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MillimeterGenesis Test
Aug 1, 2004 12:00 PM, By Michael Goldman
DP Allen Daviau uses the new Panavision Genesis HD imaging camera to shoot an exterior sequence while performing tests with the camera prior to its official debut earlier this summer.
Prior to debuting its film-style, portable digital HD imaging camera called Genesis (built around Sony technology but available exclusively through Panavision), Panavision asked DP Allen Daviau to put the camera through its paces. Daviau shot both film and Genesis interior and exterior images, and supervised creation of a test film that intercuts between film and Genesis material.
Daviau praises Genesis' film-style design and ergonomics, including a cine-style viewing tube with a color view-finder, a film magazine-shaped tape housing, a 35mm-sized sensor, streamlined electronics, untethered capabilities, and compatibility with existing spherical 35mm lenses and support gear.
“It's not a long, narrow camera, which is how digital cameras have often been designed,” says Daviau. “This camera has a body more like a typical Panaflex body, and the recorder is in a magazine-sized arrangement, so that makes a big difference. My operators liked the color viewfinder a lot. Compared to other digital cameras I have used, the Genesis has a much better top end, and it holds highlight details better. The 35mm-sized chip is very good. It matches up with film quite nicely — you have depth of field much closer to 35mm film.”
Daviau shot sequences using a Panaflex camera and Kodak 5218 stock, rated at 400 ASA, and the Genesis, using identical zoom and prime lenses. He then supervised the creation of two test sequences — one starting with Genesis images and then intercut with film, and vice versa.
Daviau cautions that the cinematography community needs to do further Genesis tests, “really abusing the camera out in the field with available night-light exteriors” before the device's niche evolves. Besides, adds Daviau, neither Genesis nor any digital camera will equal film anytime soon.
“This camera produced a very good quality image, no doubt,” he says. “But in terms of overall picture quality, you won't easily be able to capture exactly what a piece of negative captures. Film will always capture tremendous highlights and shadow information that will always exist on your negative, even if you won't be using it until sometime down the line, such as when you make new prints or digital transfers.”
