The Extended AXIOM Gamma Open Module Concept
Submitted by Sebastian on Thu, 01/16/2014 - 10:17
The Extended Extension
In our first post about the Axiom Open Module Concept (made in Fall 2013), we proposed a solution explaining how different modules could be combined behind the camera head to form a wide range of camera hardware compounds. Now we have prepared an extension to this concept, dealing with the same issue surrounding the components in front of the camera head. Here, it's not so much about allowing for new combinations but rather to allow for easy access to these parts and for changing and/or replacing them when required.
Disclaimer
You know the drill already: This is a concept! What you can see below is a snapshot of our current ideas. We want to emphasise that not everything will end up exactly like it is shown or described here. What all of this does indicate however, is the direction in which we are heading for the future.
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Swappable Image Sensor Module
The Axiom Alpha prototype with the CMV12000 image sensor is just the beginning, we want to offer a wide range of different image sensor modules in the future. Whether it be a Super16, Four Thirds or Full Frame Sensor or a module that allows fine-tuning the sensor alignment shift for Stereo 3D, there are so many possibilities. And since we rely on FPGA based designs for image processing, the camera head (Axiom core) will less likely be a limiting factor for processing the data of a different image sensor.
Swappable Lens Mount
We plan to utilize the IMS Mount system from P+S Technik, allowing us to mount: PL, Canon EF, Canon FD, F-mount, B4, C-mount, Leica M, Leica R, panavision and BNC-R lenses to the Axiom. But it doesn't stop here - We also want to make the lens mount base itself interchangeable. This will mean that anyone can manufacture their own lens mounts (utilizing CNC mills or 3D printers as an example) or buy existing mounts from various sources. The distance between the image sensor plane and the lens mount (the so called FFD will be kept extremely short so as to allow for maximum flexibility with a range of lens mount systems.
Reality Check
To make this system both as flexible and as economic as possible, we have decided on a viable compromise that will minimise costs in construction, but then also reduce the ease at which you may be able to quickly swap components "in-the-field". What this means is that when preparing the camera for a planned shoot, we would advise you to swap certain components - such as the sensor module - at your office or within an enclosed environment, and not outdoors shortly before a sandstorm is going to rear up in the middle of the desert. Would you consider this compromise to be a viable balance or a big No-Go? How often do you think you will want to swap these front modules? Let us know in the comments below!
and the AXIOM project is certified Open Hardware by
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18 Comments
This sounds good!
This sounds good!
Even though I wouldn't ever swap the CMV12000 myself, I think it is a great concept! I would advise to make a good tutorial on how to correctly replace a sensor though, because I don't believe many cameramen have experience with that.
It is a very cool idea though and it even leaves room for future developments regarding sensor technology! That's the reason why many of us like the project: you don't buy one big brick. You get a modular system that will be modifiable and upgradeable for hopefully many years to come!
Imagine: swapping sensors will become like changing film stock.
*giggles*
At first swapping the sensor
At first swapping the sensor module doesn't seem like a problem.
But it this thing that when you have a feature available you want to have it anytime.
For instance: you have a full frame module for portraiture and a s16 that ptovides higher fps. You would want to be able to use both in a documentary situation.
So, i would suggest that the sensor modul should have a mechanism that protects it kind of like a canon dslr has. If you lift the mirror on a Canon body when it is turned of you'll see it.
Two camera's!
Two camera's!
No, wait, three! For in case one breaks! Four! One backup for either failure!
Okay, maybe 3 is enough.
Given nearly the whole stack is different you might want to have 2 sets of lens + filter + digitizer, and replace it in one go. That'd only expose the high density connectors behind it, which is hit-or-miss, fail or okay, so it'll feel much less icky than replacing optics :)
How would you would collimate
How would you would collimate the mount?
The obvious would be to swap
The obvious would be to swap sensors and camera mounts during prep, perhaps at the rental house. But there should be a way to be able to do it in the field. Maybe a pressurized tent?
The only thing I could even
The only thing I could even imagine that I would want to swap in the field (in between shots) would be the lens mount....say going from a PL to a Canon EF.
I would possibly change a sensor in between shooting days in a hotel, at the rental house, or in the office. That would be pretty cool for future proofing the camera body.
Better suggestion: why not
Better suggestion: why not the filter magnet based? I would like to prevent any metal particals close to the sensor when swapping it often.
It would be of limited
It would be of limited usefulness - most of the metals used in cameras are non-magnetic.
Jim
Every time I come to this
Every time I come to this site I'm baffled.
Believe it or not, this is almost exactly a concept I worked out about 3 years ago.
From the back modules to the changeable mount, sensor, filter andwhatnot.
I'm more than thrilled to see you guys are actually building the camera, I would build, if I could build cameras.
Regarding the sensor swapping in the field. Usually you have some sort of protective glass or IR filter in front of the sensor, so I don't think it would be a problem.
On the other hand...
from a DoP's view, how often would you actually swapping a sensor during shooting in the jungle or dessert? Sensor choice is a creative decision that is made way before you start shooting. Having the option is great though.
Hi Frank, I am happy we can
Hi Frank, I am happy we can keep up finding things to surprise you :)
About the sensor module: Actually I am not that much worried about the sensor itself or the front of the sensor module as the sensor has a glass cover and the filter module adds another layer of protection, The sensor will sit tightly in the module and might have additional measures for keeping the sensor front sealed. The area I am more worried about is the back of the sensor module as you have electronic components there and high density connectors that attach to the camera body, I don't want people to touch the electrical interfaces without ESD protection or to get sand into that connectors or the area around it.
If you ground the casing
If you ground the casing there'd be little choice but to be grounded when you touch the connectors.
It's a bit... hardcore? Maybe? Grounding the body will/might have bad side effects. Maybe just a "TOUCH ME FIRST" little metal knob?
Maybe connectors that "seal" after removing them?
let's give everybody a ESD
let's give everybody a ESD Wrist Straps when they want to work with the camera. ;-)
Hello guys,
Hello guys,
one aspect of open source projects is the ability of exploring methods not possible with commercial product.
a swappable sensor would allow the sensor to maybe be attached to the lens and not the camera. Also people might be interested in making a gimbal that only moves the sensor plus lens. Many more things could be done if ou leave freedom to people. Some solution might be stupid and others might be great.
regards
fabrizio
fabrizio,
fabrizio,
That's a very good point. In the not so far future we might see sensors with the lens attached to them, and definitely swapping the part that is sensor+digitizer as easily as a lens could make sense:
While not "Pro", this kind of "sensor" (actually multiple cheap sensors combined by digitizing and software) into a reasonable quality sensor with depth of field information (and thus software-based after-shooting focussing at will) has quite amazed me:
http://www.pelicanimaging.com/technology/3D_video.html
I bet these lenses + sensors (+digitizers) will make huge progress in the coming years.
Swaping the sensor alone without the digitizing part might not be needed or at least not needed out in the dust.
What's really important is that this amazing camera sees its light in 2014, the year where 4k sets become visible in all TV stores. It can be perfected in coming years, which will hopefully insure well deserved recurring revenues to the team.
If 2 or 3 parts are a single block in the first release, it's really not an issue imho, as they can be released as separate blocks in a future release.
I'm really amazed about the concept and first results. Can't wait to get one in my hands. :-)
Best Regards,
Beat
I'm a little concerned that
I'm a little concerned that too many fiddly bits bolted onto each other will increase the risk of misscalibration.
Would it make sense to make the bayonet and base plate as one piece. The function of aligning the lens with the sensor seems to be split in two for no reason.
Perhaps leave enough space for an olympus style sensor stabilization system.
Also sensor placement callibration. How do you adjust this? Using screws behind the sensor? Most cameramen don't have the skills or tools to perform this.
Perhaps on the high density
Perhaps on the high density connector it could have a spring loaded cover that would come across the connector on the female end to prevent it from being exposed. As it's connected the cover would be pushed up and away. Thus allowing it to be protected from the elements at all times. For the male end, if the leads are on the inside of the protrusion, a cover could possibly come down over that opening as well.
I'm looking forward to the
I'm looking forward to the exchange between two CMV12000 a bayer color and other monochrome.
In my opinion it is downright
In my opinion it is downright crazy to pull off parts of the camera and replace them in the field.
Even to remove the lens is a huge problem, because all sorts of filth floats onto the sensor, which causes ugly blotches that can only be partially removed by software processes. And if the "protective" filter is anywhere near the sensor (which it must be in your design), that only softens the profile of the ugly blotches, but does not remove them (but does at least keep the crap off the sensor and hopefully stop people from touching the image sensor, which is extremely problematic).
If people want to change lenses in the field (the one case I actually understand and sympathize with the reasoning), the camera should have a slot somewhere on one side (or two) between the lens mount plate and the sensor, so you can slide a thin flat plate between the lens and sensor before you change lenses. That should keep most junk from floating onto the sensor, albeit not always.
The other case is changing modules behind the image sensor and basic electronics (which I guess is the FPGA and who knows what else). This is less problematic from the perspective of screwing up the image quality, but dust and grit and gunk can get into [female] connectors slots and onto [male] connector pins and make electrical connections intermittent. These problems would probably be less frequent than getting gunk on the image sensor, but still problematic.
I suppose you could make a transparent "clean bag" so cinematographers can put the camera inside the "clean bag", remove modules and insert new modules. But in my experience long ago such "clean bags" don't stay very clean very long. But at least the wind isn't blowing inside these "clean bags", so they can help somewhat.
My vote is to make the camera solid and reliable, and DO NOT encourage anyone to change lenses or modules during a shoot (in potentially bad outdoor conditions). Some people will do so anyway, but TELL THEM NOT TO. That way when their sensor gets cruddy, and then they ruin their sensor trying to clean off the dust and gunk, you can at least say "we told you so". Even with commercial DSLRs it is difficult to keep sensors clean when lenses are changed. For me at least, the difference between pristine images and images with blotches is the difference between "quality" and "crap", even after software partially compensates for the blotches.
Serious cinematographers have to (and do) take extreme measures to handle and care for their equipment to assure their results look great. To date at least, no technology exists to allow careless handling without ugly consequences.
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