Radiant Images is unveiling two new multi-camera capture systems at NAB Show 2018, led by the Meridian, an innovative light field system that aims to push the next evolution of immersive content creation and filmmaking.
The Meridian light field system captures live-action 6DoF, footage that enables a viewer to move through and look around in while still maintaining the look and feel of high-quality cinematography.
Radiant’s Meridian consists of 24 perfectly synchronized, equidistant Sony RX0 cameras mounted inside a modular panel. The panels of cameras capture the light from all the various angles and vantage points that pass through the area, or frame. Acting as ‘windows’ into the virtual world, the panels can be stacked and arranged to accommodate shots of any size, from small tabletops to large landscape environments, to create the desired immersive environment.
Radiant Images also is debuting Radius, a versatile, ultralight bullet-time camera array featuring 70 Sony RX0s mounted on an 8-foot radius.
Both the new multi-camera capture systems will be on display at NAB April 9-12 in the Sony booth #C11001 (Central Hall) with Radiant technicians on hand to demonstrate and discuss the breakthrough technology.
Radiant created the capture systems only in the past month in collaboration with Sony, which had approached the LA-based solution provider seeking new innovations utilizing its ultra-compact Sony RX0.
The RX0 seamlessly integrates a cutting-edge lens (wide-angle 24 mm ZEISS), image sensor (1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS), and image processor within extraordinary compact, palm-sized dimensions. With a tough, rigid body waterproof down to 10m/33ft, the RX0 is capable to capture from 1fps – 1000fps resolution from 1080p to 4K.
Given the small form factor, large sensor size and other key functions and features of the RX0, Radiant technicians quickly zeroed in on developing cinematic-quality, multi-camera capture solutions, said Michael Mansouri, VP at Radiant.
“For filmmakers, the next cycle of immersive capture technology will focus on moving beyond VR and allowing their audiences the ability to move within their stories,” Mansouri said. “This opportunity with Sony enabled us to explore new possibilities and achieve these forward-thinking solutions. With the Meridian and Radius, content creators will be able to achieve truly impactful results.”
The versatile, portable Meridian aims to improve the quality and deepen the possibilities of light field capture by providing the opportunity for the audience to have much larger volume of movement.
Until now, the screen acted as the ‘fourth wall’ separating the audience from the action in front of their eyes. With the Meridian, filmmakers can remove the fourth wall and bring an audience into a VR environment without compromising image quality.
The capture system achieves the holy grail for light field content: photographic 6DoF. This is footage a viewer can move through and look around in – moving forward-back, side-to-side, up-down or twisting one’s head – to enjoy a truly lifelike, immersive sensation of virtual presence.
Radiant is partnered in the development of the Meridian with leading light field technology company Visby and its co-founder Ryan Damm, who are powering the cloud software and creating the algorithms that enable 6DoF viewing.
The Radius is an ultralight, highly configurable and scalable bullet-time camera array. The simplified design is easy and fast to set up and will soon be available for a variety of compatible camera models.
The bullet-time array enables “virtual dolly” movements from one perspective to another and can create an effect of stopped time.
Radiant put the Radius and the waterproof capabilities of the RX0 to the test recently by performing an underwater bullet-time sequence, marking the first-ever bullet-time sequence under water.
Radiant is partnering with Sam Nicholson, ASC, and his StarGate Studios, a state-of-the-art visual effects production company, to provide content creators using Radius with a true end-to-end solution – from concept to capture and post production.
NAB Show is the world’s largest annual conference and expo for professionals who create, manage, and distribute entertainment across all platforms. The expo starts Monday, April 9 and runs through Thursday in the Las Vegas Convention Center.
This year marks the fourth consecutive year that Radiant has collaborated with Sony on camera solutions and systems showcased at NAB.
Though developed with the RX0 in mind, Mansouri noted that both new multi-camera capture systems – like most of Radiant’s innovations, are camera agnostic, meaning they can be used with a range of suitable cinematic cameras.
Radiant Images is an award-winning solution provider in 2D, 360 and everything related to immersive technology from the leading companies in the industry. Based in Los Angeles, the company collaborates with creatives in Production & Post, Co-Production and through its rental house.
Radiant’s VR division is recognized as an industry leader in testing and developing immersive technology, helping filmmakers and camera operators capture 360-degree content in compelling ways. Radiant utilizes an in-house engineering team and rapid prototype capabilities, specializing in designing and building true end-to-end solutions – including new camera systems – and finding solutions that remove technical barriers for creative minds in 2D, 3D and 360/VR/AR.
For more information about Radiant Images, visit online at www.radiantimages.com. Find Radiant Images on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
