AXIOM Team Talk Volume 13.2
Submitted by Sebastian on Tue, 12/05/2017 - 19:00
AXIOM Beta USB 3.0 plugin module
If you've been following the project you'll know that, where recording data is concerned, the AXIOM Beta has relied solely on external, off-the-shelf, HDMI recorders and all the pros and cons that are known to be inherent with those devices up to now. With the USB 3.0 plugin module, however, any computer with USB 3.0 connectivity can be used as an AXIOM Recorder. This will allow us to define format/container/metadata/etc. of uncompressed raw 4k footage for the first time. The software for this is in development and first tests have showed the data exchange between camera and a connected PC over USB 3.0 is working well (albeit with some room for improvement). One AXIOM Beta USB 3.0 plugin module provides users with around 400MB/S bandwidth (3.2Gbit/s) and, in theory, this can be doubled by utilising two of the Beta's module slots. If everything works as intended this will allow for the recording of uncompressed 4K raw data, plus metadata, directly from the Beta in any frame-rate that available bandwidth can handle.
AXIOM Beta USB 3.0 plugin module.
AXIOM Beta Naming Scheme
When we first started the AXIOM project, one of the underpinning motivations was that we wouldn't emulate the common trend whereby cameras are given artificial lifespans that make users feel they need to constantly replace their camera with a newer model in order to benefit from slightly improved features. As is typical in development we naturally used version numbers eg. AXIOM Beta I, AXIOM Beta II etc. but it eventually became obvious that this numbering could be perceived as one version superseding the other, or one model being more powerful than another, when there's no sequential nature to versions at all in fact. To make options clearer we are renaming the different AXIOM Beta enclosure variants.
| Planned AXIOM Beta Enclosure Options: | |
|---|---|
| Developer Kit (DK) | A skeleton frame provides support for the electronics, lens mount (e-mount) and tripod footplate. No surrounding enclosure allows for easy access to the AXIOM Beta's core components and their connectors. |
| Compact (CP) | This enclosure option provides a solid but lightweight aluminum layer around the camera's electronics and incorporates several mount points and future expansion slots. Great for rig integration or general in-the-field protection. |
| Extended (EX) | With the Extended enclosure the AXIOM Beta resembles the golden age of film cameras. With ergonomics in mind and space for an integrated recording device (AXIOM Recorder), this enclosure is ideal for shoulder mounted operation. |
We would love to see members of the community eventually design and name their own enclosures, but in the meantime these changes should make the newcomer's decision-making with respect to which enclosure is right for their needs much simpler.
AXIOM Beta Compact
The AXIOM Beta Compact enclosure can be considered as being in its final stages of CAD design. The renderings below demonstrate current design state - thick, CNC milled aluminum parts that will give camera electronics considerable protection in demanding film shoots, with several mount points having been added on different sides so that attaching accessories or integrating AXIOM Beta Compact into rigs is straight forward (partly inspired by the Silicon Imaging SI2K). Initially we designed an enclosure around the camera's PCB stack as this promotes scope for rig customisation but we've also been mindful that some users may demand something that could be considered more ergonomically sophisticated (EX).
AXIOM Beta Compact enclosure concept renderings.
AXIOM Beta Compact Shell
In the event that some users should require yet more mount points and thread-holes than those incorporated into the standard enclosure we also wanted to provide an optional solution that offers even more protection and flexibility. It's commonplace for film-makers to mount their camera inside what's commonly known as a camera cage, but on this note, and in accordance with what AXIOM Beta is about, we felt that the word 'cage' implied restriction or imprisonment of some kind, so we decided to name this solution AXIOM Shell.
AXIOM Beta Compact Shell concept renderings.
AXIOM Recorder
Inspired by 35mm film camera magazines of yesteryear we set out to design our own portable recording PC package combination. The search for a small form-factor PC lead us to the INTEL NUC, an ideal platform measuring in at 4x4 inches (10x10cm). The NUC provides serious computing power whilst being reasonably affordable, it consumes moderate degrees of power, and because it uses off-the-shelf electronics, in the apertus° and open source spirit, it also encourages people to modify and adapt the recorder. In addition, having a powerful PC at hand would allow us to also take care of various other tasks, e.g. transcoding preview clips/dailies while the camera is not recording or uploading clips to remote servers, onsite backup systems, or video distribution platforms for quick and easy offline-editing. Another nice aspect to this solution is that the recorder PC can scale from small form-factor, low capacity solutions with just one SSD, to larger, raid-based solutions with multiple high capacity SSDs, simply by using off-the-shelf hardware. Naturally, this AXIOM Recorder would utilise the USB 3.0 connection provided by the aforementioned AXIOM Beta USB 3.0 plugin module.
AXIOM Recorder concept - inside: Intel NUC and 2.5" SSD(s).
AXIOM Beta Extended
From the feedback gathered around the AXIOM Beta Compact enclosure design concepts it became clear that integrating a small camera body within a typical rig setup would work for a lot of users, but that there was also demand for a highly ergonomic camera body. With this in mind, and by taking advantage of the fact that AXIOM Beta Compact is in the closing stages of planning, we wanted to be mindful of the possibilities where the project's future evolution is concerned. After a lot of consideration, discussion, and the examination of systems proven to work well in the past, we worked through a total of ten concept iterations to modernise good camera ergonomics. With a fully integrated enclosure system's modular nature being a key requisite, it was clear that allowing for the positioning and rotation of an AXIOM Recorder and AXIOM Remote across several orientations, and thereby accommodating for the full range of shooting scenarios, i.e. hand-held/shoulder/tripod/jib/crane mounting, would be essential. The design was also complimented with a large number of mount-points to provide flexibility where accessories are concerned. Feedback of course is encouraged and a thread on AXIOM Labs for this purpose can be found here.
AXIOM Beta Extended enclosure concept with AXIOM Recorder attached for shoulder mounted shooting.
AXIOM Beta Extended enclosure concept with AXIOM Recorder attached at the top
Ergonomics Evaluation
We designed AXIOM Beta Extended concepts inside computer programs, so in order to get a better feel for the dimensions of these CAD models in practical terms, and prior to our printing 3D representations, we spent some time making actual-size builds from Styrofoam. This allowed us to fine-tune design and ensure that the enclosure will work well in all shooting environments.
AXIOM Beta Extended Roadmap
Of course, this system should be seen as something that hasn't yet got off the workboard and improvements may be made to what's been showcased today. Nevertheless, incorporating AXIOM Beta's core printed circuit boards into the enclosure in the future can be expected to be a relatively simple transition for camera owners. At some point during 2018, upon such time that project backer AXIOM Beta Compact orders have been satisfied, it's likely that we'll start to look at prototyping for AXIOM Beta Extended and thereby offer the upgrade to existing camera owners and project backers, first, as and when it becomes ready. On this note, where project backers are concerned they'll have the option of purchasing either an AXIOM Beta Compact or AXIOM Beta Extended enclosure at cost, but unfortunately we're not sure, specifically, what this cost will be yet. A better idea will be gleaned when we start milling/constructing the first prototypes of each. As per, the community can expect complete transparency regarding costs, though. What this article is intended to demonstrate is that, first of all the flexibility of the camera means that scope is there for its being adapted around many form factor solutions and that, also, we're listening carefully to feedback from the community.
Custom-built pick and place machine for AXIOM electronics production with component feeders in the background.
AXIOM Beta Compact General Update
You may remember that almost three months ago we listed eleven items that are presently being worked on here. We're pleased to report that this list is gradually shortening as items complete - The past few weeks have seen good development on the hardware production side with our pick and place machine becoming operational, modules either completing or nearing completion, works on CSO (Center Solder On) modules beginning (dealing with inertial measurement unit (IMU) e.g. acceleration, orientation, magnetic field, air pressure Re camera 3D motion tracking or image stabilization in the future), and Version 2 Powerboard and Dual 6G SDI plugin module prototype PCBs being ordered, on the software side with AXIOM Beta automated firmware image creation (GitHub), REST API and control daemon (GitHub) progressing well, and on the documentation side with things like user manual restructuring and website materials being updated. There's still a lot of work to do but we're happy with the level of progress since our last report.
AXIOM Beta Power Board Version 2 PCB layout has been ordered for prototyping.
Join the Development
If you're not a project backer and would like to receive an email notification when we're ready to accept pre-orders of AXIOM Beta Compact, see this form, and if you'd like to contribute ideas please consider creating a profile in AXIOM Labs - AXIOM Beta Extended Enclosure thread can be found here.
Further Links
- Newsletter editions - Previous, HTML newsletters archived. Subscribe here to receive yours via email.
- Shop links, prices and availability
- Camera structure - A complete guide to the camera's specifications and components.
- AXIOM Beta sample videos - Uncompressed .mov .mp4 and .dng files in 720p, 1080p and 4K are archived here if you'd like to play with them.
- Pre-order notification - Receive an email when a more user-friendly version of the camera is ready to ship.
- GitHub Repository
- Join the Team
- Social accounts - Links to YouTube etc.
- AXIOM Project Background - How apertus° and the AXIOM project got started.
Want to participate?
Want to provide feedback or suggest improvements? Want to try your own approach and need help?
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13 Comments
Thankyou for the update. It's
Thankyou for the update. It's good to see progress! There is a lot more green (greenish) icons on the status page which is good to see also. These were the Team Talks filmed back at the start of June? Must be due for some new ones, right? :P. Will Beta II (Jan/Feb 2018) have all of the features planned in the indiegogo campaign or will some features be pushed back until Beta III? It's nice to see some additional features have been added to Beta II over time (and the new ideas for Beta III), but there still seems to be a lot to do in a short time to have Beta II ready for backers... Thankyou for your time.
How very exciting!
How very exciting!
Still going strong eh. Good
Still going strong eh. Good good.
Wow! Really interesting
Wow! Really interesting project!
Excellent update, best yet.
Excellent update, best yet. Looks as if the camera is coming together. I like the direction you're going in with the Beta Extended version. As stated, this looks more like a traditional Cinema Camera. Too bad it's been taking so long, but I can see the foundation that you're building leading to more rapid development moving forward. Well done, and please, keep the updates coming.
This project is so
This project is so fascinating, although it is getting left behind as far as the competition.
I really wanted this project to succeed years ago, i will be honest though, i have constantly been disapointed by how long things are taking. I really wanted to purchase a finished product from this project...almost 4 for a finished product isnt great.... but it seems as though it will be very pricey compared to options that are currently available if it is ever released. $7000usd for a 4k Camera brain that cant record internally?
Kinefinity are making strides and Blackmagic still has very affordable options.
Not to mention the advancements in Magic lantern with the 5d III raw...
I just dont see this project getting anywhere anymore.
Kinefinity are looking very very promising, i would suggest people check them out :)
As a 4k camera, it's specs
As a 4k camera, it's specs will still be marginally better than many of the others (global shutter, frame rates, et al). Value for money may be an issue but the crowdfunding discounts should help offset some of that. There are also premium features here and it's not just a 4k camera, it's a modular, upgradeable camera platform. As a 6k/8k/whatever camera it's impossible to say yet. Will the platform really save any money over a regular camera replacement cycle? Only time will tell. Will the current bandwidth be enough for whatever future sensor I choose or will everything need to be upgraded anyway? idk. It would be nice if it does save us some money (or the environment), but will it? Will the modularity and open source nature of the platform make it worthwhile? For me, I think that part will be a yes. Thats why people turn to Magic Lantern in the first place. As for the recorder, not having a fixed internal recorder will make upgrading recorders for newer sensors easier too. Consider that few recorders (if any) can handle the full output from this sensor anyway. Having the choice between it's own recorder or an external recorder is good for those who already have external recorders. I applaud the team for having a go at their own recorder for those who don't. This is in addition to the recording options already offered. But it (and other new features that keep getting added) should come later. It is taking a long time, well and truly too long. It will be 3 years late in April. It is in this regard that I agree it may be getting left behind. Interest is clearly diminishing with every passing day. With the Gamma shelved, all their attention should be on getting the Beta up to the specs listed on the crowdfunding page and out the door. Back in August they were aiming for Jan/Feb (which got pushed back to Mar/Apr), so hopefully an announcement will be made soon. We've waited this long...
I was just so excited 2 years
I was just so excited 2 years ago...
But kinefinity are really taking strides.
Kinefinity have just released their kerra 4k and is shipping now.
4k Raw 75fps
1080p RAW 200fps
Internally recordered Raw and ProRes to SSDs
Dual native ISO
14 stops DR
Low ISO noise (1/2 of 6k sensor)
Great colour science!
Brain $4000...
Hello
Hello
Can you communicate about a date of delivery and payment ?
I Need visibility for my project and there is now near 3 years ...
Thanks a lot
Svannier: Take a look here -
Svannier: Take a look here - https://wiki.apertus.org/index.php/Mission_Briefings#AXIOM_Beta_Related
- just out of curiosity, did
- just out of curiosity, did anyone end up getting the Axiom Beta: Platinum Deluxe (lol)?
- again, just out of curiosity, are you still going ahead with the limited edition colours/logo/printed circuit boards? actually, now i think of it, having a serial number would be good idea for insurance purposes in case of theft...
- is there still going to be a staggered release according to which batch we "backed" (april-august etc)?
- has anyone taken anamorphic footage with the Beta yet?
- whats the hold up with the sensor interface board? its status hasn't changed in years!!!
- can the cmv12000 do higher frame rates (300+), for example with 8-bit and line skipping? i can't find mention of this anywhere other than it does indeed do 8-bit (but no frame rate listed), or that higher frame rates can be achieved in windowed/line skipping mode (but referring to 10/12-bit modes i think)... the 8-bit full sensor frame rate is listed for the KAC12040 as 75 (10-bit full sensor is 70)...
- what frame rate does the KAC12040 do at 14-bit??? i swear, that's the first time I saw that it did 14-bit and it's been years of looking at these pages...
- does the model on this page (https://www.apertus.org/axiom-beta-imagesensors) have Heterochromia (different coloured eyes) or was this a result of lighting?:
- i feel the questions are only just starting but I'll stop here for now
- i want an update soon! even if it's just to say you are behind the Mar/Apr schedule
"when will then be now? soon!" - Spaceballs (1987)
- again, just out of
- again, just out of curiosity, are you still going ahead with the limited edition colours/logo/printed circuit boards?
yes
- is there still going to be a staggered release according to which batch we "backed" (april-august etc)?
yes
- has anyone taken anamorphic footage with the Beta yet?
not that I am aware of yet
- whats the hold up with the sensor interface board? its status hasn't changed in years!!!
the current interface board works so well that we have not prioritized the redesign
- can the cmv12000 do higher frame rates (300+), for example with 8-bit and line skipping? i can't find mention of this anywhere other than it does indeed do 8-bit (but no frame rate listed), or that higher frame rates can be achieved in windowed/line skipping mode (but referring to 10/12-bit modes i think)... the 8-bit full sensor frame rate is listed for the KAC12040 as 75 (10-bit full sensor is 70)...
I am not aware of any line skipping features (only window of interest by selecting start/end row to be read) with the CMV12000. For details take a look at the datasheet: https://github.com/apertus-open-source-cinema/beta-hardware/tree/master/...
- does the model on this page (https://www.apertus.org/axiom-beta-imagesensors) have Heterochromia (different coloured eyes) or was this a result of lighting?
not sure I follow, please elaborate
- i feel the questions are only just starting but I'll stop here for now
great, keep them coming :)
- i want an update soon! even if it's just to say you are behind the Mar/Apr schedule
I hope we will find the time to provide a more indepth update soon (new team talk)
I got interested in a Axiom
I got interested in a Axiom camera because of the amazing footage i saw on your site. It looks as if the development has stalled while other companies are progressing to large format. Its a shame to see such a delay. See Kinefinity
The main focus should be to create a camera able to record on board 4K or more video at the best possible quality.
This camera is not a toy despite the low price. You should focus on the simplicity of the camera and the highest possible image quality rather than trying to create additional modules etc.I would not hesitate to pay more for a simple camera that records the best image quality. Full Stop.
Think of a film camera and its simplicity. Can you do that. That is all a professional needs to shoot his films. Do not try to pack everything and all technologies into a CINEMA CAMERA.
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