super-sample it, it only gets better. It’s absolutely beautiful to look at. For me, the Millennium DXL2 is a no-brainer. It’s something I would use on anything. It does it all. And in fact, I’m currently planning to shoot my next feature with it.”
The RED MONSTRO 8K VV sensor in the DXL2 offers a healthy 16-plus stops of dynamic range with improvements in image quality and shadow detail, a native ISO setting of 1600, and ProRes 4K up to 60 fps. Images are presented on the camera in log format using Light Iron color science. An integrated PX-Pro color spectrum filter custom-made for the DXL offers a significant increase in color separation and dramatically higher color precision to the image. Built-in Preston MDR, 24v power and expanded direct-to-edit features are also standard equipment on the DXL2. An anamorphic flare attachment (AFA) offers a convenient, controllable method of introducing flare with spherical lenses.
New to the DXL2, LiColor2 streamlines the 8K pipeline, smoothly handling the workflow and offering convenient and quick access to high-quality RAW images, accommodating direct to edit without delays.
“We are proud to provide an ecosystem of tools that gives filmmakers more choices to express their vision,” added Panavision CEO and president Kim Snyder. “We have been listening to feedback from cinematographers and the results of our collaboration are directly manifested in the DXL2. We remain committed to continuous technological development and are excited to bring this new camera to market.”
